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November 18, 2024

43rd Parliament, 1st Session

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Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcript 2024-Nov-18 (PDF)

L181 - Mon 18 Nov 2024 / Lun 18 nov 2024

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO

Monday 18 November 2024 Lundi 18 novembre 2024

Report, Financial Accountability Officer

Members’ Statements

Laird More

Health care funding

Remembrance Day

Orthodox Christian Week

Movember Foundation

Hospital funding

Remembrance Day

Student nutrition programs

Canadian Peace Museum

Events and businesses in Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes

Introduction of Visitors

Question Period

Hospital funding

Housing

Housing

Transportation infrastructure

Fundraising

Mineral exploration and production

Making Ground River Bridge

Government advertising

Immigrants’ skills

Protection for workers

Remembrance Day

Forest industry / Taxation

Energy rates

Automotive industry

Toronto Argonauts

Notice of dissatisfaction

Deferred Votes

Cutting Taxes on Small Businesses Act, 2024 / Loi de 2024 pour réduire les impôts des petites entreprises

Introduction of Visitors

Reports by Committees

Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy

Introduction of Government Bills

Safer Streets, Stronger Communities Act, 2024 / Loi de 2024 visant à accroître la sécurité dans les rues et à renforcer les collectivités

Motions

Committee sittings

Petitions

Labour legislation

Ferry service

Social assistance

Land use planning

Sexual violence and harassment

Health care

Health care funding

Social assistance

Traitement du cancer

Social assistance

Health care

Health care

Opposition Day

Municipal funding

The House met at 1015.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Good morning. Let us pray.

Prayers.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Next we’ll have a moment of silence for inner thought and personal reflection.

Report, Financial Accountability Officer

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I beg to inform the House that during the adjournment the following document was tabled: a report entitled Ontario Economic Monitor: April to September 2024, from the Office of the Financial Accountability Officer of Ontario.

Members’ Statements

Laird More

Mr. Matthew Rae: It’s my honour to rise today to recognize an exceptional citizen from Arthur, Ontario, in my riding of Perth–Wellington. Laird More was recently named citizen of the year by the Arthur Chamber of Commerce. For almost 50 years, Laird has been a cornerstone of Arthur’s community through his tireless volunteerism and leadership. A dedicated member of the Arthur Lions Club since 1976, he has been involved in every aspect of the club. He has served in numerous executive roles, directed the annual craft show and contributed countless hours to the community food booth.

This past Saturday, Laird also received the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship award, the highest honour a Lions member can receive.

Laird’s passion for mentorship and faith shines through the Arthur SU Sports Camp, a Christian-based program he founded in 2000.

Laird credits his late wife, Catherine, as the inspiration behind his work. Her unwavering support and empathy shaped Laird’s community efforts. As Laird said, nothing he has accomplished was done alone, reflecting the collaborative spirit that makes Arthur a special place to live. In short, Laird’s dedication to the community is unwavering.

Congratulations to Laird on a well-deserved honour. Thank you for everything you do.

Health care funding

Ms. Peggy Sattler: Last week, I visited the Old South site of the Thames Valley Family Health Team. I want to express my huge thanks to the skilled and dedicated health care professionals who work there.

The Thames Valley Family Health Team is one of the largest in Ontario, with funding for 80 front-line clinicians from a range of disciplines. They work with 125 affiliated family physicians to provide team-based care to patients who benefit from better screening and prevention, shorter wait times and improved chronic disease management. This, of course, saves the health care system money because it reduces hospital admissions and emergency room visits.

Unfortunately, however, the Thames Valley Family Health Team faces staffing and recruitment challenges that limit its ability to support patients: 12 of its 80 front-line positions are currently vacant, including an OT posting that has been up for 18 months. Clinicians are leaving to take jobs in the hospital sector, where wages are as much as 25% higher than the wages the team is funded for.

This government’s failure to close the wage gap between community and hospital health care workers means that new family health teams will struggle to attract and retain staff, just like the existing teams. New family doctors will shift to other practice areas when they can’t find teams to affiliate with, and the 2.5 million Ontarians without primary care will remain unattached.

Fixing primary care means investing in community health care workers.

Remembrance Day

Mr. Brian Riddell: Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Over the past few weeks, I had the privilege of attending several Remembrance Day ceremonies in my riding. I was deeply moved by the respect and appreciation shown by our community for the freedoms we enjoy in Canada.

At the Galt cenotaph, the ceremony was beautifully organized with thoughtful speeches, stirring music and a respectful crowd. It was a powerful reflection of our collective spirit of remembrance.

I also attended the North Dumfries ceremony in Ayr. Though smaller, it was equally meaningful. It’s a reminder that no matter the size of the gathering, our commitment to remembering those who have served is what really matters most.

In addition, I was grateful to attend a delicious dinner hosted by Preston Legion Branch 126, where I heard heartfelt remarks from local residents and had some great food.

As I marched in both the Ayr and Galt parades, I was honoured to be surrounded by those who have served and continue to serve our country.

Mr. Speaker, Remembrance Day is a solemn reminder that the peace and prosperity we enjoy have come at a great cost. We must never forget the sacrifices made by those who gave all in the defence of our country.

Orthodox Christian Week

Mr. Tom Rakocevic: On March 19 of this year, over 100 Orthodox Christians joined us here in the galleries, while many more watched from afar. They were here in hopeful support of my bill to recognize an annual Orthodox Christian Week in Ontario, and they were not disappointed. Members across this House praised Orthodox Christians and recognized their contributions both here in Ontario and across the world.

They acknowledged the importance of faith in the lives of those who practise it and they shone a light on the persecution some Orthodox Christian communities face in other parts of the world for simply doing so. They heard from Orthodox Christian parliamentarians here who spoke personally of what the faith means to them and their families.

When the bill passed second reading, the galleries erupted in applause and messages from across the province poured in thanking all of us here. Orthodox Christians continue to reach out. For instance, I heard from Orthodox Christians in Peel region who are disappointed that Christmas on January 7 had been recently downgraded on their public school board’s day-of-significance calendar, impacting students and their families. Some said, “If our faith was better recognized here, things like that wouldn’t happen,” and asked hopefully when Orthodox Christian Week in Ontario would become a reality.

Speaker, on behalf of Orthodox Christians across Ontario, I once again thank the members of this House for supporting Orthodox Christian Week at second reading. The future of Orthodox Christian Week in Ontario is in the hands of this government. We eagerly await third reading of this bill so that it can be passed into law and give the Orthodox Christians within our great province the recognition they deserve.

We are hopeful and we have faith that you will support us once more.

Movember Foundation

Mr. Stéphane Sarrazin: I rise today to highlight the incredible work of the Movember Foundation and the ongoing need to address critical health issues facing men across Canada.

Movember is dedicated to improving the lives of men by focusing on three key areas: mental health, suicide prevention and prostate and testicular cancer. Through year-round funding for services, research and health literacy campaigns, Movember works tirelessly to raise awareness and make a difference in these areas.

The statistics surrounding men’s health are both alarming and urgent. In Canada, one in eight men will develop prostate cancer, which is expected to take the lives of 5,000 men this year alone. Tragically, three out of four suicides are men, resulting in the loss of 3,000 lives every year. Furthermore, men account for three out of four opioid overdose deaths, which claims an additional 5,500 lives annually.

These numbers are a stark reminder of the need for more support, awareness and resources for men’s health. That is why I call on all of us—whether as individuals or communities—to support Movember programs and initiatives, whether through donations or by simply starting those crucial conversations about health and mental well-being with the men in our lives.

Having meaningful discussions about mental health and physical health challenges can make a world of difference. I encourage everyone to reach out to their friends, families and colleagues, and ask this simple but vital question: How are you really doing?

Together, we can save lives, prevent suffering and make a lasting difference in the lives of men everywhere.

Hospital funding

Ms. Sandy Shaw: Hamilton area hospitals are projecting deficits of more than $136 million. St. Joe’s Healthcare is projecting a deficit of $24.5 million while Hamilton Health Sciences, which serves 2.5 million people in the region, is looking at a shortfall of $112 million. These are enormous and unprecedented deficits that are the direct result of your government’s continued underfunding and privatization of health care.

This is not just happening in Hamilton but across Ontario, and experts fear lives are at risk. The Ontario Nurses’ Association said, “This is yet another example of a broader problem: the continuous underfunding of public health care by the provincial government.... They are taking a wrecking ball to our health care system by not providing funding to address deficits,” said Jillian Watt, president of CUPE 7800.

