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April 4, 2016

41st Parliament, 1st Session

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Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcripts 2016-Apr-04 (PDF)

L154 - Mon 4 Apr 2016 / Lun 4 avr 2016

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO

Monday 4 April 2016 Lundi 4 avril 2016

Introduction of Visitors

Oral Questions

Fundraising

Fundraising

Fundraising

Fundraising

Fundraising

Fundraising

Fundraising

Fundraising

Student achievement

Fundraising

Fundraising

Electric and automated vehicles

Fundraising

Fundraising

Economic development

Fundraising

Fundraising

Domestic violence

Fundraising

Fundraising

Members’ Statements

Rob Ford

Autism treatment

Organ and tissue donation

Highway improvement

Health care funding

Community awards

Canadian Dairy XPO

Public Heroes Awards

Grandview Children’s Centre

Reports by Committees

Standing Committee on Justice Policy / Comité permanent de la justice

Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs

Standing Committee on Regulations and Private Bills

Introduction of Bills

Municipal Elections Modernization Act, 2016 / Loi de 2016 sur la modernisation des élections municipales

Ontario Down Syndrome Day Act, 2016 / Loi de 2016 sur la Journée ontarienne de la trisomie 21

Petitions

Rural schools

Autism treatment

Sexual violence and harassment

Hydro dam

Child care

Elder abuse

Special-needs students

Ontario Drug Benefit Program

Water fluoridation

Alzheimer’s disease

Special-needs students

Orders of the Day

Supporting Ontario’s Trails Act, 2016 / Loi de 2016 sur le soutien aux sentiers de l’Ontario

The House met at 1030.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Good morning. Please join me in prayer.

Prayers.

Introduction of Visitors

Mr. Jagmeet Singh: I ask all members of the House to join me in welcoming—it’s a great honour to actually welcome them—two artists known as the Singh Twins, who are here from the UK. They’re world-renowned artists. I’d first like to introduce them and ask them to stand: Dr. Amrit Kumari Dhigpal Kaur Singh, MBE, and Dr. Rabindra Kumari Dhigpal Kaur Singh, MBE, are joining us today.

I also ask you to join me in welcoming their relative Balvinder Kaur Singh, who is also here; I ask you to stand as well. My brother, Gurratan Singh, is here as well.

In addition, we also have page captain Amelia Naidoo’s family, who is here today. I ask you also to join me in welcoming her mother, Leila Puran Naidoo; father, Mervin Naidoo; sister, Megan Naidoo; grandmother Sarah Naidoo; grandfather Sunny Naidoo; and aunt Patsy Puran. They’re all here in the members’ gallery. I ask you all to stand and ask everyone to join me in welcoming them as well.

Mr. Percy Hatfield: I’d like to introduce the president of the Windsor district chamber of commerce. Matt Marchand is in the building today and has asked us all to join with the chamber at a reception later on this afternoon.

Hon. Kevin Daniel Flynn: Our page captain today is Harry Blackwell. He’s joined today by his mom, Sally Blackwell; his dad, Geoff Blackwell; and his grandmother Pam Kay. They’re in the public gallery this morning. Please give them a warm Queen’s Park welcome.

Mr. Todd Smith: They haven’t arrived yet, Mr. Speaker, but I’d like to welcome the mayor of Prince Edward county, Robert Quaiff, and one of his councillors from South Marysburgh ward—also in Prince Edward county—Steve Ferguson, to the Legislature for question period this morning.

Mr. Jagmeet Singh: I also have some guests here from PAMA, which is one of the jewels of Brampton. It’s a museum and art gallery and archive. We have Erin Fernandes and Stephen Weir, who are also here in the gallery. Please join me in welcoming them.

Oral Questions

Fundraising

Mr. Patrick Brown: My question is for the Premier. Does the Premier believe that it’s appropriate for ministers to fundraise from stakeholders with active files from within their respective ministries: yes or no? Is that conduct appropriate?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I do appreciate the member opposite’s new-found interest in this issue. I think we can all agree that there’s a need to raise money in order to campaign and to fund the democratic process. I’ve been clear about that publicly, Mr. Speaker.

Our government plans on introducing legislation—I have said in the fall, but we’re going to introduce that legislation in the spring. I believe we can agree that this is an important issue and there needs—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you.

Finish, please.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: In fact, I had announced last June that we were committed to making further changes. We will introduce legislation this spring. I have responded to the letters of the opposition leaders. I have asked them to come and meet with me, to join with me to give some input into that legislation, and I look forward to that—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. The member from Prince Edward–Hastings will come to order.

Supplementary?

Mr. Patrick Brown: Mr. Speaker, back to the Premier: I’m not asking about future conversations the Premier may have around election financing reform and whether she’s actually interested or not, whether it’s sincere or not. What I’m asking about is the conduct of her ministers.

My question is this: As leader of the Ontario Liberal Party, did the Premier allow these fundraising targets, and does she still believe they are appropriate? Is it appropriate for members of the Premier’s cabinet to have fundraising targets?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member—thank you. Stop the clock. The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, come to order.

Please.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: There has been a set of rules in place that every party in this Legislature has followed. We have followed—

Mr. John Yakabuski: But you’re the government. You are the one who can actually change the rules—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke, come to order. I’ve now decided I’m going to go after those individuals who have decided they’re just going to chirp because they feel like it. Thank you.

Carry on.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: As I’ve said, Mr. Speaker, I have invited both party leaders to join me for a meeting within the next few days to discuss important issues and to give input into legislation that we’ll bring forward this spring. I want to give leaders time to consult with their respective parties so that their feedback and input can be reflected in the legislation that we introduce. That legislation will be debated—

Mr. Todd Smith: Six thousand dollars a chair.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Prince Edward–Hastings, second time. I’ll move to warnings now.

Carry on.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: That legislation will be debated publicly. It will go through the committee process and there will be opportunities for the opposition and the public to participate. I would ask the members opposite to share their ideas with Ontarians and with the Legislature. We’re committed to, especially, the intention to transition to a ban on corporate and union donations—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. Final supplementary?

Mr. Patrick Brown: Back to the Premier: Does the Premier acknowledge that setting fundraising targets for cabinet ministers forces them to fundraise from stakeholders with active files within their respective ministries? It is impossible to avoid that ethical contradiction. Will the Premier do something about this?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Again, I go back to my initial comment, which is that I think everyone in this Legislature agrees that there is a need to raise money in order to run campaigns. I don’t think anyone would believe that only the wealthy should be able to run for office. There has to be a contribution and participation by other people and other organizations in fundraising.

There has been a set of rules in place. We have determined, and some time ago, that there need to be changes. We have started to make changes—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The Minister of the Environment and Climate Change is warned. The member from Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke is warned.

Carry on.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: In fact, Mr. Speaker, we’ve already undertaken initiatives to make elections more accountable and transparent. In 2007, we introduced third-party advertising rules for the first time and introduced real-time disclosure for political donations which, as the member will know, other provinces are just catching up with.

We know there need to be further changes. I look forward to the input from the opposition.

Fundraising

Mr. Patrick Brown: My question is for the Premier. Mr. Speaker, has a stakeholder with active files before any ministry been asked or made to feel obligated by the Premier, a minister, a member of her staff or a member of the Ontario Liberal Party to the raise funds for the Ontario Liberal Party in order to obtain a meeting, an approval or a policy change? Yes or no?

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Stop the clock. The member from Newmarket–Aurora is warned.

Carry on.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: The exchanges that I have with Ontarians all across the province, whether in a fundraising context or not, are about gleaning the best ideas that we can so that we can write policy in government that reflects the needs of the people of Ontario. That is the intention and that is the sole purpose for my exchanges, the exchanges of my members—

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Stormont–Dundas–South Glengarry is warned.

Finish, please.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: If you look at some of the major—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): If you do not understand my resolve, it’s very clear: Stop heckling.

Carry on.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. As I said publicly this past week, if you look at many of the major initiatives that we have undertaken in this House—whether it’s increasing the minimum wage, the Poverty Reduction Strategy, the investments in personal support workers, early childhood educators and developmental support workers—those are initiatives that have taken place because of feedback that we’ve heard from people around the province. It has absolutely nothing to do with anything other than—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. Supplementary?

Mr. Patrick Brown: Back to the Premier: That was a lot of spin and talk for a yes or no question.

I will be more specific. On December 7, the Ministers of Finance and Energy took

part in a fundraising dinner hosted by the people who ran the sale of Hydro One. Much of the Hydro One syndicate was in attendance—a syndicate that made over $29 million from the sale of Hydro One. Further to that, the dinner raised a reported $165,000 for the Liberal Party. That seems to me like a thank-you dinner.

Mr. Speaker, did the ministers pressure the companies to host—

Hon. Brad Duguid: That’s innuendo. That is absolute innuendo.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure is warned.

Carry on.

Mr. Patrick Brown: Mr. Speaker, the other side appears sensitive in the face of facts.

Did the ministers pressure the companies to host and attend this dinner in exchange for being given the right to sell Hydro One—a bad deal, by the way, for the people of Ontario.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Be seated, please. Thank you.

Premier?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: As I have said many times, the sole purpose of interacting with people in the province—and my experience of fundraising is that many of the people who give money to one party actually give money to all the parties. I assume that those conversations we have about policy are the same conversations that the opposition parties would want to have, so that they can be informed by the expertise of people who are in the field. I assume that that is the reality on the other side of the House. That is certainly the reality on this side of the House.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Final supplementary?

Mr. Patrick Brown: Back to the Premier: Since I can’t get an answer on the thank-you dinner from the Hydro One sale, let’s talk about the overpayment for renewable energy, energy that could have been produced at a much lower rate if they did not hand out 20-year contracts to their Liberal friends at an additional cost of $9.2 billion to the people of Ontario. Consequently, it seems that wind company after wind company donates to the Liberal Party coffers every year.

Did any of these companies that received wind contracts just happen to attend the $6,000-a-plate dinner with the Minister of Energy on March 10—yes or no? Did the individuals who received contracts attend that dinner?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: The member opposite can get lists of who donates to our party in real time, Mr. Speaker. Those lists are available.

I look forward to the policy initiative on this from the other side of the House that suggests that what we should do is bring back coal in this province and suggests that somehow renewable energy and a clean energy grid is not in the best interests of—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Order. Thank you.

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): I’m not waiting for the last person to say something.

Finish, please.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I would just say to the Leader of the Opposition that if that’s not the plan and he doesn’t approve of what we have done in terms of a clean electricity grid, I would suggest that he tell us that he’s not going to bring back coal and that is not the agenda that he is going to put forward.

Fundraising

Ms. Andrea Horwath: My question is for the Premier.

Every voter in Ontario should have an equal voice, but Ontarians are concerned that their voice won’t be heard by their government unless they write a big cheque. It’s time to stop the undue influence that big money is having on politics in this province.

My question to the Premier: Does she agree?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Again, Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the newfound interest on the part of the third party in this. We have, for some time, said that there needed to be changes. We have in fact brought forward changes and, as I said to the Leader of the Opposition, we intend to bring forward legislation this spring. I had said publicly that it was the fall, but we’re going to move that up because I agree with the contention that people in the province need to have a good, long opportunity for input. If we bring forward legislation in the spring, there can be a good consultation with the public on that legislation.

