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March 1, 2006

38th Parliament, 2nd Session

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Hansard Transcripts

vol. A

Hansard Transcripts

vol. B

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcripts 2006-Mar-01 (PDF)

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L'ONTARIO

Wednesday 1 March 2006 Mercredi 1 er mars 2006

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

PERCY DWIGHT WILSON

OLYMPIC ATHLETES

HIGHWAY 12

TOBACCO SMUGGLING

MOHAWK COLLEGE

ASSISTANCE TO FARMERS

DEFIBRILLATION EQUIPMENT

PARALYMPIC WINTER GAMES

HEALTH CARE

REPORTS BY COMMITTEES

STANDING COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

CHRISTOPHER'S LAW

(SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY)

AMENDMENT ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006 MODIFIANT

LA LOI CHRISTOPHER

SUR LE REGISTRE

DES DÉLINQUANTS SEXUELS

SWIMMING POOL SAFETY ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006

SUR LA SÉCURITÉ DES PISCINES

HOMESTEAD ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006

SUR LE PATRIMOINE FAMILIAL

MOTIONS

PARTY STATUS

HOUSE SITTINGS

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY AND RESPONSES

CONSUMER PROTECTION

MINING INDUSTRY

CONSUMER PROTECTION

VISITORS

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

ORAL QUESTIONS

MINISTERIAL CONDUCT

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

HEALTH CARE

MINISTERIAL CONDUCT

LOBBYISTS

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

TAXATION

NATIONAL CHILD BENEFIT SUPPLEMENT

INJURED WORKERS

WOODSTOCK GENERAL HOSPITAL

FIRST NATIONS

WATER QUALITY

LANDFILL

FOREST INDUSTRY

MINIMUM WAGE

PETITIONS

TAXATION

LOCAL HEALTH

INTEGRATION NETWORKS

CHILD CARE

FREDERICK BANTING HOMESTEAD

CHILD CARE

LANDFILL

LOCAL HEALTH

INTEGRATION NETWORKS

SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

ORDERS OF THE DAY

LOCAL HEALTH SYSTEM

INTEGRATION ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006 SUR L'INTÉGRATION

DU SYSTÈME DE SANTÉ LOCAL

CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES

STATUTE LAW AMENDMENT ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006 MODIFIANT DES LOIS

EN CE QUI CONCERNE LES SERVICES

À L'ENFANCE ET À LA FAMILLE

The House met at 1330.

Prayers.

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

PERCY DWIGHT WILSON

Mr. Jerry J. Ouellette (Oshawa): It is with pride that I rise to inform the House today of one of Oshawa's most distinguished citizens, Percy

Dwight Wilson.

On Sunday I attended Mr. Wilson's 105th birthday celebration at Cedarcroft Place in Oshawa, along with family, friends and numerous honoured guests paying

tribute and wishing him well.

Mr. Wilson enlisted in the army against his parents' wishes at the age of 15, far younger than the eligible age limit, and he is now the youngest of Canada's two

remaining World War I veterans still living in Canada. The teen had felt it was his duty to sign up, and was shipped off to England. When his age was discovered, Mr. Wilson was soon returned home.

He also tried to get involved in World War II but was refused as he was too old at 40, and instead rose to the rank of captain in the Perth Regiment.

Following the Great War, Mr. Wilson once performed at Toronto's Massey Hall as a professional singer before going on to work for Bell Canada for some 47 years

before retiring in 1966.

Mr. Wilson says the secret to long life is honesty, faith and clean living. He has always tried to be fair and tell the truth, has never smoked, and always

attended church on a regular basis.

It's a privilege to rise today to recognize this outstanding gentleman's dedication and the commitment he has demonstrated toward his family, friends, community,

province and country. I am honoured to have had the opportunity to meet and speak with him. I would like to ask all to join me in congratulating Mr. Dwight Wilson, on him being 105 years young.

OLYMPIC ATHLETES

Mr. Bill Mauro (Thunder Bay-Atikokan): I rise today to recognize and congratulate Thunder Bay's winter Olympians who participated in this year's

Olympic Winter Games.

Katie Weatherston played for Canada's women's hockey team, which defeated Sweden 4-1 in the finals to win an Olympic gold medal. Weatherston began playing hockey

at the age of five in Thunder Bay, and she now plays for the Big Green at Dartmouth College. As one of two rookies on the Canadian Olympic women's hockey team, she will almost certainly become a

leader in women's hockey.

Amber Peterson represented Canada in freestyle skiing aerials. After grabbing her first-ever World Cup medal, a silver, in January 2006 in Lake Placid, she has

vaulted into the top 10 in the World Cup standings this season. We look forward to seeing Amber in Vancouver four years from now.

Sean Crooks represented Canada by competing in cross-country skiing. Crooks has been racing competitively for more than a decade. He enjoyed a successful career

as a junior, claiming national titles in consecutive years, and twice finished in the top 20 at the world junior sprint championships.

Eric Staal, while not seeing any ice time in Turin, made the Canadian Olympic three-man alternate squad. Staal plays in the NHL for the Carolina Hurricanes and

was selected second overall in the 2003 NHL entry draft. He has already scored many points in his first two years and is fast becoming one of the most exciting young offensive hockey players in the

world.

Also worth noting is Curt Harnett, who has been chosen to join the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame and will be inducted at a ceremony in Quebec City on April 29.

Harnett is a three-time medallist in cycling, has won over 30 national titles, and has represented Canada in four Olympic Games.

As you can see, there's no shortage of world-class athletes coming out of Thunder Bay. On behalf of Thunder Bay, I'd like to recognize their tireless training

and outstanding athletic accomplishments. We are extremely proud of them for representing us at the Olympic Games.

HIGHWAY 12

Mr. Garfield Dunlop (Simcoe North): I would like to draw the attention of this House to a severe problem that I have in the riding of Simcoe

North and another example of the McGuinty government's neglect of municipalities in rural Ontario.

While this House debates the integrity of Transportation Minister Takhar, citizens in my riding of Simcoe North continue to drive over one of the roughest and

most unsafe roads in our province: Highway 12 between Coldwater and Orillia. I can tell you it is simply a disgrace. Whether you are driving a motorcycle, a car, a tractor, a bus or a

tractor-trailer, you can be sure that Highway 12 will provide you with the roughest road of any provincial highway in our province.

Last fall during estimates, when I questioned the minister and ministry staff on the status of the redevelopment of this portion of Highway 12, their answer was

that the project was ready to proceed this spring, provided the funds are available. Well, when the minister can find time to do his job as Minister of Transportation, I would ask that he take the

time to actually travel this portion of Highway 12.

Simcoe North feels neglected by the McGuinty government. While the McGuinty government is slashing more than 680 jobs at the Huronia Regional Centre in Orillia,

the citizens of Simcoe North are seeing absolutely nothing to compensate for the economic impact. One first step would be to allow the construction of Highway 12 to proceed this spring. No more

studies; no more excuses. We want to see Highway 12 completed. While the Premier has lowered the standards for integrity for his cabinet, the standards for highway safety are also being lowered. It

is time, this spring, to proceed with construction. The citizens of Simcoe North are not second-class citizens. They work hard to pay their taxes and they pay for the licensing of their vehicles.

They expect --

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

Mr. Dunlop: -- it to be completed this spring.

The Speaker: Thank you. Members' statements.

TOBACCO SMUGGLING

Mr. Gilles Bisson (Timmins-James Bay): Well, the wonderful thing is, there is a clock and I am protected.

I want to raise for the members of the House an issue that I think is fast becoming a problem probably for a lot of constituencies out there, and that is the

issue of tobacco smuggling. I have been contacted by a number of stores, confectionaries, from across my riding who are starting to note that there is an awful amount of contraband cigarettes that

are now coming in on the black market and being sold out of the back of pickup trucks, whatever way people are able to sell these.

What astonishes me is the degree to which there seems to be an inability on the part of this government to deal with this. I understand it's a bit of a complex

issue as far as how you deal with it. On the one hand, you don't want to lower the cigarette tax, because you certainly don't want to encourage people to smoke, for all kinds of good reasons, but

it seems to me that the provincial government has got to do something about the whole issue of coming at it from the enforcement side to try to find some way to deal with the contraband.

I've been contacted by stores from Hearst to Kapuskasing to Timmins and various places. I've chatted with Guy Monet and a number of other people I know, Ron

Lévesque and others, who are saying it's a real issue. They are noting that sales have gone down by about 30% in competition with the contraband cigarettes. I urge this government to do

something on the enforcement side to deal with this issue so that we are able to make sure that cigarette sales are done in the open and that the government takes this issue seriously.

MOHAWK COLLEGE

Ms. Judy Marsales (Hamilton West): I rise in the House today with wonderful news for Hamilton West and for the Ontario Legislature. I would like

to acknowledge and congratulate Mohawk College and their students' association for receiving the Ontario Spirit Tsunami Award, recognizing their outstanding tsunami relief effort. After the

devastating 2004 tsunami, several countries were in dire need of assistance. In the spirit of goodwill, the world responded. There was an outpouring of financial and material support that was a

testament to Ontario's compassion and big heart.

The Ontario Spirit Tsunami Award was designed to acknowledge an individual or group that makes a significant contribution towards the tsunami relief effort. The

award's motto is "Commitment to action and generosity," and that is exactly what Mohawk College and their students' association exemplified in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami. The collaboration

between the Mohawk Students' Association and Mohawk College could not have been better. In an effort to raise funds and awareness, the students' association and the college had a week-long loose

change drive, a 12 Hours of Caring marathon on the college radio station, and heavy coverage of the disaster in the college newspaper to gain public support for the initiative.

It was a proud moment when students' association president Kyle Smith presented a cheque for $4,500 to the Red Cross on January 11, 2005, and it's a very proud

moment now for me to pay tribute to these fine young men and young women for their dedication and compassion on behalf of all Mohawk College and their students' association toward this wonderful

humanitarian tsunami relief effort.

ASSISTANCE TO FARMERS

Mr. Toby Barrett (Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant): Tractors are rolling once again today to wake this government up to the farm crisis. The tractors

are rolling in Huron county along Highway 8 between Clinton and Goderich. The Ontario farm protests are only growing in frequency as this government continues to turn a blind eye.

I've been asking questions for the last five months for action from this government on the farm turmoil that we see represented over in Huron. Even last week, we

continued to hear the blame-game answer from the Minister of Agriculture, and I quote: "It would appear that the federal government is not eager to move as swiftly as we are." Well, farmers are

telling us that they are swiftly receiving the federal cheques. They're taking the federal money to the bank, to the fertilizer warehouse, to their seed dealer. The question is, where is the

Ontario government? The feds are sending out the cheques. The grain and oilseeds deadline is real: March 9, a commitment on risk management. And it's not just cash crop farmers; it's beef,

horticulture, tobacco, cull cow, deadstock, export dairy heifer, even the production of honey.

Interjection.

Mr. Barrett: I'll make this simple for the member opposite: Farmers feed cities. Farmers require action. Farmers require action now.

DEFIBRILLATION EQUIPMENT

Mr. Bruce Crozier (Essex): Speaker, as you know, yesterday I introduced a private member's bill, now numbered Bill 71, that will remove concerns

about liability for those who either use or have in their places of business heart defibrillators. I'm told that 80% of the reason for these defibrillators not being placed in public places is

because of the concern over liability.

