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April 19, 2004

38th Parliament, 1st Session

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Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcripts 2004-Apr-19 (PDF)

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L'ONTARIO

Monday 19 April 2004 Lundi 19 avril 2004

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

EDUCATION ROUND TABLE

CATHERINE LITTLETON

PAUL DOYLE

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

TVONTARIO

BEEF PRODUCERS

TAXATION

BRAMALEA-GORE-MALTON-SPRINGDALE ECONOMY

ENERGY CONSERVATION

WEARING OF PINS

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

SAFE STREETS STATUTE LAW AMENDMENT ACT, 2004 /

LOI DE 2004 MODIFIANT DES LOIS

EN CE QUI CONCERNE

LA SÉCURITÉ DANS LES RUES

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY AND RESPONSES

ENERGY CONSERVATION /

ÉCONOMIE D'ÉNERGIE

ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION

ENERGY CONSERVATION

ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION

ENERGY CONSERVATION

ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION

VOLUNTEERS /

BÉNÉVOLES

QUESTION PERIOD

ORAL QUESTIONS

EDUCATION TAX CREDIT

AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE

ONTARIO DRUG BENEFIT PROGRAM

FABRY DISEASE

SENIOR CITIZENS

TAXATION

LITERACY

TAXATION

TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE

PRIMARY CARE REFORM

SCHOOLTEACHERS

LAKEVIEW GENERATING STATION

CHILD CARE

MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE

APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING

PETITIONS

TAXATION

IMMIGRANTS' SKILLS

TAXATION

ONTARIO BUDGET

TAXATION

ONTARIO BUDGET

AUTISM SERVICES

ONTARIO BUDGET

ONTARIO DRUG BENEFIT PROGRAM

TAXATION

SENIOR CITIZENS

TAXATION

FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES

ONTARIO DRUG BENEFIT PROGRAM

SMOKING BAN

ORDERS OF THE DAY

AUDIT STATUTE LAW

AMENDMENT ACT, 2003 /

LOI DE 2003 MODIFIANT DES LOIS

EN CE QUI CONCERNE LA VÉRIFICATION DES COMPTES PUBLICS

The House met at 1330.

Prayers.

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

EDUCATION ROUND TABLE

Mr Jim Flaherty (Whitby-Ajax): It gives me great pleasure to inform the House that this past Saturday I held an education round table in

partnership with parents and students.

The bad news is that it was necessary due to the failure of the Minister of Education, whose own consultations excluded many who are interested in education. The

good news is that over the weekend I heard from independent school educators, secondary school administrators, People for Education, teachers' unions, parents, teachers and many others. No one was

excluded. We heard a wide range of viewpoints on matters important to students and parents. I invited everyone to participate to make sure the voices of all the people of Ontario could be heard,

not just the vested interests that the minister keeps in his back pocket.

We discussed the Ontario College of Teachers. We discussed how to educate for skilled jobs. We talked about early childhood education and special education. We

heard from business leaders who want to contribute. We heard from parents who want more flexibility in the system. The minister needs to know that there are many great ideas out there, and I'm glad

to report that it is possible to work with all the voices of the people of Ontario in order to improve our education system. I would encourage the minister to listen to all these voices from all

sectors from all across the province, not just to a few.

CATHERINE LITTLETON

Mr Lorenzo Berardinetti (Scarborough Southwest): I would like to speak today about Scarborough resident Catherine Littleton. Since becoming a

volunteer over 13 years ago, Catherine has donated over 4,000 hours of her time to Providence Healthcare, a health care facility for older adults in Toronto. The facility is located in the riding

of Scarborough Southwest.

When she became a volunteer, she asked to work in one of the most challenging areas, the palliative care unit, where patients with terminal illnesses spend their

last days. When she started volunteering in palliative care, Catherine changed beds, helped nurses and served patients their meals. She even fed patients who were unable to feed themselves. Through

such intimate care, Catherine got to know many of the patients in her care, developing deep friendships with many. Sometimes Catherine would stay with them overnight, which was often the most

difficult time for patients. She would work from 11 pm to 6 am, holding their hand, talking to them, getting them a cup of tea or a glass of water -- someone who could just be there if they woke up

and needed to see a friendly face.

Catherine, who lives alone with no family of her own, says that she keeps coming back to Providence because she is inspired by the bravery of the patients and

enjoys the spirit of the community, working with other volunteers and nurses in the unit. On behalf of all my colleagues here in the Legislature today, I want to congratulate her on her volunteer

work.

PAUL DOYLE

Mr John Yakabuski (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke): On Easter Sunday morning, the people of the township of Greater Madawaska, in my riding of

Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, were saddened to learn of the death of their reeve, Paul Doyle, who passed away at Toronto Western Hospital after a brief illness.

Paul Doyle was born in Dublin, Ireland, on September 22, 1931. He studied accounting in Ireland and continued his business studies at the London School of

Economics. In 1958, he came to Canada as an interim auditor for Alcan Aluminum. He spent 15 years with Alcan, rising to the position of secretary-treasurer of Alcan Australia. He later served as

corporate planner for both the Hudson's Bay Co and Gilbey's, where he retired as president in 1987.

After retirement, Paul Doyle and his wife, Barbara, moved to the Griffith area, where he took an interest in local affairs, becoming reeve of Griffith and

Matawatchan townships in 1992. He served as reeve until the year 2000. In 2003, he ran successfully for reeve in the new township of Greater Madawaska.

Paul was well known for his drive and determination when dealing with an issue he felt strongly about, both in his own municipality and at county council.

Paul leaves behind his wife, Barbara, and their five children, Sean, Brian, Paula, Colleen and Terry, and their families. Paul Doyle was a man of many talents

and interests. He will be greatly missed.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Mr Michael A. Brown (Algoma-Manitoulin): I'd like to highlight the very serious issue of support for mental health services for Ontarians. One

in five Canadians is affected by mental illness. Most Canadians will be indirectly affected by mental illness through relationships with family members, loved ones and co-workers.

The Canadian Mental Health Association of Ontario strongly emphasizes that the capacity of community-based mental health services must be increased to meet the

needs of people with mental illness in Ontario.

The East Algoma Mental Health Clinic is one such provider of community-based programs that are vital to the people of Elliot Lake, Blind River, Spanish and the

surrounding area in Algoma-Manitoulin. I've met with a number of the staff and personnel involved with the East Algoma Mental Health Clinic, including Mr Pope, Ms Price and Ms Philbin Jolette, as

well as a number of my constituents who have told me of the increased need for, and the value of, the community-based programs that this clinic provides.

I would like to emphasize the need for priority funding for community-based mental health programs that are chronically underfunded in Algoma-Manitoulin and

across Ontario. For over 10 years, mental health community services have been the poor sister of our health services in general. It's time to transform this system and its funding. It's time to

ensure that the clients and patients receive the services they need in their home communities.

TVONTARIO

Mr Rosario Marchese (Trinity-Spadina): Dalton McGuinty wants to sell off TVO. His plans are in his little budget booklet in black and white. We

say TVO is one public asset the McGuinty Liberals may "sell or lease ... to raise money."

This is what they say in the discussion paper re TVO: "Currently, the government pays $54 million a year to operate TVOntario. Originally, TVO was created to

help educate and inform Ontarians by supporting the education and training systems in Ontario. TVO now provides more broadly based public television. Is this the best way to spend money to achieve

results in education?"

This is a serious misrepresentation of what TVO is all about. Right now, about 80% of TVO programs make their way into our classrooms and help our elementary,

secondary and post-secondary students learn. By the end of next year, 100% of the shows will be classroom-connected.

Since 1970, the public broadcaster has been a world leader in educational broadcasting. In a 500-channel universe dominated by crass American infotainment,

maintaining the one public broadcaster that delivers made-in-Ontario, commercial-free, learning-focused programming is absolutely essential.

When Mike Harris tried to privatize TVO in 1997, McGuinty opposed the sell-off. He said of Mike Harris, "This guy is driven by ideology. It's government run by

extremists. They want to sell TVO as a matter of ideology."

The Liberals were right back then. There is no good reason to sell TVO. Let's oppose the sell-off.

BEEF PRODUCERS

Mr Jim Brownell (Stormont-Dundas-Charlottenburgh): I rise today to urge the members of this House and their constituents to support and aid our

Ontario beef farmers.

In one of my first statements in this House, I spoke about the Ontario Cattlemen's Association, their struggle with the BSE crisis and Ontario's

$1.2-billion-a-year beef business. These farmers in this industry are still struggling, even with the recent $1-billion aid for farmers announced by our federal counterparts. Many in my riding are

worried about the lack of income, which may eventually lead to farm closures.

The beef and cattle industry is an important and integral part of Ontario's rural communities. Many cattlemen are still struggling to recover from the effects of

the BSE crisis, as is noticeable in the recent farm suppliers' downturn in business, as their customers struggle with the financial implications.

As stated in this House previously, I'm proud that one of my first office accessories in room 330 here at Queen's Park was an "I Support Beef" poster provided to

me by the Ontario Cattlemen's Association.

As the weather becomes nicer and we approach another great Ontario summer, I urge all members of this House to support our beef industry and to aid our farmers

in their time of need. Get together with your family and friends. Go out to your local store and purchase a few steaks and have a barbecue while watching playoff hockey. And might I say: Go, Sens,

go. Please do what you can and urge your colleagues, friends and constituents to also aid this struggling industry.

TAXATION

Mr Tim Hudak (Erie-Lincoln): I remain shocked that the McGuinty Liberal government has yet to back down on their plans to impose a new McGuinty

meal tax on all meals under $4. To date, my constituency office alone has received approximately 1,000 signatures on petitions attacking this plan.

Taxpayers' anger and confusion over the need to impose this politically bizarre McGuinty meal tax were also reflected in today's Toronto Star. Today the Star

wrote:

"In a feckless move worthy of Inspector Clouseau, McGuinty and his minions managed to forge a coalition against them that consists of 22,250 restaurateurs in

every part of Ontario, the Tories, the New Democrats, the Daily Bread Food Bank, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, senior citizens, students and food service workers."

In fact, the only group that appears not to oppose this crazy idea is the 72 members of the Liberal caucus, but I wonder if that wall of solidarity is going to

begin to crumble, because no doubt their constituency offices are similarly besieged with petitions in the number of, or probably greater than, those received by the opposition members.

I understand from a source in the restaurant industry that at least two Liberal MPPs will introduce petitions opposing this tax in the House today: the member

for Stoney Creek and the member for Thornhill. Now, introducing a petition is a good first step, but a true test is whether a member has the courage to sign the petition. The test will be borne out

after question period: Do they stand with their constituents against the tax, or do they take their orders from Dalton McGuinty's office?

BRAMALEA-GORE-MALTON-SPRINGDALE ECONOMY

Mr Kuldip Kular (Bramalea-Gore-Malton-Springdale): I rise today to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of three local constituents who have been

recognized for their efforts to put my riding, Bramalea-Gore-Malton-Springdale, not only on the economic map of Canada, but the globe.

Two local companies, Display Transportation and Rodair International, and their respective presidents, Mr Richard Delongte and Mr Jeffery Cullen, were recently

recognized by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade for their commitment to promote the Canadian logistics service industry abroad. They were recipients of the ministry's Global Trader

Awards of Merit in the area of expansion service markets. Both companies, while not the sexiest service providers, have carved out niches for themselves by providing excellent global service for

their large network of clients.