So my question to this government: How do you expect hospitals to solve this crisis? Are they going to have to lay off badly needed nurses, PSWs and other staff? Hospitals are already short-staffed, and the staff they have is overworked and tired of knowing they cannot meet their patients’ needs no matter how hard they try. Will they be forced to cut programs like Hamilton Health Sciences recent cancellation of 20 cancer studies that are lifelines for cancer patients who have run out of other options? Our Ontario public hospitals should not have to make up your government’s funding shortfalls on the backs of staff and patients.

My question: Why are you continuing to sit on your hands when our hospitals, our staff and our patients are struggling?

Remembrance Day

Mr. Brian Saunderson: Remembrance Day is a solemn day to honour and remember our veterans who served our country in perilous times to preserve our freedoms and our democratic system. They fought so we in this House can represent the hard-working people of this great province.

Remembrance Day is a busy day in my riding of Simcoe–Grey. We have 12 Legions that serve our veterans and preserve and honour their legacy in communities big and small—communities like Alliston, Angus, Beaver Valley, Beeton, Collingwood, Creemore, Everett, Lisle, New Lowell, Stayner, Tottenham and Wasaga Beach.

Speaker, I want to acknowledge the vital role that our Legions play in these communities and the incredible work of their presidents, executives, board members, ladies’ auxiliary and committee members—all of whom selflessly volunteer their time and energy. Our Legions serve as community hubs, hosting wakes, weddings, christenings, community events, sporting banquets and even political debates. I’m pleased to say the Legions in Simcoe–Grey have been receiving Ontario Trillium Foundation grants to modernize their facilities and enhance their cenotaphs. Over the last 12 months, I have attended OTF announcements at Legions in Everett, Beaver Valley, Creemore and Alliston.

In closing, I want to recognize the hard work of the two zone commanders that serve the Legions in Simcoe–Grey, Chuck Arrand and Shawn McKinlay, and to specifically recognize and thank Collingwood Legion president Rob Graham who for 19 years has so capably led Branch 63 and is stepping down this spring. Thank you to all, Speaker.

Student nutrition programs

Ms. Aislinn Clancy: Three weeks ago, I had the pleasure to visit Erin and her team at Nutrition for Learning. I reached out because many teachers were calling me in tears to say that the demand for school snacks has grown so much that, despite their best efforts, more and more kids were going hungry in our schools—an explosion of kids in Ontario going hungry in our schools. When kids are hungry at school, they act out more and they learn less.

They shared some staggering statistics that day. They let me know that 50% of kids in Ontario rely on school snack programs. They said that their demand alone had grown by 400% and they described it as an “absolutely out-of-control need.” And they reported that despite this growth in food insecurity, funding has not meaningfully increased since 2015. I think all of us here want the parents of Ontario to be able to feed their kids.

But I’m grateful for the folks in Waterloo region like Nutrition for Learning, Food4Kids, the Food Bank of Waterloo Region and their many partners like House of Friendship and caring education workers who are doing all they can to feed every hungry child.

I join Nutrition for Learning’s call for an increase to nutrition funding to make sure that all kids in Ontario schools can eat so they can learn and thrive.

Thank you to Erin and her fabulous team for their passion, dedication and determination to end childhood hunger in Ontario.

Canadian Peace Museum

Mr. Ric Bresee: I’m pleased to rise on behalf of my riding of Hastings–Lennox and Addington.

Speaker, as has already been spoken of in the House today, last week we recognized Remembrance Day, a day of reflection on the terrible darkness of war and our promise to never forget.

Today, I’d like to turn towards and speak about a light of hope in my riding: the Canadian Peace Museum. There are peace museums all over the world, but we’ve never had one here in Canada. Chris Houston, the co-founder of the Canadian Peace Museum, has worked in humanitarian emergencies across three continents and feels the urgency of promoting peace in an increasingly conflicted world. He and his co-founders and the board began their fundraising efforts to build a peace museum here in Canada, and they have chosen the beautiful town of Bancroft right in my riding. They’ve been diligent and forward-thinking in their planning, and they look to break ground on the museum in 2025.

The Canadian Peace Museum aims to promote peace, using their exhibits to showcase the links between peace and conflict and to spark conversations on what we here in Canada and throughout the world have done right and what we can and must do better.

Speaker, I’m humbled and gratified that the founders of this important cultural asset have chosen the town of Bancroft in my riding of Hastings–Lennox and Addington as the place to build the very important Canadian Peace Museum.

Events and businesses in Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes

Mr. Steve Clark: It was a busy constituency week, beginning with five Remembrance Day ceremonies.

With the Solicitor General, we announced $21.8 million to expand the water treatment plant in North Grenville. We also visited a police department in Brockville and the Brockville fire service to thank them for keeping our community safe.

In Gananoque, I saw an amazing project where Horizon Legacy is pioneering the use of robotics in home construction to build affordable housing faster and at less cost.

I also joined my member of Parliament, Michael Barrett, to recognize two outstanding young boys, seven-year-old Jack Burns and his four-year-old brother, Hudson. They raised $300 for our local food bank with a lemonade stand last summer.

I also want to highlight the nine hard-working entrepreneurs I met at the Starter Company Plus launch. I was so impressed to speak with them and to learn about their skills, determination and courage, putting together these small businesses. I’m so proud that our government and the Associate Minister of Small Business are supporting this program with a $13-million investment over two years. It ensures that the great team at Leeds Grenville Small Business can provide entrepreneurs with very important training and mentorship.

Speaker, a little advertising never hurts. I want to talk about those nine businesses: Unique Auto Accents; Robinson Psychotherapy; CC Weddings and Events; Setanta Solutions Inc.; 1000 Islands Cyclery; DG Landscaping; Esthetics by Paige; The Crafty Potter; and Oomen’s Fishing Tackle.

Introduction of Visitors

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): We have with us in the Speaker’s gallery today the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to Canada, His Excellency Stavros Hatziyiannis. Please join me in warmly welcoming our guest to the Legislative Assembly today.

Also with us in the gallery today is Canadian Armed Forces retired Master Corporal Sean Renaud. He completed three tours of duty in Afghanistan and was deployed multiple times to Iraq.

Thank you for your service and welcome to Queen’s Park.

Mr. John Yakabuski: Speaker, I beg your indulgence; I’m not welcoming a visitor—but recognition, if I may. Today our granddaughter May Mundt is celebrating her 17th birthday, and on Saturday, our granddaughter Adelaide Colucci celebrated her 11th.

Happy birthday.

Ms. Peggy Sattler: I’m delighted to welcome London West constituent Suzanne Pountney, who is the board chair of the IBAO, who is here in the building today, as well as a constituent of London West.

I also want to welcome Jaimie Mulder, Scott Sleightholm and Chuck Ellison, who met with me this morning.

Finally, I want to recognize my friend and a neighbour of London West, the warden of Oxford county, mayor of Zorra, Marcus Ryan.

Welcome to Queen’s Park.

M me Dawn Gallagher Murphy: It’s a pleasure to introduce Dr. David Jacobs, president of the Ontario Association of Radiologists, who joins us here today. Dr. Jacobs will be retiring from his role as president. We are incredibly grateful for his years of dedicated service as well as his leadership with the OAR, which has been impactful work, as radiologists have been instrumental in saving lives and providing essential care to patients across this province.

Additionally, I’d like to introduce Dr. Mark Baerlocher, who will be taking on the role as president of the OAR. We look forward to working with him in his new capacity, and we’re excited to see how his expertise and vision will continue to advance radiology in Ontario.

Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Ms. Bhutila Karpoche: I would like to give a very warm welcome to our page Ekam Dosanjh’s family: mom, Margaret Dosanjh; dad, Sath Dosanjh; sister, Carys Dosanjh; and grandparents, Barbara and Richard Evans. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Hon. Sylvia Jones: It’s my pleasure to welcome Charlotte Chummar who attends St. Evan Catholic Elementary School in the great riding of Dufferin-Peel and is serving as a page in this legislative session. Welcome, Charlotte.

M me France Gélinas: I’m pleased to present representatives from the Canadian Parents for French, Ontario division. We have Myron Karpiuk, Mary Cruden, Betty Gormley and Ahdithya Visweswaran. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Ms. Mary-Margaret McMahon: Good morning, everyone. I’d like to extend a warm welcome to active transportation and environmental advocates. Thank you for crusading for safe roads for everyone. Welcome to your House.

Mr. Sheref Sabawy: This week marks the anniversary of the war in Ukraine—1,000 days after the illegal occupation in 2022. Here in the gallery for this day are the Consul General of Ukraine, Oleh Nikolenko; the vice-president of Ontario’s Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Bohdan Wynnyckyj; and his wife, Myroslava Nahirnyj.