Not so long ago, my colleague Mike Colle, now the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, introduced a similar bill. In the interim, it was brought to

everyone's attention, I think, by the fact that a defenceman for the Detroit Red Wings, Jiri Fischer, had an event, a cardiac arrest, during a hockey game. Dr. Tony Colucci said, "The AED monitor

that was at the scene ... any layperson can apply it; it's fairly simple."

Currently, AED monitors are not mandatory in most sports venues. Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, now coach of the Phoenix Coyotes, said he would like to see that

change. So that is the intent of my bill: to allay the fears of those who may use these to save lives in Ontario.

PARALYMPIC WINTER GAMES

Mr. Dave Levac (Brant): I rise today to speak about an exciting international sporting event taking place in Torino now that the Winter Olympics

are done. The Paralympic Games are on from March 10 to 19, and Ontario has another strong contingent of athletes on the Canadian team. These are athletes from Ontario competing in wheelchair

curling, sledge hockey, alpine skiing and other events.

In 2002, our Paralympic athletes won 19 medals at the Salt Lake City games. We are all confident that they will be able to build on that record this time around.

All Ontarians are proud of the success of the Olympic team in Turin, but now we all have the opportunity to support our Paralympic athletes as well. As the next Olympic and Paralympic Games will be

in Vancouver in 2010, this is an excellent opportunity to check out some of the Paralympic stars that we will no doubt be cheering on in favour of our great country.

The Canadian Paralympic Committee recently launched an Own the Podium-2010 campaign, which is aimed at involving more people with physical disabilities in winter

sports and making Canada a top-three medal winner in 2010.

At the recent No Limits dinner in Hamilton, I met Kelly Smith, who won a silver medal in the marathon at the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games. Kelly was certainly an

inspiration and a good friend and is an excellent example of the dedication and excellence of all our Paralympic athletes.

I urge all of the members in this House and across the province to support our athletes competing in Torino.

HEALTH CARE

Mrs. Carol Mitchell (Huron-Bruce): We on this side of the House are committed to revitalizing the public health care system.

In recent debates in this House on local health integration networks, we have heard a great deal of protest from the official opposition. Given the Tories'

record of gutting health care, I question whether their concerns are based on a sincere desire to improve the public health care system. I think they would rather see us sit on our hands, allow the

system to deteriorate, and then point to our ailing hospitals and bulging wait times as reason enough to privatize the services altogether.

The third party is not much better, always advocating the most expensive route and paying no attention to the fact that our resources are stretched, needs are

high and change is vital. The NDP formula for strengthening public health care by spending more than the government collects in revenue is certainly a recipe for further debt and deterioration.

Our government's proposed local health integration networks would ensure that taxpayers' health care dollars are spent in the most efficient and effective way

possible, yielding the best results. I am proud of this government's plan to reach out to local communities, empowering them with the means to identify their own health priorities and recommend the

best way to deliver health care. Together with our community-based partners, we are moving forward, seeking new ways to deliver quality care to Ontarians and ensuring that the sustainability of the

health care --

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

REPORTS BY COMMITTEES

STANDING COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): I beg to inform the House that today the Clerk received the report on intended appointments dated March 1,

2006, of the standing committee on government agencies. Pursuant to standing order 106(e)(9), the report is deemed to be adopted by the House.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

CHRISTOPHER'S LAW

(SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY)

AMENDMENT ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006 MODIFIANT

LA LOI CHRISTOPHER

SUR LE REGISTRE

DES DÉLINQUANTS SEXUELS

Mr. Martiniuk moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 73,

An Act to protect our children from sexual predators by amending Christopher's Law (Sex Offender Registry), 2000 / Projet de loi 73, Loi visant

à protéger nos enfants des prédateurs sexuels en modifiant la Loi Christopher de 2000 sur le registre des délinquants sexuels.

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

The member may wish to make a brief statement.

Mr. Gerry Martiniuk (Cambridge): Christopher's Law was so named in memory of an 11-year-old boy brutally murdered by a convicted pedophile on

parole. Presently, under Christopher's Law, all sex offenders convicted of sex offences by Canadian courts must register in Ontario. My bill addresses two key concerns in the sex offender registry

by providing for the first time that (1) sex offenders convicted by courts outside of Ontario and Canada would have to register under the act, and (2) the sex offender registry would be open to the

public in addition to the police.

I believe my amendments would definitely provide additional protection to our children and give parents the necessary tools to protect their children.

SWIMMING POOL SAFETY ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006

SUR LA SÉCURITÉ DES PISCINES

Mr. Rinaldi moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 74,

An Act respecting safety around swimming pools / Projet de loi 74, Loi traitant de la sécurité autour des piscines.

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

The member may wish to make a brief statement.

Mr. Lou Rinaldi (Northumberland): I'm happy to introduce the Swimming Pool Safety Act, 2006, as a private member's bill.

According to data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information, drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death among Ontario children under the

age of five. For every child who drowned in 2002 and 2003 there were six to 10 more almost drowned requiring hospitalization. Seventy-six per cent of children involved in drowning accidents were

playing or walking near water when drowning or near-drowning occurred.

By requiring individuals to build fences around their pools, we can hopefully prevent some of these terrible accidents in Ontario. At the same time, this bill

does not seek to create unnecessary burdens through duplication. That's why it includes a provision suggesting that individuals who live in municipalities that already have bylaws pertaining to

fences around pools would not have to come into compliance with this bill.

I ask my colleagues to consider this bill as a remedy to many unnecessary accidental deaths among children in this province.

HOMESTEAD ACT, 2006 /

LOI DE 2006

SUR LE PATRIMOINE FAMILIAL

Mr. Hudak moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 75,

An Act to amend the Assessment Act with respect to homesteads / Projet de loi 75, Loi modifiant la

Loi sur l'évaluation foncière a

l'égard des patrimoines familiaux.

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

The member may wish to make a brief statement.

Mr. Tim Hudak (Erie-Lincoln): If this bill,

short title the Homestead Act, is passed, here are some of the powers that the bill would bring

forward to protect taxpayers: first, a cap on residential property assessment increases for tax purposes at 5% per year, as long as home ownership is maintained; second, the ability of Ontario

homeowners to make up to $25,000 in home repairs, alterations, improvements or additions without facing an increase in their property assessment; third, seniors and the disabled would not pay

property tax on the first $10,000 of the assessed value of their principal residence.

In the gallery, and I want to thank them for their advice and support of the bill, are Barbara Butters, a councillor from city of Port Colborne; Barry Rand, a

councillor from the township of North Kawartha; Andy Sharpe, a councillor from Havelock-Belmont-Methuen; Terry Rees from the Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations; and Bob Topp from WRAFT,

as well as residents of the Sherkston area of Port Colborne.

MOTIONS

PARTY STATUS

Hon. James J. Bradley (Minister of Tourism, minister responsible for seniors, Government House Leader): I seek unanimous consent to introduce

a motion regarding the status of the New Democratic Party in the House.

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

Hon. Mr. Bradley: I move that, notwithstanding standing order 2, the New Democratic Party caucus be afforded the status of recognized party in

respect of all procedural and administrative matters, pending the outcome of the next provincial election in 2007, at which time the terms of the standing order shall apply.

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

HOUSE SITTINGS

Hon. James J. Bradley (Minister of Tourism, minister responsible for seniors, Government House Leader): I move that pursuant to standing order

9(c)(i), the House shall meet from 6:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 1, 2006, for the purpose of considering government business.

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

All those in favour will say "aye."

All those opposed will say "nay."

In my opinion, the ayes have it.

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

The division bells rang from 1358 to 1403.

The Speaker: Mr. Bradley has moved government notice of motion number 70. All those in favour will please rise one at a time and be recognized

by the Clerk.

Ayes

Balkissoon, Bas

Bartolucci, Rick

Berardinetti, Lorenzo

Bradley, James J.

Brownell, Jim

Bryant, Michael

Cansfield, Donna H.

Caplan, David

Chambers, Mary Anne V.

Colle, Mike

Crozier, Bruce

Delaney, Bob

Di Cocco, Caroline

Dombrowsky, Leona

Duguid, Brad

Duncan, Dwight

Fonseca, Peter

Gerretsen, John

Hoy, Pat

Jeffrey, Linda

Kular, Kuldip

Kwinter, Monte

Lalonde, Jean-Marc

Levac, Dave

Marsales, Judy

Matthews, Deborah

Mauro, Bill

McMeekin, Ted

Meilleur, Madeleine

Mitchell, Carol

Mossop, Jennifer F.

Parsons, Ernie

Patten, Richard

Peters, Steve

Peterson, Tim

Phillips, Gerry

Pupatello, Sandra

Qaadri, Shafiq

Racco, Mario G.

Ramal, Khalil

Rinaldi, Lou

Ruprecht, Tony

Sandals, Liz

Smith, Monique

Smitherman, George

Sorbara, Gregory S.

Van Bommel, Maria

Watson, Jim

Wilkinson, John

Wong, Tony C.

Wynne, Kathleen O.

Zimmer, David

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

Nays

Arnott, Ted

Barrett, Toby

Bisson, Gilles

Chudleigh, Ted

Dunlop, Garfield

Hardeman, Ernie

Horwath, Andrea

Hudak, Tim

Jackson, Cameron

Klees, Frank

Kormos, Peter

Marchese, Rosario

Martel, Shelley

Martiniuk, Gerry

Miller, Norm

O'Toole, John

Ouellette, Jerry J.

Runciman, Robert W.

Scott, Laurie

Sterling, Norman W.

Tascona, Joseph N.

Tory, John

Wilson, Jim

Yakabuski, John

The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Claude L. DesRosiers): The ayes are 52; the nays are 24.

The Speaker: I declare the motion carried.

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY AND RESPONSES

CONSUMER PROTECTION

Hon. Gerry Phillips (Minister of Government Services): I'd like to inform members of the House that today marks the launch of Fraud Awareness

Month across the country. Fraud Awareness Month is a Canada-wide campaign designed to remind consumers of the need to shop carefully and be alert to sales pitches that sound too good to be

true.

Ontario is joining with more than 70 partners from across the country, including other governments, law enforcement agencies, consumer groups and private

sector companies in this campaign. Our partners include such distinguished organizations as the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Bankers Association, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of

Police, the Ontario Association of Crime Stoppers, the Canadian Council of Better Business Bureaus, Canadian Security Administrators, eBay Canada, Bell Canada and Tim Hortons, just to name a

few.

The campaign's objectives are to educate consumers about fraud, encourage the reporting of fraud and make Canada a hostile environment to the perpetrators of

fraud. Although we are focusing on fraud awareness this month, of course consumers should be alert all year.

This government has recently taken a number of steps to better protect consumers, expose fraudulent activities and punish those who try to take advantage of

consumers. Remember that we passed a tough new Consumer Protection Act featuring the most sweeping and comprehensive changes to Ontario's consumer laws in more than 30 years. We have strengthened

enforcement resources at the ministry's consumer services branch, including hiring three new investigators. We've launched a discussion paper with stakeholders to identify legislative reforms that

will combat identity theft and educate consumers of the growing problem.

We have also created the Consumer Beware list. That's an on-line database that lists businesses with unresolved complaints and convictions. We've distributed

more than 220,000 Fraud Free calendars, with the help of many of the members of the Legislature, featuring tips and advice for consumers to avoid frauds and scams. We have published seven consumer

brochures on a variety of consumer topics -- and I might say they're available in eight languages -- and created an on-line fraud quiz available on the ministry's website to help consumers avoid

being defrauded.