In advance of that, I look forward to meeting with the leaders of the opposition so that they can bring forward their ideas as that legislation goes to completion of drafting.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Andrea Horwath: I did receive the Premier’s response to my letter, agreeing to meet with me and the leader of the other opposition party. We’re looking forward to that meeting, but it shouldn’t be the case that opposition parties provide input and the Premier makes the decisions. That’s why I’ll be calling on the Premier to establish a process that’s undertaken outside of this Legislature, headed by Ontario’s Chief Electoral Officer, because I don’t think that these decisions should be in the hands of a single political party; they should be in the hands of Ontarians.

So will this Premier agree to set up a process that engages all political parties and broader civil society in order to fix our broken system?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I understand the need for the public to have an opportunity to comment on and to give us input, Mr. Speaker. That’s why we have moved up our intention to introduce legislation from the fall to the spring. There will be a good opportunity for lots of input to the legislation in the committee process.

It’s pretty clear to me that we need to move to ban corporate and union donations. That, to me, is not a question at this point; I think it’s clear. If we look at what’s happening in other jurisdictions, including at the federal level—that’s something that we are going to do. So what I’m—

Ms. Sylvia Jones: What caused the epiphany? The Chief Electoral Officer has been calling for it for years.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Dufferin–Caledon is warned.

Carry on.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: What I’m interested in is hearing from the opposition leaders on what they think the transition should be to that. It took a number of years at the federal level to get to the point that they’re at now. I’d like to know from the opposition leaders how that transition should work in Ontario.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Final supplementary?

Ms. Andrea Horwath: I don’t believe that changing the way political parties fund campaigns should be up to any single political party. Will this Premier agree that this process should be very broad, but should also include parties with significant support in the last election, whether or not they have representation in this Legislature?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: If the leader of the third party is asking whether Mike Schreiner from the Green Party should be allowed to take

part in the process, absolutely. If we have a public process with legislation that can be amended, where we can get input on it, the public can take

part in that process. That’s how legislation works.

What I’m proposing is that the leaders of the opposition parties work with their folks, work with their parties, and bring forward to me in our meetings some proposals about what they’d like to see in the legislation. We draft the legislation, then that legislation becomes the grist for the public discussion and we can have a broad public discussion about where we should go.

But there are some givens. I think that it is quite clear that banning union and corporate donations is where we need to go, so I would look forward to their advice on how we would make a transition to that.

Fundraising

Ms. Andrea Horwath: My next question is also for the Premier.

People in Ontario should feel confident that politics in this province is not under the undue influence of big money—bottom line. And as I’ve said, changing how all political parties fundraise shouldn’t be up to just one political party. If we are going to give people the confidence in the system that they deserve, then these decisions shouldn’t just be up to politicians.

Does this Premier agree that the Chief Electoral Officer should take the lead role and include representatives of academia, civil society, business and labour?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: It makes me wonder what the leader of the third party thinks happens at committee consultations. When I sat on committees as a regular part of my job as an MPP for three years, I heard the most intelligent, most thorough analysis of issues. Whether we talked about health care or electricity, we heard a very full range of delegations and input from people across the province. That’s what I know happens at committee.

That’s why I fully expect that as this legislation goes out, and once we’ve had input from the opposition parties, there will be a very, very complete discussion around the province from academics, from community leaders, from people who are part of unions and from people who are part of corporations, who want to have a role and want to have their say in that political discussion. I look forward to that. I welcome it.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Andrea Horwath: I don’t think we need to tell the Premier what happens at committee: The Liberal majority shuts down the opinions of the opposition pretty much all the time.

On a serious note, getting big money out of Ontario’s politics is a pretty obvious first step, but it can’t be the only step. This should be about how we make our entire democracy more fair and not just about dealing with only the issues that are getting the highlight of attention right now.

Does the Premier agree that this needs to be a comprehensive and open process and not one that just benefits the Liberal Party?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I think that this process can only benefit the democratic system and can only benefit the people of Ontario. That is the purpose of the democratic process in this province. That is the purpose of government, which is not separate from the people of the province, but is part of the way our society works.

The leader of the third party may want to denigrate “big money,” as she calls it. I don’t know what she means by that. Is she talking about the money from teachers’ federations? Or is she only talking about money from the private sector? Because the reality—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): In some cases, some people, even when warned—maybe that’s not enough.

Finish, please.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: The reality is that we have all been operating under a single set of rules. Those rules are going to change, and I look forward to the input from the leaders of the opposition parties on what they think should be in that legislation.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Final supplementary.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: I’m going to end my questioning this morning with a pretty fundamental question to this Premier, because I think it’s important that we understand whether or not she has an intention to make this process open and transparent.

Will the Premier commit to an open process that’s headed by Ontario’s Chief Electoral Officer, with representatives from all political parties, academia, business, labour and civil society, in order to ensure that the people of Ontario can feel confident about their electoral system and how it is funded?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: What I would say to the leader of the third party is that I am committed to an open process. I am committed to making sure that we get input from every corner of this province, from anyone who wants to give us input, starting with the leaders of the opposition parties.

But I think there are some fundamental directions that have been established for some time in this Legislature. Certainly, on our part, on this side of the House, we believe that there are some pretty clear directions that we need to go in. One of them is the banning of corporate and union donations. I would love to hear from the leaders of the opposition parties about how they think that transition should happen, and any other issues that they think should be included in legislation that can then be broadly and fully publicly debated.

Fundraising

Ms. Sylvia Jones: After 13 years in power, that’s quite an epiphany.

My question is for the treasury board president. Has a stakeholder with active files before this minister been asked by the minister, a member of her staff or a member of the Ontario Liberal Party, to raise funds for this minister or the Ontario Liberal Party in order to obtain a meeting, an approval or a policy change?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: Speaker, we obviously know where this is going. What I can tell you is that I meet with people every single day with a variety of opinions about what we need to do to make Ontario better. It’s part of my daily job; I bet it’s part of your daily job as well. All of us in this House regularly meet with people who have expertise, who have ideas. I listen to them, and we develop public policy on the basis of what is best for the people of this province.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary.

Ms. Sylvia Jones: I didn’t hear “no,” so I’ll try again.

Has a stakeholder with active files before this minister been made to feel obligated to raise funds for this minister or for the Ontario Liberal Party by the minister, a member of his or her staff, or a member of the Ontario Liberal Party in order to obtain a meeting, an approval or policy change?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Excuse me. Stop the clock. The deputy House leader is warned.

Finish, please.

Hon. Deborah Matthews: I think every single person in this House ran for office because we want to make this province better. That’s what we’re doing. The member opposite says she’s never fundraised. That’s hard to imagine. It might be true. It’s hard to imagine.

We made changes. The government party made changes to require real-time public disclosure of donations. That is a very important part of the transparency agenda of this government. Anyone can go online at any time and see who is making donations to what party. I encourage people who are watching at home or even people in this House to actually look and see who is making those donations.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Stop the clock.

While I definitely understand the thrust and parry of this place and the idea is to allow for some of the steam to be let loose, I just want to remind people that when I say you are warned, the next time I speak to you, you will be named—just to be clear. There are a few people who are on the edge now.

Your wrap-up sentence, please.

Hon. Deborah Matthews: We believe that the transparency that we brought into donations is the right thing to do. We also think it’s time to make the next step and, as you heard, we’ll be making changes very soon.

Fundraising

Mr. Jagmeet Singh: The media are asking about the legality of how cabinet ministers are raising money—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Who’s the question to, please?

Mr. Jagmeet Singh: The question is to the Premier.

The media are asking questions about the legality of how cabinet ministers are raising money for the Ontario Liberal Party.

Now the question is: Has the Premier done her due diligence? Has she taken steps to ensure that assurances have been made very clearly from her ministers that their actions are beyond question and, in fact, legal?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Yes.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary.

Mr. Jagmeet Singh: Given that, in addition, questions are being asked about how cabinet ministers are raising money from organizations that have an interest in the decisions that these ministers themselves make, I’m sure the Premier wants to know that there is absolutely no question about the legality of how this money is being raised.

My question to the Premier is this: Can the Premier tell Ontarians whom she has asked to investigate whether these allegations are true, and will she make this report public?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: As I have said many times, we all operate in this House under a certain set of rules. Those rules have been in place for a number of years, and I can only assume that everyone on the other side of the House follows them. We are absolutely committed to following those rules.

We have been working on changes already. We intend to bring forward legislation in the spring that will allow for a full public discussion of changes that we need to make. But I think it’s pretty clear that some fundamentals need to change. We need to move towards a ban on corporate and union donations. I think that is very, very clear.

I look forward to input from the leaders of the opposition and from their parties as we draft legislation and then we take it out for full public discussion.

Fundraising

Mr. Jeff Yurek: My question is to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care.

Has a stakeholder with active files before this minister been asked by the minister, a member of his or her staff or a member of the Ontario Liberal Party to raise funds for this minister or the Ontario Liberal Party in order to obtain a meeting, an approval or a policy change?

Hon. Eric Hoskins: As my critic knows, I take my job as Minister of Health very, very seriously. An important part of that job is to make sure that I interact with, discuss and get the best possible advice from literally hundreds of individuals around this province on a regular basis.

We have one of the best health care systems because we have the best health care providers and experts. An important part of my job is to interact—I interact with many, many people over the course of a regular day while we’re sitting. I’ve had opportunities to do that on an ongoing basis.

As all members of this Legislature, I believe, engage in fundraising activities, when I engage in fundraising activities, I do that according to the rules that are in place.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary.

Mr. Jeff Yurek: It’s easy to note that we didn’t hear a straight “no” to that question.

Back to the minister: Has a stakeholder with active files before this minister been made to feel obligated to raise funds for this minister or for the Ontario Liberal Party by the minister, a member of his or her staff or a member of the Ontario Liberal Party in order to obtain a meeting, an approval or a policy change?

Hon. Deborah Matthews: No, that’s not how it works.

Hon. Eric Hoskins: Yes, the member knows that’s not how it works.

What I’m very proud of is that, long before the Progressive Conservatives first raised this issue today, long before the NDP first raised this issue today, our Premier has been engaging in a process, which she’s outlined, where fundamental changes to the way donations—

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member from Prince Edward–Hastings is warned.

Carry on.

Hon. Eric Hoskins: Long before it was raised for the first time today—or in the last days since media attention has been drawn to this issue—this Premier has recognized that important changes can and should be made. She has indicated that in the foreseeable future she will be introducing those changes. I look forward to seeing those and I look forward to getting the good advice from the members opposite on how we can further strengthen those rules.

Fundraising

Ms. Catherine Fife: My question is to the Minister of Finance.

Does the Minister of Finance see any issues with asking the companies that he hired and paid to sell off Hydro One to attend his fundraiser dinner and donate thousands of dollars to the Liberal Party of Ontario?

Hon. Charles Sousa: Again, as the Premier has explained, it’s interesting that the NDP, who receive funds and do fundraisers, like the Progressive Conservatives—we all abide by the rules in this House, as we should, to enable us to support our campaigns.