MPP Lise Vaugeois: I would like to welcome members of the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance: Dreyden George, Alma Mater Society at Queen’s University; Kathleena Henricus, University Students’ Council at Western University; Marcus Nieva, Trent Durham Student Association; and Polina Vaynshtok, Students’ General Association of Laurentian University.

I look forward to meeting with you later. Welcome to your House.

Mr. Aris Babikian: Good morning. Yesterday evening, the Cypriot community and the Cypriot federation organized a very nice reception to welcome the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus, His Excellency Stavros Hatziyiannis. Today, His Excellency is with us.

Welcome, Your Excellency, to our House of democracy in Ontario.

Also, I would like to recognize Linda Li, who is sitting there. She is the mother of our page Andrew Yang Muhlbacher.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Unless there’s an objection, I’d like to continue with introduction of visitors.

Ms. Bhutila Karpoche: Speaker, I want to take an opportunity to say thank you to Carly Jones. After 16 years, first with my predecessor MPP Cheri DiNovo and then with me, she is moving on to the Ontario public service.

Carly, you’ve been such an important part of our team. I want to say thank you. We will miss you dearly, and we’re so excited for your next chapter.

Ms. Aislinn Clancy: I’d like to welcome the team from Environmental Defence. They came here today to defend against the climate disaster that is the 413 that locks us into—affecting our health and well-being. Climate change is real, it’s getting worse, and thank you for keeping us safe from climate chaos.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): When we do introduction of visitors, we’re not going to continue with political statements associated with the introduction.

Minister of Finance.

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: I want to introduce the great mayor of Pickering and his wonderful wife, Kevin Ashe and Karen O’Brien, right up there.

Applause.

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Yes, let’s hear it for that great mayor of Pickering.

Mr. Speaker, if I may, there are two more up there: Councillor Mara Nagy is there and also Teresa DeBoer. Welcome to your House.

Mr. Hardeep Singh Grewal: I want to introduce former member of Parliament Bal Gosal. He was also Canada’s Minister of Sport. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Mrs. Daisy Wai: Everybody loves Raymond. I’m happy to announce that our minister, Minister Cho—it is his 88th birthday today.

Happy birthday, Minister.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Happy birthday.

Introduction of visitors?

Ms. Marit Stiles: I’d like to welcome to the House some folks on the municipal side who joined me this morning in a press conference: former Ottawa city councillor Catherine McKenney; mayor of Zorra township, Marcus Ryan; and Pickering councillor Mara Nagy. Thanks for coming. Welcome to your House.

Hon. Jill Dunlop: Good morning, Speaker. To kick off the beginning of anti-bullying and prevention week, I would like to welcome Tom Fulga from Kids Help Phone.

Thank you for the work you do to support our students. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Mr. Dave Smith: I’d like to introduce the members of the Métis Nation of Ontario who are here with us today: Joanne Meyer, Amy Mersereau, Cindi Rye, Matt Robertson, Brian Black, Jennifer St. Germain, Steve Callaghan, Sharon Cadeau, Kathleen Anderson, Mitch Case, Theresa Stenlund and, of course, my good friend Margaret Froh.

Question Period

Hospital funding

Ms. Marit Stiles: Good morning, Speaker. This question is for the Premier. After six years of this government, the state of our health care has only gotten worse in the province of Ontario. Just ask the people of Huron-Perth, folks in towns like Stratford and Seaforth and Clinton, who have faced ongoing emergency room closures and reduced hours. Imagine showing up after an accident only to see a closed sign at your local emergency room. That is the norm in rural Ontario.

And now we’ve learned that the hospital group in Huron-Perth are going to have to make even deeper cuts. They face a $3.3-million deficit.

So, Speaker, how many people facing medical emergencies in small and rural communities have to go without care before this government changes course?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): To reply, the Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.

Hon. Sylvia Jones: I’m very proud of our government’s record supporting our hospital partners, making sure that they have the necessary funds to ensure ongoing operations. In fact, through commitments from the Ministry of Finance and our government, we’ve seen 4% year-over-year budget increases for the hospital budgets.

We’ve always known that our hospitals are our core and our base to ensure that we have great continuing care in our communities. We’ll continue to make those investments because we know, whether it is hiring and training new physicians, whether it is expanding access to critical MRI and CT scanners, whether it is in fact 50 new capital expansions, our government has always been there to support hospitals and community care in Ontario.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The supplementary question?

Ms. Marit Stiles: Speaker, this is not a record to be proud of. And it is not just rural hospitals. Hospitals in cities are facing the same pressures because of this government’s underfunding.

Hamilton hospitals are now predicting a more than $136-million deficit this fiscal year. They’re going to be looking at staffing cuts at a time when emergency rooms are already overcrowded and hallway health care in Ontario is worse than ever before.

Making sure that people can get the care they need when they need it is a basic function of any provincial government and it is the right of every single Canadian. So will the Premier explain to the people of Hamilton why he cannot deliver that for them?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Members will please take their seats.

The Minister of Health may reply.

Hon. Sylvia Jones: It must be NDP math today. A 4% increase year over year for hospital operating budgets; an $85-million increase in hospital capital and expansions—we’re making the investments to not only make sure that we have primary care physicians who are training in the province of Ontario when, respectfully, the last time the NDP government were in power, they were actually cutting residency and hospital positions.

I will take no lessons from the member opposite on how to better protect and serve and prepare for an aging population and a growing population in Ontario. Whether it is new seats for nurses, for nurse practitioners, for PSWs, for physicians, we are getting the job done because we know we need to ensure our hospitals, our community care, our long-term-care facilities have those critical health human resources available to them as we continue to expand the system.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The final supplementary?

Ms. Marit Stiles: I’ll tell you what, Speaker. I’ll give her some Tory math, shall I? Some Conservative math: A thousand emergency room closures last year—a thousand.

The minister’s words do not match the reality of the people of Ontario. Health care in Ontario is worse than it has ever been under this government. In small towns, in big cities, getting the care that you need, even in an emergency, is no longer a given. That is life after six years of this Conservative government.

Every single contract for private surgery that this government gives out means less funding for our local hospitals. So why is this government underfunding our hospitals in favour of private surgical clinics that are going to always put profit ahead of patients?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Members will please take their seats.

The Minister of Health.

Hon. Sylvia Jones: Let’s get some numbers on the record, shall we? In July and August, there was a 99% open rate of our emergency departments. We have seen an 85% overall improvement. Why have we seen that? Because our government has made investments with health care professionals, with hospitals. We have Ontario Health working directly if there is a hospital that is needing additional coverage to cover their emergency department.

But, Speaker, the member opposite talks about Hamilton. I don’t just rip and read from the headline; I actually make calls, so I had a conversation with the Hamilton Health Sciences CEO this morning. In fact, there are no layoffs happening at Juravinski; it is quite the opposite. They want to expand the number of clinical trials by 20. Therefore, they are doing recruitment right now, today, for health human resources.

That’s how we get things done.

Housing

Ms. Marit Stiles: This question is back to the Premier again.

Let’s talk numbers. The Financial Accountability Office report came out last week, and it confirmed what we have been saying on this side of the House: Housing is not a priority for this government. It has never been more clear. Housing starts—down. Expert advice—ignored. Six years—wasted. The last time housing starts were this bad was 70 years ago, Speaker—70 years ago. That’s this government’s record.

But when we put forward a plan to build real homes, this government shut it down. They don’t have solutions, and they don’t want solutions.

So, back to the Premier: If you won’t roll up your sleeves, put shovels in the ground and build some homes, will you at least move out of the way to let those of us with a real plan get the job done?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Members will please take their seats. Order.

The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Hon. Paul Calandra: Mr. Speaker, as I’ve said on a number of occasions, we’re going to continue to make sure that we remove obstacles so that we get more homes built across the province of Ontario.

I’m very happy about the fact that we are seeing more purpose-built rentals across the province of Ontario than we have ever seen before.

To be very clear, the Leader of the Opposition’s plan calls for the spending of $150 billion to build a small amount of homes across the province of Ontario. The only party that has a worse plan would be, of course—the federal Liberal plan. They spent $1.2 billion to build 2,000 homes in the province of Ontario.

We know this: When socialists take over the building of housing, we’ve got a real big problem.

Instead, we’re going to double down, we’re going to remove the obstacles, and we are going to build 1.5 million homes for the next generations of Ontarians—despite the obstacles that they put in the way constantly.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The supplementary question?