The province's new Consumer Protection Act has made Ontario a national leader in consumer protection. Under the new act, the fine for individuals has doubled

to $50,000 and fines for corporations have more than doubled to $250,000. Jail terms were increased to two years less a day. The new act also includes a host of greater disclosure and cancellation

rights for consumers.

Last year alone, more than 75,000 people contacted the Ontario government's consumer services bureau regarding consumer issues. Many of these contacts led to

the successful resolution of disputes between consumers and businesses; others, though, led to charges and convictions. Altogether, the ministry laid 986 charges against businesses and individuals.

Charges prosecuted in 2005 resulted in a total of 45 months in jail terms, 675 months of probation, $600,000 in fines and more than $300,000 in restitution orders.

Members are aware that identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in Canada. My colleague from Davenport has raised this issue. My ministry is working

with its partners in other jurisdictions across the country to identify legislative reforms to combat identity theft and to make it easier for victims to recover from such an experience. The

consultation has received helpful feedback from the public and from stakeholders on that paper. I look forward to receiving the final recommendations on how we will prevent these crimes.

The ministry is also involved with its partners in educating consumers and businesses about things we can do to prevent identity theft, such as encouraging

consumers to carry only the cards and ID they need, encouraging businesses to collect only essential data, and keeping personal information in a secure location.

The vast majority of business owners in this province are honest. It is the small handful of dishonest ones that we want to put out of business. The best way

to do that is for consumers to educate themselves and to report fraudulent activities.

This government is fighting fraud every day through education and enforcement. All our partners will be engaged in action to spread this anti-fraud message. A

key proponent of this campaign is PhoneBusters and its "Recognize it. Report it. Stop it." program. We will see posters, media and online reminders to be alert to scams and to report any such

activities.

For those in the public and the Legislature who don't know, PhoneBusters is a national anti-fraud call centre jointly operated by the Ontario Provincial Police

and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. I might say it was the Ontario Provincial Police that, several years ago, originated this idea, and I'm very proud of that on behalf of Ontario.

PhoneBusters plays a key role in educating the public about telemarketing scams and other fraudulent activities such as identity theft. We are proud to

participate with PhoneBusters and our other partners in this important consumer awareness initiative.

Consumers who have been victimized, know of dishonest activities or just have a question to ask can contact the consumer services bureau at 416-326-8800 in

Toronto, or toll free at 1-800-889-9768. Consumers also, of course, can use our online form on the MGS -- Ministry of Government Services -- website to inform the government about consumer

complaints. That address is www.mgs.gov.on.ca.

I am proud of this government's work in providing the people of Ontario with consumer protection fit for the 20th century.

MINING INDUSTRY

Hon. Rick Bartolucci (Minister of Northern Development and Mines): Last November, I was very pleased to rise in this House to inform members

that Ontario's mineral sector was enjoying a boom the likes of which we had not seen since the 1980s, and that our status as a world leader in mineral exploration and development was secure. Mining

is indeed still a tremendous success story in Ontario.

Starting tomorrow, our government will lead a dialogue on issues common to the global mining industry and will continue to promote the province as a preferred

destination for mining and mineral investment when we join the World Bank in hosting the 2006 World Mines Ministries Forum here in Toronto. Ministers and staff representing mining jurisdictions

from around the world will meet to discuss such issues as geological survey activities, environmental sustainability and relationship-building with indigenous peoples.

The World Mines Ministries Forum is immediately followed by the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada annual convention, which also takes place at

the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The PDAC, as it is known, expects to welcome approximately 13,000 delegates from 90 different countries. Widely considered to be the most important event in the

world of mining, there is simply no better place to be than the PDAC to promote our great province as a progressive, preferred destination for investment in mineral development and to highlight the

potential of northern mining communities and institutions.

The Ontario pavilion will host the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, along with our partners including northern municipalities, mining-related

colleges and universities, far north First Nations communities, the GO North investor program and the Ontario Mineral Industry Cluster Council. Together with our partners, we will be able to tell

the world -- in fact, show the world -- that Ontario is hands-down the most exciting and inviting jurisdiction in the world.

The numbers say it all. For the first time ever, active mining claims in Ontario have exceeded 200,000 units. For the third consecutive year, exploration

expenditures are expected to rise and are projected to reach $300 million in 2006. The value of total mineral production rose to more than $7.2 billion in 2005, a 27% increase from the year 2003.

We are a top-10 world-ranked producer of nickel, platinum group metals, gold and cobalt, and among the top 20 world producers of copper, zinc and silver. And we are on the verge of witnessing the

development of Ontario's first diamond mine on the coast of James Bay, with the De Beers Victor Project, in partnership with Attawapiskat First Nations.

This current boom has only reaffirmed our government's belief that the mining sector is critical to building a strong and prosperous economy so that all

communities, including First Nations communities, can begin to see a quality of life that is second to none.

These are indeed promising times in the world of mineral development. The McGuinty government remains wholly committed to continuing its leadership role in

promoting sustainable mineral development and to building on our industry status as a world leader in mineral exploration and development. In fact, the concept of sustainable development is a

central theme of our province's first-ever mineral development strategy. I look forward to officially unveiling the strategy in the very near future.

I know all members join me in welcoming the global mining community to Toronto.

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

Mr. Jerry J. Ouellette (Oshawa): John Tory and the official opposition would like to welcome as well the world's mining dignitaries to the

third annual world mining forum. It's like they say: If it's not grown, it has to be mined. The world forum, as mentioned, first came to be in 1999, holding its first biennial forum in 2000. This

forum brings together mining experts from around the world to discuss all aspects of mining, from financial to political impacts.

Mining is one of Ontario's lifebloods, and particularly a lifeblood of northern Ontario. I suspect that all members are being approached, particularly in

southern Ontario, regarding concerns about the environmental impacts of mining. I'm glad to say that the Ontario Mining Association is informing people through its teacher's guide, explaining

mining impacts and the good work that the industry is doing. Simply click on the website of the Ontario Mining Association to experience the good work the industry is doing. I would hope that the

current government aids in informing so many students about misconceptions that they have regarding the mining industry.

As well, we welcome the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada and its thousands of participants. Personally, previously having owned a prospector

licence, I've had a little experience from being in the field, so to speak. As a matter of fact, I had the privilege this summer to show a number of students a calcite deposit which contained

several apatite crystals throughout it.

I would hope the minister is able to assist the industry in providing a skills development program, as the industry is seeking skilled individuals to be able

to further work in the mining industry.

Lastly, I invite all members to attend the Meet the Miners Day here at Queen's Park on May 2.

CONSUMER PROTECTION

Mr. Joseph N. Tascona (Barrie-Simcoe-Bradford): Thousands of Ontarians fall victim to fraud every year. To prevent this, consumers need to

become more educated on the types of scams that exist as well as how to avoid becoming another victim.

But what is fraud, I ask. Fraud is defined in the Black's Law Dictionary as a knowing misrepresentation of the truth, or a concealment of a material fact to

induce another to act to his or her detriment. An example: telling voters during an election campaign that you won't increase taxes, but after being elected, the McGuinty government brings in a

health tax, the largest tax grab in the history of this province. But I digress.

Let's not talk solely about voter fraud, but talk about --

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Stop the clock. Order. The Minister of Health Promotion will come to order. We can wait.

The member for Barrie-Simcoe-Bradford.

Mr. Tascona: There are three major types of consumer fraud: first, Internet fraud, which involves investment scams, fake business

opportunities and fraudulent auctions; second, identity theft, the fastest-growing crime in North America; third, telemarketing fraud, which involves credit card schemes, foreign lotteries and

bogus bonds. Now we have the onslaught of virtual gaming. The McGuinty Liberal government has proved inadequate to deal with online gambling, which is undermining our provincial gaming industry and

also defrauding consumers.

The McGuinty Liberal government has no plan to stop fraud against Ontarians, whether perpetrated in Ontario or outside of Ontario. Fraud is going up, it's not

going down. It's nice to have an announcement today that we're recognizing fraud across this country when it's going up and we have a major problem. So I conclude, and I commend the minister for

wrestling this fraud problem up to the ceiling.

Mr. Peter Kormos (Niagara Centre): I say to the Minister of Government Services that it's surely some huge amount of chutzpah that permits him

to stand up and talk about this government's acknowledgment of Fraud Awareness Month when we don't even have a consumer protection ministry anymore. There isn't one. It has been disbanded; it has

been sent home. The furniture has been sold off in a lawn sale. For this minister then to talk about the anti-fraud effort consisting of 220,000 free fraud calendars is in itself a remarkable

statement.

I tell you, the scam artists, the Ponzi scheme operators are shaking in their boots. They're leaving town, make no mistake about it. They're lined up at

Pearson airport, saying, "There's no room for us in Dalton McGuinty's Ontario. By God, they put out almost a quarter of a million calendars. There ain't room." There ain't room for the fraudulent

roofers anymore. There ain't room for the fraudulent basement sealers anymore. There ain't room for the fraud artists who travel from town to town and lay down shabby asphalt, because, by God, this

Minister of Government Services is going to take them down with a calendar, and if one calendar won't take them down, it'll be a box of calendars.

I want to tell you, my colleague in the Conservative Party strikes a nerve when he talks about the real fraud that should be addressed. Police forces are still

so understaffed in this province that the anti-fraud departments of police forces are barely able to investigate serious crimes, the most senior ones, the big-money ones, never mind the plethora of

bad cheques and that type of fraud which land on their desks. There simply aren't the resources to address those.

I say to you, Minister, that the protection for senior citizens who are facing ever-escalating property taxes isn't forthcoming, the protection for folks

across this province -- homeowners, apartment dwellers, small business people, big business and its employees -- who are being gouged and hammered with ever-escalating electricity prices that have

destroyed tens of thousands of jobs over the last 13 months, are not being protected.

Nobody is being protected from cabinet ministers who simply won't answer questions in question period. Nobody is protecting students in this province from

tuition rates that are skyrocketing through the roof, preventing more and more students from not just low-income but middle-income families from even daring to think of attending college or

university.

Nobody is protecting people from the list of broken Liberal promises. Nobody is protecting voters who voted for Liberals because they wanted change and end up

getting spare change. Nobody is protecting consumers of health care in this province from the privatization agenda that you are pursuing with Bill 36. Nobody is protecting seniors or their children

or their grandchildren from your P3 hospitals that are taking scarce health dollars and turning them into profits for some of the wealthiest international corporations. Nobody is protecting nurses

and other health workers from you and your anti-public-health-care agenda.

Nobody is protecting those tens of thousands of workers who have lost good jobs in this province -- good jobs that permit them to pay taxes and to buy the

things their neighbour builds and send their kids to school. Nobody is protecting them from your anti-job agenda, from your destruction of over 60,000 good jobs, value-added manufacturing jobs, in

the course of the last 13 months.

I tell you, there is a lot of room for some anti-rackets investigations and prosecutions here in Ontario. It's not going to come from your non-ministry,

because there is no ministry of consumer protection, and the people of this province know full well that they're not going to be protected by Dalton McGuinty and the Liberals, who will promise the

world and then deliver zip, nothing, nada.

VISITORS

Hon. Harinder S. Takhar (Minister of Transportation): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: I would like to acknowledge the representatives from

the Canadian Automobile Association who have joined us today in the gallery, including a former member and cabinet minister, Mr. Bob Wong, who now represents the Canadian Automobile Association as

the chair of the south central Ontario club.

