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May 25, 2026

44th Parliament, 1st Session

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Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcript 2026-May-25 (PDF)

L076 - Mon 25 May 2026 / Lun 25 mai 2026

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO

Monday 25 May 2026 Lundi 25 mai 2026

Orders of the Day

Michael Morris Cassidy

Ronald Eddy

William J. Saunderson

Members’ Statements

George Leslie Mackay

Cris Derksen

The 52: Stories of Women Who Transformed Toronto

Community Over Cancer gala

Muslim Interscholastic Tournament

Public safety

Labour dispute

Fairfax Centre for Free Enterprise

Male breast cancer

House sittings

Introduction of Visitors

Question Period

Freedom of information

Cost of living

Government accountability

Government accountability

Government jet

Government’s record

Ontario economy

Pharmacare

Government accountability

Long-term care

Social services

Freedom of information

Small business

Education funding

Notice of dissatisfaction

Member for York–Simcoe / Députée de York–Simcoe

Introduction of Visitors

Reports by Committees

Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy

Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs

Introduction of Government Bills

Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026 / Loi de 2026 visant à protéger les rues et les collectivités de l’Ontario

Introduction of Bills

Ethnic Media and Community Media Appreciation Week Act, 2026 / Loi de 2026 sur la Semaine de reconnaissance des médias ethniques et communautaires

Independent members

Statements by the Ministry and Responses

Polish Heritage Month

Nurses / Infirmières et infirmiers

Polish Heritage Month

Nurses

Polish Heritage Month

Nurses

Nurses

Nurses

Petitions

Access to menstrual products

Collective bargaining

Firearms control

2SLGBTQIA+ community supports

Student assistance

2SLGBTQIA+ community supports

Cancer screening

Land use planning

2SLGBTQIA+ community supports

2SLGBTQIA+ community supports

Sexual violence and harassment

Orders of the Day

Municipal Accountability Act, 2026 / Loi de 2026 sur la responsabilité au niveau municipal

The 52: Stories of Women Who Transformed Toronto

The House met at 0900.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Good morning, everyone. Let us pray.

Prayers.

Orders of the Day

Michael Morris Cassidy

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the government House leader.

Hon. Steve Clark: Madam Speaker, if you seek it, you will find unanimous consent to allow members to make statements in remembrance of the late Mr. Michael Cassidy, with five minutes allotted to the third party, two minutes allotted to the independent members as a group, five minutes allotted to His Majesty’s government, and five minutes allotted to His Majesty’s loyal opposition.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): The government House leader is seeking unanimous consent to allow members to make statements in remembrance of the late Mr. Michael Cassidy, with five minutes allotted to the third party, two minutes allotted to the independent members as a group, five minutes allotted to His Majesty’s government, and five minutes allotted to His Majesty’s loyal opposition. Agreed? Agreed.

Today we are honoured to remember and pay tribute to a former member of our provincial Legislature, the late Mr. Michael Cassidy, who was the MPP for Ottawa Centre during the 29th, 30th and 31st Parliaments.

Joining us in the galleries are members of Mr. Cassidy’s family: his son Benedict Cassidy; his daughter-in-law, Kimberly Menard; and his grandson Joshua Cassidy McDowell. Mr. Cassidy’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Grace, Tobias, Gabriel, Owen, Penny and Phoebe, are watching from home.

Also joining us in the galleries today are David Warner, Speaker during the 35th Parliament, and Robin Martin, MPP for Eglinton–Lawrence during the 42nd and 43rd Parliaments. Welcome.

I recognize the member for Nepean.

MPP Tyler Watt: Today I am honoured to pay tribute to Michael Morris Cassidy, the member for Ottawa Centre from 1971 to 1984 and former leader of the Ontario NDP. The lasting impact he had continues to be felt throughout this chamber and the city of Ottawa and across Ontario.

Michael will be remembered as someone who genuinely cared about people—not just his constituents or members of his party, but Ontarians as a whole.

When he was first elected leader, he travelled across the province to hear directly from people about their lives, their concerns and their hopes about the future. That commitment to listening and serving others defined both his political career and his personal life.

That commitment to listening and serving others showed clearly, as he was an early champion of LGBTQ+ rights, willing to speak out at a time when doing so was neither easy nor politically popular. He was also a strong advocate for women’s rights and equal pay, believing deeply that women deserved equal compensation for equal work. Long before many of these conversations became mainstream, Michael understood that progress required courage, compassion and a willingness to stand up for what is right.

Before entering politics, Michael worked as a journalist, bringing the same thoughtfulness, curiosity and respect for dialogue that would later define his public service. His willingness to listen to others remained central to who he was throughout his life.

Public service truly ran through Michael’s veins. His father, Harry Cassidy, was a leader in progressive social policy and helped shape important conversations around social welfare in Canada.

In 1969, Michael was elected to Ottawa city council, and just two years later, he successfully ran in the 1971 provincial election to represent Ottawa Centre here at Queen’s Park, serving for more than a decade. He later continued his service to Canadians as the federal member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre.

Michael genuinely loved campaigning. He loved speaking with people, hearing their stories and understanding the challenges they faced. As the member for Ottawa Centre, he was particularly concerned with housing and affordability. In an interview with the Ottawa Citizen, when asked about the housing struggles facing people in his riding, he simply said, “I want to and ought to help these people.” That quote says so much about who Michael was. For him, helping others was not simply a political obligation; it was a moral responsibility. It was a principle that guided him throughout his life, both inside and outside elected office.

After leaving politics, Michael continued contributing to public life. He served on the board of Ontario Hydro and opposed efforts to restructure and privatize the crown corporation. He also remained active in advocacy work, particularly on environmental issues and social justice causes that he cared deeply about.

His life reminds us all in this chamber that public service does not end when someone leaves elected office. It is not about titles or positions. It is about a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of others and leaving your community better than you found it.

Beyond politics, Michael was a loving husband to his wife, Maureen, and a proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather to Benedict, Adam, Matthew, Joshua, Tobias, Grace, Gabriel, Owen, Penny and Phoebe.

Whether serving in public office, advocating for his community or spending time with his family, Michael approached life with deep care, conviction and humanity.

Today we remember not only Michael Cassidy’s accomplishments, but also the values he represented: compassion, integrity, courage, and service to others. His legacy continues to live on, and Ontario is better because of it.

The Deputy Speaker (Ms. Effie J. Triantafilopoulos): I recognize the member from Carleton.

MPP George Darouze: I rise today to pay tribute to the late Michael Cassidy, a compassionate public servant, a thoughtful civic leader, and a man whose contribution to Ottawa, Ontario and Canada deserves to be remembered with gratitude and respect.

Michael Cassidy dedicated much of his life to serving others. Whether as a journalist, city councillor, member of provincial Parliament, leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party or as a member of Parliament, he approached public life with seriousness, intelligence and a strong belief in civic engagement.

Born in Victoria, British Columbia, he came from a family already deeply connected to public service and social policy. He studied at Trinity College at the University of Toronto, and later at the London School of Economics, before beginning a career in journalism, including serving as Ottawa bureau chief for the Financial Times. That experience gave him a close understanding of politics and government, but also an appreciation for the people affected by public decisions.

It was not long before he chose to move from reporting on politics to participating directly in public life. His political career was deeply connected to Ottawa. Before entering provincial politics, he served as an alderman on Ottawa city council, representing Wellington ward during an important period in the city’s growth. Ottawa was changing rapidly, and debates over urban planning, transportation and development were becoming increasingly important. As a former member of Ottawa city council post-amalgamation, I truly appreciate his service to the city in that capacity.

Michael Cassidy became known as a strong advocate for communities and for thoughtful city-building. He believed Ottawa should not only function as the nation’s capital, but thrive as a livable and inclusive city for the people who called it home.

In 1971, he was elected to the Ontario Legislature as the member for Ottawa Centre, a riding he would represent for more than a decade. For the residents of Ottawa Centre, he was a tireless advocate on issues that affect Ottawans and Ontarians daily.

In 1978, he became leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party. He brought intelligence, compassion and integrity to that role, helping shape important debates in this House.

Even those who differed with him politically respected the seriousness with which he approached public office. He believed politics was simply about serving our communities.

Following his years at Queen’s Park, Michael Cassidy continued his public service as the federal member for Ottawa Centre after being elected to the House of Commons in 1984.

One thing that stands out most about Michael Cassidy’s life is his commitment to public engagement and community leadership. He believed deeply in democratic institutions. He believed citizens had a responsibility to contribute to public life. And he believed politics should ultimately serve communities.

For Ottawa, his legacy remains significant. He helped shape discussions about what kind of city our capital would become: more inclusive, more connected, and more focused on the well-being of its residents. Many of the conversations we continue to have today are conversations Michael Cassidy was helping to lead decades ago.

Speaker, whatever our political affiliations, we all benefit from the contributions of those who dedicate themselves to public service with integrity and purpose. Michael Cassidy was one of those individuals.

I would like to finish off by acknowledging family and friends of Michael joining us in the chamber today, including Michael’s son Benedict; Michael’s daughter-in-law, Kimberly; Michael’s grandson Joshua; Robin Martin, the member for Eglinton–Lawrence during the 42nd and 43rd Parliaments; and David Warner, Speaker during the 35th Parliament. We also have some of Michael’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren watching from home, including Grace Kathleen Mayhew, Tobias Cassidy McDowell, Gabriel Seale, Owen, Penny and Phoebe.

On behalf of the government side of the House, I extend my sincere condolences to Michael’s entire family, his friends, and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Thank you for sharing him with the Ontario Legislature.

The Deputy Speaker (Ms. Effie J. Triantafilopoulos): I recognize the member for Ottawa Centre.

MPP Catherine McKenney: Today I am honoured to have the opportunity to pay tribute to Michael Cassidy, former leader of the Ontario NDP, former member of provincial Parliament and MP for Ottawa Centre.

I want to begin, as I have in the past, by talking about how I knew him, because I really do think it says something important about Michael. We actually were not close friends. We didn’t have long dinners or deep conversations about politics. What I knew of Michael I knew through work. And what I can tell you is this: Every time there was work to do, whether it was knocking doors, raising money, turning out for a candidate, showing up at an event, Michael was there. He never needed to be asked twice. He never made it about himself. He just showed up.

That might sound like a small thing, but anyone who has ever run for office, organized a campaign, knows how rare it is. There are many people who were once important in a party, and then, when their time in the spotlight passed, quietly disappeared. Michael Cassidy was not one of those people. Long after his years as leader of the Ontario NDP, long after his time in the Legislature and in Parliament, he kept showing up for Ottawa Centre and for the party. And what a history he carried when he walked through those campaign doors.

Michael came from movement stock: His father was a founder of the CCF, the party that became the NDP, and a pioneer in Canadian social policy. Michael didn’t just inherit those values; he lived them.

He was first elected to Ottawa city council in 1970 and then to the Ontario Legislature. He held Ottawa Centre for over a decade, through victories and difficult years, through being leader and stepping down from leadership, and through everything that comes with a life in public service.

He became leader of the Ontario NDP in 1978, following the legendary Stephen Lewis—and if that sounds daunting, I am certain that it was. He was the most left-wing of the leadership candidates in a party that was still finding its footing after a period of real promise. He often faced headwinds. He led through a difficult election. And then, when it was time, he stepped aside—and he kept showing up.

He went on to win Ottawa Centre federally in 1984, by just 54 votes. For those of us who have sweated through close elections, we know what that means: It means every door was knocked, every phone call was made, every hour of volunteering mattered. Michael knew that. He had lived it. So perhaps that’s why in the years that followed he was so unfailingly willing to give those hours to others.