Ms. Marit Stiles: There you go, Speaker. This is a government that is just ideologically opposed to building affordable housing. Right there, you heard it.

I’ll tell you something else that the FAO report showed us. It said we are falling farther and farther behind the target that everybody agrees on—1.5 million homes we need. We are falling farther and farther behind, at a rate of 3,700 fewer units every single month. That is shameful. To catch up, my goodness, we’d have to increase housing starts by 74%. This government has no plan to make that happen.

Look at what BC is doing. They are building at twice the rate of Ontario. So I ask this government again, why is this government doubling down on their failures instead of following a plan with a record of success?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Members will take their seats.

The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Hon. Paul Calandra: The Leader of the Opposition is absolutely correct; I am ideologically opposed to the government building homes when I know that the private sector can do it better. That is the only plan that the Leader of the Opposition has. That’s the only plan that they have. They want to double down and re-create the failures of the Bob Rae government. We know what happened then. A million people were on social assistance when the Bob Rae government, the NDP government, had the opportunity to govern the province—a million people.

Contrast that to where we are today. Mr. Speaker, 800,000 people have the dignity of a job, who didn’t before we came to office. We have seen massive population growth across the province of Ontario. Do you know why? Because people want to come to this province to experience the economic revival that has happened since we’ve been in office. Before the higher interest rates, we were building homes at a higher pace than ever. We have brought in housing action plans to ensure that we can continue that.

Let me be very clear: Every time the socialist opposition brings forward a plan that would see the government take over the construction of homes, I’ll vote against it.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The House will come to order.

The final supplementary?

Ms. Marit Stiles: The only thing that this Premier and this government have achieved in six long years is encampments in every single community in this province. People are unable to find homes here because this government has failed. They refused to bring back real rent control. They slashed protections for renters in every corner of this province. Housing is now the most expensive item on the household budgets of so many people in this province, and yet this government refuses to address it.

They continue on this plan to create no housing. No housing is being built in this in this province right now, and this government is so ideologically opposed to actually getting anything done that this is the best we can expect. Well, Speaker, I’ve got to tell you, the people of this province deserve a lot better than this.

I want to ask the Premier, will he finally do the right thing? Will he bring back real rent control and stop the greed that is driving up the cost of housing all across this province?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Members will please take their seats.

The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Hon. Paul Calandra: I’ll tell you what, Mr. Speaker: The Leader of the Opposition has absolutely no idea what she is talking about. In fact, today, the mayor of Pickering is here. The city of Pickering, of course, is blowing through their housing targets. Do you know why? Because he’s removing obstacles so that shovels can get in the ground.

I was in Barrie on Friday, and do you know what was happening in Barrie? They were building another 1,200 units of affordable purpose-built rentals. You know why? Because the mayor of Barrie removed obstacles so that shovels could get in the ground.

You know what, Mr. Speaker? Where mayors have done what we have asked them to do—remove obstacles, cut red tape, make it more affordable to get shovels in the ground—those mayors are meeting their targets. But when builders and home builders are faced with socialist mayors who want to stop people from getting their homes, they run into obstacles. That’s where the people of Ontario have said to us, “Double down. Remove obstacles. Let people get that dream of home ownership.” We won’t let them down.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Can you stop the clock? Just a minute.

The vast majority of members are listening to the member who has the floor, and we are engaged in question period. Others are flouting the rules of the House and yelling across the floor. I am going to start calling you to order individually now if you persist, and then, if necessary, we’ll go to warnings.

Start the clock. The next question.

Housing

Ms. Catherine Fife: My question is for the Premier. Last week, the Financial Accountability Officer released a scathing report on Ontario’s economy and housing situation. The report found that Ontario’s unemployment rate rose for the sixth consecutive quarter, reaching 6.9% in 2023 Q3. This is the highest since mid-2021.

This weak pace of homebuilding has contributed to job losses in the construction sector. Ontario deserves a strong, confident construction sector that meets the housing crisis moment.

Surely, we can agree in this House that people living in tents in the province of Ontario in the winter is unacceptable. When will this government take the housing crisis seriously?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Members will please take their seats.

Once again, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Hon. Paul Calandra: In the member’s own riding, of course, we increased supports for homelessness by over 28%. Of course, the member will remember this because she voted against that increase in funding. But let me also be very clear: We have increased funding for the Homelessness Prevention Program to the highest level in history. Over $1.2 billion will be spent on supporting those programs.

But let me just say this: I expect—we expect—results from that investment, and if we don’t start to see the results that we are promised by the investments, we will take further action, because people demand safe streets. The people who are suffering from addiction within these encampments need more help, so we will make sure that we give them the resources and the wraparound services that are required. If we don’t start seeing those results, we will do all that we can and all that we must to give people safer streets and give people the help that they need so they can get out of tents and into homes.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary question?

Ms. Catherine Fife: No government in the history of this province has spent so much money getting so little done on housing. Ontario is actually on track for the lowest level of annual housing starts on record since 1955. Our Homes Ontario plan is part of the solution. People need homes and construction workers need jobs. The Homes Ontario plan is a plan that is committed to building and overseeing the construction of 250,000 affordable and non-market homes. Strong partnerships with the not-for-profit sector is a key part of our plan. We’ll build homes for people, not for profit.

Your plan is not working. You are part of the problem. You are failing the people of this province. If the private sector won’t build truly attainable affordable homes, when will you? When will you actually come to the table and get something done so that people don’t have to live in tents in the province of Ontario?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Stop the clock. The member for Ottawa Centre will come to order. The member for Hamilton Mountain will come to order. The government House leader will come to order. The Associate Minister of Auto Theft and Bail Reform will come to order.

Start the clock. To reply, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Hon. Paul Calandra: Look, Speaker, the reality is this: We had said right from the beginning that if interest rates were to increase at the speed at which they did, we would see significant challenges in the housing market across the province of Ontario. That is why, of course, the Premier stepped up to the mike. He was one of the first provincial leaders to say that the policies of the federal government, which were leading to high inflation and high interest rates—the fastest increase in interest rates in the history of this country—needed to come down. That is why the Premier did that.

We are doubling down and ensuring that we remove red tape and remove obstacles so that we can get more homes built. Nobody wants to see the NDP spend $150 billion to build so few homes. Nobody wants the government building homes, because wherever that has been tried, it doesn’t work.

I know the Leader of the Opposition herself, when she was asked, “How much would it cost?” couldn’t even come up with the answer. We had to fill in the blanks for her. That’s the NDP: blanks.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Stop the clock. The member for Waterloo will come to order. The member for Scarborough Centre will come to order.

Start the clock. The next question.

Transportation infrastructure

Mr. Sheref Sabawy: My question is for the Minister of Transportation. People in my riding of Mississauga–Erin Mills have grown increasingly frustrated with congestion and gridlock on our highways. For far too long, the previous Liberal government ignored these issues and left our communities with no solutions.

As Ontario’s population continues to grow, we know that we cannot continue with the status quo. Our government must implement measures that make it easier and faster to build new roads and highways across our province. We need to take action now so that people can spend more time with their families and less under gridlock.

Speaker, can the minister please tell the House how our government is finally delivering the meaningful improvements Ontarians have been waiting for?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The parliamentary assistant and the member for Hastings–Lennox and Addington.

Mr. Ric Bresee: Thank you for the question to the member from Mississauga–Erin Mills. It’s no secret that under the previous Liberal government, critical infrastructure projects simply didn’t get built. They sat by as our population grew. They left our highways stuck in gridlock.

We know that gridlock is hurting our economy and taking away time from our families. That’s why our government has a plan to keep our province moving. With the Building Highways Faster Act, our government is cutting through the legacy of inaction, removing unnecessary barriers and getting essential projects moving along. This legislation allows us to fast-track vital highway expansions like the 413, finally providing relief for communities and addressing congestion head-on.

We are committed to real action, putting shovels in the ground and getting Ontario moving faster.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary question?

Mr. Sheref Sabawy: I know that families and small businesses in my community are relieved to see common-sense solutions that will help to keep our province moving.

Speaker, the Bonnie Crombie Liberals do not want to see major infrastructure projects like Highway 413 built in Ontario. Instead, they are offering zero solutions to help get drivers out of gridlock.

In contrast, our government understands that without new infrastructure, gridlock will only get worse. That’s why it is critical that we streamline the building process so that we can have a strong transportation network now and into the future.

Speaker, can the minister please explain how the Building Highways Faster Act ensures our highway infrastructure meets the demands of our growing population?

Mr. Ric Bresee: Once again, thank you to the fantastic member from Mississauga–Erin Mills.