Hon. Sandra Pupatello (Minister of Community and Social Services, minister responsible for women's issues): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker:

I would like to take a moment to introduce all of the students who are here in the House today from Bishop Strachan from the riding of St. Paul's. It's a great day because we're also going to speak

about International Women's Day in a moment. Welcome to the House.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

Hon. James J. Bradley (Minister of Tourism, minister responsible for seniors, Government House Leader): Speaker, I believe we have unanimous

consent for all parties to speak for up to five minutes to recognize International Women's Day.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): The House leader is asking for unanimous consent for all parties to speak for up to five minutes to

recognize International Women's Day. Agreed? Agreed.

Hon. Sandra Pupatello (Minister of Community and Social Services, minister responsible for women's issues): I rise in the Legislature today to

recognize that this coming March 8 is International Women's Day. March 8 is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the gains that we have made in gender equality, and I think the Olympic Games

in Torino was another great opportunity for the women of Canada to show us those great gains we had with the number of medals they brought back for our country.

The year 2006 marks the 25th anniversary of Canada's ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against

Women. The convention is often described as an international bill of rights for women. At last count, 180 countries, over 90% of the members of the United Nations, have signed on.

Article 3 of the

convention states that these nations, "shall take ... all appropriate measures, including legislation, to ensure the full development and advancement of women, for the purpose of guaranteeing them

the exercise and enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms on a basis of equality with men."

I'm proud that my country and my province are committed to guaranteeing full equality for women. I'm proud that our government has a vision where everyone

participates fully in all aspects of the province's economic, social and cultural life. I'm determined to make this a reality. Our government understands it's only when members of our society, all

of us, can participate fully in all aspects of life that we in this province can call ourselves a democratic and just society.

We understand that women must have equal access to education, that through education they follow a path of full participation in the economy, and that we must

protect and support women at risk of becoming victims of harassment and violence. We understand that the real change will come when young girls grow up believing they have every opportunity

available to their brothers, and I know that the young ladies here from Bishop Strachan today believe that as well. They can be captain of the hockey team and be part of the women's Olympic team

that leads the country to a record medal count. If they choose, they can be the dean of a university, the CEO of a corporation or the chief of police.

While we remind ourselves that we still have a long way to go, let's move forward by reinforcing our positive vision and celebrating our achievements. I'm

pleased to announce that on International Women's Day, I'll be announcing details of the first Ontario government award to honour women who demonstrate exceptional community leadership on behalf of

women and girls. This award will give us the opportunity to recognize women across Ontario who help build strong and safe communities. In order to make sure that we reach each and every community

where women are making a difference, I'll be asking all members of this House and all members of Parliament to nominate women from their constituencies.

It will be especially appropriate to launch this award on March 8, International Women's Day, because it will give us the opportunity to express that vision,

the exercise and enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms so well articulated in the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. It will

give us the opportunity to affirm for all women in Ontario that the life they want is possible and achievable. This award will allow us to reinforce our positive message, not just on International

Women's Day but throughout the year.

Mrs. Elizabeth Witmer (Kitchener-Waterloo): I'm certainly very pleased to stand today on behalf of our caucus and recognize International

Women's Day on March 8, a day that was established in 1977 by the United Nations. Certainly we welcome the students from Bishop Strachan, who are here. It is most fitting that they would be here

for this special day as we celebrate it.

This is a special day that does provide an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the progress that has been made to advance women's equality. It also allows

us the opportunity to assess the challenges that continue to face women in contemporary society, and to consider the future steps we can all take together in order to bring about full equality for

women in all their diversity. But most important, I think it is an opportunity for us to take a look at the gains we have made and the gains we need to celebrate. The Canadian theme for this year's

International Women's Week is Beyond Laws: The Right to be Me. Last week during the Olympic games in Torino, we certainly saw the opportunity for women athletes, particularly those from Canada:

"the right to be me." I think we all applauded their achievements, particularly the women who won the hockey gold. I say that because some years ago when I was a teenager, a few friends and I

attempted to create and set up a hockey team for girls in the small town of Exeter. Although we didn't get very far, it's rather gratifying to see how far women have come and then to see our own

females take the gold. That was a gratifying day, and it just shows you that women do have "the right to be me."

This is a time when we need to recognize that 2006 marks the 25th anniversary of Canada's ratification of the most comprehensive international treaty on

women's rights, the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. I have been watching on TV some of the discrimination that is faced by women in

Pakistan, and you realize that in countries throughout the world, women have not made some of the gains that we have here in Canada and North America.

We have accomplished much in the way of putting in place legal foundations, such as the Canadian Human Rights Act, pay and employment equity laws, the Charter

of Rights and Freedoms and, of course, maternity and parental benefits.

If we take a look at some of the other reasons for celebration, we know that in post-secondary education the barriers women faced at one time have all but been

eliminated. In 2001, women comprised 59% of undergraduate student enrolment and 50% of graduate student enrolment.

If we take a look at some of the fields that were traditionally male-dominated, we see that these fields have opened up to women. Women are pursuing careers in

growing numbers in the fields of medicine, law, dentistry, business and engineering, so there is growing opportunity for women to pursue these careers.

In business, it is expected that as we look ahead to the century we're in, at least half of the new companies are going to be started by women. The Institute

for Small Business noted that between 1991 and 1994, Canadian firms run by women created new jobs at four times the rate of the national average. Women are creating not just jobs but entire

companies at double the rate of the national average. So this is all very important.

One of the areas where women need to continue to make some gains is in the corporate field and in the boardrooms of Canadian corporations. We are definitely

still lagging. Of course, if we take a look at our own Legislature, we do not hold much more than one fifth of the elected offices in Canada. In Europe at the present time, it's about a third.

Today, for the first time, none of the Canadian political parties is headed by a woman, none of Canada's Premiers is a women, and none of the mayors of our largest cities. In the recent election

Interjections: Hazel.

Mrs. Witmer: It's not one of the cities.

It is evident that we need to do what we can to continue to be better represented in all levels of decision-making.

Certainly, I will acknowledge Hazel McCallion as being an outstanding leader and role model, not just for Ontarians but I think for all Canadians. I doubt if

there's anybody anywhere.

I think the challenge that remains for us, particularly in this House, is that we need to accelerate the progress towards the inclusion of women into formal

decision-making bodies, but we also need to increase their impact on decision-making.

Today, we have every reason to be proud. Our Olympic athletes have given us all reason for pride. I have no doubt that as we continue to work together, all

three political parties, we can increase the opportunities for equality for all women.

Ms. Andrea Horwath (Hamilton East): It's my pleasure to rise on behalf of New Democrats to talk about International Women's Day, which is a

day that we all know is a time to reflect on the progress made by women to advance the equality of women in our society. It's a time to assess the challenges facing women today, to set out a course

of action to enhance the status of women and, of course, to celebrate women and the gains we've made. Finally, we celebrate the daily struggles that regular women are engaged in to push for change

in every aspect of life in Ontario.

Recently, I had the pleasure of participating in a play about the Hamilton

chapter of the Canadian Club at the Scottish Rite in Hamilton, where I played the

role of a woman named Sara Calder, who was an inspirational woman of the late 1800s and early 20th century. She distinguished herself with her leadership in a place called the Wentworth Historical

Society. She broke away from the men in that group to establish her own autonomous ladies' society. Long before women were routinely taking charge of decision-making, Ms. Calder was running her own

show, raising funds that went to purchase and preserve what are now some of Ontario's most valued heritage sites in the community of Stoney Creek. She was one of those women of her time who was

pushing the envelope.

It's ironic that here in the 21st century women are still focusing on winning full rights to participate in society on an equal footing with men. After more

than 100 years, barriers continue to impede women's progress. For example, women still earn less in wages than men for similar work. They still take on a greater share of part-time work, contract

and temporary employment, and receive less job security, including less adequate pensions. They remain primary caregivers for families, including now aging parents.

The Canadian theme for International Women's Week in 2006 addresses women's rights, women's diversity, and above all, the need to put words into action in the

slogan Beyond Laws: The Right to Be Me. Of course, we saw the reflection of that in the success of our women's hockey team with the Olympic gold medal.

Have we, as a society, done enough to ensure that income security is there for women? Not yet. Have we seen enough women in politics? Not yet. We need only to

look around this chamber: The diversity of our population isn't reflected here in this House. Have we made it possible for every woman or child confronting violence in the home to leave the abuse

and have a safe, supportive place to go to? Not yet.

This really tells us, as legislators, where the emphasis needs to be. There is much more that all governments should be doing and could be doing on women's

issues.

Do we have a law in Ontario that would protect women from violence and harassment in the workplace, harassment that was cited as a factor in the murder of Lori

Dupont at her Windsor hospital workplace? Not yet.

As the NDP women's issues critic, I feel, as all of this House must be feeling, that we have to get beyond the time of "not yet." We have to get to a place

where there are no more "not yets."

For example, we have to stop Ontario's clawback of the national child benefit from families receiving social assistance. Women in the greatest financial need

are not seeing the benefit that was supposed to help them fight poverty.

A lack of housing and money is one of the prime factors that drives women and children back to the abuser; we all know this. Without money and a place to live,

many women remain in violent relationships so their children will be housed and fed. That means governments need to get serious about directing promised funds back into creating affordable housing

and second-stage housing, whose base funding has been all but flatlined since 1994.

Let's get serious about implementing the package of emergency measures recommended by the experts that we know, without a doubt, will save women's lives. These

measures include second-stage housing; stronger laws around bail, restraining orders, no-contact orders and peace bonds; risk assessment tools implemented in every court before every bail hearing

where violence against women has occurred; passage of the bill that would protect women from all forms of violence and harassment by changing the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Furthermore, women need to see promised provincial and federal investments going into child care. Real Ontario dollars need to be invested in Ontario's child

care program.

There are many more issues that are on my list here, things that are practical and implementable today, that can affect the way women see the world, and the

way women are able to access justice in our communities.

I want to close with a quote, one that comes from Geraldine Ferraro. What she said was this, and I hope this quote is going to inspire all women, not only

today but as we move into the week of International Women's Day: It says, "We've chosen the path to equality, don't let them turn us around."

ORAL QUESTIONS

MINISTERIAL CONDUCT

Mr. John Tory (Leader of the Opposition): My question is for the Premier. Premier, why do you feel it is appropriate for you to suddenly shut

down debate on the unprecedented motion surrounding the Integrity Commissioner's report on Minister Takhar, a report that was so critical of his behaviour?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): I'm always pleased to take a question, but I'm sure the leader of the

official opposition would understand why I would not agree with his characterization of bringing this debate to a conclusion. I think he would also know that the act governing this particular

debate requires that our assembly consider and respond to a report filed by the Integrity Commissioner within 30 days of it being tabled in this House. It was tabled on February 13; therefore, we

must respond by March 13. The House rises tomorrow. So we've had good opportunity to discuss this issue in a debate of some length, and we look forward to bringing it to a conclusion.

Mr. Tory: Even consulting the people at the Clerk's table, it's not clear -- and it's not part of the rules, of course; it's part of the

statute -- what "consider and respond" means in terms of how long or what a response is. The bottom line is that, regardless of that

interpretation, which could only come from the courts, this is

the first time in the history of this province that a minister has been officially reprimanded by the Integrity Commissioner. When you talk about the fulsome debate that has unfolded, the fact is

that Justice Osborne spent seven months investigating this matter and writing his report, and we've had exactly three days of debate in this Legislature since that time. We find that the minister's

story continues to change; new things come to bear on this in terms of

interpretations and inconsistencies with his report.