He was also, I want to note, ahead of his time in ways that matter. In the 1970s and 1980s, Michael was fighting to add sexual orientation to the Ontario Human Rights Code, to protect queer people from discrimination and eviction. That took courage then, in a way that is hard to fully appreciate now, but Michael did it anyway.

There’s a certain kind of political figure who is defined by the heights they reach, by the titles, the offices, their moments of power. Michael Cassidy had those moments. But I think the truer measure of him is what he did after—the fact that decades later, he was still knocking on doors and still willing to do whatever was needed, without fanfare, without expectation.

I now have the honour of representing Ottawa Centre, the same constituency Michael fought for across so many years and so many elections. I feel the weight of that history. I feel the presence of everyone who over the decades gave their time and energy and commitment to making the riding a place that elects people who believe in fairness, in justice, and in the dignity of every person. Michael Cassidy was part of that long line of commitment, and I am grateful for it.

To his family who are here with us today: Thank you for sharing him with us and with Ottawa Centre for so many years. He showed up for us, and we commit to always remembering him.

Applause.

The Deputy Speaker (Ms. Effie J. Triantafilopoulos): Thank you, members, for that very, very fitting tribute.

Ronald Eddy

The Deputy Speaker (Ms. Effie J. Triantafilopoulos): I recognize the government House leader.

Hon. Steve Clark: Madam Speaker, if you seek it, you will find unanimous consent to allow members to make statements in remembrance of the late Mr. Ronald Eddy, with two minutes allotted to the independent members as a group, five minutes allotted to His Majesty’s government, five minutes allotted to His Majesty’s loyal opposition, and five minutes allotted to the third party.

The Deputy Speaker (Ms. Effie J. Triantafilopoulos): The government House leader is seeking unanimous consent to allow members to make statements in remembrance of the late Mr. Ronald Eddy, with two minutes allotted to the independent members as a group, five minutes allotted to His Majesty’s government, five minutes allowed to His Majesty’s loyal opposition, and five minutes allotted to the third party. Agreed? Agreed.

Today, we are honoured to remember and pay tribute to a former member of our provincial Legislature, the late Mr. Ronald Eddy, who was the MPP for Brant–Haldimand during the 35th Parliament.

Joining us in the galleries are members of Mr. Eddy’s family—his wife, Janice Eddy; his son Wesley Eddy; his son Mark Eddy; his daughter-in-law, Susan Eddy; his grandchildren Brendan, Ryan and Emily—and his friends Brian Coleman and John Wheat.

Also joining us in the galleries are David Warner, Speaker during the 35th Parliament; Robin Martin, MPP for Eglinton–Lawrence during the 42nd and 43rd Parliaments; and Ted Arnott, Speaker during the 42nd and 43rd Parliaments.

Welcome.

I recognize the member from Brantford–Brant.

Mr. Will Bouma: Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and remember Mayor Ron Eddy—and I say “mayor” because my children all grew up thinking that “mayor” was Ron’s first name.

We are joined in the gallery today by Mayor Eddy’s family, friends, and members of the community. I would like to extend my own personal, special welcome to his family, including his sons, Mark and Wes; daughter-in-law, Susan; his wife, Janice; and his grandchildren Emily, Brendan and Ryan.

Speaker, we are also joined today by Mayor Kevin Davis of the city of Brantford—welcome—and Councillor Brian Coleman and former councillor John Wheat of the county of Brant. And if my messages all got through, I would also like to salute former members watching: the Honourable Bob Nixon, the honourable Dave Levac, the Honourable Brad Ward, the Honourable Phil Gillies, Ron Johnson and Dave Neumann.

Today we gather not only to mourn the passing of Mayor Ron Eddy, but to celebrate a life devoted to service, leadership and community.

The first time I met Ron was just after I had moved to the community. Ron took the time to chat with me to get to know me, and he asked me each one of my children’s names. I couldn’t believe it: Eight years later, when I ran for council, he remembered each of my children’s names in order.

Whether he was serving as a farmer, whether he was serving as a municipal leader, whether he was serving as our mayor or member of provincial Parliament, Ron carried himself with humility, with selflessness and a deep sense of responsibility.

Ron loved his family, Ron loved his community, and Ron loved trees—not necessarily in that order.

Ron was the kind of person who believed public service was not about titles or about recognition. It was about people. It was about listening. It was about showing up at every event and working tirelessly to make life better for those around him.

Speaker, my staff remember to this day Mayor Eddy giving up his seat to them at a county event. Small gestures like this were commonplace for Mayor Eddy, and they left an impression.

For decades, Ron dedicated himself to the people of Brant county, to Haldimand and beyond. He understood the values that hold communities together: hard work, honesty, respect, and neighbour helping neighbour. Those values were not just words to him. They were the principles that he lived by every single day.

Many of us will remember Ron for his leadership. Others will remember his steady presence, his practical wisdom, or his willingness to sit down and have a conversation no matter who you were or what political party you represented.

He also had a mischievous sense of humour. I’ll just share this from his funeral because Mark shared it there. Years ago, he lost his finger in an accident. When he had company over, he liked to pull out that finger at some point during the evening and show that to them. We were at Ron’s funeral a couple of months ago, and Mark made mention of the fact that Ron had always wanted to be buried whole, with his finger. Wouldn’t you know it, he passed away and Mark searched high and low, everywhere through the house, and he couldn’t find the finger. He told us this story at the funeral.

He said, “But I finally thought of one spot, and sure enough, there it was.” He reached into his pocket, and he pulled it out. And then he said to the funeral director, “I meant to do this before we came in here, but can we still put the finger in with Ron so that he’s buried whole?” That was Ron Eddy.

He had the incredible ability to make everyone he interacted with feel valued and respected. In public office, that quality matters deeply. It builds trust, and it builds community.

But beyond politics and public life, Ron was also a husband, a father, a friend, and a proud member of the Brant community. The love he gave to his family and those closest to him was the foundation upon which everything else in his life stood. Public accomplishments may be recorded in the history books, but it is the kindness that we show to others that leaves its deepest mark. His legacy remains all around us in the communities that he helped shape, the people he mentored, and the countless lives he touched through years of service.

Speaker, Mayor Eddy remains a profound inspiration in my political career, and I try to model many of his qualities every day. For almost every difficult decision I have had to make in this role, I ask myself the question, “How would Ron have handled this one?”

To Ron’s family, we extend our deepest condolences and our gratitude for sharing him with us for decades and decades and decades.

And to Ron: Thank you. You were a friend. You were a mentor. Thank you for your service. Thank you for your leadership, your friendship and your example. May we honour your memory not only with words today, but by carrying forward the values that you lived out so well.

Rest in peace, Ron.

The Deputy Speaker (Ms. Effie J. Triantafilopoulos): I recognize the member for Timiskaming–Cochrane.

Mr. John Vanthof: It’s an honour today, on behalf of the official opposition, to pay tribute to a former member, Ron Eddy. I’d like to welcome his family here and give you a bit of background on how it works.

When we do tributes, staff go through and pick members who could express the feelings most accurately. I never had the opportunity, the honour to meet Ron, but he was a councillor, former president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, had a lot to do with the International Plowing Match, and that could have been my bio. Now I find out from the member for Branford–Brant that he was also missing a finger, and I’m missing a thumb. In a way, I feel very connected.

One of the great things about doing tributes and reading histories of past members—so when I started reading and I mentioned those things, I thought, “Wow, that was an incredible career.” That was the start of his career. So many of us finish in the Legislature. He was just warming up. He kept serving his constituents, his friends as mayor. I think one of his greatest, from my reading, is the unification—I think “unification” is the right word—of Brant county. I think that really showed through. But the part that connected with me a lot is that Ron was a farmer, and so am I.

In an interview with Michael-Allan Marion—he did it in the field.

“A few weeks later, the newly elected mayor was showing a reporter a slight variation of his on-the-go style. Introducing the main element of his cow-calf operation, the Kitchen School Road farmer stepped onto a field where a couple dozen cows are grazing just atop a rise.

“‘Come on, girls! Come on, girls!’ he hollers as he raises his hands above head and claps vigorously.

“Moments later, a couple dozen pregnant bovines came sauntering down toward him.”

You can try to fool people, but cows are good judges of character; they really are. They don’t come sauntering down the hill for just anybody. And I mean that. To understand animals and to work with animals and to gain their trust shows something of your own spirit. The fact that he had that ability, and I think from what I’ve read, he carried that ability through—he didn’t really lead people; he worked with people to achieve common goals. I’m pretty well known in this place for using cow analogies because I’m a farmer. You don’t get very far with cattle trying to chase them or trying to be a boss over cattle.

It doesn’t work. It doesn’t work long-term with people either. To have such an illustrious career and such a long one, you have to be able to work with people and you have to love people. And I think being able to represent your friends and neighbours so long is an incredible testament to his love of people.

I’d like to conclude by thanking his family for sharing him with their local friends, their neighbours, with the province, with everyone.

My final close: The International Plowing Match is an even more illustrious group than this, because there are far fewer of them. So I would like to thank him for that.

It’s an incredible honour to be able to stand here today and pay tribute to him.

The Deputy Speaker (Ms. Effie J. Triantafilopoulos): I recognize the member from Orléans.

Mr. Stephen Blais: I’m rising today to pay tribute to Mr. Ronald Eddy, the former Liberal member of provincial Parliament for Brant–Haldimand, a long-time municipal leader, and a dedicated public servant, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 94.

I never had the pleasure of meeting Mayor Eddy or getting to know him like my friend across the way, but from what I’ve read, it’s clear that he dedicated much of his life to serving others. And it’s an absolute honour to recognize the lasting contributions he made to his local community, to rural Ontario and to the province.

Before arriving at Queen’s Park, Mr. Eddy had already built a remarkable legacy in municipal government. He spent decades working in county administration, first as the administrator of Wentworth county and later as clerk and treasurer of Middlesex county. He understood local government deeply and recognized the important role that municipalities play in our daily lives.

Mr. Eddy also served as reeve of South Dumfries and later as warden of Brant, earning a reputation as a thoughtful, steady and deeply respected local leader. He was someone who understood the value of public service and never lost sight of the people and the communities he was elected to serve.

His leadership of the International Plowing Match in 1990 reflected his deep connection to agriculture, to farming, to rural Ontario, and his commitment to that lifestyle.

In 1992, Mr. Eddy was elected to the Legislature as the member for Brant–Haldimand. Here at Queen’s Park, he became a strong voice for municipalities, for infrastructure, agriculture and rural communities. Colleagues from all political backgrounds respected Mr. Eddy for his professionalism, humility and collaborative spirit. He approached public life with a deep sense of dignity, integrity and a genuine commitment to making life better for the people he served.

Following his time in provincial politics, he continued to answer the call to serve, becoming the first mayor of the newly amalgamated county of Brant, a role he held for nearly two decades. During a period of significant transition and growth, Mr. Eddy helped shape the future of the county and build a strong foundation for generations to come.

Madam Speaker, Mr. Eddy’s leadership extended far beyond his own community. As president of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, he worked to strengthen local government and ensure that municipalities across the province always had a strong voice around the table.

But beyond titles and accomplishments, Mr. Eddy will be remembered most for the wonderful example he set: a life defined by service, humility and an unwavering commitment to his community and to our province.

Public service, as we know, asks a lot not only of those who serve but of the families who support us. And I want to sincerely thank Mr. Eddy’s family for sharing him with us for so many years.

Mr. Eddy was the beloved husband of 53 years to Janice; a loving father to Allyson, Mark and Wesley; and a proud grandfather to Tanner, Brendan, Brooke, Ryan, Addy, Reghan and Emily. And so many other members of his family and friends are with us here today.