Our government is laser-focused on getting Ontario moving and making life easier for the hard-working families all across this province. It’s actually quite disappointing to see the NDP and the Liberals try to stand in the way of critical projects like the 413 without offering any practical solutions. Their opposition means more traffic, more gridlock and a real hit to Ontario’s potential for growth, all at the expense of everyday Ontarians.

Our Building Highways Faster Act is about taking action. It’s about cutting through red tape that has held Ontario back for too long. We’re streamlining approvals and fast-tracking infrastructure. We’re putting shovels in the ground faster, creating jobs, reducing commute times and making sure that Ontario remains a place where people and businesses can thrive. With this legislation, we’re standing up for Ontarians—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you very much.

The next question.

Fundraising

Mr. Terence Kernaghan: My question is to the Premier. Conservatives have really shown their hand. The chair of the Ontario PC Party fund emailed ministers’ offices, dictating minimum fundraising targets and directing them to organize two to five fundraisers each by the end of the year.

Everyone remembers the Liberal-era cash-for-access regime, when in 2016, their party set fundraising quotas for ministers. Conservatives had a lot to say about that at that time.

My question is going to be the exact same question that Conservatives asked the former Liberal government: “Does the Premier acknowledge that setting fundraising targets for cabinet ministers forces them to fundraise from stakeholders with active files within their respective ministries?”

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): To reply, the Attorney General.

Hon. Doug Downey: I’ll begin with very clear—we do not have targets, we have not been given targets and we are not following targets, Mr. Speaker. But let me tell you this: I actually learned about the alleged email through the newspaper—that’s how tight it was—because it was a mistake when it was sent out—it was recalled immediately—apparently, to some individuals. Now, this is not comparable to the Liberal scandal that put these guys in this corner to think about what they’ve done for some time.

Now, according to the website, it says we need some help. All you have to do is google the Liberal scandals; Wikipedia has a whole page on Patti Starr. The headlines are “Ontario’s Cash-For-Access Scandal and Big Pharma”—I’ll get to the NDP in my supplementary—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order.

Supplementary question?

Mr. Terence Kernaghan: Oh, Speaker, another day for this government and another FOI. These Conservatives are always contrite when they’re caught, but they’re not contrite when they’re in the backrooms or communicating via back channels.

Let’s be clear: Conservatives were righteously outraged when the Liberal government did it, but now they’re drawing from the same playbook that got the Liberals reduced to non-party status in 2018. Liberal, Tory, same old story.

I want to ask the same question to the Premier that the Conservatives asked the Liberals during their cash-for-access scandal. Again, I quote: Do they “believe that it is appropriate for a minister of the crown to raise large sums of money from stakeholders bidding on projects that are worth hundreds of millions of dollars, where he has the power to give a thumbs-up or a thumbs-down?”

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Members will please take their seats.

The Attorney General.

Hon. Doug Downey: Everybody knows the Premier gives his phone number out to every Ontarian. Nobody could be more accessible. I bet he gets more phone calls and texts than the entire NDP combined.

Let me be clear: When the NDP have recently advertised for a fundraising director, what they’ve asked for is somebody with experience in networks, in labour, in other progressive organizations, either on staff or as a volunteer. Now, let me be clear: I know they probably know that you can’t raise money from labour; it has to be from individuals. But even if you could access those networks, they’re going to be surprised when they find out that LIUNA, IBEW, the operating engineers of Ontario are all supporting the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario.

Mineral exploration and production

Mr. Lorne Coe: My question is for the Minister of Mines. Ontario is known for its rich natural resources. From our northern forests to the mineral-rich lands, our province has always been a leader in resource development. Mining has been the backbone of many communities, providing jobs and driving economic growth.

Now, as the world shifts towards green technologies, critical minerals are more important than ever. These minerals are used in everything from electric cars to advanced batteries. The global demand is skyrocketing, and Ontario is perfectly positioned to meet it. Our government needs to continue to show leadership in not only supporting the mining sector, but also helping Ontario compete on the world stage.

Can the minister please share how the Critical Minerals Strategy, including programs like the Ontario Junior Exploration Program, is creating economic opportunities for our great province?

Hon. George Pirie: Thank you for the question from our member from Whitby. We have rare earths 20 miles west of Otter Rapids. We have cesium west of Lake Abitibi. We have phosphates east of Hearst. We have graphite west of Hearst. We have lithium deposits throughout northwestern Ontario. And we have abundant critical minerals in the Ring of Fire.

But it all starts with exploration. That’s why, last week, it was my pleasure to announce the fifth round of the Ontario Junior Exploration Program that has contributed $35 million in investments in the early-stage exploration projects, like the $13-million investment last week in Timmins. Ontario announced and funded 84 projects, and 62 projects that were focused entirely on critical minerals. That’s why, right now, in Ontario, we are the number one jurisdiction for exploration.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The supplementary question?

Mr. Lorne Coe: Thank you, Minister, for your leadership. Ontario has always been a leader in mining. From gold to nickel, our natural resources have helped fuel economies here at home and around the world. But today, the game is changing. Critical minerals are the future. They’re key to green technologies, batteries and advanced manufacturing. The demand is growing fast, and Ontario has what the world needs.

But to stay competitive, we must act quickly. New mines can’t wait decades to open. We need a strong plan to get these minerals out of the ground and into the hands of the industries that need them.

Can the minister please explain how our government’s Critical Minerals Strategy and recent legislative changes are speeding up the opening of new mines while keeping environmental protections in place?

Hon. George Pirie: The member from Whitby is entirely correct: It is critical that we get these minerals out of the ground. We have what the world needs now in northern Ontario as we wean ourselves off of fossil fuels and we get into the electric vehicle revolution. We also need these minerals as well to ensure national security. We have the minerals. We have the mines. We have the ability to ensure our future.

It is critical that we continue to develop the advances that we’re doing in legislation and regulations to ensure that we get these minerals out of the ground. It’s important as we wean ourselves off fossil fuels and secure our national security.

Making Ground River Bridge

MPP Lise Vaugeois: My question is to the Premier. Ginoogaming First Nation is in a state of emergency. The bridge that is the main access into their community can no longer be used for vehicles. It’s been known since 2002 that the bridge was not safe. Ontario did its own study in 2017 that came to the same conclusion, yet no action was taken.

The Premier and the Minister of Indigenous Affairs did a photo op just outside Ginoogaming last Wednesday. Why did the Premier and minister not reach out to Chief Taylor and visit the community knowing it’s in a state of emergency?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): To reply, the government House leader.

Mr. Steve Clark: I want to thank the honourable member for the question. On behalf of the minister and the Premier, the safety and well-being of that community when they’re in an emergency is of great concern to the government. We understand the challenges facing that community, and the government is committed to continuing to work with the federal, provincial and Indigenous partners to develop a long-term solution on that bridge. I know that ministry officials continue to meet with the community and their leadership for terms of reference on the bridge. I look forward to the follow-up question from the member.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary question?

MPP Lise Vaugeois: In my conversation with the chief this morning, those long-term solutions do not address the immediate needs. In the 1960s, federal and provincial governments expropriated Indigenous lands and water rights at will and gave them to industry. Eagle lumber’s current ownership of the bridge is a problem that Ontario helped to create. As of this morning, neither the Premier nor the Minister of Indigenous Affairs has reached out to speak with Chief Taylor. It’s winter up there right now, and an elder with pneumonia had to walk across this bridge to get an ambulance.

Premier, will you immediately purchase the land, fix the bridge and work with the federal government to pay for permanent solutions?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Members will take their seats.

Government House leader.

Mr. Steve Clark: On behalf of the Premier and the minister, I want to make it very clear that we are committed to playing a key

part in the tripartite working group with the community and the federal government. Timelines and steps have been laid out to repair or replace the Making Ground River Bridge. I know that the working group continues to meet on a monthly basis as this project moves forward and, again, the ministry has said to me quite clearly that they will continue to play an important coordinating role to ensure that all of the partner ministries are providing insight into this project.

Government advertising

Mr. John Fraser: My question is for the Premier. I watched the Grey Cup game last night, and it was a great game. We watch a lot of football in the Fraser household, and this season there’s one thing that stands out above everything else: the millions and millions and millions of dollars that the Premier is spending on ads to convince us that everything is just rosy here in Ontario.

The truth is that’s not the experience of families. Some six years later, it’s harder for them to put food on the table, to buy clothes for their kids, to pay their rent, to pay the bills, just to find a family doctor.

Speaker, through you: When 2.5 million Ontarians don’t have a family doctor, how does the Premier justify spending millions and millions and millions of dollars on ads to tell everyone in Ontario, as he would say, that everything is just peachy-keen?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Minister of Finance.