Let me be clear: My priority is around policy initiating the concerns of Ontarians. That’s why the document in the budget is one of the most progressive that we’ve had in history, talking about the things that matter to Ontarians. That’s my priority, that’s what drives me, and that’s what I care about.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Catherine Fife: It’s been reported that the Minister of Finance has a quota and he needs to raise half a million dollars for the Ontario Liberal Party. That’s a lot of money. Has the minister ever discussed his quota with the Premier of the province of Ontario?

Hon. Charles Sousa: Actually, I haven’t. I haven’t discussed it with the Premier.

What I do discuss with the Premier are issues around policy, the preparation of the budget, the concerns that we share, as a government, to support the policies that are important to the people of Ontario. That is what we talk about and that is what initiates.

The member opposite, who also fundraises, also does the very same thing as the rest of us to support her campaigns. That is a reality that we have as the rules pertain to it.

I look forward to, and we welcome, any opportunities from the opposition to support the Premier in her initiative to reform the system. We welcome it; we’re open to it.

Student achievement

Ms. Eleanor McMahon: My question is for the Minister of Education.

Ensuring students receive the best possible education across Ontario is our government’s top priority. Ontario has a lot to be proud of in terms of student achievement, thanks in large part to our great educators and our staff. Our schools are recognized across the country and around the world for excellence in education, and this is something we are extremely proud of.

Minister, this morning you announced the renewed math strategy to help students across the province become better learners. Speaker, through you to the minister, what is the Ontario government doing to raise student achievement in mathematics?

Hon. Liz Sandals: Thank you to the member, who I suspect uses her math skills every time she plans a cycling route across the province.

To talk about renewed math, supporting effective learning and teaching in mathematics has been identified as a top priority for Ontario schools. This morning, I was proud to announce that we are dedicating more than $60 million to help support students across the province to achieve better results in math. Math is a critical requirement for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

The renewed math strategy is informed by research and lessons learned from the education sector itself. It focuses on the needs of students, their families, educators and schools, while encouraging the shared responsibility to support student learning. This strategy also supports our renewed vision for Ontario education with excellence in math.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Eleanor McMahon: We are extremely proud of the investments made towards education. It is important that we will continue to focus on improving the achievement of all students in mathematics, because it not only helps to enhance their full potential, but it contributes to our economic strategy by ensuring a skilled workforce. In fact, that skilled workforce is just one of the reasons Ontario leads North America in terms of foreign direct investment. So I’m pleased to hear that the students in my riding of Burlington will have better supports in place when it comes to mathematics.

Minister, can you please tell this House what types of supports and opportunities you and our government will be providing as part of the renewed math strategy?

Hon. Liz Sandals: Starting next September, key elements of the renewed math strategy will be introduced, including:

—a minimum of 60 minutes each day of protected learning time for effective mathematics instruction and assessment for students in grades 1 to 8;

—up to three math lead teachers in all elementary schools;

—coaching for principals of select secondary schools to lead improvement in math among their students;

—support for learning at home through parent resources that provide helpful tips and information on the math curriculum;

—better access to online math resources and math supports such as Homework Help or SOS Devoirs;

—math support for grades 6 to 9 outside of the school day; and, finally

—opportunities for educators to deepen their knowledge in math learning, teaching and leading, including a dedicated math professional development day to further their school improvement.

Fundraising

Mr. Ernie Hardeman: My question is to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Mr. Speaker, has any stakeholder with active files before this minister been asked by the minister, a member of his staff or a member of the Ontario Liberal Party to raise funds for this minister or the Ontario Liberal Party in order to obtain a meeting, an approval or a policy change?

Hon. Ted McMeekin: No.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Ernie Hardeman: My question is back to the minister. Has any stakeholder with active files before this minister been made to feel obligated to raise funds for this minister or the Ontario Liberal Party by the minister, a member of his staff or a member of the Ontario Liberal Party in order to obtain a meeting, an approval or a policy change?

Hon. Ted McMeekin: No.

Fundraising

Mr. Peter Tabuns: My question is to the Premier.

The Minister of Energy told the Ottawa Citizen that he didn’t have any ethical issues with using his ministerial portfolio to raise money, but he told the Globe and Mail that he wanted reform.

Can the Premier tell us if the energy minister is okay with the current ministerial quota system or not?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I don’t know how the NDP operates. I don’t know what their team ethic is and I don’t know how well they work together, but here’s the thing: We know as a party that we have to fundraise in order to run our campaigns and do our work. We’re a team, and everybody does their bit. That’s how it works on this side of the House.

I have no idea how it works in the church basements of the NDP.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Peter Tabuns: Has the Minister of Energy ever discussed his quota with the Premier? And did he ever tell the Premier he wanted to see campaign finance reform?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I have not talked with my ministers about quotas. We are part of a team. The only reason I used “church basements” is because the leader of the third party was suggesting that somehow, the fundraising done by the NDP was more pure than the fundraising done by everyone else.

The fact is that we are all working in the best interests of the people of Ontario, talking to people around this province, running our parties so that there can be a political dialogue as part of our democracy.

There has been a set of rules. We are going to change those rules. I look forward to input from the opposition parties.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Be seated, please.

New question.

Electric and automated vehicles

Mr. Chris Ballard: My question is to the Minister of Transportation.

I was at the 20th annual Newmarket home show over the weekend and had a number of constituents ask me about changes to the Electric Vehicle Incentive Program. Perhaps it was the launch of the new Tesla vehicle that sparked this interest, but actually, I believe it’s my constituents’ genuine concern for the environment.

I understand the minister recently announced some changes to the Electric Vehicle Incentive Program. Mr. Speaker, can the minister tell members of this House more about these changes and what Ontarians can expect to see under the new program?

Hon. Steven Del Duca: I want to begin by thanking the member from Newmarket–Aurora not only for his question, but for taking a very keen interest in issues relating to transportation and how we modernize some of these important programs.

As many members of this Legislature will recall, our government launched our first Electric Vehicle Incentive Program back in 2010—a program that has provided incentives for the purchase of nearly 5,000 electric vehicles in Ontario. I was very pleased to join with Premier Wynne, the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure in February to announce some changes to this program, changes that will help make it even easier for Ontarians to switch to an electric vehicle.

Our new modernized program increases the current incentive range for e-vehicles to between $6,000 and $10,000. It also provides an opportunity for an additional $3,000 incentive for vehicles with larger battery capacities. The program will also give up to $1,000 for the purchase and installation of chargers for private home and business use.

Our government continues to make investments that will help us secure a healthy, clean and prosperous low-carbon future for all Ontarians.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Chris Ballard: I want to thank the minister for his response. I know that those living in Newmarket–Aurora are glad to hear about these changes. In fact, this initiative actually builds on our government’s December 2015 announcement that an additional $20 million from Ontario’s Green Investment Fund will go towards creating a network of fast-charging public EV charging stations.

This is only one of the progressive investments we’re making in the vehicles we drive. I understand in January we also launched a new automated vehicles pilot. Can the minister please tell members of this House more about this new pilot and how it will change the way Ontarians drive?

Hon. Steven Del Duca: I thank the member again for his follow-up question. He is quite right. On January 1, our government launched a new pilot to allow the testing of automated vehicles on Ontario’s roads and highways. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers has forecasted that, by 2040, autonomous vehicles could account for 75% of all vehicles on North American roads. That is a potential massive shift with respect to how we live and drive, and that’s why I’m so proud to see Ontario leading the charge on this new and innovative technology.

Ontario is the very first province in Canada to permit the testing of automated vehicles and related technology on roads. This means that we are the first to enable the nearly 100 companies and institutions involved in the sector to conduct research and development in Ontario rather than in competing jurisdictions. This is another example of our government’s commitment to making those investments that will ensure that Ontario remains a global leader in this sector.

Fundraising

Mr. Victor Fedeli: My question is for the Minister of Finance.

Has a stakeholder with active files before this minister been asked by the minister, a member of his staff or a member of the Ontario Liberal Party to raise funds for this minister or the Ontario Liberal Party in order to obtain a meeting, an approval or a policy change?

Hon. Charles Sousa: No, but I do see a great list from the Conservative Party which includes very much those very stakeholders. But no, I have not had that pressure.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Victor Fedeli: Back to the minister: While we all may raise funds, Speaker, this minister is selling access to meetings—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Stop the clock. Come to order, please. Thank you.

Mr. Victor Fedeli: While we may all fundraise, it’s this minister who gives out contracts and sells access to the government, so my question: Has a stakeholder—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Excuse me. Stop the clock, please. I’m going to have to ask the member to withdraw because of what he said.

Mr. Victor Fedeli: I withdraw, Speaker.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): You may finish the question.

Mr. Victor Fedeli: Has a stakeholder with active files before this minister been made to feel obligated to raise funds for this minister or the Ontario Liberal Party by the minister, a member of his staff or a member of the Ontario Liberal Party in order to obtain a meeting, an approval or a policy change?

Hon. Charles Sousa: Mr. Speaker, I have already said that that’s not the case, but let me be clear: What we are concerned about is this document—the work we do to put policies in place to provide for an increase to minimum wage, free tuition for those students that are most vulnerable, to ensure that we support those with autism, increase funding for hospitals and education, support infrastructure projects and ensure that we have a fair society by breaking the cycle of poverty. All those things, Mr. Speaker, they have voted against. They have voted against the very principles that are important to the people of Ontario. That’s our priority—nothing else.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Be seated, please. Thank you.

New question.

Fundraising

Mr. John Vanthof: My question is to the Premier.

The Premier has acknowledged that former cabinet minister John Gerretsen complained to her about his fundraising quotas. Will the Premier tell Ontarians what she said to John Gerretsen when he complained about the ethics of cabinet ministers being given fundraising quotas?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: What I’ve said publicly, and the member opposite can look at my comments from last week, is that many of the comments that John Gerretsen made have become part of the discussion that we’re having right now and they have fed into my conviction that we do need to make changes, that moving to ban corporate and union donations is the direction we need to go in. As I’ve said, I look forward to input from the opposition parties, and then I look forward to a full public debate, Mr. Speaker, as legislation goes to committee.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. John Vanthof: The Premier has acknowledged that John Gerretsen complained about using his ministerial portfolio to raise money for the Ontario Liberal Party. Other ministers are calling for changes.

How many other ministers have complained to the Premier about having to use their ministerial portfolios to raise money for the Liberal Party?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: As has been said, that is not how it works. We are a team. We raise money. We raise money to do the work of the party, as I expect the NDP and the Conservatives both do. We all operate within a set of rules, and those rules are going to change.

I look forward to input from the opposition parties and I look forward to a full public discussion as legislation goes out for consultation.

Economic development

Ms. Daiene Vernile: My question is for the Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure.

Minister, last January, you officially launched four new streams for the Jobs and Prosperity Fund, a 10-year, $2.7-billion support fund, which includes the new economy stream, the Food and Beverage Growth Fund, the Forestry Growth Fund and the Strategic Partnerships Stream. As you’ve said before, we are focusing our investments in order to help smaller businesses scale up, to continue to strengthen our commitment to innovation, to create high-value jobs and to target key industries that will act as our anchor investments in Ontario.