We have put an amendment that would have this go off to committee so it could be further discussed. I think that would be well within the ambit of the

section

on considering and responding within the 30 days. Would you consider that and allow the debate to continue, rather than choking it off?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: No, that is not something I am prepared to consider. I think the people of Ontario are entitled to have this explored and

debated in a fulsome manner, and that is, in fact, what we are doing in this House.

Twenty-four MPPs have spoken to this issue so far during the course of this debate. The leader of the official opposition himself has raised this matter on

countless occasions, both during question period and in other opportunities in this House, and outside the House. I think it is important for us to have that full opportunity, which we have. I

believe today will be the fourth day of debate, and we look forward to bringing this matter to a conclusion.

Mr. Tory: The fact is, today we're debating a time allocation motion so you can choke off the debate. You've only called it three times. If

you were really interested in having a fulsome debate -- I don't know whether you're suggesting that 24 out of 103 members is even close to the number. I can tell you, in our case we've had seven

members speak to the original motion and four members speak to an amendment that we moved, and there are many more who want to speak on this and be heard.

So I repeat my question to you: If you were really interested in an open debate on this, a full debate so we can all have our chance to have our say on this,

as opposed to trying to choke it off because you find it's an embarrassing matter for your government, why wouldn't you find a way to either extend the debate in this Legislature when we come back,

rather than time-allocating, or go along with an amendment? We'd be happy to discuss wording with you of an amendment to the motion that could send it to committee for a period of time for some

additional debate. Why are you trying to cut this debate off?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: I appreciate the leader of the official opposition's position on this, but it is not one with which I can agree.

Maybe we should take a moment to properly consider what it is that we are debating. The motion that is put forward is pretty straightforward. It reads, "That

the Legislative Assembly adopt the report of the Integrity Commissioner dated January 4, 2006, and approve the recommendation contained therein."

I'm not aware of any member in this House who's going to be voting against this. I think there is unanimity with respect to the outcome of this particular

motion. So we look forward to getting on with this, to bringing this to a conclusion, and we do so with the confidence that we have given this a real opportunity for fulsome debate in this

House.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): New question.

Mr. Jim Wilson (Simcoe-Grey): My question is for the Minister of Transportation. Minister, on April 26, your executive assistant wrote to the

Integrity Commissioner about a potential conflict that you had regarding new specifications for truck axles and suspensions for trucks operating on Ontario highways. You declared a conflict of

interest then and refrained from participating. Today, we now know that you were personally involved in discussions, and your staff were involved in consultations, again on a similar issue,

involving discussions around specifications for truck and trailer axles and suspensions operating on Ontario highways. Why did you not contact the Integrity Commissioner about this second issue

that we've now learned about?

Hon. Harinder S. Takhar (Minister of Transportation): Let me say this: This issue came from the industry. The Ontario Trucking Association,

Procter and Gamble, The Bay, Frito-Lay and other companies approached me. They wanted to have a long-combination-vehicles proposal put forward to the ministry for consideration.

Let me just say what long combination vehicles are. Normally, a truck pulls one trailer, but in this case, they wanted to have two trailers pulled by the

truck, because the freight they carry is bulky and they carry less freight in a trailer. So they wanted to reduce their freight costs and asked us to consider that proposal. So I asked the ministry

to look into it.

But before we even did that, the Premier had put a protocol in place, and we asked the ministry if there was even a perceived conflict of interest in this

case. The ministry told me there was absolutely none. I, myself, as the minister, ordered to consider the proposal from the --

The Speaker: Thank you. Supplementary.

Mr. Wilson: Minister, we have the specification sheet from your ministry about this issue, and it clearly speaks about axle requirements and

"other equipment, as required by the Highway Traffic Act." It talks about axle loads, just like in the first instance. It involves trucks on Ontario roads, just like in the first instance.

Your own Premier said in his letter concerning the first issue that you had informed him about a potential conflict "in relation to axle requirements for

vehicles." The Premier also said, " I wish to avoid all conflicts -- real or perceived." The Premier asked your parliamentary assistant to take the file and asked that you and your staff refrain

from discussion.

Minister, why did you think it was a conflict then but not now? Why was the Integrity Commissioner contacted last time but not this time?

Hon. Mr. Takhar: Let me be clear again: This proposal is about adding another trailer. It talks about the total length of the tractor and the

trailers. It doesn't deal with the weight dimensions. The total weight of the truck, the total weight it will carry and the axle weight requirements do not change. There was no change even in the

proposal that was put forward by the industry for consideration. All I asked the ministry was to look at what the other provinces were doing, what the industry was asking for and if it ever made

any sense for us to do it.

Mr. Wilson: According to Livio Luchini, the manager of sales administration at Chalmers, "Chalmers Suspensions manufactures suspensions for

all the major original equipment manufacturers, including Kenworth, Peterbilt, Freightliner, Mack, Volvo, and specialty truck chassis builders." It says their products are "well-received on trucks

of all construction and vocational applications -- including refuse-collection vehicles."

Minister, the Integrity Commissioner was very clear in his guidance to you the first time. In his letter back to your executive assistant, he said, "I would

suggest that the minister act prudently and not expose himself to the risk of being perceived as having a conflict of interest."

Minister, it was about axle requirements then; it's about axle requirements now. It was vehicles on Ontario roads then; it's the same now. You followed the

commissioner's advice then, but you did not even seek his advice this time. What has changed? Why did you not contact the Integrity Commissioner about this second issue when so many things were

exactly the same?

Hon. Mr. Takhar: Actually, the member has answered the question himself. He read the statement from the sales manager of the company, and it

said "construction" trucks and "vocational" trucks. These are not vocational trucks, these are not construction trucks and these are not logging trucks. He already answered that question.

Let me state it again: The company that I was involved in made heavy-duty suspensions. These are the lift suspensions used on these trucks and trailers. It

doesn't change the weight of the trucks. It doesn't change the axle requirements. So there was absolutely no conflict at any time.

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): Premier, the problems with your $40-billion nuclear power boondoggle and the Ontario Power

Authority's electricity supply mix report become more obvious every day. Yesterday, the Sierra Club pointed out that you have completely omitted conservation and energy efficiency targets in the

report. Today, Greenpeace, the Pembina Institute and the David Suzuki Foundation released a legal opinion that concludes that a full environmental assessment of your electricity supply mix plan is

mandatory under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act.

Premier, does your government, the McGuinty government, have any legal opinion suggesting that an environmental assessment is not required for the Ontario

Power Authority electricity supply mix report? And if you have it, will you table it today?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): I'm pleased to take the question. The leader of the NDP raises some

important issues. I think one of the things I want to convey to him today, and our public as well, is that the Ontario Power Authority has put forward a proposed plan. What we have done is made

that public, and we've created opportunities for Ontarians, experts and non-experts alike, all those who are concerned about ensuring that we are meeting our energy supplies in the future, to

comment. On the basis of that comment, we will then send instructions to the Ontario Power Authority with respect to how to proceed on this. So we continue to acquire information, to collect the

very best advice that we can, and the leader of the NDP should understand that what the Ontario Power Authority put out was a proposal -- nothing more than that. We intend to improve upon that.

Mr. Hampton: Premier, the Suzuki Foundation, Greenpeace and the Pembina Institute are telling you that your attempt to mask your $40-billion

nuclear mega-boondoggle with sham consultations does not replace the legal requirement for a full environmental assessment of the electricity supply mix plan. The David Suzuki Foundation says that

under the laws of the province of Ontario, your government is mandated to undertake a full environmental assessment of that electricity supply mix plan.

My question, Premier, is, when can the people of Ontario expect the McGuinty government to obey the law of Ontario and order a joint Ontario Energy Board and

Environmental Review Tribunal environmental assessment of your integrated electricity supply mix plan?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: We are always most appreciative of advice offered on any matter of public policy, but of course especially in this context,

in the matter of our plans to meet our energy needs in the future. I have a particular appreciation for the David Suzuki Foundation. In fact, just a couple of weeks ago, I met again with Dr. Suzuki

in my offices here at Queen's Park to get still more advice from him.

We intend to ensure that whatever proposal we put forward does in fact become the subject of a full environmental assessment, and that will once again allow

interested Ontarians to provide yet more advice and more input into making sure that we get this right for the future.

Mr. Hampton: Premier, here's the reality: Your integrated electricity supply mix plan is one of the largest and most costly decisions in

Ontario's history: $80 billion in total costs and at least $40 billion for your pet nuclear megaprojects. Yet you refuse to require the Ontario Power Authority to set energy efficiency and energy

conservation targets, and now environmental organizations like the David Suzuki Foundation will have to take the McGuinty government to court to get what common sense dictates should happen in the

first place: a full and open environmental assessment of your integrated electricity supply mix plan.

Premier, when will you listen to the people of Ontario, when will you listen to the David Suzuki Foundation, Greenpeace and the Pembina Institute and open your

backroom nuclear megadeals to the clear light of a joint board environmental assessment? When will you obey the laws of Ontario?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: The leader of the NDP, in his characterization of our energy plan, is nothing if not colourful, and I appreciate the

approach that he brings in this regard, but we are charged with a very special responsibility. And while there will be no shortage of advice in this regard, there is only one group of Ontarians who

are charged with the responsibility to keep the lights on, now and into the foreseeable future. So we will carefully weigh all the advice that we receive and we'll build on a foundation that was

built by previous energy ministers over previous governmental regimes.

In that context, I acknowledge Bob Wong, who is here, a former Minister of Energy who brought into place, for example, the Energy Efficiency Act of 1989. We

will build on that foundation. We will be open to, and most appreciative of, advice we get from Ontarians, expert and non-expert alike, but we will also do whatever we need to do to keep the lights

on in the province of Ontario.

HEALTH CARE

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): Premier, it's not me who takes offence, necessarily, with your plan; it's Greenpeace, the Sierra

Club, the Pembina Institute and the David Suzuki Foundation.

But I want to ask you about your claim that your government is committed to publicly controlled, universally accessible health care. This morning you donned

your Captain Medicare cape and railed against the evils of the Ralph Klein government. Premier, instead of railing about what might or might not happen in Alberta, something you have no control

over, can you explain why your government, the McGuinty government, is privatizing the Trillium drug plan?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): The Minister of Health.

Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): We've had a chance over the course of the last few days to remind the

honourable member that during the life of the government he was proud to be part of, there was a significant outsourcing of services in hospitals. What's key is that the actions our government is

taking with respect to the administration of the Trillium drug plan are motivated by the desire to enhance customer service.

The circumstances are very clear. We're taking advantage of an opportunity on behalf of the people of Ontario to do a better job of responding to their

applications with respect to the Trillium drug plan. Let me give you a couple of pieces of information that dramatically motivate us: In 2004 the time it took to process applications for the

Ontario drug benefit, less than five days; for the Trillium drug plan, 22.7 days. The call abandonment, the number of people who hung up on the Ontario drug benefit in 2004, 3%; on the Trillium

drug plan, 30 to 50%. This is an opportunity to deliver --

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

Mr. Hampton: Isn't it interesting that wherever the McGuinty government sees a problem in the health care system their response is, "Let's

privatize." Your latest scheme to privatize the Trillium drug plan is just the latest example of the McGuinty government's agenda of stealth privatization. Before the election, the Premier said

that privatizing and contracting out of health services resulted in higher costs and less accountability. You promised to protect publicly controlled, universally accessible health care. But now,

all the people of Ontario get from your government is lots of empty rhetoric, but more and more privatization of health care by stealth.