Thank you for being with us at Queen’s Park and for sharing him not only with all of us, but everyone across the province. On behalf of the people of Orléans, the Ontario Liberal caucus, all of us here, I want to offer my sincere condolences to you. May he always be a fond and loving memory. And may he rest in peace.

Applause.

William J. Saunderson

The Deputy Speaker (Ms. Effie J. Triantafilopoulos): I recognize the deputy House leader.

Mr. Anthony Leardi: Madam Speaker, if you seek it, you will find unanimous consent to allow members to make statements in remembrance of the late Honourable William Saunderson, with five minutes allotted to His Majesty’s loyal opposition, five minutes allotted to the third party, two minutes allotted to the independent members as a group, and five minutes allotted to His Majesty’s government.

The Deputy Speaker (Ms. Effie J. Triantafilopoulos): The government is seeking unanimous consent to allow members to make statements in remembrance of the late Honourable William Saunderson, with five minutes allotted to His Majesty’s loyal opposition, five minutes allotted to the third party, two minutes allotted to the independent members as a group, and five minutes allotted to His Majesty’s government. Agreed? Agreed.

Today, we are honoured to remember and pay tribute to a former member of our provincial Legislature, the late Honourable William J. Saunderson, who was the MPP for Eglinton and Minister of Economic Development and Trade during the 36th Parliament.

Joining us in the galleries are the Honourable William J. Saunderson’s family and friends: his spouse, Meredith Saunderson; his children and their spouses, Janet Saunderson, Pam Saunderson, Susie Saunderson, Ian Werker and Steve Kersten; his grandchildren Cole Saunderson, Madeleine Werker, Nathan Werker, Spencer Kersten, Hayley Kersten; and his friends Nancy McFadyen, John McFadyen, Sharon Romeo and Estelle Alexander.

Also joining us in the galleries are David Warner, Speaker during the 35th Parliament; Robin Martin, MPP for Eglinton–Lawrence during the 42nd and 43rd Parliaments; and Ted Arnott, Speaker during the 42nd and 43rd Parliaments.

The member from Simcoe–Grey is also watching the tribute for his father from his seat.

Welcome, all.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the member for London West.

Ms. Peggy Sattler: It is my honour today to pay tribute to the Honourable William John Saunderson, described by Steve Paikin as one of the truly good guys of Canadian and Ontario politics and a calm, mature presence at Queen’s Park during his term as MPP for Eglinton and Minister of Economic Development and Trade and tourism from 1995 to 1999.

Bill passed away on February 24 at age 92, leaving behind his beloved wife of 68 years, Meredith. He was enormously proud of his three children, Janet, Brian and Pamela, and took great delight in his nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

I want to offer a warm welcome to his family and friends who are with us today.

Bill’s passion for politics began at a young age—one might even say from birth. His namesake, his grandfather W.J. Saunderson, was a three-term member of Toronto city council, and his other grandfather was a school trustee. At age 16, Bill volunteered in his first political campaign, delivering pamphlets by bicycle for the local Conservative candidate. He became a consummate party insider, working the floor at party conventions, and involved in the backrooms of numerous federal, provincial and municipal campaigns. In the 1984 and 1988 federal elections, he was national comptroller for the federal PC Party.

When he ran as MPP for Eglinton in 1995, he used his political skills to secure almost 50% of the vote.

After graduating from the University of Toronto with a degree in history, Bill launched his career as a chartered accountant, later co-founding Sceptre Investment Counsel, where he managed a $10-billion portfolio and led the company as vice-president for 24 years. When he was appointed to cabinet following the 1995 election, the Toronto Star declared, “Big business will be represented by one of its own at the Ontario cabinet table.”

But Bill had many passions in life in addition to business and politics. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of sports, especially hockey and baseball. He served on many boards over decades, including Trent University’s board of governors and the Hnatyshyn Foundation, where he and Meredith established the Saunderson Prizes for Emerging Visual Artists. He was a patron of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Shaw Festival, and he was awarded honorary doctorates from the University of Ottawa and Trinity College, U of T.

Bill only served one term as MPP and chose not to seek re-election. But the Hansard from his time provides insights into his commitment to public service and the importance he placed on family. The record leaves no doubt that Bill was a staunch fiscal conservative, but he also cared deeply about issues like environmental protection and education.

In one debate, he stated:

“It is not enough to enact legislation and strong protection laws such as we have in Ontario.... The bottom line is that we must ensure that these laws are enforced and that those who break those laws are punished....

“I think everyone in this place is committed to the protection of our environment. I have seven grandchildren. I want them to be able to enjoy the best possible environment in Ontario.”

Speaking to the throne speech in 1998, he said, “Research tells us that the early years are key to development in languages and in sciences. Dr. Fraser Mustard is a renowned expert in this field, and I have known Fraser Mustard since my university days. I admire him and I agree with him 100%....

“As I watch my own grandchildren—and I’d like to name them: Madeleine, Jacob, Nathan, Nicole, Dylan, Max and Cole—I never cease to be amazed at their ability to absorb information....

“I’m a great believer ... in early childhood education. It only takes having grandchildren to make you realize how important that is.”

Online condolences also give us a fuller sense of Bill the person.

Former MPP John Parker wrote that Bill was “a valued friend and mentor during and after the time we served together at Queen’s Park. Smart, steady, calm, courteous, loyal and dignified in every way. But also possessed of energy and determination.”

A family friend wrote, “I will always remember his inquisitive spirit and the insightful way he approached every conversation.... I always walked away from our chats feeling inspired by his sharp mind and his interest in the world around him.”

Another commented, “Bill was such a kind and wonderful person, and I will always be grateful for the time I spent with him. He taught me so much about hockey, baseball, and most importantly the value of family.”

Bill’s legacy lives on in his distinguished professional accomplishments, in the joy he took in sports and in his Georgian Bay cottage, and, most of all, in his family—in his son, Brian, who displays the same kind of decency, courtesy and respect, as an MPP, that Bill was so admired for; in his cherished life partner, Meredith; and in the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren he adored.

Thank you so much for sharing him with us. We are deeply sorry for your loss but better for having had Bill among us.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the member for Don Valley West.

Ms. Stephanie Bowman: It’s an honour to rise today to pay tribute to William John Saunderson, the MPP for Eglinton during the 36th Parliament, especially as I have the honour of serving with his son, Brian. And I know that we all send our condolences to Brian and all of his family who are here today.

As a fellow chartered accountant, I have deep respect for Mr. Saunderson. It was wonderful to read about him and learn about his wonderful career both in business and in politics. I am sorry I didn’t have the pleasure to know him personally.

What I understand is that he was a steady presence in any room he walked into and an undeniable grounding force. Throughout his career, he was a strong advocate for taking a level-headed and balanced approach to things, whether it was finances, campaigning, and his personal relationships. In an era marked by political turbulence and charged with ideological clashes, William was the reasonable one, looking out for the rest of us, not just his team.

His dedication to Canada and Ontario started from a young age, when he served as an officer in the Royal Canadian Navy. Later on in his life, many would come to describe him as a “captain,” fearlessly leading a steadfast crew into whatever waters they may tread. That disposition was invaluable when he, along with six other colleagues, founded Sceptre Investment Counsel, where he was vice-president for 24 years, helping guide the firm to success and improving the financial livelihood of many of their clients.

This financial know-how is perhaps why he was such a strong advocate for balanced budgets, understanding on the deepest level that to best serve its people, Ontario must first have the financial capacity to do so.

His long career in politics, spanning from his time volunteering, working as the Progressive Conservative comptroller nationally, and representing the people of Eglinton from 1995 to 1999, was characterized not only by his hard work, dedication and solutions-oriented approach, but also by his vision and his innovation. As part of his portfolio, while working as Minister of Economic Development and Trade and tourism, he championed the use of emerging digital technologies to make government efforts go further and reach more people.

One of his most notable projects was bringing the burgeoning Internet to rural and remote parts of Canada, from the Far North of Ontario to small communities on the east coast. He was such a visionary that he even advocated for trade diversification nearly 30 years before the rest of us had caught up.

As a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Bill was always a reliable and steady presence at home, making it a warm and inviting place. He was known as an adventurous soul, seeking out opportunities to immerse himself and his family in nature, whether it was skiing, hiking, spending time at the cottage, entertaining guests and maintaining lifelong friends.

Outside of his calm and steady presence and his penchant for adventure, he was a deeply generous man, supporting causes dear to him through contributions to sports, culture, education and health care. His donations to these fields have had immeasurable impacts on their recipients, launching countless careers and helping thousands to pursue their dreams.

We are all fortunate enough to see Bill’s legacy live on in our colleague and his son, Brian, the member for Simcoe–Grey. It was really interesting to read the interview with Steve Paikin last year where Brian said, “Watching Dad’s career and how he made a difference through his civic and political involvement and becoming an MPP was a shining example for me.” Well said, Brian.

Bill Saunderson will be not only sorely missed as a political figure, but as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and, of course, a great Ontarian. He was a truly wonderful man, and I send my condolences, on behalf of our Ontario Liberal caucus, to his family: his wife, Meredith; his daughters, Janet and Pam; and of course to Brian, our legislative colleague.

Thank you to his family and his friends for joining us here today—including former Speaker David Warner and my neighbour and former MPP for Eglinton–Lawrence, Robin Martin.

Thank you, Bill, for your many years of service.

Thank you to his family for sharing him. He clearly had a life well-lived, and I know he will be deeply missed.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the member for Simcoe–Grey.

Mr. Brian Saunderson: I want to thank all members of the House for your sympathies, your condolences and your tributes. I’m particularly honoured to have the comparisons that have been drawn. I’m not sure they’re deserved, but it’s wonderful to hear. So thank you for that.

When I got into politics—I must say, this is a very bittersweet opportunity. Certainly, this is not something I ever anticipated, but in hindsight, to have the honour to stand today to speak about my father is a great, great privilege.

I think you stole my lines. Everyone has spoken so well about my father and his contributions. I think I’ll come at it from more of a personal end.

Speaker, 36 years ago, at my wedding, I joked that it’s tough—because for young kids, by the time you get your parents, you can’t train them; they’re set in their ways. In hindsight, now that I have children, I know that’s absolutely not the truth. Having children changes your life dramatically—probably no bigger change.

But in hindsight, having said that, if I did have an opportunity to change my dad, I wouldn’t have changed a thing. He was an incredible person, a remarkable man. And for me, he was a mentor, a best friend and a shining example, as has been said. So to be here today to have this opportunity to speak to you about the importance of my father to myself and to my family, who are here today, and to the importance of this place to him—being able to serve his riding of Eglinton was a huge privilege that he cherished.

And while he was here for one term—he continued afterwards with the Ontario trade corporation for seven years. That was really something that tapped into his financial expertise and the experience that he gained while he was here serving as minister of trade and tourism.

Serving Ontario businesses across the globe was a huge honour for him. But representing Ontarians and representing the many, many communities that he lived and worked in was, for him, a huge honour, a huge motivator, and something he did right up until his death.

In February, he was still a member of the Shaw Festival and, I think, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. So he still served on two boards and continued to contribute.

My dad was a great believer that life imitates sport, and he was a huge sports fan. He particularly loved baseball because it’s very symmetrical. As an accountant, he loved three strikes for an out, three outs to an inning, nine innings.

When he went to ask for his father-in-law’s permission to marry my mother, it happened to have fallen on the day that Don Larsen pitched a perfect game in the World Series in 1956, in October. He was watching the game with my soon-to-be-grandfather, and he didn’t ask. He was so involved in the game; he couldn’t disturb the flow of the game and the energy. So when he got home, my mother, my grandmother and his sister said, “Well, what happened?” He said, “Don Larsen pitched a perfect game. You can’t compete with that.” So he went back the next day, and they got married. They would have been celebrating their 69th wedding anniversary this coming January 2027.