But at the same time, there have been critics who have suggested that we are picking winners and losers, and they have expressed concerns about the transparency of our investments. Mr. Speaker, could the minister please inform this Legislature if those concerns are legitimate?

Hon. Brad Duguid: Let me begin by saying how proud we are of the investments we’ve made in our business support initiatives through the years. In fact, I want all Ontarians to be aware of each of those investments, because they’ve proven to be hugely successful in creating jobs and attracting investment to our province. Most of our investments are already available online, and we welcome any public interest in those important initiatives.

In all, we’ve invested $2.8 billion since 2004, leveraging $29 billion in private sector investment, and creating and retaining 160,000 jobs.

As for picking winners and losers: We are picking winners. We’re investing in growth firms and innovation leaders, and we’re driving to complete globally. That’s what you need to do to compete in today’s competitive global economy. We’re trying to help our fast runners run faster so we can build an economy we can be proud to pass on to our kids and grandkids.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Ms. Daiene Vernile: I’d like to thank the minister for his answer. It’s very encouraging to learn that there are measures in place to ensure transparency and accountability for all our businesses, as we’re providing strong supports.

Minister, I know that you’ve been very busy lately announcing partnerships across the province of Ontario in Waterloo, Ottawa, Markham, Brantford, London, Hamilton and other areas of the province. In my own community of Kitchener–Waterloo, my constituents were very excited to welcome new jobs at Sandvine, an innovation leader that is going global. I know that we were very happy to host both the minister and the Premier at a recent tour in my community.

Mr. Speaker, could the minister please tell this House about that visit and other companies that we have been partnering with lately?

Hon. Brad Duguid: I’d be delighted to. I want to share a few of our recent investments with the Legislature. We’ve partnered with Mitsui High-tec, an advanced manufacturing company producing parts for electric vehicles, creating 48 new highly skilled jobs in your riding, Mr. Speaker, of Brantford. Our $2-million investment leveraged $38 million in private sector investment.

We’ve partnered with Baylis Medical to support a research and manufacturing expansion in Mississauga. We invested $4.2 million, leveraging $32.5 million in private sector investment, creating 84 jobs and retaining 194 more.

We also partnered with Sandvine, as the member indicated, in KW, an ICT innovation success story here in Ontario. We invested $15 million, leveraging $169 million in private sector investment, creating 75 new jobs and retaining 267.

These are good investments contributing to, in all, 160,000 jobs created and retained here in the province of Ontario.

Fundraising

Mr. Bill Walker: If sincere, I wonder why the Premier and her government did not make the changes when the electoral officer, Greg Essensa, raised this twice in this Legislature during his report, and myself—I raised it as a private member’s bill last October, and my colleague Rick Nicholls raised it before me. If they were truly sincere, if they truly felt this was unfair, they would have already had legislation changes. They wouldn’t be dragging it out so they could continue to fundraise over the next year, probably by the time they get it done, to their benefit.

I ask the Premier: Are you really sincere? And why is it not already in legislation like the rest of the provinces of Canada and the federal government?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I’ve said we’re bringing the legislation in this spring. We’re going to have a public discussion about the legislation.

But as I have said—make no mistake—there will be a new set of rules. That doesn’t mean that people will stop having to raise funds. The reality is that in order for our democracy to function, parties need to be able to work with, communicate with, run campaigns and work with the public. That is part of our democratic process.

So there will be new rules in place. I look forward to the input from the opposition and from the third party.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Bill Walker: Mr. Speaker, it’s a matter of trust. This was brought to this Legislature by an officer of this Legislature, who said that you need to make changes—two reports ago. This is yet again, “We got caught. We’ve got the heat turned up by the media,” and now the Premier and her cabinet are saying, “Oh, we need to do something, but we need time.” If you were truly sincere, there are other provinces whose legislation we could borrow today. If she was really sincere, we could already have had this.

We do need to get it to a select committee so we actually have some say. We’re very concerned that they would just take this, like they did with the Green Energy Act, for example, and ram it through under their provisions.

But we need to ask about the sincerity. We need to ask about how much Ontarians trust this Premier and her government to truly make changes. Mr. Speaker, we want to ensure that this government will actually do the right thing for a change and ensure that there is fairness in all of this legislation. I want to ask the Premier: Have you held any fundraisers with donors in the room who could truly—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you. Premier?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: As the member knows full well, we announced last June that we are committed to addressing the recommendations that have been made by the Chief Electoral Officer, recommendations that were made on the 2014 election. We are committed to that. We said we were, and we’re moving forward.

But I have to say that when I read in the press that the opposition was looking for a select committee, on top of bringing legislation forward and having a public discussion as a result of committee hearings, the first thing that came to my mind is that they actually want to stall, that they actually want a longer process, and that’s unacceptable. The status quo is not acceptable.

We’re bringing forward legislation this spring and we’re going to move forward and make those changes.

Fundraising

Mr. Percy Hatfield: Speaker, good morning to you. My question is to the Premier. Good morning, Premier.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: Good morning, Percy.

Mr. Percy Hatfield: Speaker, can the Premier explain why she believes the Liberal government should be making the decisions about all political parties’ fund campaigns and why she believes this process should not be led by Ontario’s Chief Electoral Officer?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I don’t know if the member heard what I said to the last question. The fact is that the Chief Electoral Officer has made recommendations. Some of them pertain directly to this discussion that has been happening in the public realm in the last couple of weeks, and some of them go beyond that, but we have accepted those recommendations, we’re working on them and we’re going to be bringing forward legislation.

The fact is, Mr. Speaker, that there will be a broad and complete public consultation as we bring that legislation in the public realm. I look forward to the input from the opposition leader and the leader of the third party, after consultation with their colleagues about what they would like to see in the legislation, so that it can be debated publicly. I look forward to that process.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Percy Hatfield: Speaker, the Premier insists that she’ll take this process through committee. As we know, she also said that the budget would reflect input from the finance committee’s pre-budget consultations. But as we all know, the ink was drying on the budget before the committee was done hearing from the experts and Ontarians alike.

We need to ensure that this process is open and isn’t up to one single political party. Will the Premier agree to have this process headed by Ontario’s Chief Electoral Officer?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I think I’ve been clear about what the process should be, going forward. I look forward to the input from the leaders of the opposition parties. I trust that they will be talking to their colleagues and that they will engage in a very energetic and enthusiastic way in the public discussion that will follow as legislation goes forward. That is what is required of us. It is what is necessary in order for us to come to good policy decisions.

As I said, I think there are some very clear directions, whether it’s from the Chief Electoral Officer or the public debate that has ensued for the last couple of weeks around the banning of corporate and union donations. We need to get on that. That’s why we’re moving the legislation up. We’re going to bring that legislation forward in the spring rather than in the fall.

Domestic violence

Mr. Grant Crack: My question is to the Minister of Community and Social Services.

Minister, as you know, every day there are women across the province who experience domestic violence, and this devastating reality can affect people from any community or any walk of life.

I know that your ministry provides violence-against-women agencies across this province with funding to support women and their children who have experienced domestic violence. These hard-working agencies, such as Maison Interlude House in my riding, in Hawkesbury, provide vital services such as emergency shelter, counselling services and housing supports to help women and their children who require these services.

But we all know that there are unique challenges experienced by shelters in rural, remote and northern communities. Speaker, through you: Can the minister please tell us how her ministry is recognizing and helping to address these challenges?

Hon. Helena Jaczek: Thank you to the member for the question. I understand he celebrated his birthday this weekend, so happy birthday.

Our government certainly takes the role of supporting women and their children who have experienced domestic violence very seriously. I have had the opportunity to visit some 21 VAW shelters across the province since I became minister. I’m very aware of the unique service delivery challenges being experienced by rural, remote and northern shelters. That’s why, in January, I visited the Women’s Rural Resource Centre, Strathroy and Area to announce that we would be establishing a Rural Realities Fund.

This new two-year, $1-million fund will help shelters and agencies in these communities address their local challenges. I’m pleased to let this House know that my ministry is now welcoming applications to the Rural Realities Fund.

We know this is just part of the solution. We will continue to work with the agencies in these communities.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Grant Crack: Thank you, Minister, for that information on the Rural Realities Fund. I understand that rural shelters and agencies were very pleased with this recent announcement. For example, I know that the chair of the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses and executive director of the Leeds and Grenville Interval House said that she was thrilled with the recent announcement for the Rural Realities Fund. She commended our government on our commitment to improving the lives of women and girls in Ontario, and she looked forward to continued collaboration.

She said that for her shelter, their front-line staff cover over 3,300 square kilometres and a population of over 96,000 people, and these funds would be used to improve their outreach and counselling services to women living with violence.

Minister, I understand that in your recent announcement, you also spoke about the crisis response framework that will help your agencies develop coordinated plans. Could you please share with this House the work the ministry is doing on this file?

Hon. Helena Jaczek: When we consider the tragic shootings in Wilno last fall and the most recent shootings in Odessa last month, we know that there is more that we must do. That is why I also announced that we would begin working with agencies, my ministry’s VAW expert group and with other ministries to develop and implement a crisis response framework. We need to work together with the VAW sector and other community partners to help identify the steps we can take to prevent these tragedies from occurring, and we will work with VAW agencies to find ways to better support them when crises do occur.

The creation of the Rural Realities Fund and crisis response framework were recommendations to the province from the Premier’s Roundtable on Violence Against Women. Both of these initiatives support the Ontario government’s goals of ending violence against women and providing better supports for survivors.

Fundraising

Mr. Michael Harris: My question is to the Minister of Transportation.

Has a stakeholder with an active file before this minister been asked by the minister, a member of his or her staff or a member of the Ontario Liberal Party to raise funds for this minister or the Ontario Liberal Party in order to obtain a meeting, an approval or policy change?

Hon. Steven Del Duca: Of course, I thank the member opposite for his interest in this topic. As the Premier has said repeatedly today, as have colleagues on this side of the Legislature, in consultation with both other party leaders and other stakeholders interested in this topic, over the next number of days and weeks there will be a modernization or an update brought to political financing laws here in the province of Ontario.

Speaker, I think it must be clear by now, because there have been multiple responses on this side of the Legislature, of course, that we look forward to working closely in collaboration with members from both opposition parties and others external to this building to make sure that we get it right, which I think is of utmost importance to the people of Ontario.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Michael Harris: Back to the minister: Has a stakeholder with active files before this minister been made to feel obligated to raise funds for this minister or the Ontario Liberal Party by the minister, a member of his staff or a member of the Ontario Liberal Party in order to obtain a meeting, an approval or policy change?

Hon. Steven Del Duca: I believe I’ve answered that question by and large with the first response that I gave.

What’s interesting to me, I have to say, is that last week I know a number of people on this side of the Legislature, in the government caucus, were out across the province of Ontario making fundamentally important announcements in a variety of communities across Ontario.

Within my own area of responsibility, I remember being in Wellington–Halton Hills last week to announce funding support for the Morriston bypass, for example. I also remember standing alongside the member from Barrie in Orillia announcing cycling infrastructure funding, and doing the same thing in Markham—Connecting Links funding.

To what the finance minister said earlier today about Ontario budget 2016, this is what this government is focused on: building the province up, moving it forward, a stronger economy and a better quality of life. That’s what this Premier and this government are working hard on.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Be seated, please.