I say again, Premier: You can't do much about what may or may not happen in Alberta, but you can stop your own health care privatization scheme in Ontario.

Will you abandon your scheme to privatize the Trillium drug plan?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: I think it's a very good indication of the challenge we have with the debate in Ontario so long as the leader of the New

Democratic Party thinks that the battle for public health care is being fought over who serves in an administrative function related to a program. The real fight for public health care is on the

front line, where people are receiving clinical services. This is where our Commitment to the Future of Medicare Act and our adherence to the Canada Health Act prevail. We're a government that

brought in family health teams and community health centres, that moved forward on the repatriation of MRIs for the public sector. We're proud to celebrate the fact that 13,000 more people enjoy

employment in health care today because they're delivering important clinical benefits to the patients of the province of Ontario. We will not apologize for taking actions that will allow people,

instead of hanging on the other end of the line, to get the service they require, responsiveness from government, and a public health care system that meets the needs of our patients in a timely

way.

Mr. Hampton: We have the McGuinty government that thinks if they holler loud enough, they can deny that they're in fact privatizing. In fact

Interjections .

The Speaker: Order. I need to be able to hear the leader of the third party. Order.

Leader of the third party.

Mr. Hampton: In fact, as I said earlier, this is just the latest episode. For example, soon after the election, you delisted eye exams,

chiropractic care and physiotherapy. That's privatization. You brought in privately, profit-driven, financed hospitals, something you say you used to detest. That's privatization. Now you're

ramming through your LHINs legislation, which will see hospital services sold off to cutthroat bidders. That's privatization. Instead of improving service at the Trillium drug program, you're

simply going to privatize the Trillium drug plan. That's privatization.

Again, Premier, I say to you, before you get on your high horse and rail against what might or might not happen in Alberta, something you have no control over,

will you stop your own privatization of the health care scheme in Ontario?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: There goes the honourable member from the riding who's got amnesia about his role. He wants to pretend that the Trillium

Health Centre and other hospitals in the province didn't see the outsourcing of services that occurred on his watch.

This is the big challenge with the honourable member. He can't make the distinction between those services that are clinical and those that are clerical. This

isn't about doctors. It's not about nurses or radiation technologists. It's not about the recipients of front-line health care services. It is about taking advantage of an opportunity to

dramatically enhance our customer service capacity by giving people a much more timely response to their requests for assistance from the Trillium drug plan, a plan that we're proud of. Unlike that

government that cut health care spending on drugs by $29 million in one year, we've increased it by $660 million. There's evidence of our commitment to a public health care system.

MINISTERIAL CONDUCT

Ms. Laurie Scott (Haliburton-Victoria-Brock): To the Minister of Transportation: Minister, yesterday your story evolved once again with your

interesting explanation behind your cellphone usage and when you used what phone. We've heard it was your phone you used. We've heard it was your wife's phone you used. Now we hear --

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Order. I need to be able to hear the questions being placed.

The member for Haliburton-Victoria-Brock.

Ms. Scott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'll try again.

The cellphone usage: We've heard it was your phone you used; we've heard it was your wife's phone you used. Now we hear that you all shared cellphones and, I

guess, cellphone numbers. Minister, your story changes with every day that passes. The story you gave the Integrity Commissioner no longer lines up with what you have told the media or us here in

the chamber. Why are you not being straight with Ontarians? Why will you not simply tell the truth about your behaviour that day and all the other times you visited your company?

Hon. Harinder S. Takhar (Minister of Transportation): Actually, I have been very straight and upfront with Ontarians. It's the

interpretation

by the member that keeps changing. From my point of view, this issue has been dealt with by the Integrity Commissioner, and I accept his recommendations.

Ms. Scott: When hearing your statements to the Integrity Commissioner and the press several months ago, you said that you have never gone to

Chalmers before and that you had no involvement in the company. However, yesterday you told the media that you would go there or went there when your wife needed help. You also boast about your

involvement in Chalmers in your campaign literature, magazine articles and on your website. Your good friend in front of you, Minister Pupatello, has referred to Chalmers as "the second home that

he built from scratch."

Again, Minister, why are you not being straight with Ontarians? Why are you continuing to change your story by the minute? What are you hiding?

Hon. Mr. Takhar: I think the member doesn't want to listen, doesn't want to read. But let me say this: I used to have the majority share in

this company. I used to be the president and the CEO of this company. I dropped my wife off every day in the morning, I picked her up every day in the evening, so I went twice to that company

before I got elected to this office. I have said this to the Integrity Commissioner; I have said this to everybody, if you care to listen. This issue has been dealt with, and from my point of view,

I accept that report and move on.

LOBBYISTS

Mr. Peter Kormos (Niagara Centre): I have a question to the Premier. Premier, you know one John Duffy. He's a high-ranking Liberal, and he's

your former strategic consultant. We last saw him when he was doing the federal talk show circuit, where he was threatening broadcasters and saying that parents spend child care money on beer and

popcorn. But he's got a new gig now: He's a high-priced lobbyist for Atomic Energy of Canada, a company lining up for some of that sweet $40 billion you want to waste on nuclear power.

First David MacNaughton and Bob Lopinski; now we've got John Duffy. Sir, how do you explain all these Liberal insiders lined up at the nuclear trough?

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

Hon. Donna H. Cansfield (Minister of Energy): Thank you very much for the question. I say to the member: I've never met Mr. Duffy.

Mr. Kormos: The Premier sure as heck has. He and Mr. Duffy are one tight pair. It's like Batman and Robin, if you will.

Premier, if pork-barrelling were an Olympic sport, the Liberal dream team of MacNaughton, Lopinski and Duffy would be in the gold. The Premier should know and

does know about the Portlands Energy Centre fiasco, where your energy minister short-circuited a bid process, handed a $700-million deal to OPG and TransCanada Pipelines. Who's lobbying for

TransCanada Pipelines? One J. Bradford Nixon, Ontario Liberal MPP from 1987 to 1990, former executive director to the leader of the Liberal Party, long-time donor to the McGuinty Liberals.

Premier, you promised to put the public interest before political insiders and Liberal cronies. How do you explain this?

Hon. Mrs. Cansfield: I find this a little amusing. I think it's a bit of a double standard, since I understand that there is a member from the

third party who actually invited Mr. Lopinski to their fundraiser. So I rest my case.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): New question. The member for Chatham-Kent Essex.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Order. The member for Chatham-Kent Essex is attempting to ask a question.

Mr. Pat Hoy (Chatham-Kent Essex): Thank you, Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Economic Development and Trade. International Truck

and Engine Corp., which has a production plant in my riding of Chatham-Kent Essex, has highly skilled workers making an excellent product. This plant is one of the largest employers in the area and

is a vital part of our local economy. The plant was threatened by closure, but government action helped to secure the plant's future in Chatham-Kent.

Minister, can you provide us with an update on International Truck and how our government's investment in strengthening the heavy truck manufacturing industry

is progressing?

Hon. Joseph Cordiano (Minister of Economic Development and Trade): Let me thank the member for this question; it's an important one. I might

say that International Truck has invested $270 million to expand its manufacturing operations in Chatham. This is good news for Ontario. Our government invested $32 million to ensure that this

would take place, that the jobs there would be secure. In fact, hundreds of jobs have been secured -- almost 1,200 jobs. Now there's the good news that an additional 500 jobs are to be created as a

result of the success of this investment.

Mr. Hoy: Minister, it is good to hear that our investment in International Truck helped leverage this new product. Investments like these show

how serious our government is in making Ontario the manufacturing centre of North America. However, Minister, as manufacturers such as International Truck face stiff competition and a high Canadian

dollar, what else is our government doing to work with the manufacturing sector as some of them restructure through this period?

Hon. Mr. Cordiano: I'd like to thank the member once again. This is very important, because what we're doing with respect to the manufacturing

sector is acknowledging that there is a transition taking place with respect to the restructuring that's going on. As a result of that, we've announced a $500-million loan program which is centred

on advanced manufacturing. Our strategy is to ensure that advanced manufacturing is going to take hold in Ontario; that we make Ontario the advanced manufacturing centre for North America.

You already know about the good news in the auto sector: Almost $6 billion of new investment has resulted from our strategy there; $30 billion in additional

infrastructure spending that this government has committed to; a $6.2-billion investment in post-secondary education, and the list goes on -- capping energy rates for large industrials. This

government is investing in Ontario's future. I think there is success that's coming around.

TAXATION

Mr. Tim Hudak (Erie-Lincoln): A question to the Minister of Finance: I want to call your attention to Mr. Dave Diplock, a resident of

Sherkston, who has joined us in the assembly today. Mr. Diplock is retired and living on a fixed income. Mr. Diplock's assessment has increased from $187,000 in the 2003 taxation year to almost

$350,000 in 2005. Minister, that represents an 86% increase. What do you have to say to beleaguered Ontario taxpayers like Dave Diplock, and what are you prepared to do to address skyrocketing

property assessments across the province of Ontario?

Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Finance, Chair of the Management Board of Cabinet): First of all, I'd like to welcome the individual to the

House and acknowledge his presence and his concern. I think it's shared by all of us.

I would like to point out that the legislation in place was, in fact, introduced and voted on by Mr. Hudak's party. I'd like to also suggest that Mr. Hudak is

attempting to convey the notion that they can somehow not deal with the whole question of market value assessment, which is frankly not accurate.

There are a number of challenges. I'm looking forward to the Ombudsman's report. We have a group of our caucus that has been looking at this as well. We

acknowledge the concerns of the individual, and there have been concerns from many people. The one thing we're not going to do -- seven pieces of legislation in eight years -- we are not going to

just try and get a quick fix to score some political points at the expense of messing the system up more. We take into account the concerns that the individual raised, as well as many others, and

we look forward to a fulsome response and discussion --

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

Mr. Hudak: I think what people like Mr. Diplock can appreciate is one piece of legislation in the three years that you've had. The third year

in government, and this issue continues to accelerate: rising property tax assessments across the province of Ontario. This is the third year of your government, and taxpayers want an answer.

They're facing higher taxes, they're facing higher energy costs, they're facing higher user fees, and they're facing home heating costs going through the roof, all in Dalton McGuinty's Ontario.

I think the minister very well knows that the Ombudsman had received over 3,500 complaints this year in Dalton McGuinty's Ontario about skyrocketing property

assessments. So I say to the minister: What do you say to Mr. Diplock; what do you say to Peter Steele from outside of Parry Sound, Ontario, who sees his assessment go up 350%? You've had three

years; surely you can bring forward a bill and help out beleaguered taxpayers --

The Speaker: The question has been asked. Minister.

Hon. Dwight Duncan: The first thing I would say is that this government raised the property tax credit for seniors from $500 to $625, an

increase of 25%, and you voted against it. You didn't support it. You had a chance, and you voted against it. That's the first thing I would say.

I would also like to acknowledge Mr. Hudak's comments in today's St. Catharines Standard. He acknowledged -- and this is from the St. Catharines Standard, so

it must be accurate -- that the problem "is an unexpected result of the legislation his fellow Conservatives pushed through under then-Premier Mike Harris." The only point I would differ with him

on is that we warned him about this problem not in one piece of legislation, not in two, not in three, four, five or six, but in seven.

This government will fix the problem. We'll do it right, and we won't harm seniors --

Interjections.

The Speaker: Order. Stop the clock. Members are waiting to ask questions. New question.