The third recipient's story is quite different. Mr Michael Schultz does not head a global company; instead, he is a teacher at Chinguacousy Secondary School and

a member of the Peel District School Board. He has been instrumental in making international business part of Ontario's secondary school curriculum and was honoured with a Leadership Award. He has

worked to bring real-world practices into the classroom by providing students with the chance to start and run their own importing-exporting companies.

I rise today to recognize the contributions of three outstanding constituents of my riding.

ENERGY CONSERVATION

Mr John O'Toole (Durham): Last Thursday, Energy Minister Dwight Duncan outlined a major government policy initiative. It was hosted by the

Empire Club at the Royal York. I'd like to thank the minister for extending an invitation to me.

The minister repeated several times, "Ratepayers must pay the real cost of electricity," but what he failed to tell them was what the real cost of electricity

is. He went on to explain that he has increased it from 4.3 cents to 5.5 cents -- that's 25% -- and in fact it looks like there will be higher prices in the future.

In his remarks he had something for everyone: conservationists, environmentalists, investors, generators and, more importantly, bureaucrats -- everyone except

small consumers, individuals on fixed incomes, small business and agriculture. And people who bought the Medallion Homes with radiant heat or heat pumps, look out: You will be paying the true cost

of electricity, with no help from this government.

He went on to speak about shifting peak demand, but try to tell that to constituents in the riding of Durham, like the dairy farm using between 8,000 and 10,000

kilowatt hours per month. That's a 27% increase in the rate.

I say yes to conservation and to learning to use electricity wisely, and I look forward to the Premier's statement later this afternoon on conservation and smart

meters. Perhaps he should attach a smart meter to his Minister of Energy.

WEARING OF PINS

Mr Kim Craitor (Niagara Falls): Mr Speaker, on a point of order: I am pleased to rise to ask the House for unanimous consent. This week is

National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week, sponsored by the Kidney Foundation of Canada. They have asked us if we would wear pins in recognition of that.

The Speaker (Hon Alvin Curling): Is it the pleasure of the House? Agreed.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

SAFE STREETS STATUTE LAW AMENDMENT ACT, 2004 /

LOI DE 2004 MODIFIANT DES LOIS

EN CE QUI CONCERNE

LA SÉCURITÉ DANS LES RUES

Mr Lalonde moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 58,

An Act to amend the Safe Streets Act, 1999 and the Highway Traffic Act to recognize the fund-raising activities of legitimate charities and non-profit

organizations / Projet de loi 58, Loi modifiant la Loi de 1999 sur la sécurité dans les rues et le Code de la route pour reconnaître les activités de financement des

organismes de bienfaisance légitimes et organismes sans but lucratif.

The Speaker (Hon Alvin Curling): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

Mr Jean-Marc Lalonde (Glengarry-Prescott-Russell): The bill amends the Safe Streets Act, 1999, to provide that the prohibition in subsection

3(2) of the act does not apply to fundraising activities that are conducted by registered charities or by non-profit organizations on the roadways where the speed limit is not more than 50

kilometres per hour as long as these activities are permitted by municipal bylaws. A similar amendment is made to

section 177 of the Highway Traffic Act.

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY AND RESPONSES

ENERGY CONSERVATION /

ÉCONOMIE D'ÉNERGIE

Hon Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs): For most of our history, Ontarians have enjoyed an abundant supply of

cheap, reliable energy. All the power we wanted was right at our fingertips at the flick of a switch. Today, we can no longer take our energy supply for granted. If we don't act soon, we will face

an energy crisis. Our province is growing, with more homes and businesses being built every day. I'm pleased to report that our high-tech economy is thriving, meaning, however, that our industries,

our homes, our hospitals and our schools all need more electricity than ever before. But at the same time, our ability to produce power is falling behind. Many of our nuclear plants are nearing the

end of service and, despite advances in clean, renewable energy, Ontario continues to rely on dirty sources of energy, like coal.

L'Ontario ne peut pas bâtir une économie forte pour le 21 e siècle sur des sources d'énergie vétustes. C'est pourquoi notre

gouvernement a pris l'engagement de remplacer les usines à charbon qui polluent notre air et endommagent notre santé.

Ontario cannot grow a strong 21st century economy by relying on obsolete sources of energy. That's why our government is committed to replacing the coal plants

that are polluting our air and damaging our health. After all, one coal-fired unit admits as much pollutant as 160,000 cars. The eight-unit Nanticoke facility represents the equivalent of the

exhausts of 1.3 million cars. Replacing coal is the kind of real, positive, overdue change that our government ran on and that Ontarians voted for.

Because previous governments failed to act, we are faced today with an enormous challenge. We will need to refurbish, rebuild, replace or conserve 25,000

megawatts worth of generating capacity by the year 2020. To put that in some perspective, that is more than 80% of Ontario's current electricity generating capacity. To meet these goals through

increased generation alone, we would need generation capacity about 11 times the size of Niagara Falls itself.

Our government has already announced plans to put 2,500 megawatts of generating capacity and demand-management initiatives in place no later than 2007, and

there's more on the way. But clearly, producing more electricity is only part of the answer. We also have to slow the endless spiral of increasing demand. It is simply not sustainable.

So we are now asking Ontarians to get involved in slowing that spiral of demand, and we will give Ontarians the information and tools they need to save money on

their bills as they save electricity. When it comes to electricity, it is much cheaper for our province to conserve it than to generate it, and it's much cheaper for our consumers to save it than

to pay more for it.

Some other jurisdictions have aggressively pursued conservation, but this province hasn't been as aggressive as it should have been, and that has wasted time and

money and electricity. For example, California has conserved to the point that the average per capita consumption of electricity there is up 1% since 1975; here in Ontario, it's up 25%.

There are steps we can all take right now. For instance, if each of Ontario's 4.5 million households replaced four 60-watt light bulbs with compact fluorescents,

the energy savings would allow us to shut down one unit at a coal-burning plant. Again, that is the pollution equivalent of 160,000 cars. Compact fluorescent bulbs seem more expensive on the store

shelves, but because they last years longer and use up to 75% less energy than conventional bulbs, they can save you four times what they cost. They're a sound investment.

People with electric water heaters can save between 200 and 1,400 kilowatt hours per year -- that's somewhere between $20 and $140 per year -- simply by fixing

leaky taps, insulating their water heaters and switching to more efficient shower heads.

Real gains could be made by doing things as simple as turning off the light or TV or stereo when you leave the room, unplugging appliances when you're not

using them, or not using that large, mostly empty freezer that you might have sitting in the basement. That old, inefficient beer fridge in the basement may seem like your best friend at playoff

time -- and we all know where those are going -- but every time you open the door, it's pay-up time because that fridge can be costing you about $150 a year in extra electricity -- electricity we

cannot afford to waste.

There is so much that we can do. Taking a five-minute shower instead of a bath uses half as much energy -- I say to all Ontarians that if there's anybody out

there who knows how you can get a teenager out of a shower within five minutes, I would be delighted to receive that information. Turning down the water heater when you are away, and turning it

down a few degrees all the time, can pay big dividends. Set the fridge at "cool" instead of "almost frozen." Turn down your furnace, even a few degrees, at night when you're under the covers. Keep

appliances clean so they're efficient. The coils on the back of the fridge, the lint screen on the dryer, the air filters on your furnace and air conditioner all need regular cleaning.

Across Ontario, people can get an energy audit for their homes. These audits provide specific steps people can take that could reduce their energy bills by up

to one third. I learned just recently that if you were to leave your household computer on throughout the entire year, that will cost you in the range of $250 for electricity alone; 60% of that

electricity, by the way, is consumed by the computer screen, the monitor. These are the simple kinds of steps we're asking Ontarians to take.

En échange, notre gouvernement permettra à tous les Ontariens et à toutes les Ontariennes, qu'ils soient chez eux, dans leurs entreprises ou

dans les bureaux du gouvernement, de sauvegarder l'énergie et d'économiser leur argent si durement gagné, tout en préservant l'environnement.

In return for those activities that we are calling upon Ontarians to undertake, our government will make it possible for Ontarians in every home, business and

government office to save energy, save their hard-earned money and save our environment. Our government is taking bold action to make Ontario a North American leader in conservation. I'm not

talking about approaches that have been used in the past, such as introducing a few government programs or printing glossy brochures. I'm talking about nothing less than creating a profound shift

in the culture of this province, about moving from a culture of inefficiency to a culture of innovation, about moving from a culture of waste to a culture of conservation.

Our plan will give consumers, businesses, utilities and government the tools they need to use less energy and use energy more wisely. Together we will make a

real change in the way we use energy in this province. Our government's goal is ambitious: to reduce electricity use by 5% across the province by 2007. But our government will also do its part. In

fact, we will hold ourselves to an even higher standard. We will cut electricity consumption in all government operations by 10% over the same period. To help reach those targets, Minister Duncan

has already announced the creation of a conservation secretariat headed by a chief conservation officer. Our government has appointed MPP Donna Cansfield to lead the conservation action team, which

will promote our conservation initiatives around the province. We are going to provide the leadership that creates opportunities for savings, but it's up to Ontarians from all walks of life to make

good decisions about how they use their energy.

Right now, most customers don't get a break on their bill if they use energy during off-peak hours when demand is lower. In particular, those off-peak hours

range from about 10 o'clock in the evening until 7 o'clock in the morning. The reason they're not getting a break is because old-fashioned energy meters only record how much energy is being used

and not when it is being used. Smart meters, together with more flexible pricing, would allow Ontarians to save money if they run appliances in off-peak hours. That's why we are directing the

Ontario Energy Board to develop a plan to install smart electricity meters in 800,000 Ontario homes by 2007 and in each and every Ontario home by 2010. We will also expand and encourage the

practice of net metering. Net metering will enable homeowners and businesses generating renewable electricity to receive credit for the excess energy they are producing. This will provide

additional electricity supply from clean, renewable sources such as wind and solar power.

We're going to launch province-wide consultations to allow people to participate directly in Ontario's new culture of conservation. We want to lead Ontarians

in a very important conversation, and it has to do with coming together so we can meet a most significant challenge that faces all of us; that is, a desperate -- I don't want to go that far; I

think the minister's got the right language. We find ourselves in a predicament -- it is not yet a crisis -- and if we take the necessary steps, we will overcome this challenge.

Leading the way in this new culture of conservation will be our young people. We will ensure that our primary and secondary school students have the resources

they need to learn about conservation. This morning I had the opportunity to visit Cedarvale public school here in Toronto. I met with Ms Smith's grade 6 students. Subsequent to the recent

blackout, students had begun to ask themselves what they might do to help reduce electricity usage at school, at hockey arenas and in their homes. They put together a number of pamphlets and

provided me with a very interesting and exciting proposition that speaks to how much hope we can have in the future, because children, in particular, understand the nature of the issue and want to

involve themselves and their households in taking responsibility for meeting our electricity challenges.

The decisions we make today will have a tremendous impact on the future those children will inherit, and that future is already beginning to look brighter.

Innovative steps like smart meters and net metering are being used in our province. Net metering is already an option in some Ontario communities. Milton Hydro is pressing ahead with its own smart

metering project. Our plan will see pockets of innovation like these expand across the province in a few short years, allowing more Ontarians to see real savings. But the benefits of a culture of

conservation go beyond what people will see on monthly bills. A culture of conservation will help Ontario build a high-skills, high-tech, high-performance economy by rewarding and encouraging

innovation, and this, in turn, will help stimulate investment, create jobs and build a stronger, more sustainable economy -- an economy we can all be proud of.