New question.

Fundraising

Mr. Gilles Bisson: My question is to the Premier.

My leader and our caucus have put the proposal forward that the Chief Electoral Officer be charged with looking at what changes need to happen to the fundraising rules in the province of Ontario. We know if the Chief Electoral Officer does it, it’s going to be non-partisan. It will be an issue that the public will be involved in and we’re going to come back with something that’s workable.

Why does the government and why does this Premier refuse to go that route and instead have a process where she’s going to control the outcome? Why should people have any trust in you, considering your record on fundraising?

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: I’m sure that the public would like to know that the NDP and the Conservatives would bring forward suggestions on that legislation. I said earlier that I’ve responded to the letters from both the leader of the Conservatives and the leader of the NDP. I’ve said I welcome a meeting with them so that they can bring forward their suggestions. Then we need to have a full public discussion as part of the commentary on the legislation. I think that is absolutely the way to go.

I think it’s quite clear from having looked at this—this last week was not the first time that we have thought about this.

Interjection.

Hon. Kathleen O. Wynne: The member opposite may want to chuckle, but the fact is that we have been looking at this. We understood that there needed to be changes. That’s why we’re able to bring legislation forward this spring and move on it quickly. As I say, I look forward to input from the parties opposite.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): There being no deferred votes, this House stands recessed until 1 p.m. this afternoon.

The House recessed from 1138 to 1300.

Members’ Statements

Rob Ford

Mr. Monte McNaughton: I rise today to pay my respects to a friend and to a public servant who had a truly unique bond with his constituents.

There have been many tributes paid to Rob Ford. Many politicians, such as myself, and journalists have offered eulogies of one kind or another for a man who loved his family and the city of Toronto above all else. While I like to think Rob would appreciate this, I know the much more meaningful tributes have come from his family, the kids he coached and the thousands of people who turned out to say a final goodbye at city hall.

Rob dedicated himself to being a father, son, brother, coach and mayor. He was a champion for a lot of people who don’t often find politicians in their corner. Over the last couple of weeks, I know thousands of people have been retelling their personal stories of meeting Rob—having him help them out or call them up. Those anecdotes and the bigger story they tell about a man who had a radically down-to-earth approach to public service are a powerful legacy.

I admired Rob for his leadership. He stood up for everyday people and always tried to do what was right for taxpayers. His constituency work was absolutely legendary.

Rob Ford was larger than life, and his loss has been profoundly felt. Our prayers and thoughts remain with Renata, Stephanie, Doug Jr., the city of Toronto and Ford nation.

Autism treatment

Miss Monique Taylor: April is Autism Awareness Month, and this government has chosen to mark it by announcing changes to the Autism Intervention Program that would deprive children of IBI after they were told they would get it. Under the new rules, IBI will not be available to children over the age of five.

I have raised the issue of extensive wait-lists for autism treatment before in this Legislature. Not once did I expect that this government’s solution would be to simply deny service to the many who were on the list. Over the past few days, I have heard from literally hundreds of families affected by this decision. Disappointed, devastated, shattered, shocked, disgusted, angry, ashamed and scared—these are just some of the words that they have used to describe their feelings as they recount their personal stories. Many of them tell me of the startling improvement they saw in their child after the age of five as a result of IBI treatment.

Now the government is pulling the rug out from under them. In some cases, they were told within the past few weeks that IBI would be starting this month, only to be told just a few days later that, because their child had reached the age of five, this was no longer the case. One parent reports that she was told just weeks ago that her son was an ideal candidate for IBI.

This government needs to think again about this plan and the effect that these changes will have on the children who so desperately need treatment.

Organ and tissue donation

Ms. Eleanor McMahon: April 1 marked the beginning of Be a Donor Month here in Ontario. Each April, the Trillium Gift of Life Network, through their Be a Donor campaign, raises awareness of the issues surrounding organ and tissue donation and those who are waiting for organ and tissue transplants.

Over 1,600 people in Ontario are currently waiting for organ and tissue transplants, and, unfortunately, we will lose someone every three days due to the lack of a suitable donor. With close to 30% of Ontarians registering their consent to be a donor, it is clear that the people in this province care deeply about helping their friends, their loved ones and their neighbours. But we can and must do more. Initiatives like Trillium Gift of Life’s Be a Donor Month help underscore the importance of registering to be a donor, as a single organ and tissue donor can save up to eight lives.

This year’s campaign focuses on the reasons why people support organ and tissue donation. Speaker, I’m proud to say that I’m a registered donor. I encourage all of my colleagues in this House and every Ontarian to lend their support to this initiative by sharing photographs of themselves, their family and friends, with messages of why they support organ and tissue donation, with #myreason and #beadonor. By sharing these powerful messages of love and support with our social networks, we can encourage more Ontarians to become donors.

Most importantly, if you have not already done so, please take a moment to register to be a donor. Or, you can do so at any ServiceOntario location. It only takes a few minutes, which can help save many lives.

Highway improvement

Mr. Ted Arnott: More than 30 years after discussion on the Highway 6 Morriston bypass began, last week we were able to welcome the Minister of Transportation to Wellington–Halton Hills as he announced the approval of this needed project. Working together, we’ve been pushing for the bypass for years, and I want to thank Mayor Dennis Lever, the township of Puslinch council and staff, the county of Wellington, the Morriston bypass coalition and many others who expressed support, including the Minister of Municipal Affairs and the Minister of Education.

However, I need to remind the Minister of Transportation that there are still many other important transportation needs in Wellington–Halton Hills. For example, last August I was approached by the town of Halton Hills about the need for a long-term truck strategy, including the possibility of a bypass on Highway 7 around Acton. We immediately went to work on it. I have approached the minister on several occasions in the Legislature to discuss this issue with him and have also written to him a number of times.

Last fall, I also tabled a resolution calling on the minister to place the Highway 7 Acton bypass on his ministry’s five-year plan for highway construction. I also arranged a meeting in January with the minister’s office between the minister and a delegation from the town of Halton Hills, which included Mayor Rick Bonnette and regional chair Gary Carr. The town has offered to cover half the costs of the study as an initial step towards a constructive partnership. But we all realize that an Acton bypass is not going to be built overnight. It’s important that we get moving forward because we know that, working together, we make progress.

Health care funding

Ms. Teresa J. Armstrong: Today I would like to bring to the House’s attention the critical status of health care delivery in London. The health care system in our city is buckling under pressures caused by lack of proper funding from this government.

Recently, the system failed Sarp and Vicky Hankali when they took their baby daughter Alexis to Children’s Hospital for a diagnostic surgery. They were instructed to stop feeding their daughter on Sunday night for surgery Monday afternoon, only to have the hospital continually push back the surgery while Alexis suffered hunger and confusion for two days. News reporters say that a surgeon apologized for the delays, citing staff cuts as the reasons they could not get baby Alexis into surgery on time. CBC News requested a response from the Ministry of Health; the Ministry of Health distanced itself from their responsibility.

The Hankali family experienced first-hand the devastating impact of continued cuts to our health care system. London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Hospital both announced last week that they would be forced to cut staff hours and positions due to lack of adequate funding from the province.

Londoners deserve a health care system that delivers. I am calling on the Minister of Health to stop the cuts to Ontario hospitals.

Community awards

Ms. Ann Hoggarth: On Saturday, March 19, I had the privilege of recognizing the contributions of two outstanding Barrie residents by presenting them with Leading Women/Leading Girls Building Communities Award. Shannon Murree and Suzy Kies exemplify community leadership, volunteerism and advocacy, and have become mentors to many through their dedication to improving the lives of women and girls.

A local real estate consultant, Ms. Murree is head of the Mompreneurs of Simcoe county, mentoring professional women in Barrie by using her ability to build women up and support them in their business endeavours. She organized the Shoebox Project, which provides necessities to battered women, and has been a long-time supporter of the Women and Children’s Shelter of Barrie. Shannon has also worked with Dress for Success, a program that provides business attire for women in need who are searching for a new career.

She is the recipient of Barrie’s Order of the Spirit Catcher and has been nominated multiple times for the Women in Business awards. She is a passionate advocate and philanthropist, focused on empowering women.

Ms. Kies is a leader in the indigenous community and is currently president of the Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission of Ontario. She also works at the Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre, where she develops programs for children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders while also helping women expand their employment skills. She has put in countless volunteer hours mentoring young women, and is now also involved in the Youth Quest program, demonstrating an openness to and acceptance of youth.

It is a privilege to recognize the outstanding contributions of these women on behalf of the government of Ontario.

Canadian Dairy XPO

Mr. Randy Pettapiece: I’m pleased to rise today in anticipation of the fourth annual Canadian Dairy XPO. The Dairy XPO is taking place on Wednesday and Thursday in Stratford. It is the largest commercial dairy stage in Canada, showcasing the latest in dairy innovations.

Since its inception in 2013, attendance has grown from 10,000 to over 15,000 people. It attracts farmers from across the country and the world. It has grown so much that this year there will be a new cow coliseum to accommodate the growing number of exhibitors.

There is also a new initiative at the Dairy XPO. Organizers have partnered with the Dairy Farmers of Canada to run the Blue Cow Spirit campaign. All attendees are encouraged to wear their blue cow gear to create a sea of blue travelling through the XPO. Mr. Speaker, I must say, that’s a great colour choice. Wearing your blue cow apparel will save you $10 on your admission charge.

I always enjoy attending the Canadian Dairy XPO, and I’ll be there again this year. I welcome everyone to attend. I’ll be serving breakfast on Wednesday and Thursday mornings and touring the XPO to learn about the latest innovations.

I would like to recognize Jordon Underhill, the general manager of the Canadian Dairy XPO, and his entire team for the hard work that goes into organizing each year’s event. I would also like to extend my thanks to all the volunteers who make the event possible. Finally, my thanks to the city of Stratford for their contribution to the success of the XPO.

I invite you all to attend the Canadian Dairy XPO from April 6 to 7 at the Stratford Rotary Complex.

Public Heroes Awards

Mrs. Laura Albanese: I rise in the House today to congratulate Constable Jim Lambe from the Toronto Police Service 12 Division, in my riding of York South–Weston, on being awarded a Public Heroes Award 2016.

I first met Constable Jim Lambe about nine years ago, when I was first elected as an MPP. His unwavering passion to build a safer community through his work as an officer, volunteer and community liaison became apparent to me immediately.

Constable Lambe is a tireless community leader. His participation in the community at countless events throughout the years demonstrates his dedication to the residents of York South–Weston. He is a mentor to people of all ages, especially youth and newcomers. His drive and determination is admirable to all.

The Public Heroes Awards started in 2011 to recognize the outstanding service of Toronto police, fire and paramedic services in maintaining public safety in the city of Toronto. In 2014, the scope was broadened to the entire greater Toronto area. The goal of the awards is to recognize the dedication and excellence of individual members of the police, fire and paramedic services in the GTA for delivering their services in an ethnically and culturally diverse environment.

Congratulations, Constable Jim Lambe, on receiving a Public Heroes Award. It is well deserved, as you are a hero to many of us.