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy: Mr. Speaker, thank you, through you, to the member opposite for that question. We’re very aware, and have been for some time, that the cost of living is impacting many families in Ontario. That’s why we moved so early in 2022 to cap the gas tax, to take the tolls off the 412 and the 418, to take off the driver’s licence fees. We acted very early.

Just a couple of weeks ago, we tabled the fall economic statement. What was in there? There was another gas tax cut. There were taxpayer rebates, so that people who are struggling today will get the relief they deserve today.

Which way did the Liberal Party vote? They voted against it. They voted against helping struggling families in this province. They voted against the gas tax cut. They voted against providing relief to the struggling families of Ontario. This is a party that will never relent helping put more money back in the pockets of—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you.

The supplementary question?

Mr. John Fraser: Maybe if the finance minister spent a fraction of the money spent on these ads on finding, for the 13,000 people in his riding who don’t have a family doctor, a family doctor, we would all be better off. So these ads—they’re putting gambling ads to shame—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order.

Mr. John Fraser: Speaker, here, let’s do this. What if I told you there was a place where families are just struggling to keep their heads above water?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Government side, come to order.

Mr. John Fraser: Where 2.5 million people didn’t have a family doctor, where twice as many people were being treated in hallways in hospitals, and where 11,000 people died on a wait-list last year? So maybe a little closer to home.

What if I told you there was a place where almost 100,000 people didn’t have a family doctor, and that 15,000 of those people were children? Well, Premier, it’s where you live: Etobicoke.

So how can the Premier justify wasting millions of dollars on his orgy of feel-good ads while so many children in his own backyard don’t have a family doctor?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’m going to caution the member on his choice of words, and also remind him to make his comments through the Chair.

The Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.

Hon. Sylvia Jones: You know, with the greatest of respect, Speaker, and I hope you agree with me, there’s a way to have a debate without using inappropriate words in this chamber—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order. Stop the clock. The House will come to order.

I need to be able to hear the Minister of Health. She has the floor. The question was posed to her. I think the House wants to hear her response.

Start the clock. The Minister of Health.

Hon. Sylvia Jones: Speaker, imagine a place in 2015 where the Liberal government of the day cut 50 medical seats. We would have an additional 450 physicians trained and practising in the province of Ontario.

Now, imagine a place—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Stop the clock. The member for Don Valley East will come to order. The member for Glengarry–Prescott–Russell will come to order. The Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development will come to order.

Minister of Health.

Hon. Sylvia Jones: Imagine a place where we wouldn’t have to be playing catch-up, and 450 physicians would have been trained and practising in the province of Ontario.

Fast-forward, we now have and have licensed—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you.

Hon. Sylvia Jones: They really don’t want to hear this, Speaker.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I do, but sorry, time’s up.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The House will come to order. I’m going to be moving to warnings now, just so you know.

The next question.

Immigrants’ skills

Mrs. Daisy Wai: My question is to the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. We know that Ontario faces a growing demand for skilled workers and we have people here, underemployed. Every day, we hear stories of newcomers with strong skills and years of experience who need help finding jobs in the trained professions.

This is particularly true in Richmond Hill. We have a lot of newcomers. We have engineers, health care workers, tradespeople—highly skilled individuals ready to contribute to Ontario. But instead of working in their fields, they too often face unnecessary barriers, delays and red tape. This hurts our economy and our communities. It is clear that we need to do better to help these skilled immigrants get the jobs they are trained for.

What is the government doing to help skilled newcomers find work in their professions faster?

Hon. David Piccini: Thank you to the member for that question and for her advocacy to help people find better training and better jobs with bigger pay cheques.

With our Working for Workers Five Act, we’ve taken a number of steps. In fact, we’ve streamlined the registration process for internationally trained workers. What has that meant? Thousands more nurses entering the ranks of nursing; more men and women in the skilled trades building a stronger Ontario.

We know the federal government have grossly mismanaged our immigration system, and shattered and strained the consensus around immigration. While they work to fix the system they broke, we’re working hard in Ontario to set people up for success. Through our Skills Development Fund, we’ve trained over 600,000 workers: 92,000 in manufacturing, 66,000 in construction and 36,000 PSWs—and we’re just getting started.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The supplementary question?

Mrs. Daisy Wai: Thank you, Minister, for your great work and for that strong leadership.

The federal government has mismanaged the immigration system and, sadly, we have heard heartbreaking stories of newcomers who have arrived in Ontario with dreams of building a better life, only to be hurt by confusion and exploitation. Fraudulent agents promise quick fixes, fake job offers or forged school acceptances. It has to stop. This has not only crushed the dreams of all newcomers, but has put people in vulnerable and dangerous situations.

The federal government has failed to protect these individuals, leaving provinces like Ontario to pick up the pieces. What is the government doing to crack down on this fraudulent immigration?

Hon. David Piccini: Thank you to that member. She sees this first-hand in the GTHA. The broken immigration system has left provinces like Ontario to pick up the pieces and to fix the broken system. We’re shouldering the unsustainable financial costs of their inability to manage the asylum system, for example.

With limited data sharing and no clear federal strategy, we’re seeing fraudulent immigration representatives all across Ontario misrepresenting application statuses on programs like the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program. While they dither, we’re going to act and we’re going to act aggressively. We’re stepping up and we’re introducing new legislative measures that impose fines, bans and stricter standards on scammers and scumbag bad actors. Their day in this country, their day in Ontario, is over.

Stay tuned. I’ll be introducing more this week.

Protection for workers

MPP Jamie West: My question is for the Premier. According to a CBC freedom-of-information request, workers in Ontario are owed $60 million in stolen wages. Like Ontarians across the province, New Democrats believe in the value of hard work, and we believe that includes workers getting paid for their hard work. If those wages are stolen, then the government should be their ally and get them their money.

My question is, why is the Conservative government allowing bad bosses to get away with stealing $60 million from Ontario’s workers?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

Hon. David Piccini: Thank you to the member for that important question. The bottom line is when workers are treated with disrespect, when workers’ wages are withheld, we have to act. That member’s absolutely right; it’s completely unacceptable. We’ve taken a number of steps as a government: implementing high fines and amending the Employment Standards Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act to make sure workers are protected.

But we have to do more. We know that when this gets to court, judges often take great liberties with respect to these fines. That’s why in my next Working for Workers bill, we’ll be taking steps to crack down on that and make sure that these workers are treated with the respect that they deserve.

I appreciate the member asking that question. He’s right. It’s unacceptable. We’re going to continue to act to protect workers in the province of Ontario.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The supplementary question?

MPP Jamie West: My question again is to the Premier. Speaker, Ontario’s workers have 60 million reasons to believe the Conservatives aren’t serious about getting their stolen wages back. The Conservative government will brag about doubling the fines for wage thefts, but during estimates the Minister of Labour wasn’t able to cite a single time that the previous maximum was ever used or enforced. The government’s own stats show us that most of the time stolen wages are never paid back.

My question is, when will the Conservative government get serious about wage theft and collect the $60 million owed to Ontario’s workers?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Members will please take their seats.

The Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

Hon. David Piccini: I appreciate, again, the question from the member opposite.

Speaker, stay tuned for our next Working for Workers bill, where, again, that discretion that the judiciary has exercised—we’re going to be cracking down on that to make sure workers get what they deserve and making sure that bad-actor employers have serious consequences.

But, Speaker, I have to say, when we’ve worked together on a number of initiatives, we’ve put workers first. Under the leadership of this Premier, we’ve worked together for firefighters, we’ve worked together with previous Working for Workers bills. I’m going to crack down on that.

And they have millions of reasons to see why: Through the Skills Development Fund, we’ve acted to support 600,000 workers. They voted against that. We brought labour on side with our Working for Workers bills, after leaving them in droves, Speaker. And we’re working to build the coalition that supports workers in the province of Ontario.

This has never been a one and done. That’s why, through successive Working for Workers, we’ll continue to put workers first and ensure that we build a stronger Ontario that we know we all need.

Remembrance Day

Ms. Goldie Ghamari: My question is for the Premier. Mr. Speaker, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year, Canadians gather to remember the sacrifice that veterans made. They gather to pay homage to those Canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep Canada a safe and democratic country. It is a sacred day for Canadians and it is a sacred day for veterans.

So you can imagine my surprise, Mr. Speaker, when we heard the news about a school in Ottawa where they took their woke leftist narrative—

Ms. Doly Begum: It’s a song about peace. It’s a song about peace.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order.