Bill was a true humanist, and he had an unshakable faith in our ability to evolve, adapt and to confront all challenges. He was raised during the end of the Depression and the searing reality of World War II. Dad believed that we are responsible for improving our world, for standing up for our democratic institutions and promoting equal opportunity for all. He believed that to core, and I think it really informed all that he did in life. His civic and community involvement on boards and fundraising campaigns, as well as his philanthropy, are a testament to that humanism.

He served many organizations from many sectors, from sports to the arts, from education to health care, and from community to professional. These commitments were significant and long-standing, dating back to the early 1970s and continuing up to his passing.

Throughout his professional career, his political career and into his retirement, he never stopped giving of his time, of his expertise and of his charity.

As we have heard, politics was a lifelong passion for my father. He came upon that honestly, with his great grandfather, and they say that what is bred in the bone is borne in the flesh, and I think that is proof of that.

From the early 1960s, in Eglinton riding, he was involved in every aspect of elections, municipal, provincial and federal. As a founding member of the Spades, an influential group that supported Dalton Camp and worked hard to change and shape progressive conservatism in his time—his number was the seven of spades, after his favourite player, Max Bentley from the Leafs. “Max” was his nickname.

As has been mentioned, he was also the comptroller for the federal Conservative Party in 1984 and 1988, in which they won the historic majorities and brought Prime Minister Brian Mulroney to power.

When he ran successfully in 1995 to serve his beloved Eglinton riding, it was a highlight for him. The opportunity to serve as Minister of Economic Development and Trade and tourism was a huge, huge point of pride for him. He cherished that, and he honoured the legacy of this place and looked forward to work every day.

While he was a very busy and accomplished man, to me his most remarkable role was as my father. He taught me so many things: to skate on our backyard rink, to slide into second, to tackle, to water-ski, to sail, and the list goes on. He coached all my little league teams—hockey, baseball and football. He was there for me whenever I needed him.

From Dad, I learned that there is no shame in trying and failing, and that to know victory, you must also know defeat.

From Dad, I learned that success is not measured in money or titles; it is measured by the size of your heart, the determination of your spirit and the strength of your character.

He was also an officer of the Royal Canadian Navy. Bill was the captain of our family ship, leading us on many adventures, here and abroad. He taught us how to read the skies, navigate the waters, stay calm when leaks happened, and enjoy the voyage and the spray on your face.

So my family thanks you for today, but more importantly, we thank our Captain Max, and we salute you.

Applause.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Orders of the day? I recognize the member for Essex.

Mr. Anthony Leardi: No further business.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): There being no further business, this House stands in recess until 10:15.

The House recessed from 0957 to 1015.

Members’ Statements

George Leslie Mackay

Hon. Ernie Hardeman: In celebration of Asian Heritage Month, I rise to speak about the legacy of Rev. Dr. George Leslie Mackay and the enduring connection between Ontario—especially Oxford—and Taiwan that his work helped create.

Mackay was born in 1844 near the town of Embro, in my riding, and was the first Presbyterian missionary to serve in northern Taiwan. After arriving in 1871, he established a mission and dedicated his life to the local people. During his time there, he built a hospital and Taiwan’s first girls’ school, and founded Oxford College, named after his home county.

Though more than 150 years have passed since Mackay first arrived in Taiwan, his legacy can be seen in the deep and lasting relationship between that country and our province. At the start of the pandemic, in July 2020, this friendship was even tangible. Taipei’s MacKay Memorial Hospital was planning to send a delegation to visit us in Oxford, but they had to cancel because of COVID. Instead, they donated 150,000 masks to hospitals across Ontario, including Oxford’s Woodstock Hospital.

As our province is looking for more international trade partners, I’m grateful for the enduring friendship that Mackay helped forge, as this partnership continues to offer opportunities for both Ontario and Taiwan.

Join me today to celebrate his legacy and the lasting friendship between Ontario and Taiwan.

Cris Derksen

MPP Lise Vaugeois: The classical and Indigenous musical worlds lost a powerful creative voice on May 16. Cris Derksen, an acclaimed two-spirit Cree-Mennonite cellist, composer and advocate, passed away last week at the age of 45 in a car accident.

Cris was internationally respected for creating a powerful musical style that brought together Cree and Mennonite influences with orchestral and modern electronic music. In their uniquely humble and innovative way of being, they broke down so many barriers. They had commissions from major Canadian orchestras, performed internationally, and opened doors for future Indigenous, racialized and queer artists through the Indigenous Classical Gathering at the Banff Centre, as chairperson of the equity committee for Orchestras Canada, and as artistic adviser to the Calgary Philharmonic.

Many people are remembering Cris Derksen not only for their artistry, but for the way their music carried story, identity, resilience and cultural pride into spaces where Indigenous voices had historically been excluded.

More than anything, though, they are remembered for being a kind, generous and beautiful human being. They mattered in a way that was deeply personal for a lot of people, and their loss is being felt across Turtle Island.

Rest in power, Cris Derksen.

Kinanâskomitin. Meegwetch. Merci. Thank you.

The 52: Stories of Women Who Transformed Toronto

Ms. Mary-Margaret McMahon: Good morning, everyone—especially Madam Speaker. It’s always great to see a woman in that chair.

Did you know that 52% of Torontonians are women?

I’m always looking for ways to celebrate women, so getting my private member’s bill to recognize Persons Day in Ontario passed unanimously at Queen’s Park was a dream come true.

An equal privilege was to enjoy the The 52: Stories of Women Who Transformed Toronto exhibit at the Museum of Toronto with my terrific team. Nestled in groovy and creative 401 Richmond, Davida, Ethelle and Alonso toured us around the extraordinary recounting of Toronto’s history of women changing the world.

The 52 shines a spotlight on change-makers like Jean Lumb, rebels like Elsie MacGill, and revolutionaries like Jackie Shane. Some of these stories of incredible women with their inspiring accomplishments have been untold. We were blown away by every single tale.

To Museum of Toronto CEO Heidi Reitmaier and founder Diane Blake, in the chamber today: Thank you for bringing people together to uncover hidden stories, illuminate history, honour its diversity, and help shape a more helpful and inclusive future.

Don’t miss the chance to participate in The 52: Live Theatrical Experience, June 24 to 27, 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., at the City of Toronto Archives. You will not be disappointed.

Community Over Cancer gala

Mr. Steve Pinsonneault: I rise today to recognize the Community Over Cancer gala held this past April in Strathroy. This wonderful event was started by a local leader, Dr. Tyler Damen. After his own brave battle with cancer in 2007, Dr. Damen chose to turn his survival into a mission to help others. He founded a charity called Chiros Care, and this gala has become a highlight of the year for our community. The money raised from this event is a lifeline for many. A portion of the funds goes to Strathroy Hospice care to support their vital work. The rest goes directly to the hands of local families who are fighting cancer right now.

We often forget that fighting cancer is not just hard on the body; it is hard financially too. There are so many hidden costs, like gas to drive to appointments, child care, and even hotel stays for treatments far from home. This charity steps in to cover these bills so that families can focus on what matters most: getting healthy and being together.

It was truly moving to see the room in Strathroy filled with so many neighbours, business owners and volunteers. The energy in the room was a perfect example of what makes our riding so special. It reminded us all that no one in our community has to face dark times alone.

I want to thank Dr. Damen and his hard-working team, and every person who bought a ticket or donated. Your kindness is making a real difference in the lives of our neighbours.

Muslim Interscholastic Tournament

Mr. Chris Glover: It’s my pleasure to welcome to the Legislature 40 winners, participants and organizers from the Muslim Interscholastic Tournament. MIST is a tournament that brings together high school students from across the GTA to compete in more than 30 categories spanning sports, arts, business, science, and, most recently, a public health competition where students pitched research-based solutions to prevalent health challenges. I can tell you, we could use some of those solutions right here in Ontario.

Last week, MIST Toronto hosted its 19th annual tournament since its founding in 2008 at the University of Toronto. The event welcomed over 1,200 high school students representing more than 50 schools across the GTA, alongside 300 dedicated team members, professional judges and partners, making it the largest tournament in MIST Toronto’s history and the largest event of its kind in the greater Toronto area.

Top-performing students from MIST Toronto go on to represent Canada at the international MIST tournament, competing against teams from across the United States.

Beyond competition, MIST Toronto aims to provide students with a platform to explore and develop their academic, artistic, athletic and leadership talents, while fostering the next generation of capable, driven leaders committed to positive change in Canada.

Congratulations to all of those who participated and to the winners of the 2026 MIST tournament.

Public safety

Mr. Sheref Sabawy: Last week, I attended the swearing-in ceremony of 70 new police officers who will be joining Peel police and helping keep our streets safe. This is the successful continuation of Peel police’s ambitious goal to hire 300 new officers.

Last week, we announced Project Filcher, which saw 65 people arrested for 545 charges of retail theft. This project is one of many successful projects announced this year. Project Toretto led to 190 charges for alleged break and enters at commercial stores. Project Stratis had six individuals arrested for alleged auto theft. Project Nomad arrested an individual for allegedly stealing jewellery from people’s homes. Project Ghost cracked down on home invasions and jewellery store robberies, with 12 arrests. Project Pelican seized $50 million of cocaine and arrested nine people. And Project Cluster by Toronto police led to arrests for illegal firearms manufacturing.

Speaker, Project Filcher and all of the above projects are proof that this provincial government is committed to fighting organized crime by funding and supporting men and women in uniform.

We must continue to disrupt organized crime and keep our streets safe.

Labour dispute

MPP Wayne Gates: Speaker, the last thing Niagara needs heading into the tourist season is a labour dispute caused by the Premier and his government.

Niagara Parks workers help keep one of the world’s great natural attractions running. They maintain the grounds and work in restaurants and retail. They guide visitors and look after buildings, the trades, horticulture, public safety and the services families rely on when they come to Niagara Falls. In Niagara, they are more than workers; they’re our family and our neighbours.

They’re not looking for special treatment. They’re asking for a fair deal that keeps up with the cost of living. For months, they’ve been saying the same thing: “Let us negotiate.” But we’re hearing that the Treasury Board is interfering at the bargaining table and blocking movement on wages. That shouldn’t be happening, and with the last day of mediation just days away, it makes no sense.

Niagara Parks—listen to this—is self-funded. Both union and parks leadership are proud that not one cent of public tax dollars goes to funding the parks.

Niagara Parks workers and Niagara tourism both need a fair deal, and the government shouldn’t be the reason bargaining fails.

Our peak tourism season is starting. FIFA is coming to Toronto, and we’re promoting visiting Niagara Falls.

The Premier and the Treasury Board need to get out of the way. Let them bargain in good faith. Respect the workers. And protect the tourism season that’s upon us.

Fairfax Centre for Free Enterprise

Mr. Deepak Anand: Ontario is home to many bright minds. But for some young entrepreneurs, turning an idea into a successful business can be challenging. Like planting a seed, developing an idea is only the beginning. With the right support, guidance and real-world experience, those ideas can grow into successes that create jobs and strengthen our economy.

According to a 2025 TD survey, nearly three in four Gen Z Canadians are interested in starting their own business, highlighting the importance of supporting entrepreneurship and innovation.

That is why the launch of Fairfax Centre for Free Enterprise at Huron University is so important. Thanks to leadership at Fairfax—Prem Watsa, a humble, visionary Canadian investor and philanthropist, whose leadership, generosity and commitment to giving back continue to inspire everyone. As Canada’s first centre dedicated to free enterprise and entrepreneurship, it will help students develop ethical leadership skills, connect with mentors, and gain hands-on experience through innovation programs and business competitions.