Grandview Children’s Centre

Mr. Joe Dickson: I’m pleased to stand in the House today to follow up and to acknowledge, once again, Grandview Children’s Centre. Grandview is the only children’s treatment centre in Durham, providing expert pediatric treatment and rehabilitation services to well over 5,000 children and youth with special needs and their families. Grandview has been operating in the region of Durham for 63 years. Its headquarters have always been in Oshawa, and they’ve always done a great job.

The Minister of Children and Youth Services, MPP MacCharles, officially announced on March 29 $333 million in new funding for autism, as promised in the recent Ontario budget. We listened to families and the clinical experts and heard that the current system was not working, and we have responded with an investment that will help more children receive the critical services that they need.

I want to proceed and tell you that I know that Grandview Children’s Centre is very happy with this investment. In fact, executive director Lorraine Sunstrum-Mann has said, “Grandview Children’s Centre is thrilled by these significant investments in children’s services. This will change the lives of families with kids with special needs. For families in Durham region, this means getting the right services sooner.”

Grandview Children’s Centre has much to be excited about these days, including a very recent donation from TD Bank of $200,000 during a ceremonial puck drop with the Oshawa Generals Hockey Club at the GM Centre. The cheque from TD represents the largest single monetary donation ever received by Grandview Children’s Foundation. We want to acknowledge the town of Ajax for their great contribution—

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Thank you.

Reports by Committees

Standing Committee on Justice Policy / Comité permanent de la justice

M. Shafiq Qaadri: Je demande la permission de déposer un rapport du Comité permanent de la justice, et je propose son adoption.

I beg leave to present a report from the Standing Committee on Justice Policy and move its adoption.

The Clerk-at-the-Table (Ms. Tonia Grannum): Your committee begs to report the following bill, as amended:

Bill 119,

An Act to amend the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004, to make certain related amendments and to repeal and replace the Quality of Care Information Protection Act, 2004 / Projet de loi 119, Loi visant à modifier la Loi de 2004 sur la protection des renseignements personnels sur la santé, à apporter certaines modifications connexes et à abroger et à remplacer la Loi de 2004 sur la protection des renseignements sur la qualité des soins.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Shall the report be received and adopted? Agreed? Agreed. Carried.

Report adopted.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The bill is therefore ordered for third reading.

Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs

Ms. Soo Wong: I beg leave to present a report on pre-budget consultation 2016 from the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Ms. Wong presents the report by the committee.

Does the member wish to make a brief statement?

Ms. Soo Wong: Mr. Speaker, this past winter, the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs conducted its pre-budget consultation from January 18 to February 2. Public hearings were held in Hamilton, Windsor, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Ottawa and, for two days, in Toronto in the Legislative Building.

The committee heard from 146 witnesses and received some 114 written submissions from agencies, associations, community groups, local administrative bodies, municipalities, organizations, transfer payment partners, unions and individuals. On behalf of the committee, Mr. Speaker, I’d like to thank each one of them for taking the time to share their views with the committee.

I also wanted to thank the committee members and the staff for their commitment, hard work and co-operation.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I move adjournment of the debate.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): I thank the member for the report.

Just a note: it’s very rare that I would hear any heckling during reports by committees.

Debate adjourned.

Standing Committee on Regulations and Private Bills

Ms. Indira Naidoo-Harris: I beg leave to present the second report of 2016 from the Standing Committee on Regulations and Private Bills and move the adoption of its recommendations.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Ms. Naidoo-Harris presents the committee’s report and moves the adoption of its recommendations.

Does the member wish to make a brief statement?

Ms. Indira Naidoo-Harris: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I would like to thank the committee and support staff for all their hard work and diligence in preparing this thorough report. I know that all involved have put a great deal of time and effort into this, and it’s fantastic to see it culminated in this important document. It makes several recommendations that will be key to our progress moving forward.

Thank you again, and I move adjournment of the debate.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Ms. Naidoo-Harris moves adjournment of the debate. Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

Debate adjourned.

Introduction of Bills

Municipal Elections Modernization Act, 2016 / Loi de 2016 sur la modernisation des élections municipales

Mr. McMeekin moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 181,

An Act to amend the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 and to make complementary amendments to other Acts / Projet de loi 181, Loi modifiant la Loi de 1996 sur les élections municipales et apportant des modifications complémentaires à d’autres lois.

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

First reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member for a short statement.

Hon. Ted McMeekin: I rise today to introduce the Municipal Elections Modernization Act, which would amend the Municipal Elections Act. Our proposed package of reforms would, if passed, help ensure that the rules governing how municipal leaders are elected are clear and reflect how to run modern campaigns and elections. This package of reforms responds to the real and evolving needs of our communities, including providing municipalities with the option to introduce ranked-ballot voting for the 2018 municipal elections.

Ontario Down Syndrome Day Act, 2016 / Loi de 2016 sur la Journée ontarienne de la trisomie 21

Mr. Dickson moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 182,

An Act to proclaim Ontario Down Syndrome Day / Projet de loi 182, Loi proclamant la Journée ontarienne de la trisomie 21.

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

First reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): The member for a short statement.

Mr. Joe Dickson: The bill proclaims March 21 in each year as Ontario Down Syndrome Day.

Petitions

Rural schools

Mr. Bill Walker: “To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas it is right for Ontario youth to be educated in their home communities;

“Whereas accessible schools that students can walk, bike or take a short ride to promote healthy lifestyles, a cleaner environment and emotional well-being;

“Whereas the economies of smaller rural towns are directly strengthened and vitalized by high schools in their own communities;

“Whereas community schools best serve special populations;

“Whereas rural high schools more than 15 km from the next high school should be considered eligible for enhanced top-up funding;

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

“To direct support and resources to Ontario rural community schools, such as Harrow District High School, so as to provide and sustain accessible education for youth within their home communities, preserving and sustaining rural town culture that diversifies the fabric of the province of Ontario.”

I support this petition, affix my name and send it with page Sohan.

Autism treatment

Miss Monique Taylor: I received this petition from a woman in my riding named Michelle Campbell and her daughter Avery, and it reads as follows:

“Don’t Balance the Budget on the Backs of Children with ASD.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the government recently announced plans to reform the way autism services are delivered in the province, which leaves children over the age of five with no access to intensive behavioural intervention (IBI); and

“Whereas in 2003, former Liberal Premier Dalton McGuinty removed the previous age cap on IBI therapy, stating that Liberals support extending autism treatment beyond the age of six; and

“Whereas applied behaviour analysis (ABA) and intensive behavioural intervention (IBI) are the only recognized evidence-based practices known to treat autism spectrum disorder (ASD); and

“Whereas the combined number of children waiting for ABA and IBI therapies in Ontario is approximately 16,158; and

“Whereas the wait-lists for services have become overwhelmingly long due to the chronic underfunding by this Liberal government;

“Whereas some families are being forced to remortgage houses or move to other provinces while other families have no option but to go without essential therapy; and

“Whereas the Premier and her government should not be balancing the budget on the backs of kids with ASD and their families;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to direct the government of Ontario to immediately ensure that all children currently on the waiting list for IBI therapy are grandfathered into the new program so they do not become a lost generation.”

I couldn’t agree with this more, Mr. Speaker. I’m going to affix my name to it and give it to page MacFarlane to bring to the Clerk.

Sexual violence and harassment

Ms. Daiene Vernile: This is a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

“Whereas one in three women will experience some form of sexual assault in her lifetime. When public education about sexual violence and harassment is not prioritized, myths and attitudes informed by misogyny become prevalent. This promotes rape culture.... Sexual violence and harassment survivors too often feel revictimized by the systems set in place to support them. The voices of survivors, in all their diversity, need to be amplified. Survivors too often face wait times for counselling services as our population grows and operating costs rise for sexual assault support services.

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

“Support the findings and recommendations of the Select Committee on Sexual Violence and Harassment’s final report, highlighting the need for inclusive and open dialogue to address misogyny and rape culture; educate about sexual violence and harassment to promote social change; fund sexual assault support services adequately....; and address attrition rates within our justice system, including examining ‘unfounded’ cases, developing enhanced prosecution models and providing free legal advice for survivors.”

I agree with this and will attach my initials and give this to page Harry.

Hydro dam

Mr. Norm Miller: I have a petition in support of public safety in Bala. It reads:

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas to select a proponent for a hydroelectric generating station proposed at the Bala Falls, the Ministry of Natural Resources (now the MNRF) released a request for proposals in 2005 which included the requirement that ‘For the North Bala dam, demonstrate consideration of the extensive aesthetic, recreational, social and economic (i.e. tourism) values in the area of the proposed development’; and

“Whereas through a competitive process, a proponent was selected based solely on their proposal, which included the commitment that their proposed project would ‘not generally diminish the public’s enjoyment of the area for swimming, boating, fishing....’; and

“Whereas the tragic 2008 drowning of a 16-year-old boy at the nearby hydroelectric generating station due to the turbulent water exiting that station confirms that such generating stations can be deadly; and

“Whereas it would be unprecedented and dangerous to locate a hydroelectric generating station in the middle of an extremely popular in-water recreational area, and the public has not been informed how this could be done safely in Bala; and

“Whereas the Lifesaving Society is a national organization with expertise that includes assessing the safety of in-water recreational areas and measures; and

“Whereas the township of Muskoka Lakes has declared they are an unwilling host municipality for this proposed project;

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

“That the government of Ontario not allow construction of the proposed Bala generating station to proceed until a safe operating plan detailing the required safety measures, such as start-up warning and the location of fencing and the downstream safety boom, has been presented by the proponent to the public, and this plan has been found to be acceptable by the Lifesaving Society.”

Mr. Speaker, I support having a safe operating plan for the Bala Falls, and I’d like to present this petition to Vanessa.

Child care

Mrs. Lisa Gretzky: I have a “Petition to Stop the Proposed Changes to the Age Grouping and Ratios in Child Care.” These petitions are from across the province. There are nearly 6,000 signatures here, and there are more coming.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the current proposal will allow younger children to be placed in a child care setting with less adults to have quality interactions with, as well as provide significantly less educational opportunities;

“Whereas research has proven that the quality of provisions in child care is directly related to ratios (number of teachers to number of children), staff qualifications and training, and group size;

“Whereas reducing the number of RECEs in the ratio setting disregards decades of research and evidence on brain development and the need to have individuals with very specific knowledge and training who can translate this research into practice;

“Whereas Ontario already has one of the highest ratios of young children to adults, these changes will ensure that Ontario has the lowest quality of child care;

“Whereas the changes to the age grouping will provide less quality care for children aged 12 months to 30 months, by placing them in groups with higher ratios of children to adults. The workload will increase for the RECEs, leading to a decrease in quality and education for the children;

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

“Stop the government’s plan to change the age groupings and ratios in Ontario child care centres.”