Ms. Goldie Ghamari: They took their woke left narrative agenda, Mr. Speaker, and they imposed it upon a Canadian tradition—

Ms. Doly Begum: You called me a terrorist in this House.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Scarborough Southwest, come to order.

Ms. Goldie Ghamari: My question to the government is: Does the government, does the Premier think it’s appropriate to use taxpayer-funded dollars to disgrace Canadian veterans?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order.

The Minister of Education.

Hon. Jill Dunlop: I was just as disturbed by this as the member is. Myself, my staff, the Premier as well heard an outpouring of reaction from parents, from taxpayers. I had the opportunity to speak with the director of education to find out what the next steps were going to be, and the board will be investigating the situation.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary question?

Ms. Goldie Ghamari: Thank you for the response from the minister.

My supplementary question is: Mr. Speaker, if you go to the Royal Canadian Legion’s website, the first thing it says is, “On Remembrance Day we honour those who gave their lives to serve our country.” That country is Canada.

My parents immigrated from a brutal Islamofascist dictatorship and came to Canada because they wanted their daughters to be raised in a free and democratic society. The reason Canada is the way it is today is because our veterans paid the ultimate sacrifice. So my question to the Premier is, will this government make a commitment to ensure that the disrespect that was given to veterans on November 11 will never happen again in a taxpayer-funded institution?

Hon. Jill Dunlop: I too want to thank all the veterans and their families who made the ultimate sacrifice. I had the opportunity to attend many Remembrance Day services in my own area, as well as the Indigenous Remembrance Day ceremony.

I want to assure the member that I had a conversation with all directors of education and board chairs on Friday where we discussed—one thing being the discretionary spending that has been happening, but also the politics in the classroom. I wanted them to commit to ensuring to keep the politics out of the classroom and the focus to be on back to basics—ensuring that our students are there and preparing them for the jobs of tomorrow. That is my commitment to our children and to our—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you.

The next question.

Forest industry / Taxation

Mr. Rick Byers: My question is for the Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products. Ontario’s forest products are a cornerstone of our economy, supporting thousands of jobs in communities across the province. From lumber mills in the north to cutting-edge wood construction in the south, this industry touches every part of Ontario.

But, sadly, the Trudeau-Crombie carbon tax is driving up costs for everyone. It’s making it harder for forestry companies to compete and forcing families to pay more for essentials like home heating and building materials. This tax doesn’t just hit big companies, it hurts workers, their families and entire communities that rely on the forestry sector to thrive.

Speaker, can the associate minister please tell this House what our government is doing to support this vital industry in the face of this harmful tax?

Hon. Kevin Holland: Thank you to the member from Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound for that question.

I’m proud to say that our government is supporting the forestry sector despite the disastrous Trudeau-Crombie carbon tax. Our government is building programs to support businesses in the forestry sector, helping to lower costs and create jobs, all while managing carbon emissions. That is why we invested close to $5 million in Element5, Ontario’s first certified mass timber plant, a state-of-the-art facility in the great riding of Elgin–Middlesex–London. This is an investment in the forestry sector that will create jobs, use our great renewable forest products while helping to build homes.

And not only that: We are providing nearly $8 million in funding for advanced wood construction projects, supporting projects like the University of Toronto’s 14-storey mass timber building, the Academic Wood Tower just north of here on Bloor Street.

It’s our government that’s supporting innovation, creating jobs and reducing emissions, and we will continue to do so.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The supplementary question?

Mr. Rick Byers: I thank the associate minister for that response.

It’s clear that the Trudeau-Crombie carbon tax is not only hurting the forestry sector, but all hard-working Ontarians. This tax makes everything more expensive, from running a business to heating a home. Families are struggling to make ends meet, and small businesses, especially in rural and northern communities, are feeling the financial pressure. They’re seeing their costs rise, their margins shrink and their futures put at risk.

While Liberal and NDP members support these harmful policies, our government needs to focus on real solutions that will help the people of Ontario. Can the associate minister please explain how our government is giving financial relief to Ontarians to cope with these rising costs?

Hon. Kevin Holland: Thanks for that great question. It’s disheartening that members opposite support a tax that harms our northern and rural businesses, while routinely voting against policies to support them. This government is taking a different approach. We are providing financial relief for families and businesses.

Speaker, times are tough. Inflation and the cost of living are stubbornly high. And that’s why our government is providing the extension of the gas tax cut, saving Ontario households, on average, $380 per year since the cuts were first introduced in July 2022. And this is saving the forestry sector $2.8 million a year.

The Premier and the Minister of Finance are taking action to provide families, people and workers some much-needed relief. Starting in early 2025, every Ontario tax filer will receive a $200 rebate, as will every child in qualifying families. These are the latest steps to put more hard-earned money back into the pockets of the people of Ontario. It’s a shame the members opposite will put politics ahead of affordability for Ontario’s families and businesses.

Energy rates

Mr. Peter Tabuns: Speaker, my question to the Premier: Hydro consumers in Ontario deserve to be protected from higher prices, but the fall economic statement continues a Liberal plan to increase privatization and consolidation of local hydro utilities by giving tax breaks to private investors. Why is the Premier giving tax breaks to private investors when it means higher prices for consumers?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The associate minister of electrification.

Hon. Sam Oosterhoff: I’m very pleased to answer the question from the member opposite.

As the member knows, we have taken substantial steps, since coming to office, to finally fix the hydro mess that we saw created under the Liberals and supported by the NDP in the province of Ontario. We saw hydro rates go up by 300% when the Liberals were in power, and every single step of the way, we saw the NDP support them.

That’s why, in comparison with the Green Energy Act fiasco that we saw under previous governments, we have the Affordable Energy Act that is being debated in this chamber, setting, as a base-level support for the people of Ontario—strong support on affordability and strong measures to ensure that our local distribution companies and every part of the energy sector are working together to address affordability for the province of Ontario.

I’ll speak more about why the measure included in the fall economic statement is so important to support affordability and ensure that more people in the province of Ontario are receiving affordable, reliable, clean energy—a luxury that we didn’t have under the former Liberal government.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The supplementary question?

Mr. Peter Tabuns: Notwithstanding what has been said, the government continues to perpetuate Liberal policies that will drive up hydro rates.

We all know the strong rise in hydro rates started with the privatization of power by the Harris Conservatives. The Liberals continued the privatization and extended it to local utilities, claiming it would save money. But the Auditor General, in 2022, showed that smaller utilities were, on average, more efficient than the bigger ones.

The program this government is continuing is one that will drive up hydro rates. They’re following the Liberal example.

When will the Premier abandon this Liberal policy that drives up hydro rates?

Hon. Sam Oosterhoff: It’s rich coming from the member opposite—speaking about driving up hydro rates.

We heard from the Auditor General, when the Liberal government was in power, supported by the member opposite, who was here at that time—a 300% increase. What did that look like? That meant that we saw, in the feed-in tariff system, FIT contracts that were 10 times market value—80 cents a kilowatt hour—and that directly led to the massive increases in electricity rates.

We had a plan, when we came in, to stabilize electricity rates, and it has worked. As a result of that plan, we’re attracting new businesses, new entrepreneurs into the province of Ontario, and we’re seeing that economic growth in every single corner. But it’s not just about businesses, it’s about the people of the province of Ontario, who no longer have to choose between heating and eating.

Every single aspect of our integrated energy plan is focused on affordability for the people of this province, as we lean into our clean energy advantage, create a superpower here in the province of Ontario and ensure that we’re able to export that energy across the continent as well, supporting families, supporting job creators and supporting the people of the province to grow and thrive.

Mr. Robert Bailey: My question is to the Minister of Francophone Affairs.

Speaker, in my riding, there’s a vibrant francophone community that has called Sarnia home for over 400 years. I know how important it is for residents of Sarnia to receive the support they need in their first language.

For far too long in this province, Franco-Ontarians were left behind, unable to receive services in French, which is frankly unacceptable. That’s why our government must ensure that our francophone population is being respected and their needs are being met.

Speaker, can the minister please explain what actions our government is taking to ensure that Franco-Ontarians across this great province, including in my riding of Sarnia, have greater access to French services?

L’hon. Caroline Mulroney: Merci au député de Sarnia–Lambton pour cette importante question.

This designation would not have been possible without the leadership of the member for Sarnia–Lambton.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Merci beaucoup.

The supplementary question?

Mr. Robert Bailey: Merci, Madam Minister.

This is incredible news for the residents of Sarnia, as they join the 26 areas that have been designated under the French Language Services Act. I want to thank the minister for her support and leadership in making this designation happen for the people of my community.