There can be no doubt that Ontario faces a real challenge in meeting its energy needs, but our government is seizing the opportunity to promote a genuine

conservation culture in communities, businesses and homes. We'll also engage local distribution companies, the private sector and community organizations. Together we can make Ontario a leader in

energy efficiency. Together we can help create more jobs in an innovative economy, ensure stronger communities and provide cleaner air to breathe. A culture of conservation will ensure that Ontario

has an electricity supply that is the envy of our competitors and a magnet for our investors.

I'm talking about an Ontario where consumers have both the stability they want and the reliability they demand and deserve; an Ontario where the energy that

comes through the wires stimulates the energy that makes us great, the energy that stimulates our growth as an economy and society. I'm talking about the innovation of our businesses, the success

of our schools, the compassion that marks our health care system and the cleanliness of the air we breathe and the water we drink. I'm talking about an Ontario with a standard of living and a

quality of life that are second to none, and that Ontario is ours to deliver.

ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION

Hon George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): It's my privilege to rise in the House today to recognize National Organ and

Tissue Donation Awareness Week, running from April 18 through April 24. Throughout the week, people and organizations here in Ontario and across the country are joining together to promote

awareness of the great need for organ and tissue donation. They're launching a massive appeal for people to sign their organ and tissue donor cards and talk to their loved ones about their

wishes.

One of the most profound gifts we can bring to one another is the gift of life. Last year, some 399 organ donors made it possible for doctors in Ontario to

perform 693 organ transplants. These compassionate donors gave hundreds of Ontarians a new chance at life, and those transplants have a much higher success rate today, thanks to new technological

and pharmaceutical breakthroughs.

As our population ages, more and more Ontarians will need life-saving organ transplants. These people will be our neighbours, our family members, our

constituents, our friends and very likely someone in this Legislature today. I'm troubled that despite this urgent need, the donor rate has stalled in every province, including Ontario, for the

past decade. Today, more than 1,700 Ontarians desperately need a transplant. Many of them will receive the organs they need, but others will die waiting for the right donor. We have a

responsibility to prevent that from happening, and the power to do so is to be found amongst all of us.

Myths and misconceptions about organ and tissue donation are keeping people from signing their donor cards or considering living organ donation. A recent

survey showed that 30% of Ontarians believe that age is a barrier for organ and tissue donation. We need to get the message out that Ontarians can donate no matter how old they are.

National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week is an opportunity to bust these myths and spread the facts about organ and tissue donation. For inspiration

we need look no further than to one of my health care heroes: Kristopher Knowles, a sweet, spirited, courageous grade 8 student from Sarnia who badly needs a liver. Kristopher has taken a year off

school to promote organ donation in Canada, and he just reached the 100th day of his 353-day cross-Canada journey to inspire people to become organ and tissue donors.

Today, I'm urging everyone to get behind Kristopher to raise awareness of the benefits of organ and tissue donation, to let people know that donations save

lives and bring hope to many hundreds of Canadians of all ages and to their families each and every year.

I want to acknowledge the critical work of the Trillium Gift of Life Network, Ontario's central organ and tissue donation agency. The network is helping to

drive public awareness about organ and tissue donation and is leading innovative programs to encourage education about donation in workplaces and in communities. Last week I had the opportunity to

attend, with the Toronto Automobile Dealers Association, Toronto fire and the York region police department -- just one example of workplace campaigns.

To assist the Trillium Gift of Life Network with its important work, our government will be replacing the network's outdated information system. This new

system will help to ensure that people receive the right organs and tissues at the very right time. Our government wants to ensure that all people who need a transplant will have a chance at life.

Our government has just approved a program to support living kidney donation in transplant hospitals. Living donation is donating a kidney or part of a liver to a relative or friend, and it has

become a growing source of transplants over the last four years.

All of us in this House have the opportunity to champion organ and tissue donation in our communities and to bring the message to people in different languages

and different communities and different religious faiths. Like so many things, I truly believe that change will come from young people. We must shape the thinking of a new generation.

It's my honour to announce that the Trillium Gift of Life Network is creating a Reaching Youth Council and that Kristopher Knowles has agreed to act as council

chair. This council will lead a province-wide effort to promote organ and tissue donation awareness to Ontario youth in our schools.

I urge everyone here today to sign an organ and tissue donor card. This is something each and every one of us can do. I urge you to talk to your family members

about your wishes. Don't wait. Do it today, and you might just have the chance of saving someone's life -- someone like Kristopher Knowles.

The Speaker (Hon Alvin Curling): Responses?

ENERGY CONSERVATION

Mr John O'Toole (Durham): In response for the opposition, I would say that we agree with Jack Gibbons from the Ontario Clean Air Alliance. We

agree with the most recently issued report by the IMO -- Dave Goulding -- which outlines that the real problem is being caused by your hasty decision.

In fact, this isn't a campaign to have a culture of conservation; it's a culture of confusion. If you look at most of the supply-side issues, you really have

created the problem.

If I read the IMO report, "Ontario's electricity system faces ... challenges over the next 10 years. The uncertainty surrounding the return to service of

Pickering A nuclear ... the lack of new generation investment and the commitment to shut down 7,500 megawatts of coal-fired generation by 2007 all contribute to a potentially severe shortfall."

We all know, Premier, that when you have a shortage of supply, the replacement energy is going to have to come from outside of Ontario. You know that just

southwest of Ontario is Ohio, and in Ohio and other parts there are over 200 coal-fired generating stations that are quite willing and able to transmit power to the province of Ontario.

What I haven't been impressed with is your slow response to indicate what your theory is, what your policy is with respect to demand management issues. We

talked about interval meters and time-of-rate meters -- and you know that your plan to intervene in that area is quite unremarkable. Are you going to incent consumers -- individuals on fixed

incomes and small businesses -- by encouraging the retail sector to give them a smart meter to allow them to manage load? I spoke earlier today about agriculture. How could a dairy farmer in

Ontario shift demand to those off-peak times that you talked about? The cows have to be milked, and you're putting them out of business.

Quite honestly, the Premier really has moved very slowly and inconclusively to set about a very important policy discussion. If you want to look at the

history, when we were in government we had set up the alternative fuels committee -- you should look at that report. We set up the generation conservation task force; their report was filed to you

in December. We're the ones who initiated the Energy Star program, which rebated people on the retail sales tax.

You talked earlier about having some sort of control in the consumers' hands. It sounds to me like the smart meter should be given to your Minister of Energy

so he can monitor his own behaviour on this file. What you've really outlined today is sort of like a clap-on/clap-off. This is what the people are supposed to do: turn off the hockey game and turn

up the meter, because you're going to be paying more for electricity.

ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION

Mrs Elizabeth Witmer (Kitchener-Waterloo): It is my privilege to rise in the House today to respond to the statement from the minister

recognizing National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week. This is one issue that affects each one of us here in this House and everybody within the province of Ontario. This is a week where we

need to really focus and emphasize the need to talk to our families and friends about organ donation. I would encourage everyone to share their wishes with their families regarding organ donations

because we do have the opportunity as individuals in the province of Ontario to make the donation of an organ or tissue in order that we can improve the quality of life for another human being or,

in some cases -- many cases -- to give someone that second chance at life itself.

We know that the need for organ and tissue donation continues to be there. Regrettably, we haven't seen much change in this province or in Canada. As of

December 2003, there were 1,775 patients awaiting organ transplants. That included heart, kidney, lung and pancreas transplants. Despite past efforts across this country, we in Canada continue to

fall short of organ donation as is seen in other countries throughout the world.

If you will recall, in 2000 our government recognized the significance of organ donation. We launched a similar awareness campaign. We were looking to issue a

challenge to double Ontario's organ donation rate by 2005, and we did see an increase in organ donations. At that time, we also committed to increasing the funding for organ and tissue donation and

transplantation to over $120 million by 2005, yet more needs to be done.

ENERGY CONSERVATION

Mr Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): I listened intently to what I believe was an attempt to announce an energy efficiency and energy

conservation strategy, and I want to make the following response.

First of all, I want to remind the Premier that in 1992, the government of the day brought forward an aggressive energy efficiency strategy, and the then

Liberal energy critic from Ottawa South, Mr McGuinty, said he was opposed to it because he said Ontario couldn't afford an energy efficiency strategy.

I wonder where we would be today if the Liberals had supported the government of the day and we had implemented all of those energy-efficient fridges and all

of those energy efficiency measures. The Premier should remember that.

The Premier should also remember that when the Conservatives brought forward their strategy to privatize Ontario's hydroelectricity system, part and parcel of

that was to do away with all of the energy efficiency strategies that were then in place. Why? We know why: because private sector companies that are more interested in selling than conserving

wanted all of those energy efficiency strategies done away with. The Premier should remember that he and every Liberal in the House voted with the Conservatives, not only on the privatization, but

to get rid of the energy efficiency strategies which today he wants to promote.

I see a lot of public relations here, I see a lot of spin, but I looked very carefully for the substance. The reality is this: For most of us in our homes, we

can't turn off our refrigerator. If you turn off the refrigerator, you can't eat the food. Similarly, if you have an electric water heater, you can't turn it off. If you turn it off, you don't have

hot water, and similarly with a number of other appliances. So I was looking for something from the government which indicated that they are prepared to put forward money, incentives, so that

people who have an old refrigerator, one that uses too much electricity, can afford to buy a new energy-efficient refrigerator, can save electricity, can save on their hydro bill, and perhaps over

three or four years can pay back the loan. Did I see such an incentive strategy? No, Speaker; none.

In his remarks, the Premier talks about how people should have an energy audit of their home. Well, part of what he was opposed to in 1992 and 1993 was the

green community strategy, which provided funding so that people could actually get an audit of their home; they could have experts come in and look at how much electricity they were using and

provide them with some ideas and some incentives on how they could reduce their electricity consumption and save money. The Premier then was opposed to that.

The government wants to place a lot of emphasis on so-called smart meters. They say that by using smart meters, you can in effect lower the on-peak

consumption, and he cites California. I just want him to know the results from California. California thought that by bringing in so-called smart meters, they could reduce electricity consumption

by 500 megawatts. In fact, they were only able to reduce electricity consumption by 31 megawatts. The reason is that people can't turn off the fridge; they can't turn off many of these electrical

appliances that they have to have every day to keep their food safe.

This is a PR announcement, but it's terribly lacking in substance that will lead to real electricity efficiency in the province.

ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION

Mr Peter Kormos (Niagara Centre): New Democrats join in organ and tissue donation awareness. We salute advocates like Kristopher Knowles and

George Marcello, and we say that it is time for this province to take a bold step forward. We need legislation in this province that makes it clear there is no property interest in the organs of a

deceased person. It has to be an opt-out system rather than an opt-in system. There are methods available through the opt-out system. There are people whose faith dictates that they cannot donate

organs or whose own ethical and moral standards can be accommodated.

If we're going to be serious about organ donation, let's make sure that organs of deceased persons are available across the board.

VOLUNTEERS /

BÉNÉVOLES

Hon Dwight Duncan (Minister of Energy, Government House Leader): Mr Speaker, I believe we have unanimous consent that each party will be able

to speak for five minutes on National Volunteer Week.

The Speaker (Hon Alvin Curling): Do we have unanimous consent? Agreed.

Hon Marie Bountrogianni (Minister of Children and Youth Services, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration): Today marks the start of National

Volunteer Week, which runs until this Saturday, April 24. National Volunteer Week is a time when we acknowledge those who have made a positive impact in our communities. It is also a time to

reflect on the commitment and conviction of the volunteers who have not only contributed their time and effort, but who have a vision of a stronger and more caring Ontario.