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

Elder abuse

Ms. Soo Wong: I have a petition addressed to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

“Whereas today, there are more seniors 65 and over than children under the age of 15, both in Ontario and across Canada;

“Whereas there are currently more than two million seniors aged 65 and over—approximately 15% of the population and this number is expected to double in the next 25 years;

“Whereas Elder Abuse Ontario stated that between 40,000 and 200,000 seniors living in Ontario experienced or are experiencing elder abuse;

“Whereas research showed that abuse against seniors takes many forms and is often perpetrated by family members;

“Whereas financial and emotional abuse are the most frequently reported elder abuse cases;

“Whereas current Ontario legislation incorporates the Residents’ Bill of Rights, mandates abuse prevention, investigation and reporting of seniors living in either long-term-care facilities or retirement homes;

“Whereas the majority of the seniors currently and in the future live in the community;

“Whereas Bill 148, if passed, will ensure seniors living in the community have the same protection and support as those seniors living in long-term-care facilities and retirement homes;

“Whereas Bill 148, if passed, will require regulated health professionals to report elder abuse or neglect to the public guardian and trustee office;

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

“That the members of the Ontario Legislative Assembly pass Bill 148,

An Act to amend the Substitute Decisions Act, 1992 and the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, requiring health professionals to report any reasonable suspicion that a senior living in the community is being abused or neglected to the public guardian and trustee office.”

I fully support this petition, and I will sign it and give my petition to page Jerry.

Special-needs students

Mr. Monte McNaughton: I have a petition entitled “Stop the Closure of Provincial and Demonstration Schools.” It’s addressed to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

“Whereas provincial and demonstration schools in Ontario provide education programs and services for students with special education needs;

“Whereas there are four provincial and three demonstration schools for anglophone deaf, blind, deaf-blind and/or severely learning-disabled students, as well as one school for francophone students who are deaf, deaf-blind and/or have severe learning disabilities;

“Whereas even with early identification and early intervention, local school boards are not equipped to handle the needs of these students, who are our most vulnerable children;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to:

“(

a) oppose the closure of provincial and demonstration schools and recognize that these specialized schools are the last hope for many children;

“(

b) stop the enrollment freeze at these schools in order for students and their families, who have exhausted all other available resources, to have access to equal education for themselves without added costs, to which they, like all students, are entitled to.”

Mr. Speaker, I have affixed my name to this petition.

Ontario Drug Benefit Program

Mr. Wayne Gates: “Petition to Stop the Plan to Increase Seniors’ Drug Costs.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the government of Ontario will require most seniors to pay significantly more for prescription drugs, starting on August 1st, 2016, under changes to the Ontario Drug Benefit;

“Whereas most seniors will be required to pay a higher annual deductible of $170 and higher copayments each and every time they fill a prescription at their pharmacy;

“Whereas the average Ontario senior requires at least eight different types of drugs each year to stay healthy and maintain their independence; and

“Whereas many seniors on fixed incomes simply cannot afford to pay more for prescription drugs and should not be forced to skip medications that they can no longer afford and to put their health in jeopardy;

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

“Stop the government’s plans to make most Ontario seniors pay more for necessary prescription drugs and instead work to expand prescription drug coverage for all Ontarians.”

I’ll sign my name to the petition and give it to the page.

Water fluoridation

Mr. Chris Ballard: I have a petition to the Ontario Legislative Assembly entitled “Fluoridate All Ontario Drinking Water.”

“Whereas fluoride is a mineral that exists naturally in virtually all water supplies, even the ocean; and

“Whereas scientific studies conducted during the past 70 years have consistently shown that the fluoridation of community water supplies is a safe and effective means of preventing dental decay, and is a public health measure endorsed by more than 90 national and international health organizations; and

“Whereas dental decay is the second most frequent condition suffered by children, and is one of the leading causes of absences from school; and

“Whereas Health Canada has determined that the optimal concentration of fluoride in municipal drinking water for dental health is 0.7 mg/L, providing optimal dental health benefits, and well below the maximum acceptable concentrations; and

“Whereas the decision to add fluoride to municipal drinking water is a patchwork of individual choices across Ontario, with municipal councils often vulnerable to the influence of misinformation, and studies of questionable or no scientific merit;

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

“That the ministries of the government of Ontario adopt the number one recommendation made by the Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health in a 2012 report on oral health in Ontario, and amend all applicable legislation and regulations to make the fluoridation of municipal drinking water mandatory in all municipal water systems across the province of Ontario.”

Alzheimer’s disease

Mr. Monte McNaughton: I have an important petition addressed to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

“Whereas a 61-year-old Alzheimer’s patient was kept in a hospital ER for eight nights due to lack of beds;

“Whereas the crisis centre isn’t set up to help patients whose needs are so great they need treatment in a psychiatric ward;

“Whereas the crisis centre only has five beds;

“Whereas none of the beds are high-needs beds;

“Whereas the number of people seeking help from the Alzheimer Society has soared 50% in two years;

“Whereas patients have the right to be treated with dignity and care;

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

“Immediately reform existing health care legislation and policies, and specifically provide emergency funding to increase staff and available beds in all ERs in Ontario;

“Provide immediate funding to increase number of long-term beds in SW Ontario;

“Provide immediate funding staff a team of experts to find ways to reduce violence among those with dementia in long-term care....”

I support this petition and send it with page Aarbhi.

Special-needs students

Ms. Teresa J. Armstrong: I’d like to read—thousands of signatures—a petition, on behalf of students, parents, alumni and concerned staff and teachers, to stop the closure of provincial and demonstration schools.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas provincial and demonstration schools in Ontario provide education programs and services for students with special education needs;

“Whereas there are four provincial and three demonstration schools for anglophone deaf, blind, deaf-blind and/or severely learning-disabled students, as well as one school for francophone students who are deaf, deaf-blind and/or have severe learning disabilities;

“Whereas even with early identification and early intervention, local school boards are not equipped to handle the needs of these students, who are our most vulnerable children;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to:

“(

a) oppose the closure of provincial and demonstration schools and recognize that these specialized schools are the last hope for many children;

“(

b) stop the enrollment freeze at these schools in order for students and their families, who have exhausted all other available resources, to have access to equal education for themselves without added costs, to which they, like all students, are entitled to.”

I support this petition and give it to page Joshua to deliver to the table.

Orders of the Day

Supporting Ontario’s Trails Act, 2016 / Loi de 2016 sur le soutien aux sentiers de l’Ontario

Resuming the debate adjourned on March 24, 2016, on the motion for second reading of the following bill:

Bill 100,

An Act to enact the Ontario Trails Act, 2016 and to amend various Acts / Projet de loi 100, Loi édictant la Loi de 2016 sur les sentiers de l’Ontario et modifiant diverses lois.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): Further debate? I recognize the member for Timiskaming–Cochrane.

Mr. John Vanthof: Thank you, Speaker. Before I begin, I believe we have unanimous consent to stand down the NDP lead on this bill.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): The member for Timiskaming–Cochrane is seeking unanimous consent of the House to stand down the New Democratic lead on this bill. Agreed? Agreed.

The member for Timiskaming–Cochrane.

Mr. John Vanthof: Thank you, Speaker. It’s always an honour to be able to stand in this House and speak on legislation that might affect the people of Ontario—in this case, Bill 100,

An Act to enact the Ontario Trails Act, 2015 and to amend various Acts.

This legislation could and will have a big impact on the residents of my riding. I’m going to let our critic focus on the whole province; I’m going to focus on Timiskaming–Cochrane, and some of these issues will be very relevant to the rest of the province.

As you all know, I live in northern Ontario. One of the biggest winter sports we have in northern Ontario is snowmobiling, and it actually brings—

Mr. Gilles Bisson: I thought it was feeding the fire.

Mr. John Vanthof: We do that out of necessity.

Snowmobiling is not only for locals. We bring in millions and millions of dollars annually from people who come from throughout the province, the country, the continent and from around the world to snowmobile in northern Ontario. That’s only possible because of the hard work of snowmobile clubs across the province.

I’m going to give a shout-out to the snowmobile clubs in my riding for starters. I’ve got the Polar Bear Riders, the Jackpine Snowmobile Club, the A14 Task Force snowmobile club, the Golden Corridor snowmobile club, the Near North Trail Association, the Elk Lake Trail Blazers snowmobile club, the West Nipissing Snowmobile Club, the Nipissing Veuve River Snowmobile Club, and the French River Snow Devils. And the two nearest and dearest to my heart are Club Echo, because I’m a property owner who allows Club Echo to use my land, and the Tri-Town Sno Travellers, because I’m a member.

So I have a conflict of interest here because I am a snowmobiler. I started out on a 250 Elan a long, long time ago, a Ski-Doo. It was broken and frozen all the time. We had to become mechanics. We did a lot more fixing than we did snowmobiling. Now I have a Renegade Backcountry, and I put on quite a few kilometres with my friends. Snowmobiling has come a long way because we snowmobile; we no longer fix. They’ve come a long, long way. It’s a great feeling.

Why this sport is possible is because all the people and these snowmobile clubs groom the trails. What’s unique about snowmobiling is that a lot of the trails are on private land, and the private landowners give permission for the clubs to use their land. That’s what makes the sport truly fantastic: On a snowmobile, you can see parts of Ontario that are inaccessible to the public in any other way. You can drive, depending on where the trail goes, past livestock farms, past people’s personal picnic spots. You can drive by fantastic spots. It’s one of the things that makes it so incredible.

I’m just going to give a shout-out to my colleague from Timmins-James Bay, because on my birthday we went from Cochrane, stayed at the Westway Motel, and we went to the Abitibi Canyon loop on the snow machine. We started off in my riding and went to his riding. One of the 10 things you’ve got to see on a snowmobile before you give up your career is the Abitibi Canyon.

Mr. Gilles Bisson: Been there.

Mr. John Vanthof: Yes. The fact that you can go on private land is a blessing, and what makes it really unique is that private landowners have no material gain from this at all. Typically, when a snowmobile trail goes across farmland, the farmer loses money because the crops are impacted. So farmers—and I’m going to speak as a farmer because that’s who I know best—do this as community members, because they know how much it brings to the community and they’re proud to be part of this system. So the system is working fairly well.

And then we get Bill 100. Actually, there are some good provisions in Bill 100. It creates a Trails Week, which is great. It does make some changes regarding liability—so taking liability away from the landowner. That’s great. People have been pushing for that for a long time. Where it gets kind of murky and where landowners—and there’s a group called the Ontario Landowners. I’m not a member. Sometimes I say “landowners”; I should say “property owners,” because I don’t really agree with some of the things the landowners are saying on this issue. If I say “landowner,” I’m not speaking for them. I’m a property owner. Sometimes I mispronounce the word.

What this bill proposes to do is that a property owner could give an easement—to a snowmobile club, in this case—and there’s a reason for this. I’ll give a shout-out to the president of the Tri-Town Sno Travellers, Bill Ramsay. I talked to him about this bill. He gave me an example: If there’s a farm or a piece of land that you’re going go across and the snowmobile club needs to put a bridge there and the bridge is a quarter-million dollars, right now there’s no guarantee other than a handshake with the landowner that they can access that bridge after it’s put up. If they could have an easement to get to that bridge—that’s why this would be a good bill. That’s a good point.

I’m not going to give them in the House, but there are places in my riding where this bill makes a lot of sense. But where it causes some issues is with easements, because when a farmer hears the word “easement,” he hears the words “loss of control of his land.” He hears the word “lawyer,” which is going to cost him money, right? And you say, “Farmers must be a very suspicious bunch.” No, they’re not. Neither are the other property owners.