NATIONAL CHILD BENEFIT SUPPLEMENT

Ms. Andrea Horwath (Hamilton East): I have a very simple question for the Premier. The federal government has announced that starting July 1,

they're going to pay $1,200 to every family with a child less than seven years of age. Will the McGuinty government today commit that none of the federal money will be clawed back from families

receiving support from the Ontario disabilities support program or the Ontario Works program?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): Let me take the opportunity to talk about a very important plan that we

have in place to enhance quality child care for the people of Ontario. It's called Best Start. We worked long and hard with the previous federal government to ensure that we had the necessary

funding to bring 25,000 new spaces to the people of Ontario. I wish the member opposite would have encouraged Jack Layton, before he had that election put in place, to take the necessary steps to

ensure that we had the protection for that particular program. That would have been in the interest of the people of Ontario.

I ask the member opposite if she will join us and make common cause as we urge, encourage and do everything we possibly can to have Prime Minister Harper

continue to support a program that 25,000 Ontario families continue to count on.

Ms. Horwath: I certainly didn't hear a commitment from the Premier that they're not going to claw back that money, so I fear we're going to go

around this whole circle again: clawing back federal money from the Ontarians who are most in need. Nothing demonstrates the attitude of the McGuinty government more clearly than its broken promise

to stop clawing back federal money for the most vulnerable people in the national child benefit.

If you really want to tackle child poverty in this province as you claim, when are you going to have the courage to keep your promise not only on the national

child benefit but ensuring that that $1,200 goes to the children who most need it?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: The member really should take a look at the history of our party. We will not be clawing back that money, to be perfectly

clear in that regard. That's not the real issue; the issue is whether or not that member and her party and this party here are prepared to make common cause. In particular, I ask Mr. Tory this: Is

he prepared to make common cause on behalf of the people of Ontario?

I can tell you this is a very important issue to our families, but particularly to young working women who are doing their best to get out into the world and

to earn an income but they can't do so at present because we don't have in place the necessary infrastructure of good, quality daycare for our children.

This is an important issue and I ask both parties opposite if they might not join our party and ensure that Prime Minister Harper understands that when it

comes to this issue, we are together: We want quality daycare for Ontario families.

INJURED WORKERS

Mr. Tony Ruprecht (Davenport): I have a question for the Minister of Labour. Every day, Ontarians cope with a silent and painful disorder that

interferes not only with their ability to work but also with their ability to enjoy life. This disorder has many names -- musculoskeletal disorder, repetitive strain injury and ergonomic-related

injury.

Musculoskeletal disorders, MSDs, are injuries that can develop as a result of the cumulative effect of repetitive, stressful and awkward movements on bones,

joints, ligaments and other soft tissues. Some 42% of all lost-time injuries recorded by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board are ergonomically related. This is an unacceptable number. The

costs associated with this disorder are far too high, in terms of both human suffering and lost productivity.

Minister, what are you doing as Minister of Labour to ensure that Ontario's workers are protected from ergonomic-related injuries and other musculoskeletal

disorders?

Hon. Steve Peters (Minister of Labour): I want to acknowledge the member from Davenport for bringing this issue forward, because we do need to

acknowledge the human suffering out there: in 2003 alone, over 40,000 musculoskeletal injuries in this province, an economic cost in 2003 of over $1 billion. That's significant to the business of

this province.

We know this is an injury that is taking a tremendous toll on not only humans but business as well. We need to do everything that we can, together, to move

forward in developing a strategy to deal with ergonomic-related injuries in this province, to prevent pain and suffering of our workers, and to deal with those direct costs to employers.

Last year, in recognition of Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day, a committee was struck to look at this issue. Both business and labour were part of this

committee, and I want to thank my parliamentary assistant for his work with that committee. They have brought forth a number of good recommendations that we can look at as a ministry to deal with

short-, medium --

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

Mr. Ruprecht: Mr. Minister, it is really gratifying to see that this issue of repetitive strain injury is being taken seriously by our

government.

We all know individuals who suffer from the effects of RSI. The numbers are too high. However, we expect you to do more. I understand that the economics

subcommittee presented recommendations to you back in September. Are you able to tell us today what recommendations the panel made, and have you taken action in any of these recommendations?

Hon. Mr. Peters: Thanks again, to the member from Davenport. I think we've clearly demonstrated as a government that health and safety is a

number one priority for the Ministry of Labour, and I think we should all be extremely proud of that.

Some of the recommendations that came forward from the ergonomics subcommittee included raising awareness about ergonomic-related issues, better tracking of

ergonomic-related inspections and increasing ergonomics expertise.

In January of this year, the Ministry of Labour launched the Pains and Strains campaign to raise employer and worker awareness of ergonomic issues in a very

simple and straightforward manner. By targeting workplace strains and pains, we're protecting Ontario workers and strengthening the economy of this province.

We'll also be giving our health and safety inspectors -- and I think this is extremely important -- advanced ergonomics training so that they can raise

awareness of ergonomic-related issues. We continue to work with our health and safety partners, and we count on the support of all as we move forward. Reducing injury rates reduces human

suffering.

WOODSTOCK GENERAL HOSPITAL

Mr. Ernie Hardeman (Oxford): My question is to the Premier. Just after the federal election, you made reference to the newly elected

government, stating that you believed the new Prime Minister wouldn't work against the province that mostly backed Liberal candidates. In fact, you suggested the new Prime Minister should honour

agreements that the former government had agreed to.

Premier, how is it that you feel federal governments should honour contracts approved by the previous government, yet you don't seem to hold yourself to the

same standard? The people of Woodstock have been waiting for two and a half years for your government to give final approval for the new Woodstock General Hospital.

Premier, can you assure the people in my riding that you are not punishing them for not voting Liberal and prove it by giving final approval for the Woodstock

General Hospital so we can go to tender?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): Speaker, to the Minister of Health.

Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): It would have been more refreshing if the honourable member repeated the

things that he's actually said in his community, which was a recognition that the policies adopted by your party on this file -- Mr. Tory has confirmed this as well to the community of Cornwall --

were such that you advanced the strategy of rubber cheques, where you ran all around Ontario. What I'm proud of is working alongside that minister, the Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal,

and that our government is making an investment in health care infrastructure that is greater than the last five governments of this province added together.

On the issue of Woodstock, I will speak to it more directly to the honourable member in his supplementary.

Mr. Ted Arnott (Waterloo-Wellington): I hope there isn't a pattern emerging here whereby ridings held by government members have their

hospital development approvals fast-tracked, and communities that are represented by opposition MPPs are at the back of the line.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Order. We're forgetting that I really need to be able to hear a member ask a question and that the member

deserves the respect of the Legislature as he asks that question.

Mr. Arnott: In Waterloo-Wellington, the Groves Memorial Community Hospital has been waiting two years for approval from the Minister of Health

so that hospital staff can move forward with planning for its redevelopment, even though some $15 million has been raised by the local community for the project. My question to the Premier is this:

Why is the government he leads taking two years to give approval to allow our hospital to proceed with this needed hospital redevelopment planning?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: If the honourable member speaks to the person to his left, Mr. Garfield Dunlop, he will find out about a hospital project

just being completed and about a new MRI. If he speaks to the gentleman in front of him, he'll hear about a new project in Almonte. If he goes one to the left, he'll hear about a project in

Richmond Hill. If he goes forward and two to the left, he'll hear of a project in Kitchener. If he goes two to his left, he'll hear about a project in Newmarket. If he goes one back and to his

left, he'll hear about progress in Cambridge. If he goes over to the member from Oshawa, he'll hear about the new regional cancer centre that's coming to life. If he goes to talk to the member for

Renfrew, he'll hear about the project in Arnprior.

The reality is that under our government, we're moving forward with the most aggressive expansion of health care infrastructure -- five governments added

together. The honourable member, if he was just a little more refreshing and a little more transparent, would acknowledge to this House and to the people in his community that it was the policy of

his party to run around the province of Ontario and create expectations which no one could possibly meet --

The Speaker: Thank you, Minister.

Mr. Arnott: On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: After that disgraceful answer, I'm going to be asking for a late show.

The Speaker: I want to make this clear: We have had a number of members stand up over the last few days and talk about the standing order that

speaks to late shows. If you are going to stand up on a point of order, it is very clear in that standing order that, if you choose to do so, you make that at the completion of oral questions. I'll

repeat that: At the completion of oral questions is the appropriate time to make that announcement.

FIRST NATIONS

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): My question is for the Premier. One year ago, with much fanfare and self-congratulation, your

government announced a new approach to aboriginal affairs. You said, "Our new approach calls for working with aboriginal people."

Recently, the chief in council of the Big Trout Lake First Nation informed your government officials that they were opposed to a mining exploration company

conducting drilling operations in the First Nation's traditional territory without your government first consulting with the First Nation. Instead of your government consulting with the people of

Big Trout Lake First Nation, you gave the mining exploration company the go-ahead to begin drilling in the First Nation's traditional lands, and when the people of the First Nation protested this,

you sent in the OPP.

Premier, can you tell aboriginal people across this province, what happened to your promise to work with aboriginal people? What happened to your specific

promise to respect and observe your legal obligations in respect of aboriginal people?

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

Hon. Rick Bartolucci (Minister of Northern Development and Mines): In incidents like this, it is always good to ensure that the facts that are

given are facts that can be substantiated. Let me tell you that my ministry has been in contact with both the First Nations community and the company in question. We are very happy that the company

has chosen to vacate the site and that police levels have returned to normal.

Mr. Hampton: This is not about the company; this is about your promise to consult with First Nations. This is about the Mikisew Supreme Court

of Canada decision, which says that before you're going to build a winter road on traditional First Nation territory, before allowing a mining company access to their traditional territory, you

must consult with the First Nation about their legitimate interests and rights. You didn't consult with the First Nation; you simply gave this mining company the go-ahead to go into their

traditional territory and start drilling, and when people protested, in go the OPP.

I'll tell you, Minister, a chief of NAN and the chief of Big Trout Lake First Nation want to know when the McGuinty government is going to start observing the

law of Canada as set down by the Supreme Court of Canada. When are you going to start observing the promise that you specifically made a year ago to First Nations to respect not only their

constitutional rights, their treaty rights and their legal rights --

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): The question has been asked. The Minister of Northern Development and Mines.

Hon. Mr. Bartolucci: There's absolutely no question that our government is committed, through the Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs,

to meet our legal obligations with the duty to consult. Ontario is preparing draft consultation guidelines to assist ministries in fulfilling that consultation, and that's being done through the

minister responsible and through OSAA.

Let me tell you that when it comes to mining issues, we've very clearly spelled out in our mineral development strategy that the duty to consult will be lived

up to as to the Mikisew Supreme Court ruling.

WATER QUALITY

Mr. Lou Rinaldi (Northumberland): My question is to the Minister of the Environment. Landowners and farmers in my predominantly rural riding

have expressed concerns to me that the proposed Clean Water Act legislation may fail to recognize the realities of rural watershed protection. How can we assure the landowners and farmers in my

riding of Northumberland and indeed in all of rural Ontario that they will be listened to during the creation of the watershed-based source protection plan?

Hon. Laurel C. Broten (Minister of the Environment): I want to thank the member for the question. I think it is important for rural Ontarians

to understand that they have a lot of advocates in our government raising issues with respect to the realities of life in rural and agricultural Ontario, among them the minister herself, but

certainly the member for Northumberland is a vocal member of our caucus.