The McGuinty government is about strengthening our great province. If all of us gave just an hour of our time once a week, imagine the possibilities. Each year

in Ontario, 2.3 million people volunteer their time and expertise in strengthening our neighbourhoods and communities. Together they contribute more than 390 million hours of volunteer time. This

represents more than $6 billion to our economy.

Volunteers make vital contributions to virtually every aspect of Canadian society. This includes the areas of education, social services, the arts, recreation

and much more. I am reminded of the quote that, "The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit." This epitomizes how volunteers give of themselves without

expecting any personal gain in return. It can be as simple as taking time out on a Saturday afternoon to coach a Little League team, sorting food at a local food bank, or spending time with a

senior living on their own.

In my hometown of Hamilton, hundreds of people volunteer every day, like James McBride, who each year helps 150 low-income earners prepare their tax returns

for free.

There's Betty Robinson, who volunteers every day with the cancer assistance programs in Hamilton. She picks up and drops off cancer patients for treatment. She

also coordinates the annual Run for Cancer fundraiser event. Betty Robinson is 82 years old.

Our government recently recognized 12-year-old Ryan Hreljac from Kemptville, Ontario. He started volunteering when he was six, when he heard about the plight

of people in Third World countries who didn't have safe drinking water. Since then, he has set up a foundation and raised funds to bring clean water to other countries, making a huge impact. Ryan

was recently named to the Order of Ontario, along with 24 other dedicated individuals who gave of their time.

In the old city of Vanier, residents at le Centre d'acceuil Champlain have benefited from the tireless efforts of volunteer Marie Rose Pelletier. The

generosity of this volunteer par excellence knows no bounds. Her dedication and enthusiasm, combined with great attention to detail, help brighten up the days for the centre's residents. Marie Rose

Pelletier truly makes a difference.

These are just a few of the thousands of examples of how volunteers are around us every day.

Recently I attended an event at the Royal Ontario Museum, just a stone's throw from the Legislature. I learned how the ROM relies on the dedication of its

volunteers. The ROM estimates that volunteers contribute about 86,000 hours in support of the museum. This translates to an economic contribution of more than $1.8 million annually. This is typical

of many great community organizations. They have the power to mobilize hundreds of volunteers who can be counted upon.

This morning I had the pleasure of helping out at a very important local program in Hamilton. I was delighted to volunteer for the North Hamilton Community

Health Centre's children's breakfast club at St Luke's parish hall. This program has operated for the past eight years and serves breakfast to an average of 60 children every day. I was thrilled to

learn that many of the high school students who volunteer with this program used to benefit from the breakfast club themselves. They are giving back to their communities because they know

first-hand how important it is.

As part of National Volunteer Week, I will also attend a volunteer recognition event tonight sponsored by Volunteer Hamilton, and I know we are all attending

similar events across the province. It is a wonderful way to acknowledge those who have made a difference and serves to encourage others to give back.

I'm proud to say that the Ontario government supports several initiatives to promote volunteer action across the province. Such initiatives include the

Volunteer Service Awards and the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers. I strongly encourage our citizens to look at opportunities in their local communities to see how they can help improve the

quality of life for others. I know that many of my colleagues on both sides of the House contribute their time and donate to several worthwhile causes. This does indeed make a difference, and I

hope that others in your community are encouraged to do the same.

Mr Ted Arnott (Waterloo-Wellington): I want to begin my remarks by expressing appreciation to the Minister of Citizenship for her fine remarks

and to say that I'm very glad we have unanimous consent to pay tribute to volunteers through National Volunteer Week.

I will begin by saying thank you to volunteers who coach minor sports, fundraise to feed and clothe people in need, give time to care for seniors, and so many

other activities. Their contribution is valuable by its definition, because volunteers' talents are given into service by their own free will and, in doing so, they form the social fabric of our

communities throughout the province.

Volunteers have shaped our way of life. I'm reminded of this fact when I think of volunteers who served in Canada's armed forces during the major wars of the

last century and especially as we approach the 60th anniversary, on June 6, of D-Day, the Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied France. We should always remember that they paid dearly to leave us with a

peaceful society where we are free to give and serve. The organization Volunteer Canada says that National Volunteer Week was first proclaimed in 1943 to make the public aware of the vital

contribution made by women to the war effort.

We can only do justice to the tradition of volunteering by guaranteeing its future through the young people of Ontario. For example, we can continue to support

the minimum 40 hours of community involvement for high school students. Through volunteering, we know that young people develop the skills they need, an understanding of civic responsibility, and

they learn that they can make a difference through their actions.

Planting the seeds of volunteerism is a two-way street, because youth and children need guidance, help and positive role models in life. My own experience as a

Big Brother, when I had a little brother from 1987 to 1990, when he turned 17 and the program officially ended, was a deeply meaningful experience that continues to guide my perspective. I had a

chance to be a friend and mentor to a young man as he grew up, and I'll never forget the experience. Big Brothers continues to be part of my life. I'm glad to serve as an honorary member of the

board of the North Wellington Big Brothers.

Volunteering, mentoring and working to improve the future for young people is an important focus for me. That is why I strongly support Ontario's Promise, an

initiative launched by former Premier Mike Harris and minister for children Margaret Marland.

Ontario's Promise brings together business, non-profit agencies, community leaders, parents and individuals to make and keep five promises to Ontario's young

people. The five promises are: (1) a healthy start for all children; (2) an ongoing relationship with a caring adult; (3) a safe place with structured activities during non-school hours;

(4) marketable skills through effective education; and (5) giving back through community service.

I liken Ontario's Promise to John F. Kennedy's Peace Corps idea. It has the potential to light the fire of idealism and spirit of service throughout an entire

generation. I ask MPPs to forgo partisan politics where Ontario's Promise is concerned and support this program as a strong partnership for children and youth.

Over the years as an MPP, I have also supported volunteer firefighters in a number of ways. In my riding, and in the vast majority of rural communities, we are

indebted to volunteer firefighters. They protect our homes, businesses, farms, cottages, schools, hospitals and all manner of buildings from fire, and they are often the first on the scene at car

accidents and other emergencies. The skills they develop are essential where they volunteer and wherever they serve. Those skills are highly valuable in a monetary sense. There is no way that small

communities could afford fire departments without volunteer firefighters. Without them, property taxes would be prohibitive, with opportunities for home ownership, businesses and jobs lost or taken

away.

I want to remind all members of how important volunteer firefighters are, even to those members who represent cities, and hope you will understand how they

benefit the whole province through their service to rural Ontario.

The Wellington Advertiser, one of our local newspapers in my riding, also deserves recognition for their story about National Volunteer Week that appeared in

last Friday's paper. Here is how they described opportunities to volunteer: "In Wellington county there are numerous opportunities for individuals of all ages to get involved, from participating in

environmental cleanups with Greenspaces for Wellington to acting as a prospective role model in the life of a young boy or girl through Big Brothers or Big Sisters, or as a volunteer driver,

childcare assistant or special events volunteer" with the community resource centres of our riding.

I join them in asking people who are interested to step forward and volunteer. Your services are needed. As stated in the article, "Volunteers are not paid;

not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless."

I had the pleasure of attending the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce's recent dinner, where they paid tribute to Roberta and Rienk Vlietstra of Fergus.

One of our local papers said the following about them, and I quote, "For, like other involved volunteers everywhere, the Vlietstras are significant contributors to their community."

The same could be said of all of our volunteers, and for this we express our thanks.

Mr Rosario Marchese (Trinity-Spadina): New Democrats support the statement made by the Minister of Citizenship and say that we're happy to

support National Volunteer Week. We honour all those men and women, young and old, who put in a great deal of their time at the service of creating a decent and civil society. We argue that our

democracy would be seriously diminished if we didn't have the level of volunteerism that we do. We note that more and more people are putting in a great deal of time, spending billions of hours of

their time in volunteer work. We are worried about that, I must admit. We're happy they're doing it and worried at the same time -- worried because we think they ought not to replace the

obligations of government, and we're seeing more and more that volunteers are doing just that.

We have a number of examples to show that when governments shirk their responsibilities, volunteers are left to fill in the gaps. If you look at the elementary

and secondary levels, parents are raising $36 million for essential supplies. That's wrong. They ought not to be doing that. Money should be flowing from the Minister of Education down to school

boards so parents do not have to do that, because rich parents can raise the money, no problem, and poor parents cannot. So you create an uneven level of support in those schools. It's wrong. When

you look at how many out-of-the-cold programs we have in this society, they are growing, programs run by volunteers and volunteer organizations that are helping to feed and house the homeless. My

question is, what is the obligation of government? We know what volunteers are doing and we praise them, but we are nervous about how governments are putting less and less of their resources to

deal with that very problem.

If you look at the fact that there are more and more people in shelters, record numbers, and in some cases they're so full that people have to be run out of

their shelters because there is no room, my question is, we know what volunteers are doing, but what is the obligation of government?

If you look at our nursing homes, we have more and more volunteers filling in because we are giving less and less for staffing.

On April 23 the mayor is calling a litter pickup day, calling on all citizens to pick up litter. Why? Because we have fewer and fewer people doing the job of

cleaning our streets.

My worry is this: If this government refuses to consider progressive income taxes on individuals who are earning more than $100,000, it will mean more and more

unfair user fees, and we will need more and more volunteers to fill in the gap for the absence of a strong government and a strong role for government. That's my worry.

In the meantime, we thank all of those volunteers very much for the work they're putting in to make our society more civil.

M. Gilles Bisson (Timmins-Baie James): Monsieur le Président, le caucus NPD veut remercier les bénévoles pour leur ouvrage.

Nous avons l'opportunité cette semaine de déclarer notre support pour tout l'ouvrage qui est fait dans nos communautés, de nous assurer que nos communautés sont vivantes et que

ces communautés-là sont capables de fonctionner. Mais comme a dit mon bon collègue M. Marchese, le problème est que l'on se fie moins à l'État et de plus en plus

aux volontaires. Ça commence à être un problème parce que, si on regarde les services dans nos communautés -- les hôpitaux, les services municipaux -- ces services se

font de plus en plus par des volontaires. Il faut se demander à quel point c'est l'obligation de l'État et à quel point c'est l'obligation des volontaires.

On sait que le gouvernement conservateur provincial et le gouvernement libéral fédéral ont beaucoup transféré et ont beaucoup

diminué le financement des programmes. À cause de cela, on voit que beaucoup de ces agences, comme les hôpitaux et les écoles, ont besoin d'aller demander aux volontaires de

reprendre la capacité de donner certains services qui dans le passé avaient été payés par l'État. Oui, c'est important d'avoir des volontaires, mais on ne devrait pas

toujours avoir à se fier à ces volontaires pour s'assurer que les obligations de l'État sont faites.

Donc, de la part des néo-démocrates on veut dire que oui, les volontaires sont importants, oui, on a besoin de les soutenir, oui, on les

félicite pour l'ouvrage qu'ils font, mais l'État a sa responsabilité, et à la fin de la journée on demande que ce gouvernement et cette Assemblée s'assurent que nos

programmes sont adéquatement financés pour que ces programmes-là soient là pour le futur.

Hon Greg Sorbara (Minister of Finance): On a point of order, Mr Speaker: I would like to beg the indulgence of the House to announce that May

18, 2004, will be the date on which the budget is presented to the people of Ontario in this place, in the Legislature of Ontario.