I would also like to recognize Barry Craig, president of Huron University, and Victor Thomas for their leadership and dedication.

By continuing to invest in innovation, entrepreneurship and student leadership, we are helping build a stronger and more prosperous Ontario for generations to come.

Thanks, Prem Watsa, for making this significant contribution. May God keep blessing you with health and wisdom so that you—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Members’ statements?

Male breast cancer

Mr. Ric Bresee: I rise today to speak about a painful reality: cancer. Cancer is scary. It affects so many people. Almost everyone has a friend, a family member, a colleague, someone close to them who has received a diagnosis of cancer, or, worse, has been diagnosed themselves. But thankfully, there’s good news. Over the last few decades, science has improved the survivability of cancer through research, through new treatments, and through better health education.

Today I want to highlight one particular type of cancer that has had very little research and even less public education. And I want to thank my friend the member from Elgin–Middlesex–London for bringing this to my attention.

Male breast cancer is rare, misunderstood, and often detected late. In 2026, a projected 300 men will hear the words, “You have breast cancer”—20% of them won’t survive.

In 2021, at the age of 62, Brian Lynch from Port Stanley was diagnosed with male breast cancer. Early detection and a successful surgery by the Dr. David Bottoni saved his life.

During treatment, Brian discovered a devastating truth: Canada has no education program, no awareness campaign, and no network for support for men like him. Most men don’t know they can get breast cancer, and with such little awareness, symptoms are often ignored or undiagnosed.

In 2021, Brian and Dr. Bottoni founded the Bottoni Project for male breast cancer awareness. The message is simple: Men no longer need to face shame, stigma or—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I’m going to remind members that the length of time for members’ statements is 90 seconds.

House sittings

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the government House leader on a point of order.

Hon. Steve Clark: I’d just like to let members of the House know that the night sitting

schedule for this evening is cancelled.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I know.

Introduction of Visitors

MPP Lise Vaugeois: I would like to welcome, virtually, McKenzie Public School grades 4, 5 and 6 students and thank Alexander Lod for helping to organize, and teachers Catherine Biniaris and Rachel Parker—also, the grade 10 students from St. Ignatius High School, and Laura Nigro for helping to organize.

Hey, everybody—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): This is our virtual gallery, remember, folks, and all these young people are watching virtually right now, as we speak.

I recognize the Associate Minister of Forestry.

Hon. Kevin Holland: Joining us in the Speaker’s virtual gallery today is Mr. Bortolussi’s grade 4/5 class from St. Ann Elementary School in Thunder Bay.

It was great to visit with you last week, with the Speaker. Keep up the good work.

Welcome to the Legislature.

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: I’d like to welcome to the House Frank Hurkmans. He is the president of the port of Goderich.

I’d also like to welcome Dave Shorey. He is on the leadership team at Georgian College and is proudly calling Port Elgin home.

Thirdly, I’d like to welcome the political science students from TMU. They’re here with their exchange students from Penn State. They’re led by Seif Roushdy.

Hon. Rob Flack: I would like to welcome the Ontario Home Builders’ Association to Queen’s Park today. They’re going to be talking to many of us. They’re doing a great job getting homes built faster in this province.

Ms. Catherine Fife: I’m so pleased to welcome my parents, Allan and Sheila Wood, here from Peterborough. They are celebrating their 50th anniversary.

Applause.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Welcome to Queen’s Park, and congratulations.

I recognize the member for St. Catharines.

Mrs. Jennifer (Jennie) Stevens: I’d like to welcome Stephen Fryers from St. Catharines; Jonathan Estrabillo from St. Catharines; Ed Steel; Darryl Wilton, OPA president; Robert Kennedy, OPA secretary-treasurer; and Kyle Gemmill, OPA member from St. Catharines. I want to thank them for their meeting today—with the Ontario Paramedic Association.

Also in the House today, I’d like to welcome my cousin Katie Chapman from Little Current, Ontario regional director at CNSA, Canadian Nursing Students’ Association.

I’m proud of you, Katie. Keep up the good work.

Welcome to your House.

Hon. Sylvia Jones: As we wrap up Paramedic Services Week, I would like to welcome the Ontario Paramedic Association to Queen’s Park. Welcome.

Ms. Marit Stiles: Today we are pleased to be joined by 40 representatives from MIST Toronto, the only Muslim interscholastic tournament in Canada.

Congratulations to all the organizers, participants and winners who took

part in the tournament last week.

Welcome to your House.

Mr. Mike Schreiner: Back in the House today, in the east gallery, with a record-breaking 13 consecutive open martial arts championships in Canada—and a 28-time world champion representing Canada, most recently winning gold at the world tae kwon do championships in Scotland and the world karate championships in Niagara Falls—is Guelph’s own Nathan Skoufis, guided by—

Applause.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): The member for Oxford.

Hon. Ernie Hardeman: Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize in the gallery Director General Yi-Peng Liang and staff from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, and members and friends of the Taiwanese community. They were here to cheer me on, on my statement on heritage month.

M me France Gélinas: At the end of paramedic week, I would like to welcome their president Darryl Wilton, their vice-president Katherine Hambleton, as well as Toronto director Steve Annett. Welcome to your House.

Hon. Nolan Quinn: I would like to welcome the president of Georgian College, Kevin Weaver, to the Legislature today. Welcome.

Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: I want to welcome the members of the Ontario Marine Council who are here today for their annual lobby day. Welcome to your House.

Mr. Ric Bresee: I would like to introduce Mr. Nicholas Held, interim science director of the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research, and my friend Amy Doyle, author of the book We Remember: Canada’s Story.

Mr. Deepak Anand: I would like to welcome Azaan Ahmed, Benjamin Webster and Neelay Bedi from Mississauga–Malton, representing debatify, a local start-up that focuses on coaching students on public speaking, debate and model UN skills. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Ms. Mary-Margaret McMahon: I would like to welcome radiant Remy Schmiedchen, master thespian at Concordia and my neighbour; dynamite Diane Blake, founder of magnificent Museum of Toronto, and happy Heidi Reitmaier, the CEO. Welcome to your House.

M me Dawn Gallagher Murphy: From my local Newmarket Islamic Centre, I welcome Imam Saad Bhaiyat to the Legislature. Welcome.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): That’s all the time we have for introduction of visitors. To people who are visiting, we apologize—but members, you can come back at 1 o’clock if you would like to introduce your guests.

Question Period

Freedom of information

Ms. Marit Stiles: Speaker, this question is for the Premier.

This morning, Global News reported that the Premier just lost in court, again, while he was trying to hide his personal cellphone records. The Information and Privacy Commissioner told the government on Friday to start preparing to release the records within 30 days.

So will the Premier comply with the courts?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement.

Hon. Stephen Crawford: Speaker, the FOI requests are proceeding as normal through our process right now, as we’re updating our privacy and access to information act, which was included in the budget just passed a few short weeks ago. What that budget was focused on is what the people of Ontario are really focused on: economic growth, affordability and jobs. This budget that passed a few weeks ago is focused on ensuring that the people of Ontario have affordability at the top of their mindset.

A 13% HST reduction on new homes is a game changer to the housing industry and the real estate sector in the province of Ontario. We had so many calls—people calling in from industry, individuals looking at buying a house that they couldn’t afford for years. They are excited about what we’re doing in this budget. That’s what they really care about.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the Leader of the Opposition.

Ms. Marit Stiles: Do you know what would be a game changer? If this government actually listened to the questions they’re asked.

Back to the subject of transparency, and back to the Premier: Not only did the Premier waste taxpayer dollars fighting in court to keep his phone records hidden, but we’ve also learned this morning from Canadian Press that they are in court fighting the release of more documents—this time, about the government’s blue licence plates. Remember those? I do. The plates that you couldn’t see in the light or the dark—remember?—and the plates that the government spent millions of tax dollars on.

Why is the Premier spending hard-earned tax dollars trying to hide his tracks once again?

Hon. Stephen Crawford: Again, I want to talk about what the people of Ontario really care about right now in this province. They are focused on jobs and affordability.

In the month of April, Ontario created 42,000 new jobs. That is an incredible track record we can speak to. At the same time, Canada actually lost 18,000 jobs.

People care about their paycheques. They care about being able to have the money to take their families out to dinner, to take them to sport events. This is what they’re focused on.

Not only that, 8,700 jobs in the manufacturing sector—was a record month for Ontario—a 680% increase per capita over what the entire US has created in manufacturing.

Speaker, the previous government gave up on manufacturing. They said, “Manufacturing doesn’t matter. It’s all going to be a service economy.” Nothing could be further from the truth.

We’re reinvesting and rebuilding our manufacturing sector in the province, and we’re proud of that record.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Final supplementary.

Ms. Marit Stiles: I get it, Speaker. I get that the members opposite want to talk about literally anything else other than this. But I’m going to go back to the Premier again.

We know life is not getting any easier for the people of Ontario, but while they are focused on just getting by, this Premier is laser-focused on one thing and one thing only, and that is covering his own behind.

The people of Ontario deserve accountability, transparency and, actually, honesty from their government—at the very least.

Back to the Premier of this province: What is so bad in those records that the Premier is ready to put our province’s future at risk to hide it?

Hon. Stephen Crawford: The only way I could think of our province being at risk is if that leader and that party were in charge of this province right now.

I can assure the people of Ontario that we are focused on job growth—42,000 jobs in the month of April, 8,700 manufacturing jobs, $222 billion in new investments landed since 2018. That’s what we’re focused on—protecting Ontario. That’s what we were elected on last February. We’re doing exactly what we said we would do.

Here are examples of some of the investments that have been made. General Motors: $691 million in investment to build the next generation of V8 engines in St. Catharines. Coca-Cola: a $141-million investment in Brampton, 500 new jobs—Toyota, Marvell, Chapman’s, and AstraZeneca.

Speaker, what we are doing is setting the right environment for companies to invest in this great province, and we’re going to continue on that track.

Cost of living

Ms. Marit Stiles: Speaker, back to the Premier again: On this side of the House, what we are focused on is making life more affordable for the people of this province.

Last Friday, the MPP from Humber River–Black Creek and I were at Seafood City in Scarborough to announce a plan that will remove tax from all food at the grocery store.

The cost of groceries has skyrocketed under this Premier and under his government, and they have done nothing about it.

The NDP government in Manitoba, meanwhile, have removed the tax from groceries.

So my question to the Premier is: Will he join us in saying no tax on food?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Before I address that question, I just want to acknowledge the great work of our great colleague the President of the Treasury Board, Caroline Mulroney.

Interjections.

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Thank you to all members of the House for recognizing the dedication of someone to public service, which we all share in common.

Thank you, again, to her.

Madam Speaker, to address the question: I wish the member opposite and her party had joined us in the budget, where we cut the small business tax to help all businesses right across the province—375,000 businesses, many of whom have one or two employees—so they could have more money in their pockets. I wish the member opposite and her party had voted for the $12 billion of measures for affordability in this budget.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the Leader of the Opposition.

Ms. Marit Stiles: I’m going to go back to the Premier, and I’m going to go back to the question that we actually asked, which was about removing the tax on food and making life more affordable for Ontarians. Manitoba just did this. It is not a difficult concept for this government to understand, I would hope.

But keeping costs down really does not seem to be on the mind of the Premier today. Property taxes are soaring under this Premier. He even forgot to include the homebuyer HST cut in his budget.

Will he commit to the people of Ontario that by this time next week there will be no tax on food in grocery stores?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): The Minister of Finance.