This whole trail system was built on trust. I guess the best way I can explain it is how Club Echo started in my riding. When Club Echo first approached me, it was a man by the name of Leon Gravel, and may Leon rest in peace. The only reason that Club Echo got access to my land is because I knew and I trusted Leon. He was a fellow dairy farmer. He said, “We want to make this trail. We’re going to mark it off. We’re going to do all these things. If somebody goes off the trail, we’ll make sure that doesn’t happen again. We’re going to put gates where we break through your fences. We’re going to make sure the fences are better than they were before.” And they did all those things.

We gave permission because we trusted Leon. Part of that—anyone who gave permission to Club Echo got an Echo pass. That was a little piece of paper, and if you happened to have a snowmobile, you had the right to go on Club Echo’s trails. For those of you at home, I believe it was to Englehart and halfway to New Liskeard. That was lots for me. I didn’t want to go any farther. I couldn’t make it any farther. But that’s how it started, and Club Echo ran very well. Then Club Echo went together with the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs.

Good move, but we didn’t have any relationship with the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs. All the property owners got a nice letter in the mail: “Club Echo is now part of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs. Thank you for letting us cross your land, but if you want to get on the trail, you’re now going to have to buy the $250 pass; end of discussion.” But they never asked us.

I was president of the Temiskaming Federation of Agriculture. A few farmers called me, and we said, “No, we never had a deal with OFSC.” So we called OFSC up and we announced that we closed the trails.

Mr. Gilles Bisson: That got their attention.

Mr. John Vanthof: It did get their attention. The folks from Barrie drove right up and were prepared to read us the riot act. It started with: “How dare you close our trails?” To which we replied—

Mr. Gilles Bisson: It’s my land.

Mr. John Vanthof: “It’s our land. You never asked for permission. We gave our permission to Club Echo; we never gave permission to you.” All of a sudden the tone changed. We’ve developed a very good relationship with OFSC, based on—this was years ago—a mutual respect of whose land was whose.

Further in this act, if the landowner does grant an easement, you read, “An easement may be assigned by an eligible body to another eligible body,” which means that if you don’t have something written right at the start, someone who you never had a relationship with could give the use of your land to someone else 10 years down the road. Farmers are happy having a snowmobile trail cross their land, but if it’s an ATV trail, it’s a whole different story, because then you’re trampling over our crops. That’s a whole different story.

Someone’s going to say, “Oh, John, that never happens.” I’ll give you another personal example of how this happened.

Mr. Gilles Bisson: Was this when you were a young radical?

Mr. John Vanthof: Yup.

TransCanada PipeLines has an easement across my land, as it does with all kinds of other people in the Little Clay Belt. They put two pipes through. TransCanada PipeLines are great people to deal with. But then TransCanada PipeLines rented their easement to Bell Telephone, and Bell Telephone put a fibre optic cable in between the two pipes and cut the tiles. It was a nice little machine, a little plow. It only made a hole this big along the top, but everywhere where there was a tile, it cut them.

They didn’t fix them, and TransCanada PipeLines was in no mood to fix them because they didn’t cause the problem, so that’s the way it stayed. Whenever you fix a tile around a pipeline, you’ve got to get a pipeline guy there. You don’t want a backhoe close to a pipeline, because bad things happen.

Mr. Gilles Bisson: Boom.

Mr. John Vanthof: Boom.

The farmers paid to fix all those tiles, but we remembered.

Then TransCanada PipeLines came to put a third pipe in, and they needed to make the easement bigger. You ask anybody who has worked for TransCanada PipeLines about the negotiations that went on with the farmers of Timiskaming. They almost had to go around the bedrock because we remembered.

That’s the case. When we signed the first easements, fibre optic cable didn’t even exist.

So, again, when farmers read this, they get nervous. You’ve got to remember: The property owners are the stakeholders in this. They have nothing to gain but everything to lose. There is absolutely nothing to gain, and they’re not asking for anything to be gained. They don’t gain personally from the trails. They want to help the community by having the trails. But when they see easements and covenants and “Perhaps you should call your lawyer,” they’re going to say, “Why bother? Why go through this bother? I’m just going to close the trail.”

It doesn’t take a lot. It takes a few in certain spots, and the trail system could collapse. That would be a huge, huge shame.

I urge the minister—and I had a good discussion with the minister, by the way. I walked across and he understood exactly. He understood completely what the issue was. I commend him for that. He understands; we understand; hopefully the people watching this understand. So how do we proceed?

Mr. Gilles Bisson: “Get a lawyer.”

Mr. John Vanthof: “Get a lawyer,” or “The minister promised,” or “We’re the government. We’re here to help”—as soon as you hear things like that in rural Ontario, the odds are not good.

That’s got to be done within the text of the bill, for OFSC’s sake, too, so when they come—because they’re going to have to come and ask for my permission. If they are going to need an easement someplace, at least they can lay out in the bill, “Here’s what we want to do.”

They have to clarify this part about how one body can transfer the easement to another body. That’s just a non-starter. That is just a non-starter, because there’s no way that I’m going to tell a farmer that that’s a good idea. That has got to be changed.

Something else that we rail about a lot in this House and on this bill—it’s a prerogative. This is a bill that has to travel to places where they actually have these trails.

Mr. Gilles Bisson: Oh, downtown Toronto; like Queen’s Park?

Mr. John Vanthof: No. Well, they can talk about it, but stakeholder groups in downtown Toronto are not the people who are going to make the trails fail. It’s John Vanthof and people like me in the back roads of Ontario who have lots of better things to do with their time and who are doing this as a public service. That’s really important.

I would implore the government, when and if this passes second reading, that you take the time, that we all take the time to do this one right for rural Ontario, so that the snowmobile industry and all of the other people who use trails throughout the province—I’m concentrating on snowmobiles; they’re a big thing in my part of the world—so it actually continues to flourish and grow.

If this bill is explained correctly, there are good things, even about the easements, like the bridge thing I told you about. But if the government does its usual thing and time-allocates this bill and holds a few hearings in Toronto, farmers and property owners across the province are, one by one—and sometimes in groups—going to withdraw the right to use their land, because they won’t see themselves in this bill. As much of rural Ontario doesn’t see itself reflected in a lot of government regulation, it doesn’t see itself reflected here.

It wouldn’t take big changes. It won’t take a wholesale overhaul. It will take respect for rural Ontario. Then we can actually use this, make it a really good piece of legislation and make it a big step forward for the snowmobile clubs, for the property owners and for the hundreds of restaurants, motels and hotels that depend on snowmobiling and other such sports in the province. We can do this right. I implore the government to do this right.

If for some reason the government stops and the agenda falls and starts anew, you’ll be better off letting this bill die on the order paper than ramming it through. You’re better off to do it right than ram this one through. This isn’t an earth-shattering bill, but believe me—and I know from personal experience. When I was president of the federation of agriculture and we closed the trails in Timiskaming–Cochrane for that week, it was pretty earth-shattering for a lot of those hotels and restaurants.

But now, I don’t just represent farmers; I represent those hotels and those restaurants and all those people and the Ski-Doo dealers and the gas stations. Ski-Doos have gotten a lot better. They’re much more economical than they used to be, but they still do use a bit of gas.

I represent all of those people and I want this sector to flourish and I want this province to flourish. I implore the government, do this one right. Let it pass second reading. Hold legitimate committee hearings throughout the province. Let’s all work together to come up with legitimate, good amendments that will make this bill better and stronger and make it represent everyone in the province. Let’s all work together on this one. We have the capability to make this good. The minister understands; I know he understands.

Let’s hope that his government does, because if his government doesn’t understand what’s happening here or what could happen, snowmobile trails in lots of parts of the province will close. And it will be on their heads.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): Questions and comments?

Mr. Peter Z. Milczyn: It’s a pleasure to rise this afternoon to speak to the Supporting Ontario’s Trails Act. I want to thank the member for Timiskaming-Cochrane for some excellent points, and certainly points made out of a breadth of personal experience with these issues. I’m sure everybody on our side of the House values very highly those opinions that were expressed, some very good points.

Mr. Speaker, this bill seeks to further open up some of the most spectacular areas of this province for people to enjoy, to experience—and also to provide economic opportunity for many other parts of this province that would desperately benefit from the increase in tourism that more trails in Ontario will create.

I’m also particularly excited about the fact that this bill also speaks to water trails, something that hasn’t really been that well known in Ontario to date as a formal type of trail. I think that’s a very interesting aspect of this bill.

Certainly, what the member opposite mentioned about the issue of easements and different mechanisms to ensure access to privately owned land and other lands—I think it’s important to note that this bill lays out different options for how access to these lands could be secured. Easements are one option, and if it requires further explanation of how that would work, that’s certainly something that I would encourage, that we need to do.

At the end of the day, Mr. Speaker, we want Ontarians and people from around the world to experience the beauty of our province, and there’s no better way to do it than by exploring it through the various trails and waterways around all of Ontario.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): Questions and comments?

Mr. Norm Miller: I’m pleased to have the opportunity to comment on Bill 100,

An Act to enact the Ontario Trails Act, and on the speech from the member from Timiskaming–Cochrane. I agree with his main ask, which was that the purpose of the bill should be stated within the bill. He was talking about the possible effects on snowmobile trails. I’m seeing that in Parry Sound–Muskoka, which also has some wonderful snowmobiling trails around the area.

In fact, I want to get on the record a letter from the Snowcrest Riders president, Bob Clarke. He wrote to me and said, “I felt it very important that I inform you that Snowcrest Riders Snowmobile Club in Gravenhurst will have trail closures as of April 1, 2016. One trail closure affects our Top D trail south that features the bridge that crosses all four lanes of Highway 11, and our Beaver Creek bridge that was opened in February 2010. Combined, these bridges cost $1.4 million, and were largely funded by provincial and federal dollars....

“Mr. Miller, the landowners I have talked to want

section 12 of proposed Bill 100 to be amended to include the simple wording below that Minister Michael Coteau has already stated.

“‘An easement pursuant to Bill 100, if passed, would be a voluntary agreement between a landowner and an eligible body or bodies. No property owner would be compelled to provide an easement unless they agreed to do so.’

“Add the above statement from the minister to

section 12 of Bill 100, and we may address the concerns of the landowner.”

He goes on to ask why there needs to be an easements

section at all when it’s already dealt with in other ways.

I share his concern. I think this is essentially what the member from Timiskaming–Cochrane was asking for: that the purpose of the bill be stated right in the bill, to put some of the landowners’ concerns at ease, because these trails that are in Timiskaming–Cochrane and Parry Sound–Muskoka are so important for the folks who live there, for tourism, for people who enjoy outdoor activities. I very much support what Mr. Clarke from the Snowcrest Riders is asking for in this bill.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): Questions and comments?

Ms. Jennifer K. French: I’m pleased to be able to make comments after the 20 minutes that we just heard from my colleague from Timiskaming–Cochrane, who was commenting on Bill 100,

An Act to enact the Ontario Trails Act, 2016 and to amend various Acts.

I always find it interesting to hear from our colleagues around the Legislature and to learn some new things. Today, I learned that snowmobiling and ATVs are two very different things.

Normally, I stand up