QUESTION PERIOD

Mr Robert W. Runciman (Leeds-Grenville): On a point of order, Mr Speaker: I wanted to raise this with you prior to question period beginning.

I want to say at the outset that the official opposition, I think, has been quite pleased with respect to the number of questions that you've been able to manage in terms of the operations of the

business of the House since it opened for the spring session. However, Mr Speaker, I think there was a clear breach of parliamentary convention this past Thursday with respect to the demonstrations

on the part of the government side of the House, in terms of delaying question period for extended periods of time, and also the responses from ministers to lob-ball questions from backbench

members.

I would make a request of you to give guidance to members with respect to the time that you will expect from the chair in terms of questions and answers, and

give some parameters around the times, as well as curtailing the demonstrations on the government side of the House.

The Speaker (Hon Alvin Curling): Let me thank the member for his observation. I will look at it very closely as question period goes on. But I

would ask for co-operation from all so we can proceed in a very effective way.

Mr Peter Kormos (Niagara Centre): If I may, Mr Speaker, to that same point of order: I noticed that as well, as did my colleagues. We found it

regrettable. But you see, that's what happens when you change the rules to strangulate the role of the opposition parties here in the Legislature. I would say to the House leader for the official

opposition that you make your bed, you lie in it. And I would say to the government that they've been in that position of being frustrated about not being able to exercise the role of opposition

and I trust that they would pay heed to that history when it comes time for them to use their majority government power to do any further rule changes.

The Speaker: Thank you very much. The point of order has been raised. I'm sure that we know the rules and we ask you to adhere to them.

ORAL QUESTIONS

EDUCATION TAX CREDIT

Mr Ernie Eves (Leader of the Opposition): Mr Premier, will you now admit that your guesstimated figure of $500 million in savings by

cancelling the equity in education tax credit was just a made up number and is nowhere near the actual number?

Hon Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs): First of all, I want to remind the leader of the official opposition

that he originally opposed the private school tax credit. We have every confidence in our numbers, but I tell you that when all is said and done, this is an important matter of principle for us. If

I have one extra dollar available and I have the choice as to whether I'm going to put it into a private school or a public school, I want the people of Ontario to know that this Liberal government

will put that money into public education.

Mr Eves: First of all, the Premier knows very well that no dollars went to any private school in Ontario. Where they did go was to parents of

children of middle- and modest-income families who chose to send their children, for one reason or another, to an independent school of their choice.

You were quoted on September 2 of last year as saying that this was going to save $500 million a year that would go into the public school system. Your

campaign platform said it would save $425 million a year. In fact, the actual number for last year, 2002, was $29 million, and the number in the budget for 2003 was no more than $60 million. Will

you now admit that this is just hocus-pocus, that it's a number you made up, along with a whole pile of other numbers, I might add, to make it look good?

Hon Mr McGuinty: Here's another number of which we are very proud: We put $112 million into public education recently to help our most needy

children. That was specifically geared toward needy children, some of our most vulnerable, who are having special learning challenges. We are very proud of that investment.

Again, I say to the leader of the official opposition, this is a matter of very important principle for us. It's also a matter upon which the people of Ontario

can notice a very distinct contrast. They want to take public dollars and put them into private schools; we want to take every public dollar that is available to us and put that money into public

education.

Mr Eves: The Premier knows very well that their platform talked about increasing public education funding by $1.6 billion. We had a platform

to $1.9 billion, $840 million of which was delivered within 48 hours of Dr Rozanski's report. So to stand there and babble on about $116 million, which pales in comparison, is stretching the truth,

shall we say, to say the least.

There are at least 20 campaign promises that you've broken to date. Now will you at least come clean with the people of Ontario about the McGuinty --

The Speaker (Hon Alvin Curling): Order. The leader of the official opposition used a couple of unparliamentary words. I'd prefer if you'd

withdraw them, please.

Mr Eves: If I've said anything that offends the Speaker, I happily withdraw it.

Hon Mr McGuinty: The original question had to do with public education. I want to return to that theme because, again, I think it's a very

important matter of principle to us. The Leader of the Opposition made reference to their investments in public schools. But what we have learned as a result of getting into schools and speaking

with parents, teachers and trustees is that we have a public education system that is struggling, at best.

We intend to do everything that we possibly can, notwithstanding the severe fiscal constraints which we find ourselves having to cope with, to show that this

government and the people of Ontario are committed to public education. We understand that, at the end of the day, public education at its very best will give us the best workers, who will get the

best jobs and earn the highest pay. But more than that, it will give us the best citizens, people who will take responsibility for their communities. That's why we're so strongly in favour of

public education.

AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE

Mr Jim Flaherty (Whitby-Ajax): My question is for the Minister of Finance. The promise that was made by your party during the last election

was to enact reforms that would reduce automobile insurance rates by an average of 10%. That was an unqualified promise to the people of Ontario made during the election campaign. You made a

statement in the House here the other day with respect to that. I think people listening to that and reading about it would reasonably infer that you actually mean that people in Ontario who own

cars can expect to see an average reduction of 10% in their premiums this year compared to last year. Is that what you want people to believe?

Hon Greg Sorbara (Minister of Finance): What we need the people of Ontario to believe, because it is the truth, is that for three years before

we came to power automobile insurance rates were going on one trajectory only: up like this; over the course of three years, 43%.

As a result of the initiatives that we took on the day we were sworn in, we have begun to set a trend that has auto premiums going down in this direction, 10%

over what they would otherwise have been as of April 15th.

Mr Flaherty: But you said in the House on Thursday, "That report shows an average rate reduction of 10.15%." Now people in Ontario listening

to that, quite rightly I would think, would say, "Well, the Liberals are fulfilling their promise to reduce auto insurance premiums by 10%; that is, that I will pay 10% less this year compared to

last year."

But when people open their automobile renewals this year and they see their premium, you know that that's not true. They are not going to see that, because

what it is is 10% of the rate asked by the insurers, of the rate need by the insurers, not last year's rate compared to this year's rate. So, for example, some of the largest insurers in fact will

only be reducing their premiums 2% or 3%. Come clean with people who drive cars in Ontario: You are not reducing their premiums by 10%.

Hon Mr Sorbara: I have a great deal of respect for the member from Whitby-Ajax. He is a former Minister of Finance. During his period as

Minister of Finance, insurance rates went up and up and up, and during the period of his predecessor and during the period of his successor, insurance rates for private automobiles in this province

went in one direction only: up. We made a campaign commitment to take steps to start to reduce premiums. We took those steps. As of April 15, the filings are in place, which will bring down rates

by, on average, 10%.

Mr Flaherty: Not only is the Liberal Party not keeping the promise they made in their campaign document of a 10% reduction from last year to

this year, this minister can't even keep the promise he made last Thursday, which was the 10.15% in rates from last year to this year. But, this is not coming clean with the people of Ontario,

especially the people of Ontario who have the greatest need: those in the Facility Association. You know, Minister, the Facility Association's loss for last year was about $400 million; it's a 29%

increase.

Stand in your place and tell me that people who can't get insurance with insurance companies in this province -- it's a mandatory product; they have to have it

to drive their cars -- and that the thousands and thousands of drivers put into the Facility Association are going to see, on average, a 10% reduction in their premiums this year compared to last

year. Stand up and say that.

Hon Mr Sorbara: Once again, my friend from Whitby-Ajax has to take credit for an unprecedented rise in insurance rates during his time in

office.

Now, I'll answer his question quite directly. Those who are put into the Facility because of bad driving habits and bad driving records will not see that

reduction. We have specifically excluded that class of drivers. But under the old regime, far too many drivers were relegated to the Facility. That is going to change. We have now finished part one

of our reform. Part two and part three are about to come. I want to tell a former finance minister that insurance premiums started to go down the day his government was defeated and our government

was elected.

The Speaker (Hon Alvin Curling): New question?

Mr Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): My question is for the Premier. It's also about your promise to reduce auto insurance rates by 20%,

because drivers all across Ontario, as they open their insurance notices, are getting a nasty, nasty surprise. In almost every case, it's a double-digit increase. That means people aren't saving

money on their insurance; they're having to raid their wallets even more to pay the insurance bill.

Premier, admit it: Your much-announced scheme to reduce auto insurance rates is a con game, a scam, and you've broken your promise once again.

Hon Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs): To the Minister of Finance, Speaker.

Hon Mr Sorbara: We have very good news for the people of Ontario. As they begin to renew their automobile insurance policies, for the first

time in four years they will see a moderation in rates in this province.

I want to tell my friend the leader of the New Democrats that we made a commitment during the campaign to begin the process on the day we were elected. We did

that. We are now starting to see the benefits, but our work has not yet ended. We will continue, and we will have the strongest, most competitive insurance system in the entire country, right here

in the province of Ontario.

Mr Hampton: So now it's not a rate reduction, it's a rate moderation.

I want to read to the Premier what you promised in the election, from the Liberal campaign book: "The Ontario Liberals believe that people who must have

insurance to drive want to see their rates come down, not just rise more slowly." You didn't promise a moderation. You promised rates would come down.

Let me tell you about James Harman from Timmins. Without any convictions or at-fault accidents, nothing over the last year, his premiums have doubled -- from

$2,819 to $5,328 this year. No accidents, no claims, nothing, but his insurance rates have doubled. Is this what the Premier meant when he said he was going to cut rates by 20%?

Hon Mr Sorbara: The commitment during the campaign was to take steps which ultimately would bring rates down by, on average, 20%, and to do it

in two steps, the first step just now completed.

When we took office, insurance premiums were at an historic high in this province. Those are the rates that we inherited. On the very first day in power, we

took steps to freeze rates and to begin a process of reform of the system. The completion of that part of the reform has now begun, and 55% of the market has now reported. Those reports show a rate

reduction of 10.15%, exactly what we committed to in the campaign, delivered within six months.

ONTARIO DRUG BENEFIT PROGRAM

Mr Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): To the Premier: OCUFA, which is the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations, has just

produced a very interesting report. It says that, beginning in 1995, user fees, copayment fees and administrative fees implemented by the former Conservative government took almost $1,000 a year

out of the pockets of lower- and modest-income Ontarians. They say that the Conservative approach of raising copayment fees and administrative fees cost people a lot of money, and in fact it hurt

those with fixed incomes the most.

Your government now is considering doing exactly the same thing with the seniors' drug benefit program. Your own pre-budget consultation document says so. If

you know that this was so unfair under the Conservatives, why is your own government thinking of doing it?

Hon Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs): I appreciate the question from the leader of the NDP so that I can make

it clear as to the direction that we are pursuing as the government. We understand full well the thrust of that report and agree very much with it. We agree that the vulnerable and our middle class

in particular find themselves in a position where they are worse off than originally. That's why, I say to the member opposite, we're proud to say that we have increased the minimum wage already.

We have taken steps to freeze tuition in the province. We have cancelled giveaways to private schools and large corporations. We're getting back into the business of public housing in Ontario. We

are assuming our responsibility when it comes to helping out our most needy and most vulnerable.

Mr Hampton: Premier, you know how unfair the Conservative agenda was, that it hit those on fixed incomes, lower and modest incomes the most,

that it hurt them the most. Yet here we have the Ontario prescription drug benefit program and you're thinking about going after all kinds of seniors. You're going after the wrong people. You

couldn't have it more wrong.

Premier, those individuals with $100,000-a-year incomes got a 35% tax cut from the Conservatives. Imagine that. Those people who are in the top five got a 35%

tax cut, yet you're not going to touch them. You're going to go after seniors living on fixed incomes.