Interjections.

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Thank you, colleagues.

Where was the member opposite and her party—including the independent party—when we cut the gas tax to make life more affordable for people taking the kids to school, getting to a job, shipping goods to market right across Ontario? They didn’t vote for it.

Let me tell you something: We are very much focused on affordability, and part of that is making sure that we have the lowest borrowing costs in Canada of any province. I’m proud to announce that just last week the credit rating agency Moody’s and the credit rating agency Fitch Ratings affirmed Ontario’s AA rating to keep our borrowing costs the lowest in the country.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the Leader of the Opposition.

Ms. Marit Stiles: Well, I’m going to go back to the Premier again.

The Premier always says that he is in it for the little guy, right? Well, this tax cut is for the mom who’s working multiple jobs. She’s getting home late. She’s picking up a rotisserie chicken and a salad so she can try to get her kids to soccer on time. I remember those days. This is for the working guy in Etobicoke who goes by the grocery store in the morning to pick up something for lunch.

Will the Premier put his money where his mouth is, and on Wednesday will he vote to scrap the tax on groceries?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): The Minister of Finance.

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: The Premier has put his money where his mouth is, because we cut the personal income tax for the lowest-income bracket in Ontario—the lowest-income bracket—putting more money in their pockets. And guess who voted against that measure? The lowest-income tax bracket—you didn’t vote for a tax cut for the lowest-income workers in Ontario.

On top of that, when we indexed seniors’ payments, for the lowest-income seniors in Ontario, and doubled the amount of who could be eligible, from $100,000 to $200,000—indexed it to inflation—did they vote for it—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Order.

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: They voted against it. That’s not putting your money where your mouth is. That’s voting against where your mouth is.

This Premier, this government, voted for those measures, and we will continue to support affordability for all Ontarians.

Government accountability

Mr. John Fraser: My question is for the Premier.

The last week we were here, there was a lot of hot air going around. We were talking about airplanes, airports.

But I want to talk about air rights this morning. Let’s talk about a guy who got a whole bunch of money for air that he never owned: Carmine Nigro. He’s also the Premier’s appointed chair of the LCBO.

So here’s a really simple question for the Premier: How does a Premier’s appointee sue the government for $500 million and still have that appointment?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the Minister of Transportation.

Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: Our team is committed to the largest expansion of public transit in not only this province’s and Canadian history, but North American history, with $70 billion over the next 10 years. That includes getting shovels in the ground on the Ontario Line—the first time in 60 years that we have tunnelling under downtown Toronto, because this Premier, our government, has the vision to build for the future. We’re moving at record pace, and we’re building the transit that this city needs and was neglected for 15 years under the previous Liberal government. We’ve got shovels in the ground.

These projects are creating thousands of good-paying jobs for people across this province.

We’re going to continue to move forward on this historic expansion of public transit to ensure that we change the way people travel across this province.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the leader of the third party.

Mr. John Fraser: Let’s look at who Mr. Nigro is: He is the appointed chair of the LCBO. He’s on the board of Invest Ontario. He was appointed the chair of Ontario Place Corp. He was vice-president of the Ontario PC fund—which is also known as a “bagman,” as in “bag of money.” The Premier also gave him an MZO for his project in Kawartha Lakes. And he sat at the family table at the family wedding. That’s pretty tight.

Now he’s suing the government for $500 million—$500 million. Metrolinx has settled, and none of us know—not one of us, except for, maybe, the Premier and the Minister of Transportation.

So, Speaker, through you: Did the Premier instruct Metrolinx to settle with Mr. Nigro’s company?

Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: Madam Speaker, that member knows that neither the Premier nor myself, nor anybody in this government, have any knowledge of this. This is a private matter conducted by the independent agency of Metrolinx.

What we’ve been focused on is delivering public transit, which includes the launching of the Finch West LRT, the Eglinton Crosstown, and also making transit more affordable—like the One Fare program. Over $200 million of savings for hard-working transit users across this province is something that we’ve executed and has made a significant difference in the lives of everyday transit users.

Whether you’re trying to get onto the GO train and then use the TTC, or if you’re travelling within the participating regions of York region, Durham region, Peel region or the city of Toronto, we’re putting $1,600 back into the pockets of hard-working Ontarians, because that is what we are focused on—a transit plan that works for everyone.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the leader of the third party.

Mr. John Fraser: People have to ask themselves how a close family friend of the Premier, the Premier’s go-to appointee and number one bagman can sue the government for $500 million and still be all of those things. You have got to ask yourself that. There’s a word for what we see here, but I’m not allowed to use it in here, so I won’t.

Speaker, will the Premier come clean and just tell us how much money Mr. Nigro got?

Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: I’ll continue to speak about our historic transit plan that the Liberals and NDP have voted against every single step of the way, whether it’s getting shovels in the ground on the Scarborough subway extension—a part of the city that the members opposite ignored for 15 years, when they were in government. Rapid transit wasn’t built there. It was this government that got shovels in the ground and is now moving at record pace to get that line open for the residents of Scarborough. Over 100,000 people will use it every single day.

The Ontario Line: 400,000 people will use that line every single year.

For 15 years, nothing was built in this province, when the Liberals were in charge. They were building upside-down bridges.

We’ve got shovels in the ground on transit projects, on the Highway 413.

We just launched the main line construction of the Bradford Bypass.

That is a record and historic pace that we’re moving at to build Ontario.

Government accountability

Mr. John Fraser: Back to the Premier—but I guess the cat has got somebody’s tongue.

We know that in November 2018 Mr. Nigro’s firm started trying to purchase the 35 acres of air rights. But he then deferred paying for it and closing the deal twice. It’s like they were waiting for Metrolinx to expropriate those air rights. Why? So they could sue? How did Mr. Nigro know that Metrolinx was going to need those air rights? How did he know? In November 2018—or October—who the heck told him?

Speaker, through you: In 2018, did the Premier or anyone in his office tell Mr. Nigro about Metrolinx’s plans?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Minister of Transportation.

Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: What I can tell you is, that member from Ottawa has voted against every single one of our investments into public transit in the Ottawa region. When we struck the historic Ontario-Ottawa new deal—hundreds of millions of dollars of support for that member’s riding—they voted against it.

When we talk about Highway 174, when we talk about—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): The member for Orléans will come to order.

Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: Speaker, at the Barnsdale interchange—those are investments that their leader should support.

In fact, the members of the third party, the Liberal Party—that member—wanted to toll Highway 174. That’s a shame. Shame on that member. That’s why we introduced legislation to say “no more tolling.” We’re uploading that highway because we need to continue expanding it and growing our province—not just in the GTA, all across the province.

That’s why we’re committed to over $100 billion in expansion on highways and transit across this province.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the leader of the third party.

Mr. John Fraser: The minister shouldn’t be so cheery, because he’s the guy who signed off on that settlement, right? He’s in this too.

We’ll never know if the Premier called Mr. Nigro, because the Premier is hiding all his cellphone records.

That’s why we passed that legislation inside the budget, Minister of Finance.

Let’s recap this thing: A family friend of the Premier negotiates a deal for air rights that he couldn’t even build on, and he wanted them for some other reason. He entered into a deal to buy them because he knew that Metrolinx would need them. That’s information that only somebody on the inside would know.

Speaker, back to the Premier: Did the Premier call or instruct anyone else to call Mr. Nigro to give him a heads-up on Metrolinx’s plans?

This is a simple yes or no, Premier.

Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: Speaker, that’s an absolute no, and that member knows it. I’ve answered that many times in the House, in the Legislature.

What I want to talk about is our historic ridership that we are seeing across our GO lines. Speaker, 76 million people used GO Transit and the UP Express last year. That’s up over 10% from the year before, and that’s a record and historic number that we’ve never seen before. Why? Because we’re putting the investments into public transit. We’re increasing service across many of our lines. We’re ensuring that we’re getting these projects built.

But guess what? That member—whether it was the 15 years that he served in the previous Liberal government, or even today, with the NDP—continues to vote against every one of our projects.

Whether it’s increasing services on the Lakeshore East or Lakeshore West lines, the Kitchener line, the Barrie line—they voted against every single one of those increased investments. Whether it’s about putting shovels in the ground on key projects like the Ontario Line, the Scarborough subway—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Final supplementary.

Mr. John Fraser: The minister knows how much Mr. Nigro got, and he’s not saying anything, and neither is the Premier.

Let’s recap: The close family friend of the Premier—a multiple government appointee, PC Party insider and the Premier’s number one bagman—gets insider information, engages in a deal that’s never closed, and then, without ever paying, has legal standing to sue the government for $500 million. Stay with me, at home—it doesn’t make any sense. He’s offered $75 million to settle, he turns it down—$75 million is a lot of money for something you don’t own. In the Premier’s math, that’s like two luxury private jets that he doesn’t actually own right now either.

Then there’s the secret settlement that you’ve got to know is north of $75 million, Premier, right? You’re a businessman. You know, right? You don’t settle for less than what you got offered.

People can’t afford groceries and gas, and the Premier is giving multi-million dollar secret deals to his close personal friend. Just what planet is that okay on?

Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: Madam Speaker, do you know what was not okay? When the Liberals were tolling hard-working Ontarians across this province—Highway 412, Highway 418. Those were policies put in by the previous Liberal government that were hurting the pockets of hard-working Ontarians, and something that we removed.

Let’s talk about policies like One Fare. The implementation of One Fare is saving transit users over $1,600 every single year. Whether you’re trying to commute in from the GTHA into the city—you’re going to save that $3 per transfer every single day. If you’re doing that five times a week, that is significant savings for you and your family.

We’re going to continue to build this province. Whether it’s getting projects like the Bradford Bypass started on main line construction, which we marked last week, on Thursday—historic projects like that are going to continue to change the way people move across this province. We’re committed to getting more shovels in the ground and building Ontario.

Government jet

Ms. Marit Stiles: My question is for the Premier.

This morning, the Trillium reported that the Premier has gotten a little too used to the good life. Since 2023, the Premier has pretty much stopped taking commercial flights. Don’t take it from me; take it from his own calendars—OPP planes, chartered jets, cushy leather seats.

Speaker, to the Premier: Did the Premier decide to spend people’s hard-earned money on a private jet because he got a little too used to the good life?

Hon. Doug Ford: I want to thank the Leader of the Opposition for the question.

Let’s just go back to since I’ve been elected and I sold the jets that you flew around—with your previous Premier. Anyway, there is no one in the history of Ontario who has saved millions and millions of dollars by not flying with their previous planes—because I sold the planes. I saved millions of dollars. I didn’t go on junkets all over the world and spend millions and millions of dollars. Therefore, I’ve saved the taxpayers millions of dollars.

I will continue flying on commercial, like I did just on Friday—I guess you missed that one. I was on Air Canada. Do you know something, Madam Speaker? I will continue flying commercial with the OPP, and there will be times that we’ll be flying charter.

That’s the difference between myself and other Premiers. Look it up. I have saved millions of dollars on flying around.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Order. Order. The Premier and the leader of the third party will come to order.

I recognize the Leader of the Opposition.

Ms. Marit Stiles: Wow. He has really been roughing it, eh—roughing it.

How did we get from “I’m the only Premier in history who refuses to use the Premier’s plane” to “I only fly private”? I guess this is how the Premier fell so out of touch with Ontarians—that he felt it was okay to spend 30 million of taxpayer dollars on a private luxury jet.

Speaker, I want to let you know it was not always like this. It’s true. Until 2023, the Premier was almost exclusively taking commercial flights. But I guess after he got away with the greenbelt and the pay-to-play scandals, the Premier forgot who he works for.