Rural communities know how important clean water is and are a leader in water protection. The proposed Clean Water Act builds on the great work they've already

done in rural communities right across this province. Agriculture and rural stakeholders were directly involved in helping to develop the proposed act and to ensure that it does not duplicate or

conflict with the requirements of managing nutrients. The proposed Clean Water Act would give communities the tools they need to develop and implement local plans to protect vulnerable drinking

water. Many of those issues can be addressed through existing activities such as environmental farm plans or new and voluntary partnerships, but we also need risk-management plans, and those

risk-management plans will recognize the realities of on-farm initiatives dealing with both nutrient management and environmental farm plans.

Mr. Rinaldi: That's great, Minister. I wonder if you can expand a little bit. Landowners in my riding have come forward to me personally --

and I've subsequently written to you and they've written to you directly -- with numerous questions and concerns about the Clean Water Act and landowner rights. How are landowner rights protected

under the Clean Water Act?

Hon. Ms. Broten: I think it's very critical. I had an opportunity to speak to this issue recently at ROMA meetings. One thing I wanted to make

clear to Ontarians across this province is that if a municipal or conservation authority source protection agent has to come on your farm, they will be fully trained in the appropriate biosecurity

protocol. The first thing they will do is knock on your door and seek permission to come on to your land. We understand it is critical for farming operations across this province to have safe

procedures in place, and we will recognize those procedures. Anyone coming to deal with the Clean Water Act will appreciate and acknowledge that importance by knocking on your door as their first

step.

LANDFILL

Mr. Norman W. Sterling (Lanark-Carleton): I also have a question for the Minister of the Environment. This question relates to the Carp

landfill site, in the west part of Ottawa, operated by the Waste Management of Canada Corp. This site has been operating for 30 years, and is slated to close in four. I have driven by this mountain

of garbage thousands of times, with the windows of my car firmly closed. Over the past 20 years --

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Come on. Order.

Interjections.

The Speaker: We can wait.

The member for Lanark-Carleton.

Mr. Sterling: This is a very serious matter for my constituents, and the people of Stittsville in particular, in Mr. Baird's riding. Over the

past 20 years, the population of this area has exploded. Many, many more subdivisions have been approved which are very, very close to this particular site. In January, this waste management

corporation put forward a proposal to more than double the capacity of this landfill site to provide landfill room for Ottawa, part of eastern Ontario and some communities in the province of

Quebec. Minister, don't you agree that this community has done their fair share in accepting the rest of eastern Ontario's garbage in the past, and will you put a stop to this proposal now?

Hon. Laurel C. Broten (Minister of the Environment): I want to assure the member that I take the issues that are being raised in this

community very seriously. I understand that, at present, the company has expressed its desire to complete an individual EA for its proposal to expand the landfill. My ministry believes that the

size of the company's proposed expansion would warrant an individual EA.

To proceed with an individual EA, we will have to have terms of reference and opportunity for the community to come forward and raise a number of important

issues. The process is just beginning. In that process, the community will have an opportunity to raise the many issues that I understand are currently being raised in the community with respect to

the future of waste management in this area and how they will manage on a going-forward basis. So I do think it is an important issue. My ministry will be paying very close attention.

Mr. Sterling: Your involvement and discretion with regard to what will take place in the future is greatest at this moment. After May 12, you

will be receiving an application to approve the terms of reference for the environmental assessment to take place. Mr. Eli El-Chantiry and Janet Stavinga, both councillors in the city of Ottawa,

have firmly stated their opinion against the location of the landfill at this particular site. Mayor Bob Chiarelli, in yesterday's Ottawa Citizen, said that it is necessary to look at every

possible option to deal with waste, including expansion, incineration and the possibility of using other sites for landfill. Will you ensure that the terms of reference are as wide as possible, and

will include these alternatives that the city of Ottawa wants included in the terms of reference?

Hon. Ms. Broten: You're quite right that I would have to approve the company's terms of reference for the individual EA before it would begin.

For the individual EA to proceed, the company would have to evaluate alternatives to its proposed undertaking -- which is what the member is asking for -- identify the potential impacts on human

health and the natural and socio-economic environments, demonstrate that it undertook public consultation and identified any concerns, and propose satisfactory solutions to address those concerns.

There is nothing which prohibits anyone from seeking the province's approval with respect to a number of alternatives coming forward, but I do need to be clear, as Minister of the Environment:

Those alternatives have to be clean, and they can't discourage the use of waste reduction, reuse and recycling.

FOREST INDUSTRY

Mr. Gilles Bisson (Timmins-James Bay): My question is to the Minister of Natural Resources.

Minister, you will know that the forest industry is in a very difficult situation. In fact, most of the companies, including Tembec, are pretty cash-strapped

and are having to sell assets in order to raise cash to pay some of their bills. You will know that on the Gordon Cosens forest in the Kapuskasing area, the Moonbeam area, there is a plan by Tembec

to sell 76,000 hectares of private land. Seeing what happened just recently in northwestern Ontario with Abitibi, where you allowed an American company to buy 196,000 hectares, what are you

prepared to do now and to say in this House today that will make sure, if that land is sold, that it is bought by MNR and that the timber be made available to the local logging companies?

Hon. David Ramsay (Minister of Natural Resources, minister responsible for aboriginal affairs): The company, about three months ago, gave us a

heads-up that it was their intention to sell this asset. I've had a full briefing on this. Those lands look very interesting to us -- obviously a very important source of timber supply for

northeastern Ontario. We are in discussions with the company and getting information from them as to what process they want to embark upon in this. At the moment, while we haven't made a final

decision, we're very cognizant of this and are prepared to work with the company to a successful conclusion.

Mr. Bisson: I know as a fact that there are a number of individuals who are interested in purchasing that 76,000 hectares of land and have

gone to take a look and are starting to kick the tires. Your ministry has got to be there, ready to say, "We will purchase that land and bring it back into the crown so that we can make that timber

available." There are four and a half million conifer trees in that forest. There are a million and a half aspen trees in that forest, trees that can be used in local mills.

I'm going to say to you now that you got the heads-up three months ago. We're asking you today: Are you prepared to commit, in this House, that, should that

land be sold, MNR will be the buyer and those trees will be made available to the local mills?

Hon. Mr. Ramsay: Our officials are very much aware of this land. In fact, up until about six years ago, this was crown land. It was involved

in a swap as part of the previous government's Lands for Life exercise. So we're very familiar with this property. It is very valuable timber. We certainly value the availability of that timber to

our resources in northeastern Ontario, and are involved in the process.

MINIMUM WAGE

Mr. Peter Fonseca (Mississauga East): My question is for the Minister of Labour. We recently announced the third increase to the minimum wage

in just three years. That makes three times that this government has increased the minimum wage since it took office. This is an even more remarkable achievement given that the previous government

chose to freeze the minimum wage for nine long years, creating hardship and denying support for those most vulnerable. But wait, there's more --

Interjections.

Mr. Fonseca: Yes, more. The same time next year, there will be yet another increase, raising Ontario's minimum wage to $8 per hour, in line

with the highest rates in the country.

Minister, please explain to those who decry any raise in the minimum wage why this government chose to show compassion rather than contempt for low-income

earners.

Hon. Steve Peters (Minister of Labour): I thank the honourable member for the question. We made a promise and we kept that promise. For too

long in this province, some of our most vulnerable people had not had a raise in the minimum wage. The previous Tories ignored vulnerable people in this province. We're committed to looking after

some of the most vulnerable people in this province because we want to allow low-income earners to share in the wealth that is being created by Ontarians in this province. As well, though, we

recognize the need for responsible implementation. That's why we made the commitment to phase it in over a four-year period.

The Dalton McGuinty government believes in the people of this province. We believe in investing in our people, and we want to make sure that our most

vulnerable are looked after. That's why this investment is being made. It was the right thing to do, and I'm proud that we've continued on with this.

PETITIONS

TAXATION

Mr. Tim Hudak (Erie-Lincoln): I'm pleased to present a petition on behalf of concerned citizens of Sherkston about property assessment growth.

It reads as follows:

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas the rural community of Sherkston, of the city of Port Colborne, in the Niagara region, sponsored two community meetings regarding the sharply higher

market value for their homes; and

"Whereas in Ontario, many young families and seniors find it a financial hardship; and

"Whereas we, the taxpayers, are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet, with increasing hydro rates, higher gasoline prices, a new health tax and

virtually all costs of running a home and caring for a family; and

"Whereas another tax hike by way of a property tax increase due to spikes in property assessment is unacceptable; and

"Whereas, due to these tax increases in Ontario, many working families and seniors will be forced out of their homes and the community that they love; and

"Whereas the erosion of working families' and seniors' income has become a landslide;

"We, the undersigned, request the province of Ontario to immediately provide relief and remedy to working families and seniors who are hit hard by these

unacceptable spikes in the likely property tax increases to come; and

That the province of Ontario be requested to end its continued downloading of provincial programs and use of municipal property tax dollars for the

subsidization of provincial health and social services programs; and

That the provincial government work with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario to develop a plan to begin the uploading of provincial program costs back

to where they belong.

"We, the undersigned, respectfully petition the Parliament of Ontario to acknowledge our requests and treat citizens of Ontario fairly."

I thank Cathy Diplock and the hard-working volunteers in Sherkston, and I sign it in support.

LOCAL HEALTH

INTEGRATION NETWORKS

Ms. Shelley Martel (Nickel Belt): I have a petition that has been signed by hundreds of people from Toronto. It reads as follows:

"Whereas Bill 36, the Local Health System Integration Act, 2006, is currently before the Legislative Assembly and may be passed by March 2; and

"Whereas the bill would lead to the transformation of our public health system; and

"Whereas there are serious concerns in our community about the potential impact of this transformation concerning access to health care services, public

delivery of services and central control of local health care services; and

"Whereas there should be broad public understanding of this transformation before enacting such fundamental change; and

"Whereas there is no such broad public understanding;

"Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to delay passage of this bill to allow for wider public consultation to ensure a

broad public understanding of the transformation that is proposed."

I agree with the petitioners. I have affixed my signature to this.

CHILD CARE

Mr. Tony Ruprecht (Davenport): I have a petition here that is headed, "The Need for More Daycare Spaces for Ontarians." It reads as

follows:

"To the Parliament of Ontario:

"Whereas there is a well-documented need for daycare spaces in the province of Ontario;

expanding daycare spaces for Canadians;

"Therefore" and finally, "we, the undersigned citizens, call on the newly elected federal Canadian government to live up to the signed agreement between the

Since I agree, I'm delighted to sign this petition.

FREDERICK BANTING HOMESTEAD

Mr. John O'Toole (Durham): It's my pleasure to present a petition here that I've been waiting anxiously to present.

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

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

"Whereas this great Canadian's original homestead, located in the town of New Tecumseth, is deteriorating and in danger of destruction because of the inaction

of the Ontario Historical Society; and

"Whereas the town of New Tecumseth has been unsuccessful in reaching an agreement with the Ontario Historical Society to use part of the land to educate the

public about the historical significance of the work of Sir Frederick Banting;

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

"That the Minister of Culture endorse Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson's private member's bill entitled the Frederick Banting Homestead Preservation Act so that the

homestead is kept in good repair and preserved for generations to come."

I'm pleased to sign this and endorse it on behalf of Jim Wilson and the people of his riding.

CHILD CARE

Mr. Khalil Ramal (London-Fanshawe): "To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas provinces and territories negotiated agreements with the federal government to ensure Canadians would have access to early learning and child care

programs that are high quality, affordable, universally inclusive and developmental;

"Whereas parents in Ontario have demonstrated a h