I'll give you another chance, Premier. Stand up today and tell seniors across Ontario that you're not going to go after the prescription drug benefit program,

you're not going to hit them with another round of fees.

Hon Mr McGuinty: Well, Speaker, if the member opposite has seen a copy of the budget -- he seems to speak with tremendous authority about what

we are about to do -- I would be delighted if he would share that with us.

In the words of that immortal political philosopher Dr Phil, the best predictor of future behaviour is past behaviour. This is what we've done so far: We've

increased the minimum wage, we've cancelled corporate tax cuts, we've cancelled sending half a million dollars into private schools, we're working hard to get rid of the 60-hour workweek, we're

providing emergency medical leave to our families and the like. That is the direction we are pursuing, that is the direction we will continue to pursue and that will be well reflected in our very

first budget.

FABRY DISEASE

Mrs Elizabeth Witmer (Kitchener-Waterloo): My question is for the Minister of Health. Minister, today you also have a chance to be a health

care hero. About three weeks ago, I asked you to respond to the letters and desperate pleas for help from Fabry patients, their families and friends. You promised to look into it. Regrettably,

there has been no response.

In the gallery today is John Strauss. He has asked you for help. In fact, today he and his wife, Donna, have brought 32 more letters asking you for help.

As you know, on April 25 the compassionate supply of Fabrazyme ends for him and four other patients in Ontario. Without this treatment, people such as John

will face premature death or strokes. Will you commit today to ensure the continuation of Fabrazyme on compassionate grounds until such time as a final decision on approval is made?

Hon George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): I would like to thank the member for her question. In fact, other members have

been in touch with me on this issue as well. I recognize it is a time-sensitive matter. I do not have a resolution to announce to the House today, but I can assure the member, the gentleman in the

gallery and any others struggling with this challenge that the government of Ontario is working aggressively on this file with a view toward a resolution that will be positive for those patients

who are seeing benefits from this product.

So although I am not in a position today to confirm exactly what those arrangements will be, I give that member every assurance that we're working on this as a

priority. It has lots of direct involvement from staff in my office, and I am very hopeful of a resolution in very short order.

Mrs Witmer: I do want to remind the minister that there is a tremendous amount of anxiety for these five patients and for their families. I've

had passionate pleas for help from children -- daughters -- who probably will also be candidates for Fabry disease. John, here today, who is from our community of Mannheim, is down to his last

treatment. Bill Taylor, a patient in Ottawa, had his last treatment last week and is now desperately looking to be able to continue the Fabrazyme. I want to quote Bill, who pleads with you: "This

is not a political issue. It's about my life and the lives of other patients." Minister, I hope you will help to save the lives of people like Bill and John, I hope you will follow the example of

Alberta and I hope that today you could commit to helping these five people continue with Fabrazyme on compassionate grounds until the final decision for approval is made.

Hon Mr Smitherman: I cannot add much beyond what I said in my earlier response except to offer the strongest possible assurance to the member

and to those suffering with this illness that their government is working aggressively with a view to responding to the call that is required. It's a challenging issue for a variety of reasons, but

in the face of those challenges we are working aggressively and I'm very confident we will find a resolution that is up to the standard we all expect to deliver in Ontario.

SENIOR CITIZENS

Mrs Donna H. Cansfield (Etobicoke Centre): My question is for the minister responsible for seniors. My riding contains a very high percentage

of seniors, probably one of the highest in the country. Currently Ontario has 1.5 million seniors. I guess I should also suggest that my seniors are very avid Toronto Maple Leafs fans. So may I say

on their behalf, "Go, Leafs, go!"

By 2028, the number of senior citizens in Ontario is actually expected to double. The seniors in my riding and across Ontario can find it extremely difficult

to understand and access the services to which they are entitled. This lack of information leaves a very negative impact on their health, their community involvement and overall quality of life.

Seniors and their families often have to go from office to office, building to building, to get the information they need. My question is, what is the minister responsible for seniors going to do

to ensure that seniors have better access to the range of services that their hard work made possible?

Hon John Gerretsen (Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, minister responsible for seniors): I'd like to thank the member for a very

pertinent question. We all agree that seniors deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and deserve to understand and have easy access to all the various government programs that are out

there, no matter what level of government. Our government is striving to make that happen, to make seniors understand the programs they're entitled to and the programs that are out there.

Let me just give you three examples of that. First of all, our Guide to Programs and Services for Seniors in Ontario is available on-line and in a number of

different languages. As a matter of fact, over 100,000 copies of the on-line program guideline have already been distributed around the province to seniors and different senior organizations. Our

seniors' info line is available toll-free and can answer questions in 20 different languages. Finally, just last fall we partnered with the government of Ontario to launch seniorsinfo.ca, a

collaborative seniors' portal. This integrates senior information and services from all three levels of government and will make it easier for seniors to find the necessary services that they

need.

Mrs Cansfield: We need to continue to work with Ontario senior groups, service providers and other levels of government and build on these

initiatives to ensure that seniors, today and tomorrow, enjoy the very best quality of life. So I ask, what initiatives are underway that demonstrate our efforts to plan in a collaborative way for

our aging population?

Hon Mr Gerretsen: Again, thanks to the member for the question. There are a number of initiatives that are ongoing. As we know, the senior

population is going to rise tremendously over the next number of years, so it becomes ever more important. With the help of Ontario's major seniors' organizations, our government will develop a

comprehensive approach to seniors' issues that will improve all services that affect them. Ontario's Alzheimer and elder abuse strategies are already in place and are good examples of the kind of

working relationships that have developed between government and different organizations.

As a matter of fact, later on this June, federal and municipal colleagues will be joining provincial colleagues at a symposium entitled Breaking Down the

Silos: Integrating Services for Seniors. It will be co-hosted by this province and the Canadian Seniors Partnership, a partnership that we co-chair, which was formed to explore and support

innovative intergovernmental service-delivery opportunities to help our seniors.

TAXATION

Mr Tim Hudak (Erie-Lincoln): A question to the Premier: Mr Premier, you have brought forward a number of bizarre and violently unpopular

policy ideas in your six months as Premier; to refresh your memory: tolls on Highway 69, mandatory retesting of all drivers in Ontario, and the retroactive taxation of trailer home owners. But your

new 8% Dalton McGuinty meal tax takes the cake and then taxes it too.

You are being besieged by petitions from all across Ontario; today, from members of this caucus, the NDP and your own caucus. Will you do the right thing? Will

you back down and cancel your plan to bring in this ill-conceived, bad idea that's going to tax people across Ontario? Mr Premier, just say no.

Hon Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs): To the Minister of Finance, Speaker.

Hon Greg Sorbara (Minister of Finance): The first thing I will do is correct the record of my friend from Erie-Lincoln apropos tolls on

Highway 69: not going to happen. Apropos retroactive taxes on trailer parks, it was the policy of the previous government to do that. It was that policy which we changed and corrected. So that's

now in place.

I know that my friend from Erie-Lincoln was elected to indulge in what the Minister of Tourism correctly describes as idle speculation about taxes. My

responsibility, as I've announced today, is to bring forward a budget in this House on May 18 and to start in that budget to correct some of the damage done by the previous administration over the

course of the past eight years.

Mr Hudak: The finance minister makes exactly the same point I did. You brought forward these trial balloons -- like the tolling of Highway 69,

the retesting of drivers across the province and retroactive taxation -- and after letting them twist in the wind for weeks, you shoot them down. Mr Premier and Mr Finance Minister, you're twisting

in the wind once again.

The Toronto Star compares your handling of this issue to Inspector Clouseau, in bringing forward this coalition. You answered my other questions and shot down

three of the policy ideas. Why don't you have the courage to put your money where your mouth is? Answer yes or no: Are you going to back down on this ill-conceived new 8% McGuinty meal tax, yes or

no?

Hon Mr Sorbara: You can almost feel the earth shake when my friend from Erie-Lincoln quotes, with support, the Toronto Star. This is a new era

in Ontario politics.

I tell my friend from Erie-Lincoln that we'll present a budget in this Legislature on May 18 that will start to repair some of the economic, public service,

public administration and fiscal damage that was done by the previous administration. We will fulfill our commitments in the area of education. We will fulfill our commitments in the area of health

care. We will build stronger communities in this province. We will do all of that, beginning with the presentation we make on May 18 in the budget in this Legislature.

LITERACY

Ms Laurel C. Broten (Etobicoke-Lakeshore): My question is for the Minister of Education. I recently attended my MPP back-to-school day at

Bishop Allen Academy and St Leo Catholic School, where I had an opportunity to speak to both students and teachers. Many of the students, teachers and parents in my riding are concerned about the

literacy and numeracy failings in our high schools. Today's students are tomorrow's leaders and our province's most valuable resource, but many of them need our help. What is our government doing

to help the many grade 10 students who have not been able to pass the literacy test?

Hon Gerard Kennedy (Minister of Education): There is an immediacy to the needs of students. They have not been responded to in this province

for quite a number of years. We find not pockets, but large numbers, of students who are struggling with things that everybody in this House can empathize with: the basic ability to read and

write.

For example, when the Toronto board learned that 10,000 -- 10% -- of their students in grades 1 to 5 are only reading at level one, we willingly got into a

pilot project with them so that those students will receive, right away, intensive literacy support, 20 hours before the end of the school year. Also, they will have a summer camp program at the

end of the school year to sustain those skills at the same time they're learning other things and how to socialize. Literacy and numeracy will be delivered by this government, and we're trying very

hard to make up for the lack of effort by the one before.

Ms Broten: Many of the experts, the teachers who work day in and day out with our students, tell me that grade 10 is far too late. They tell

me we need to focus our attention on the earlier grades to help kids catch up and excel sooner. Minister, what, if anything, is our government doing to address this long outstanding issue in order

to better assist our youngest students?

Hon Mr Kennedy: The basic thrust here is that the earlier we reach kids, the better. We know that we need to have them come to school ready to

learn and that, as much as possible, we can impart the skills and attitudes at an earlier age, but it has to be intentional. All around this province, our boards and schools and principals have

been scrambling just to find the basic resources. What we have said is that we will be actually working with them, realistically partnering, to make sure these things get delivered, that this focus

is part of what they can look forward to. One anxiety of families across this province, that their students will somehow get missed by the school programs that are out there, is becoming less and

less a possibility, because we're now working with the Toronto board and boards all around the province to make sure that literacy and numeracy are the first order of the day.

TAXATION

Mr Michael Prue (Beaches-East York): My question is to the Premier. The people of Ontario are not going to swallow your soup-and-sandwich tax.

They're not going to take it. You've got a Tim Hortons revolution out there. If you go out to those little restaurants, if you go out to where people are eating and drinking coffee, they're not

happy with what you're saying or what you're not saying.

They're angry because you're raising their bills for water, you're raising their bills for hydro, and you're not doing anything about auto insurance. Now

you're taking dead aim at their $3.99 breakfast. We're talking about ordinary people: seniors, students, cafeteria workers. We're talking about people in factories.

I want to put it very, very simply. I don't want a dance; I don't want vague answers. I just want the straight answer, and so do they, because they're talking

about it everywhere. Are you going to institute this tax or are you not?

Hon Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs): Minister of Finance.

Hon Greg Sorbara (Minister of Finance): I appreciate where my friend from Beaches-East York is coming from. We could spend every single

question in question period going over the same territory. We'll take a tax, pretend that it's coming, and then demand that it not come.