Back to the Premier: Can the Premier explain again why he felt the need to get a private jet instead of flying commercially like every other Premier in Canada?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the Minister of Economic Development

Hon. Victor Fedeli: The most important number to remember is 222, because our province has landed $222 billion worth of business here in Ontario.

Last year, $35 billion came to Ontario from 750 companies. Those companies also hired 64,000 people. That’s because they love what they see in the province of Ontario. All around the world, with all the turmoil that’s going on, they look across the ocean, and they see that bright light of Ontario. They know they can come here and find a government that’s responsible, reliable, predictable. It’s all because Premier Ford has created the environment for economic development and is still the best closer—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Question?

Government’s record

Mr. Adil Shamji: This year I launched a survey in Don Valley East to better understand how my constituents are doing. And while it has helped me stay in touch with the people I serve, it has convinced me that the Premier couldn’t be more out of touch.

Madam Speaker, 62% of my constituents are financially uncomfortable or struggling; nearly two thirds are cutting back on groceries; almost a third are delaying medical care; and a majority are burning through their savings. The difference between the Premier’s priorities and theirs is as stark as night and day, because as Ontario’s fortunes have fallen, his taste for flying private has taken off. Today we’re learning that two thirds of every single flight he has taken since January 2025 has been by private jet.

Can the Premier please start focusing on what’s best for Ontarians instead of what’s best for himself?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Minister of Finance.

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Through you to the member opposite, the member who has a riding here in Toronto: May I remind the member opposite that this Minister of Transportation invested $73 million in the Gardiner so we can open it up quicker, one year earlier, to get people moving?

This Minister of Transportation also has been, along with the acting Minister of Infrastructure, to keep the Ontario Line, get shovels in the ground—moving that project forward, which will be a game changer for Toronto.

Of course, the member opposite forgets to mention—wait for it—the 44,200 new jobs that we created right in this province last month. That’s more food on the table for those people who have new jobs. That’s what building Ontario is all about.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the member for Don Valley East.

Mr. Adil Shamji: Madam Speaker, my constituents have no confidence in those claims, and clearly, neither does the President of the Treasury Board.

We all know that this government has lost more jobs than it has brought in.

The Premier has governed since 2018. That’s eight long years, eight failed budgets, eight missed opportunities to deliver the things that Ontarians are asking for.

My constituents are just trying to buy food. The Premier is trying to buy a private jet. My constituents are focused on getting health care. He’s focused on getting an airport. My constituents are trying to protect their finances. He’s trying to protect himself.

Make note of this: In Don Valley East, our top priorities are health care, housing and cost of living. And his top concern is flying in style. Two thirds of all trips since January 2025 and 90% of his last 10 flights have been private.

When will Ontarians get the service and care that they deserve?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Doug Ford: Through you, Madam Speaker: You think they get low, and then they get even lower, going after the president of the treasury, who is a wonderful person.

She has more brains and more character in her baby toe than you have in your whole body.

Do you know something?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I’ll ask the Premier to withdraw.

Hon. Doug Ford: I withdraw. Thank you.

Minister Mulroney served as our Attorney General and did an incredible job.

The Minister of Transportation kicked off the Bradford Bypass and the 413, created the largest transit system in North America. We’re going to continue focusing.

Madam Speaker, it’s not a coincidence that everywhere in the country was minus 18,000 jobs—Ontario, April alone, 44,200 jobs. That’s 641% more than the Americans. All the 350 million people in the US—per capita, we kicked their butts by 641%.

Ontario economy

Mr. Logan Kanapathi: My question is for the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

As our government continues our efforts to land job-creating investments from companies at home and abroad, we are seeing strong progress across sectors in every corner of our province. From tech in Toronto and Ottawa, advanced manufacturing in southern Ontario, and mining in the north, Ontario is securing its place as the best jurisdiction in North America and Canada to do business and create jobs.

Speaker, can the minister share an update on some of the recent investment wins across our province?

Hon. Victor Fedeli: You heard half the answer from the Premier—42,400 jobs created last month alone, manufacturing up 8,700.

On Wednesday, we welcomed another $100-million investment from Sunrise Farms in Woodstock. They’re constructing a 140,000-square-foot poultry processing plant, creating 100 new jobs.

The next day, Ross Video—this is a company that makes the sets for large studios like CBS and others in over 100 countries around the world. They’re investing $122 million in Ottawa and in Iroquois, adding 125 new jobs.

One week, three companies, three sectors, 425 new jobs, $530 million in investment—that is how we are going to continue to deliver on our mandate.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the member from Markham–Thornhill.

Mr. Logan Kanapathi: Thank you, Minister, for the exciting update.

If you look across North America, few jurisdictions can match the scale and diversity of Ontario’s economy.

Under our Premier’s leadership, we are leading one of North America’s most robust and diverse economies. It is this leadership that has reinforced the need to strengthen our resilience and create more jobs amid tariff uncertainty, and we are doing just that.

Speaker, can the minister explain more about how Ontario is building resilience and landing investments across the sectors?

Hon. Victor Fedeli: To finish up the answer from the last question as well, it’s now—you heard from the Premier earlier; we were in Sault Ste. Marie—$530 million invested over three days last week, 425 new jobs.

We were in Sault Ste. Marie to hear from Tenaris—a $306-million investment in Sault Ste. Marie alone. As Canada builds out pipelines, Tenaris will be there to make the steel that’s used in the drill pipe that is now made in Ontario. They are going to modernize and expand their plant and add 200 new jobs in Sault Ste. Marie. Ontario is the steel capital, and this investment reinforces our plan to keep it that way and be part of the pipeline that is being built across the country.

Pharmacare

MPP Robin Lennox: People living with diabetes are leaving their prescriptions unfilled because we’re in a cost-of-living crisis. Four other provinces and territories got a federal pharmacare deal signed for diabetes medication and contraception. BC will receive $240 million to expand drug coverage this year; Manitoba will receive $55 million. Ontario will get nothing.

To the Premier: Why did you leave hundreds of millions of dollars on the table instead of fighting to ensure that every single person in this province can get their essential medication?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Sylvia Jones: The member opposite would know that Ontario has some of the most robust and generous health services related to prescriptions. Of course, we have, for those 25 and under, OHIP premium—we have for seniors, we have for individuals on ODSP and OW, and of course, we have a Trillium health plan. Over 50% of the population actually qualifies for any one of these programs.

It’s important for the member opposite, as part of their role as an MPP, to be advocating and sharing this information, so that those constituents who are struggling in making sure that they get the prescriptions they need are aware of all of these programs, and assisting them in applying for them.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the member from Hamilton Centre.

MPP Robin Lennox: Thank you to the Minister of Health for that response.

As she said, 50% of people in Ontario are qualifying for drug coverage, but we cannot be satisfied when half the people in this province are being left behind.

The Minister of Health delayed signing a pharmacare deal because they were too concerned with wanting to protect the profits of private drug insurance companies.

Now the minister is blaming the federal government for stepping back on its commitment to national pharmacare.

Speaker, the Premier and Minister of Health could choose to stop pointing fingers at other people and take action as a provincial government to ensure that every single Ontarian gets the medication they need.

To the Premier: Will you take action today and expand drug coverage to all Ontarians, regardless of age or income, so that no one has to leave a prescription unfilled in this province?

Hon. Sylvia Jones: I hope it’s not lost on the member opposite that when the federal NDP leader lost his seat and lost his role as the leader, the federal government has stepped away from any further expansion of the pharmacare program. The NDP lost their leverage, and we have therefore not had any ongoing conversations with the federal government because they have paused any expansion.

I am happy to have conversations with the federal government when it’s about expanding—

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Member for Windsor West will come to order.

Hon. Sylvia Jones: —transfer so that we can control where those monies go in the province of Ontario to make sure that the individuals who are most in need are getting the help that they need.

Government accountability

Ms. Stephanie Bowman: Carmine Nigro, a close friend of the Premier, sued Metrolinx for half a billion dollars for air rights he never owned. Metrolinx settled out of court, so the government won’t say and doesn’t have to say how many millions in taxpayer money Mr. Nigro got. But Metrolinx offered Mr. Nigro the $78 million he was going to pay to buy the air rights, so we can presume the settlement was more than that. Mr. Nigro wanted to buy air, but he hit pay dirt on his deal with the Premier.

The Trillium reported that three Toronto expropriation lawyers said this is one of the biggest and strangest expropriation disputes that they have ever seen.

Speaker, Metrolinx takes its direction from the government. Through you to the Premier: Why was Metrolinx directed to settle this strange dispute with your close friend?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Minister of Transportation.

Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: No one from the government gets involved in those decision-making processes.

What we do is help to support the largest expansion of public transit in this province’s and in this country’s history; we’re doing so by building the Scarborough subway extension and the Yonge North subway extension, historic projects that were never done for 15 years, under the previous Liberal government. They built nothing in this province.

We’re reaching record highs with respect to ridership. Over 76 million people used the GO Transit and UP Express system last year, which is up over 10% from the year prior, because we are making those investments to allow people to use more public transit—more reliable, more service.

And every single time we bring forward those investments, the members opposite vote against it—every single time. That’s a shame.

For 15 years, they had a chance to build transit in this province. They did absolutely nothing.

We’re moving forward with a bold—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Member for Don Valley West.

Ms. Stephanie Bowman: Speaker, this shady Ford Conservative government is really good at making their rich friends richer with schemes like the greenbelt. Now they’ve come up with a scheme like one even the lawyers say they’ve never seen before: a lawsuit over air rights without the land rights attached.

The rich settlement paid by Metrolinx to Mr. Nigro’s company comes out of taxpayer wallets. There’s no doubt about that. What is in doubt is this government’s willingness to be transparent about it and tell taxpayers how much of their hard-earned money the government is paying to a friend of the Premier.

While people worry about making ends meet, this government is making the Premier’s friends rich.

Through you to the Premier: How many millions of taxpayer dollars is your friend Mr. Nigro getting in this air rights settlement, and who from your government approved it?

Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: Transparency? The members can’t even hold a nomination meeting in Scarborough Southwest. They’re covering up the results. They’re trying to do everything they possibly can to shove it under the carpet. You’ve got allegations of ballot stuffing. You’ve got allegations of improper voting. They can’t even run a nomination.

But do you know what? We’re focused on building in this province.

We’re focused on making sure we continue to deliver for the people of Scarborough. For 15 years, the people of Scarborough were neglected by that previous Liberal government. That’s why, whether it’s building hospitals, whether it’s building community centres or whether it’s building transit, we are getting it done for the people of Scarborough.

We’re going to continue to move forward, whether it’s building the 413, which that Liberal Party opposed for so long, to help move people and save 30 minutes every single day back into their trip—we’re going to continue to deliver on that historic mandate.

Long-term care

Mr. Sheref Sabawy: My question is for the Minister of Long-Term Care.

Seniors deserve safe and modern environments that support dignity and quality of life, close to their loved ones and their communities.

That’s why our government has been steadfast in our plan to protect Ontario by building new and redeveloped long-term-care homes to support seniors and their families. And we are seeing the results of our leadership. From communities celebrating the opening of modern homes to others seeing shovels in the ground on new projects, these announcements reflect a strong commitment to improving access to high-quality long-term care.

Speaker, could the minister please update the House on the progress our government is making to build and redevelop long-term-care homes and how these investments are improving care for seniors across the province?

Hon. Natalia Kusendova-Bashta: Thank you so much for the question, and thank you to the member from Mississauga–Erin Mills for his work on behalf of our seniors and for his advocacy.

Speaker, we’ve had an extremely busy month at the Ministry of Long-Term Care. We celebrated the opening of the new Broadview Nursing Home in Smiths Falls, bringing 128 modern, redeveloped long-term-care homes to the community. We also marked important milestones in Ottawa, with the opening of Southbridge Ottawa and the groundbreaking of a second Southbridge home that will bring a total 384 beds to the city. But that’s not all. Last week, we announced that construction is under way at Schlegel Riverbank in Ottawa, which will bring another 256 new long-term-care homes to the community. We also broke ground on a brand new home, Carveth care in Gananoque, for an additional 104 beds.

Speaker, this ministry is firing on all cylinders. Since we’ve announced the brand new capital-funding program, 40 projects have begun. That’s almost one project per week.

Our motto is “Build, Baby, Build,” and—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the member from Mississauga–Erin Mills.

Mr. Sheref Sabawy: Thank you to the minister for her response.

These recent announcements are welcome news for seniors, families and caregivers in communities across our province, including my riding of Mississauga–Erin Mills, where we are looking forward to the soon-to-open Ivan Franko long-term care.

As Ontario’s population continues to age, we know that long-term-care homes must not only increase capacity, but also provide safe, modern environments that support dignity, quality of life and high standards of care. We also know that these homes play an important role in supporting local communities by creating jobs and strengthening connections within the health care system.

Speaker, can the minister explain how new and redeveloped long-term-care homes in Ontario are helping ensure seniors receive high-quality care while also contributing positively to—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the Minister of Long-Term Care.

Hon. Natalia Kusendova-Bashta: All the construction starts that I’ve mentioned will bring close to 900 new long-term-care homes for our beloved seniors, which is a lot more than the previous party who was in power and their record.

The member referenced the Ivan Franko Ukrainian long-term-care home, which is a cultural home.

I always say, as Minister of Long-Term Care, our cultural homes are like the jewel in my crown. We are so special here in the province of Ontario, that we are able to have close to 75 culturally specific long-term-care homes. And we have shovels in the ground on many more culturally appropriate long-term-care homes, including a Muslim long-term-care home, an Italian long-term-care home, hopefully a Polish long-term-care home, and many, many, many more. So that’s what we will continue to do.

This Premier and this government understands that our seniors need these investments. We have put $6.4 billion into the largest capital funding program ever. And I’m just so proud to continue travelling across our entire beautiful province, visiting members—even members across the aisle—and getting more long-term-care homes built.

Social services

MPP Jamie West: Speaker, across the province, 4,500 front-line service workers are fighting for fair wages and proper investments into public services. These services are in jeopardy due to chronic underfunding by the Conservative government. This underfunding has led to unsafe staffing levels, soaring wait-lists, and service delays for the most vulnerable people in our communities. This means children with autism going without core clinical services, people with developmental disabilities not getting needed services, and thousands of Ontarians waiting for supportive living units.

My question is, why is the Conservative government allowing our most vulnerable children and adults to bear the consequences of their continued underfunding and cuts?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): The Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.

Hon. Michael Parsa: I appreciate the question from the honourable colleague.

We believe that everyone in this province deserves to live with dignity and respect and in settings that support their individual needs.

The member is referencing funding. I can’t believe this is coming from the NDP, who has voted against record investments in the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.

Madam Speaker, people in this province know that the ministry’s budget increased by over a billion dollars. He referenced children with autism. We are now investing nearly a billion dollars in the program that the NDP supported the Liberals. A total of 8,000 families were receiving supports under the previous government. Today, nearly 50,000 families are receiving supports, thanks to this Premier, thanks to this Minister of Finance and, of course, the great President of the Treasury Board. When we say—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the member for Sudbury.

MPP Jamie West: Speaker, these social service workers are the backbone of care in our communities. They are working at underfunded, understaffed agencies. The member knows this. And instead of having their work valued and invested in, they’re still fighting to recover wages that were suppressed under the Conservative government’s unconstitutional Bill 124—wages that were stolen by the Conservative government. Many of these workers are supporting vulnerable children, adults with complex needs, all while having to rely on multiple jobs and food banks to make ends meet.

My question is, will the Premier fix the harm they caused and pay the full 6.5% in retroactive wages that they owe these workers?

Hon. Michael Parsa: As I said many times, we value the great work of every single staff in every independent organization. These aren’t just words. These are actions. This is why we’re backing the work that we’re doing with record investments.

This year alone, through the budget increase, we’re investing nearly $4 billion in the developmental services sector. That is $1.6 billion more than when we formed government. How did we get here? By a $407-million increase in social services right across the province. This is in addition to the $310 million that we invested in budget 2024. This is in addition to the $320 million of investments that we brought in through making the temporary wage enhancement permanent.

The only disappointing part of this is, while we stand with every service provider, with every staff, with every family, the opposition—

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Question? I recognize the member for Toronto–St. Paul’s.

Freedom of information

MPP Stephanie Smyth: Speaker, the Premier continues to fight to keep his government-related cellphone records secret, spending taxpayer money dragging this through the courts instead of investing that money in hospitals, in schools, in seniors, or housing. And today, Ontario’s highest court told him to hand over the records.

But every time accountability catches up to this government, they change the rules, avoiding anything that gives transparency. We’re seeing that now with the blue licence plates just today.

What is the point of courts and independent oversight if this government just legislates itself out of accountability every time it doesn’t like the ruling?

To the Premier: What are you so desperately trying to hide with taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): I recognize the Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement.

Hon. Stephen Crawford: As I mentioned earlier this morning, privacy and FOI requests are proceeding as normal. That’s why we made changes to the legislation—very little change; 95% of FOI requests will still go through as is.

But what I’m hearing, talking to my constituents this week, is they care about Ontario’s place in this world economy. They care about protecting jobs. They care about affordability.

And I’m proud of the record that our team has put together in the province of Ontario, which the Minister of Economic Development mentioned earlier: 44,000 jobs created in the month of April alone in the province; 8,700 jobs in manufacturing.

That is what the people of Ontario care about—getting our economic footprint back in line to be the leader in Canada. We’ll continue to do that.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the member for Toronto–St. Paul’s.

MPP Stephanie Smyth: Speaker, I think that the people of Ontario also care about and are really clued into the fact that, just weeks ago, this government buried FOI legislation in a budget bill, and today we can see exactly why. When the rules no longer protect them, this government rewrites them.

To the Premier again: Why are you always willing to fight transparency instead of just telling Ontarians the truth?

Hon. Stephen Crawford: The member opposite should know, being a past member of the media, that what we’ve done with our legislation is bring what we are doing here in Ontario in line with the rest of the country, including, I might add, your federal cousins in Ottawa. So I encourage you to pick up the phone, call Prime Minister Carney and ask him about what they’re doing in the privacy and FOI framework at the federal level.

Speaker, what the people of Ontario care about here is investments in getting our province back on track. We are now the manufacturing engine, the economic engine of Canada. That government threw away that title to another province. We’re bringing jobs back. We’re bringing manufacturing jobs back .We’re bringing jobs back in the energy sector. We’re investing in health care. We’re investing in colleges and universities.

We are focused on protecting Ontario. That’s what we were elected on last February, and that’s what we’re going to continue doing.

Small business

Mr. Robert Bailey: It’s good to be back.

My question is to the Associate Minister of Small Business. The past two years have been like no other when it comes to doing business in Ontario. There are more digital tools and resources available to business owners than ever before, and things like artificial intelligence are no longer new concepts; they are everywhere in our daily lives.

Speaker, businesses in my riding of Sarnia–Lambton want to adopt these new technologies. They know there’s benefit and return on investment, but things are changing too quickly for them to try to keep up.

Can the associate minister share what our government is doing to help businesses in my riding and across Ontario to adopt these new technologies and reach their full potential?

Hon. Nina Tangri: I want to thank the great member from Sarnia–Lambton for the question and the wonderful work he does for businesses in his community.

The member is absolutely right; technology is rapidly evolving, and businesses want to get on board.

That’s why, with the support of our Premier and this Minister of Finance, I was proud to announce last week that we’re renewing the Ontario Digital Competence Centre through a $5-million investment. What this means is that small and medium-sized businesses can assess digital readiness, work with qualified consultants and adopt tools such as digital payments, customer relationship management software, inventory management systems, cyber security supports and AI-enabled technologies. So far, we’ve supported 800 projects from SMEs across Ontario, and through this new investment we’ll support hundreds more.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the member for Sarnia–Lambton.

Mr. Robert Bailey: I’d like to thank the associate minister for her response and for highlighting the important steps our government is taking to support businesses and communities across Ontario.

While businesses of all sizes and all sectors have had to overcome challenges and barriers these past few years, our local small retailers have also faced significant obstacles. Rising costs, trade uncertainty and changing consumer habits, from things like online shopping and home deliveries, have forced them to innovate and market like never before, while still doing the day-to-day job of running their own business.

Can the associate minister elaborate on what the Digital Competence Centre program means for small retailers and how our government is setting them up for success?

Hon. Nina Tangri: Thank you again to the member for another excellent question.

Speaker, in my role as Associate Minister of Small Business, I’ve heard exactly that from businesses in communities in every corner of the province—retailers need support. That’s why our government took action last year by launching the retail modernization project grant, the RMPG. In just nine months, we supported more than 375,000 small retailers with 50 or fewer employees through a matched $5,000 grant to adopt technologies that make their business operations faster and easier. Through the RMPG, participating businesses have seen both an increase in productivity and a decrease in operating costs, of 20%, a game changer for these retailers.

We’re proud to support programs like the DCC because we know they help our small businesses thrive, create good-paying jobs and serve their communities. And when small businesses thrive, our economy thrives and Ontario thrives.

Education funding

MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam: My question is to the Premier.

Laura, a parent in Toronto Centre, is literally at her wits’ end. She has a message for the Premier:

“Classrooms are overcrowded, teachers are burning out.

“Students would receive more support and guidance, and teachers would be better positioned to do their jobs if the class sizes were smaller.”

The Auditor General confirmed Laura’s observations and has called on this government to fix the problem.

Speaker, will the Premier explain why he is forcing students and educators into unsafe and overcrowded classrooms?

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Minister of Education.

Hon. Paul Calandra: I can assure the member opposite I’m doing no such thing—in fact, just the opposite: One of the reasons why we assumed responsibility for the Toronto District School Board was because they weren’t putting enough resources back into the classroom. There were a number of pet projects that these trustees were involved in. Previous Ministers of Education before me poured millions of dollars into extra resources for the school board. The people of the city of Toronto, the parents in the city of Toronto expressed their frustration by removing their kids from Toronto schools, because they did not like the direction that the Toronto District School Board was going in.

So we’re going to continue to provide additional resources for our educators, because when the educators have the resources that they need, when the school is focused on doing what is right for parents, students and teachers, you will see more kids come back into the system. And that is what we’re going to continue to build.

I can appreciate that the opposition likes a system that is fractured, that is divisive. It fits their narrative. It’s driving them crazy that we’re bringing stability back to our school system and that the results are showing educators, parents and students are buying and liking what it is that we’re doing.

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly): Back to the member for Toronto Centre.

MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam: Speaker, I’ll tell you what’s driving these educators and parents crazy: It’s this Minister of Education. Smaller class sizes are not a luxury. They have seen first-hand how crowded classrooms affect the quality of children’s education. Teachers are managing too many students to give the children meaningful attention.

The Auditor General reports that students with special needs are being ignored and placed on a year-long wait-list for service.

The Premier’s own constituents have written to him with the same concerns. They know that with the recent round of teacher layoffs, the schools are expected to be even more crowded and dangerous this fall session.

Speaker, why does the Premier continue to ignore Ontario families and their calls for smaller, safer classrooms?

Hon. Paul Calandra: To be clear, the failures that the member opposite talks about are failures tha