All I can say to my friend from Beaches-East York is that we acknowledge the presence of a very powerful campaign, from McDonald's and Tim Hortons primarily,

about the exemption on $4 meals. All I can tell my friend is that it is the intention of this government to continue on its track record of doing the most for those who are most vulnerable in this

province. We would never do anything that would hurt that constituency.

Mr Prue: The people now know what "choose change" means. It means that when they buy a $3.99 breakfast and they give $5, they don't get any

change because you keep it. There are 380,000 people who work in the food industry, 380,000 people in the restaurants, and 158,000 of those are students who are trying to pay their way through

schools and universities.

I'm worried because you're talking about not whacking the poor and the small people. Well, these are the same people who rely on those jobs, and we know that

if you put in this tax, you're putting their jobs at risk. Can you assure them that their jobs will not be at risk, that you will not be putting in this new 8%, that they can be secure, and that

they will have jobs to go forward to in the weeks and months ahead?

Hon Mr Sorbara: I can assure my friend that the budget that will be presented on May 18 will take very important steps to build a new

foundation of strong economic growth right across the province of Ontario. That means employment opportunities for those who are just coming into the workplace. That means economic growth that will

create new jobs. That means that we'll be looking to the entire province, not just the greater Toronto area.

I want to say to my friend that I am surprised at the tenor of his question. It is scripted in exactly the words that representatives from Tim Hortons and

McDonald's put to me about job loss when they came to see me two weeks ago. They threatened me by saying, "If you just say that you won't do it, then we won't have to mount the campaign." I can't

indulge in that kind of negotiation. I tell my friend on the other side, and those at McDonald's and at Tim Hortons, that we'll have to wait for the budget.

TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE

Mr Frank Klees (Oak Ridges): My question is to the Minister of Transportation. It relates to a report over the weekend -- extremely well

researched by the Toronto Star, I might say -- that relates to a very serious safety issue that demands your attention. It speaks to the literally hundreds of bridges across this province that are

in a serious state of disrepair in many cases --

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon Alvin Curling): Would you allow the member to state his question? More shouting is coming from the government side. The

member for Oak Ridges.

Mr Klees: In response to appeals from municipalities across the province, the previous government had made a commitment to assume

responsibility for those bridges and for their maintenance and inspection. I'd like to know whether that in fact is going to be your policy as well. Will you support municipalities across this

province to deal with this important safety issue?

Hon Harinder S. Takhar (Minister of Transportation): Actually, I'm surprised to have this question from my colleague on the other side. He

should remember that his government was the government that really downloaded the bridges on to municipalities, and they did so without a plan and without giving them any tools to address those

needs. We are absolutely committed to working with the municipalities to work on these issues and give them the tools to address these kinds of concerns.

Mr Klees: Minister, regardless of what you are attempting to spin at this point, the reality is that we made a commitment to these

municipalities to provide the funding. Will you stand in your place today and confirm that you will assume that same responsibility, or will you allow that first bridge to collapse under your watch

and then attempt to spin your way out of that as well? Will you do the responsible thing today and assume responsibility and commit to a partnership with municipalities across this province on this

important safety issue?

Hon Mr Takhar: It's really interesting that my colleague on the other side seems to have all the answers to all the problems when, as the

Minister of Transportation, he could not implement any of them. Now all of a sudden, he has a solution to every problem.

We are prepared to work with municipalities. We are prepared to give them a new deal so they can address their long-term issues. They downloaded the bridges on

to municipalities without any plan or without giving any resources to the municipalities.

PRIMARY CARE REFORM

Mr Jeff Leal (Peterborough): My question is for the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. My constituency office has received dozens of calls

from people in my riding who try desperately to find a family physician. As Ontario's population ages, the need for family physicians will continue to grow. What are your plans to improve access to

primary care for the people of Ontario?

Hon George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): While I recognize that the question comes from the hard-working member for

Peterborough, it's a question, regrettably, that could be asked by pretty much any member in this House. The reality is that we're struggling in many parts of our province with access to a family

doctor.

Our party has a plan. In the election campaign, we committed to 150 family health teams, which have the great advantage of being multidisciplinary, of offering

Ontarians the opportunity to receive their care from teams of health professionals working together. What I can say to the honourable member is that the case is being well made in the community of

Peterborough. I receive a lot of correspondence from there, and recently, because Peterborough is such an example of the challenges that we have, I'm pleased to say that this government appointed

Mayor Sylvia Sutherland to the board of the College of Physicians and Surgeons so that she could be a strong voice there for communities like Peterborough that are struggling without enough access

to family practitioners.

Mr Leal: In Peterborough, we've developed a very innovative, integrative primary care model proposal that would provide primary care for the

18,000 to 20,000 people who currently do not have a family physician. I know that we've had the opportunity to present this innovative model to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. I want to

ask the minister today, how will this plan effectively and positively help our citizens and perhaps be used as a template throughout Ontario?

Hon Mr Smitherman: The member makes an excellent point. Peterborough is demonstrating an extraordinarily strong act of local leadership on

this issue. We've had the opportunity -- my political staff, and staff from the ministry -- to meet with representatives from the Peterborough community. While I'm not in a position today to say

that Peterborough gets the go-forward, I am very clearly in a position to say that the proposal that has come forward from the Peterborough community is very closely aligned with our family health

team proposals. As a result of the hard work of the member from Peterborough, he can be absolutely certain that the people in his community are clearly on our radar screen. We like a lot of what

they're doing and we hope to be able to give life to proposals like this one very soon.

SCHOOLTEACHERS

Mr Jim Flaherty (Whitby-Ajax): My question is for the Minister of Education and relates to the qualifications of people teaching credit

courses in our public schools. As you know, our government created the Ontario College of Teachers and gave it the responsibility of ensuring that people who teach courses in our public schools are

qualified and certified by the Ontario College of Teachers. Is the minister aware of the number of persons teaching credit courses in our public schools who have not gone through the qualification

and certification process with the Ontario College of Teachers?

Hon Gerard Kennedy (Minister of Education): As the member opposite may remember, there is a service that's provided through the ministry to

acknowledge uncertified teachers as a last resort. There was last year, I believe, something in the order of 1,200. Those requests grow throughout the year. To the best of my knowledge, there are

fewer than those at this time last year, but I will happily get back to the member and let him know what the number of those instructors is in the colleges.

I will say, though, about his previous advocacy of private schools, that about half of the instructors in private schools are acknowledged by the college and

half are not.

Mr Flaherty: The mechanism is called "letters of permission," and I'm told there are about 2,000 of them extant in Ontario, now teaching

credit courses in public school.

The point is this: We have this elaborate process in the Ontario College of Teachers which, I think the minister will agree, does a superb job vetting

teachers, making sure we only have qualified, screened teachers teaching credit courses in public schools. We have this anomaly of 2,000 or so letters of permission that are over in the Ministry of

Education. I'd suggest to the minister and ask him whether he'd be prepared to move the letters-of-permission function to the Ontario College of Teachers for this very good reason: It is only the

college that has access to the database of these teachers in the 50 American states and across Canada so we can make sure we have certified, qualified teachers in our public school system.

Hon Mr Kennedy: I just want to say that what parents in this province want to see are motivated, well-trained teachers in front of their

class, and what we've had in these last years is conflict and attacks from the people opposite. I have to give the member credit that he finally expresses some interest in the state of well-being

of the public schools in this province. This is the first question we've ever had to that effect.

I will say as well that it is our commitment to make sure that we have the best-trained teachers in the province, people operating in a context of respect from

this government and from the rest of society.

Finally, I will say that we will absolutely take under advisement the suggestion made by the member opposite and by others, because we are about strengthening

an independent college of teachers, which the previous government turned into a battleground between themselves and teachers. Instead, it will be depoliticized and working on behalf of teaching

standards, on behalf of students in this province, the way it should have been since its inception.

LAKEVIEW GENERATING STATION

Mr Tim Peterson (Mississauga South): I rise today to ask a question of the Minister of Energy. But before that, I'd like to thank him for

making energy planning in Ontario a thorough, thoughtful and long-range process, not a knee-jerk reaction for political gain and the support of friends.

My question is the following: The Lakeview plant produces approximately 1,140 megawatts of electricity in my riding by burning coal. As everyone knows,

coal-fired generating stations contribute terrible pollutants to the air we breathe and depend on. Can you assure us today that our government is serious about cleaning up our air and remains

committed to closing this plant by May 2005?

Hon Dwight Duncan (Minister of Energy, Government House Leader): I want to thank the member for Mississauga South for his question and

re-emphasize that cleaner air is a top priority for our government. Lakeview accounts for 26% of the GTA region's SO 2 emissions and 8% of total NO x emissions. As a result,

Lakeview will be the first coal-fired station that we'll be closing. The station is required to cease burning coal by April 30, 2005. After that date, emissions from Lakeview cannot be greater than

those from gas-fired generation.

This government is doing things differently. After very little progress on new supply initiatives by the Tories, we're already acting to address this issue by

announcing RFPs for 2,500 megawatts of new capacity and/or demand-side management -- the first time in Ontario's history there's been a call for that -- and up to 300 megawatts of new renewable

resources. I expect that call for proposals to be out this week. That's why we're changing the way business was done under the Tories and the NDP, and we're making an important difference to air

quality in the province of Ontario.

Mr Peterson: Minister, thank you for your reassurance. This plant, although a significant polluter, is a major contributor to our local

economy, as it employs many people, directly and indirectly. Not only has the government continued to improve health care and education, we are also committed to improving our environment and to

economic growth and prosperity for all.

In light of the phasing out of plants such as Lakeview in my riding, what avenues are being considered that could mitigate any potential job loss with the

closure of this plant?

Hon Mr Duncan: To the member of Mississauga South, in fact, Lakeview does employ about 200 people. The Ministry of Energy and Ontario Power

Generation are looking very closely now at the employment impacts of shutting down Lakeview and the potential redeployment of employees within the electricity sector. It should be noted that as the

generation of coal is replaced, significant investments will be required in alternative cleaner options, such as renewable gas-fired generation, the potential refurbishment of nuclear plants, and

conservation and demand-side initiatives. As a result, a large fraction of OPG staff could potentially be redeployed to other business units within OPG or by other electricity generators within the

industry.

As the electricity needs of the province are further assessed, additional new generation capacity or refurbishment of existing capacity will be required. This

will provide further redeployment opportunities for the employees affected by the shutting down of the Lakeview station. Let me give the member opposite our assurances that we will make sure that

the interests of your community and those employees are well protected with our plan.

CHILD CARE

Ms Marilyn Churley (Toronto-Danforth): A question to the Premier: During the election you made an announcement with great fanfare at Withrow

school's child care centre in my riding, pledging your support to regulated child care. Non-profit child care centres in Toronto, including Withrow, are about to make cuts and raise fees.

Theresa Radwanski is here with us today. She's the supervisor at the Children's Circle daycare. She says her centre will have to cut spaces because you are

sitting on $58 million in federal money that is supposed to go to child care. To make up for these cuts, she'll have to charge $1,400 more per year for a family with two children.

Premier, will you release that federal money today? It's not your money, it's their money.

Hon Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs): The minister would like to speak to this, Speaker.

Hon Marie Bountrogianni (Minister of Children and Youth Services, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration): I thank the member opposite for

this question. Originally, when this question of federal money being sat on came up, I looked into it, I asked my ministry to look into it, and that is not case. There isn't any federal money that

we are sitting on. In fact, for the first time in a decade, the money that the federal government did give for child care in this province was actually given for child care in this province.

of child care in this province by regulating the profession, something that the early childhood educators wish.

Ms Churley: Minister, you should talk to the people who are running the child care centres, because that's not what they're going to tell you.

You have that money and you haven't freed it up. The families in my riding and across Toronto don't have another $1,400 in user fees for child care. Yet if you don't release this money -- and you

better look into this because it's sitting there, this $58 million -- to the city, that is what they'll have to pay. The city is finalizing its budget this week so they need the money now. If you

don't free up this money, they will have to cut another 220 child care subsidy spaces on top of over 1,700 lost over the past two years.

I want to ask you very specifically, Minister: Why are you hiding this $58 million that came from the federal government for the daycares in this province?

What are you up to? Will you release that money today?

Hon Mrs Bountrogianni: I'm surprised at the tone of that question. I actually did look into this situation, and there is no money being hidden

anywhere. In fact, this government gives $700 million a year to child care. We are also, for the first time in over a decade, delivering the federal money to child care, over $300 million by

2007-08. We are increasing the quality of daycare. I don't know where she's getting this information. It's simply not true.

MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE

Mr Norm Miller (Parry Sound-Muskoka): I have a question for the Minister of Finance. I've been hearing from constituents who are concerned

about increasing motorcycle insurance rates.

I recently received a letter from a constituent who, like many others in Ontario, was under the impression that when your government promised to freeze, and

then reduce, automobile insurance, insurance rates for motorcycles would also be frozen. I'll read from my constituent's letter:

"I recently had an insurance company ... write up a quote for me for motorcycle insurance in December. They quoted me roughly $1,300 for complete coverage.

When I went to follow up on my quote this week, imagine my surprise when the company told me they had a rate increase on February 1, 2004, and my insurance for my motorcycle would be $2,325. This

is completely unacceptable."

Minister, is this another broken Liberal promise? Why are motorcyclists around this province not enjoying a reduction in insurance rates?

Hon Greg Sorbara (Minister of Finance): I appreciate the question from my friend from Parry Sound-Muskoka. I simply want to tell him that in

the initiatives we took on automobile insurance for private passenger cars, we did not include motorcycles. We didn't make the commitment during the campaign.

He's right that there is a significant rise in premiums for insuring motorcycles, for a variety of reasons, including the fact that it is motorcycles that

often give rise to the most serious and debilitating kinds of accidents, which are most costly in terms of their health care implications. But I will tell my friend that as we continue to reform

the market and transform the systems for assessing damage and bring better competition to the marketplace and bring about an ability for customers to fine-tune and specify needs in insurance, I am

confident that rates in this area will also begin to moderate.

Mr Miller: The rising cost of insurance is not only affecting individual motorcyclists but is negatively impacting the entire industry. The

motorcycle industry is a $1.25-billion industry that employs over 8,000 people; however, it is an industry in Ontario that has suffered due to rapidly increasing insurance rates. Sales of

motorcycles throughout the rest of Canada increased 10.9%, while here in Ontario sales are down by 8.4%.

I'm also concerned that high insurance rates will affect Canada's largest sport bike rally, which happens to occur in the beautiful riding of Parry

Sound-Muskoka and will be happening this year on July 9 to 11, in case you decide you'd like to attend. It is imperative that the high cost of motorcycle insurance be addressed sooner rather than

later. What is the timeline for reduced rates for motorcyclists? When will motorcyclists enjoy lower rates?

Hon Mr Sorbara: I'm not sure whether that was a supplementary question or an invitation to participate in the rally and the show. I'll look at

my calendar, and if I can be there, I will.

As to motorcycle insurance rates, I want to repeat: Although we did not make a commitment -- our commitment was to deal with the eight million of us in Ontario

who must have automobile insurance so we can get to our jobs, so that we can tend to our families -- we have taken the steps necessary to begin the rate reduction of up to 10% on average.

Regrettably, our initiatives did not include motorcycles, but we will look at it, at the urging of my friend from Parry Sound-Muskoka.

APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING

Ms Judy Marsales (Hamilton West): My question is for the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. We've said many times that the key

to a prosperous economy in Ontario is investing in our number one resource, that being our people. We know that to build a strong workforce in Ontario, we need to help all people, our young people

and our not-so-young people, upgrade their skills so that they can find success in our highly skilled, knowledge-based economy.

Your announcement last week regarding apprenticeship training programs was welcome news to my constituents in Hamilton. As the ambitious city, Hamilton's

economy relies on the continuous development of skilled trades, and as such, I am confident that this investment will benefit Hamilton and also the future of Ontario. As part of that announcement

last week, our government approved several projects at Mohawk College, a wonderful post-secondary education facility in my riding. Could you please tell this House and the people of Hamilton more

about these important investments?

Hon Mary Anne V. Chambers (Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities): I thank the member from Hamilton West for that question. Mohawk

College is located in Hamilton. I am really pleased to say that Mohawk was one, of all the colleges in Ontario, submitting very strong proposals for apprenticeship programs. Indeed, Mohawk College

has received almost $1.1 million for their apprenticeship programs. Those programs will include new equipment for automotive service technicians, electrical trades and the steam fitter

apprenticeship programs. They had already upgraded their curriculum. This will now give them the equipment to do the job for apprentices.

Ms Marsales: These projects are certainly good news for current and future apprentices in the Hamilton area. They are also invaluable

investments for our local Hamilton economy. I understand that, in addition to the apprenticeship announcement last week, an investment was also made in pre-apprenticeship programs. Could you please

tell this House what a pre-apprenticeship program is and how this investment impacts on our local economy in Hamilton?

Hon Mrs Chambers: Once again, I am grateful to the member from Hamilton West for giving me the opportunity to say that the pre-apprenticeship

program actually helps would-be apprentices to upgrade their skills in preparation for taking

part in these apprenticeship programs. They also have the opportunity to get some work experience so

that they will know for sure that this is indeed the program for them.

Mohawk College actually put forward two proposals, which will have them receive $434,000 in addition to the almost $1.1 million that they received. These

programs include one at the Stoney Creek campus, where there will be a pre-apprenticeship program offered for sheet metal workers. There is also a partnership between Mohawk and the YMCA of

Hamilton and Burlington. That will be a program introducing these individuals to truck and coach technicians.

PETITIONS

TAXATION

Mr Bill Murdoch (Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound): I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario which I picked up yesterday in Walkerton at

the Tim Hortons. There was an awful pile sitting there on the desk. It says:

"Whereas every day, 1.5 million Ontarians, including seniors, health care workers and students, purchase a basic meal that costs less than $4; and

"Whereas a new 8% tax on such meals will disadvantage low-income Ontarians; and

"Whereas adding a tax for the first time on a glass of milk, a salad, a bowl of soup or a cup of coffee will affect a total of 1.5 million Ontarians each and

every day in restaurants and cafeterias across the province;

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

"Do not impose a new 8% tax on basic meals under $4."

Mr Mario G. Racco (Thornhill): It's the same petition.

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas every day, 1.5 million Ontarians, including seniors, health care workers and students, purchase a basic meal that costs less than $4; and

"Whereas a new 8% tax on such meals will disadvantage low-income Ontarians; and

"Whereas adding a tax for the first time on a glass of milk, a salad, a bowl of soup or a cup of coffee will affect a total of 1.5 million Ontarians each and

every day in restaurants and cafeterias across Ontario;

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

"Do not impose a new 8% tax on basic meals under $4."

That's on behalf of my constituents, and I have 2,200 --

The Speaker (Hon Alvin Curling): Petitions. The member from Simcoe North.

Mr Garfield Dunlop (Simcoe North):

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas every day, 1.5 million Ontarians, including seniors, health care workers and students, purchase a basic meal that costs less than $4; and

"Whereas a new 8% tax on such meals will disadvantage low-income Ontarians; and

"Whereas adding a tax for the first time on a glass of milk, a salad, a bowl of soup or a cup of coffee will affect a total of 1.5 million Ontarians each and

every day in restaurants and cafeterias across the province;

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

"Do not impose a new 8% tax on basic meals under $4."

I'm pleased to sign that.

IMMIGRANTS' SKILLS

Mr Kim Craitor (Niagara Falls): I'm pleased to present this petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

"Whereas Ontario enjoys the continuing benefit of the contributions of men and women who choose to leave their country of origin in order to settle in Canada,

raise their families, educate their children and pursue their livelihoods and careers; and

"Whereas newcomers to Canada who choose to settle in Ontario find frequent and unnecessary obstacles that prevent skilled tradespeople, professional and

managerial talent from practising the professions, trades and occupations for which they've been trained in their country of origin; and

"Whereas Ontario, its businesses, its people and its institutions badly need the professional, managerial and technical skills that many newcomers to Canada

have and want to use;

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

"That the government of Ontario, through the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities and the other institutions and agencies of and within the

government of Ontario, undertake specific and proactive measures to work with the bodies regulating access to Ontario's professions, trades and other occupations in order that newcomers to Canada

gain fair, timely and cost-effective access to certification and other measures that facilitate the entry or re-entry of skilled workers and professionals trained outside Canada into the Canadian

workforce."

I'm pleased to sign my name to this petition.

TAXATION

Mr Norman W. Sterling (Lanark-Carleton): "To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas every day 1.5 million Ontarians, including seniors, health care workers and students, purchase a basic meal that costs less than $4; and

"Whereas a new 8% tax on such meals will disadvantage low-income Ontarians; and

"Whereas adding a tax for the first time on a glass of milk, a salad, a bowl of soup or a cup of coffee will affect a total of 1.5 million Ontarians each and

every day in restaurants and cafeterias across the province;

"We, the undersigned" -- 165 of us -- "petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

"Do not impose a new 8% tax on basic meals under $4."

I have proudly signed that petition.

ONTARIO BUDGET

Mr Lorenzo Berardinetti (Scarborough Southwest): I have a petition which is addressed to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. I've signed the

petition myself and I agree with it. It reads as follows:

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas the parliamentary tradition in Ontario of presenting annual budgets in the House of the Legislative Assembly has existed for decades; and

"Whereas the previous government in 2003 showed disrespect for our public institutions and the people of Ontario by presenting a budget inside a private,

for-profit auto parts factory; and

"Whereas the previous Speaker of the Legislative Assembly condemned the actions of his own party's government;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to uphold parliamentary tradition and hold a public presentation and debate of the 2004

budget, and every budget thereafter, by our publicly elected members of Parliament inside the legislative chamber."

TAXATION

Mr Jerry J. Ouellette (Oshawa): I have a petition that reads as follows:

"Whereas every day, 1.5 million Ontarians, including seniors, health care workers and students, purchase a basic meal that costs less than $4; and

"Whereas a new 8% tax on such meals will disadvantage low-income Ontarians; and

"Whereas adding a tax for the first time on a glass of milk, a salad, a bowl of soup or a cup of coffee will affect a total of 1.5 million Ontarians each and

every day in restaurants and cafeterias across the province;

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

"Do not impose a new 8% tax on basic meals under $4."

I sign my name in agreement.

ONTARIO BUDGET

Mr Jeff Leal (Peterborough): "To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas the parliamentary tradition in Ontario of presenting annual budgets in the House of the Legislative Assembly has existed for decades; and

"Whereas the previous government in 2003 showed" great "disrespect for our public institutions and the people of Ontario by presenting a budget inside a

private, for-profit auto parts factory; and

"Whereas the previous Speaker of the Legislative Assembly condemned the actions of his own party's government;

"We, the under