It’s encouraging to see that our government is delivering on our commitment to provide French-language services across this province. According to the 2021 census, 80% of Franco-Ontarians live in one of these designated areas. While significant progress has been made, more work is still needed to increase access to French-language services and supports of Ontario’s francophonie.

Can the minister please inform the House on how the designation of Sarnia fits into this government’s long-term commitment to supporting Ontario’s francophonie?

Ce travail est le fruit d’une étroite collaboration avec les intervenants de la francophonie ontarienne. Nous savons qu’investir dans la francophonie ontarienne, c’est aussi investir dans la prospérité et le potentiel économique de l’Ontario. La désignation de nouveaux secteurs et organismes s’inscrit dans notre stratégie à long terme visant à renforcer notre francophonie.

Automotive industry

Ms. Jennifer K. French: My question is to the Premier. The Financial Accountability Office has reported that Ontario’s exports are struggling and that we’ve now seen the third drop in the past four quarters. This reflects an ongoing challenge in the auto sector. We need to promote and support the auto industry. The automotive industry matters to Ontario.

In Oshawa, we know a lot about the importance of a strong automotive sector. Auto manufacturers have been working to ensure that their products are not only made in Ontario, but that Ontarians choose to buy and drive them as well. One challenge that has been identified is the lack of charging infrastructure in the province and the lack of government leadership to ensure folks can charge their EVs or future EVs at home.

My EV-Ready Homes Act is sitting in front of this government with support from industry to help build consumer confidence, and they are ignoring a real solution and a good idea.

When will this government get it in gear and do what is needed to make sure Ontarians are buying vehicles of the future that are made here in Ontario?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

Hon. Victor Fedeli: Thank you very much, Speaker, for the opportunity to continue to talk about our wonderful auto sector. Look, we’ve landed $45 billion. If you remember, only a few short years ago, both Australia and Ontario were headed off a cliff in auto. Australia decided to throw the towel in and get out of the auto business. Premier Ford said, “Not happening in Ontario. We’re going to save the 100,000 auto workers who were working in Ontario, whose jobs were in jeopardy.” We went from zero to $45 billion—that’s more than any US state has landed. In fact, in all of the United States, they’ve only landed $119 billion, compared to our $45 billion.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you very much.

That concludes our question period for this morning.

Toronto Argonauts

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Burlington has informed me she has a point of order she’d like to raise.

Ms. Natalie Pierre: I’d like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Toronto Argonauts on their remarkable victory in the 111th Grey Cup. This triumph, achieved through great determination and outstanding teamwork, marks their 19th Grey Cup title, a testament to their enduring legacy in Canadian football, and it’s a shining example of perseverance and excellence in sport.

Notice of dissatisfaction

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Pursuant to standing order 36(a), the member for Ottawa South has given their notice of dissatisfaction with the answer to their question given by the Minister of Finance regarding advertising. This matter will be debated tomorrow, following private members’ public business.

Deferred Votes

Cutting Taxes on Small Businesses Act, 2024 / Loi de 2024 pour réduire les impôts des petites entreprises

Deferred vote on the motion for second reading of the following bill:

Bill 195,

An Act to amend the Taxation Act, 2007 to increase Ontario small business deductions / Projet de loi 195, Loi modifiant la Loi de 2007 sur les impôts pour augmenter les déductions accordées aux petites entreprises exploitées en Ontario.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Call in the members. This is a five-minute bell.

The division bells rang from 1149 to 1154.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Members will please take their seats.

On November 7, 2024, Ms. Bowman moved second reading of Bill 195,

An Act to amend the Taxation Act, 2007 to increase Ontario small business deductions.

All those in favour will please rise and remain standing until recognized by the Clerk.

Ayes

Andrew, Jill

Begum, Doly

Bell, Jessica

Bourgouin, Guy

Bowman, Stephanie

Brady, Bobbi Ann

Burch, Jeff

Clancy, Aislinn

Collard, Lucille

Fife, Catherine

Fraser, John

French, Jennifer K.

Gélinas, France

Harden, Joel

Hazell, Andrea

Hsu, Ted

Jama, Sarah

Karpoche, Bhutila

Kernaghan, Terence

McCrimmon, Karen

McMahon, Mary-Margaret

Pasma, Chandra

Rakocevic, Tom

Sattler, Peggy

Schreiner, Mike

Shamji, Adil

Shaw, Sandy

Stevens, Jennifer (Jennie)

Stiles, Marit

Tabuns, Peter

Taylor, Monique

Vanthof, John

Vaugeois, Lise

West, Jamie

Wong-Tam, Kristyn

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): All those opposed will please rise and remain standing until recognized by the Clerk.

Nays

Anand, Deepak

Babikian, Aris

Bailey, Robert

Barnes, Patrice

Bethlenfalvy, Peter

Bresee, Ric

Byers, Rick

Calandra, Paul

Cho, Raymond Sung Joon

Cho, Stan

Clark, Steve

Coe, Lorne

Crawford, Stephen

Cuzzetto, Rudy

Dixon, Jess

Dowie, Andrew

Downey, Doug

Dunlop, Jill

Fedeli, Victor

Gallagher Murphy, Dawn

Grewal, Hardeep Singh

Hamid, Zee

Hardeman, Ernie

Harris, Mike

Hogarth, Christine

Holland, Kevin

Jones, Sylvia

Jones, Trevor

Jordan, John

Kanapathi, Logan

Kerzner, Michael S.

Leardi, Anthony

Martin, Robin

McGregor, Graham

Mulroney, Caroline

Oosterhoff, Sam

Pang, Billy

Parsa, Michael

Piccini, David

Pierre, Natalie

Pinsonneault, Steve

Pirie, George

Quinn, Nolan

Rae, Matthew

Riddell, Brian

Sabawy, Sheref

Sandhu, Amarjot

Sarkaria, Prabmeet Singh

Sarrazin, Stéphane

Saunderson, Brian

Scott, Laurie

Skelly, Donna

Smith, Dave

Smith, David

Smith, Graydon

Smith, Laura

Surma, Kinga

Tangri, Nina

Thanigasalam, Vijay

Thompson, Lisa M.

Tibollo, Michael A.

Triantafilopoulos, Effie J.

Wai, Daisy

Yakabuski, John

The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Trevor Day): The ayes are 35; the nays are 64.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I declare the motion lost.

Second reading negatived.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): There being no further business this morning, this House stands in recess until 1 p.m.

The House recessed from 1158 to 1300.

Introduction of Visitors

Hon. Michael S. Kerzner: There’s a number of people that I wanted to recognize and acknowledge, people that help keep Ontario safe every day.

Please let me acknowledge the president of the Ontario Provincial Police Association, John Cerasuolo; Mark Dapat, the deputy chief in Peel; Deputy Chief Roger Wilkie of Halton, who’s also the president of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police; Chief Paul Pedersen, retired Greater Sudbury police chief, who is now the executive director of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police; the police chief from Durham Regional Police Service, Peter Moreira; Police Chief Bill Fordy, chief of Niagara regional police; the president of the Police Association of Ontario, Mark Baxter; and many others who have joined us, as well, today.

Welcome to the Ontario Legislature.

Reports by Committees

Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy

Mr. Matthew Rae: I beg leave to present a report from the Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy and move its adoption.

The Clerk-at-the-Table (Mr. Christopher Tyrell): Your committee begs to report the following bill, as amended:

Bill 197,

An Act to amend the Highway Traffic Act / Projet de loi 197, Loi modifiant le Code de la route.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Shall the report be received and adopted? Agreed? Agreed.

Report adopted.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Pursuant to the order of the House dated October 29, 2024, the bill is therefore ordered for third reading.

Introduction of Government Bills

Safer Streets, Stronger Communities Act, 2024 / Loi de 2024 visant à accroître la sécurité dans les rues et à renforcer les collectivités

Mr. Kerzner moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 223,

An Act to enact two Acts and to amend various Acts with respect to public safety and the justice system / Projet de loi 223, Loi édictant deux lois et modifiant diverses lois relatives à la sécurité publique et au système judiciaire.

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

First reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Would the Solicitor General care to briefly explain his bill?

Hon. Michael S. Kerzner: This bill proposes amendments to the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019, the Community Care and Recovery Act, 2024, the Highway Traffic Act and various other acts. If passed, this legislation would help protect children and keep communities safe while fighting auto theft and creating a more effective justice system.

Motions

Committee sittings

Mr. Anthony Leardi: I move that the Standing Committee on Government Agencies shall not meet during its regularly scheduled meeting time on Thursday, November 21, 2024, and instead be authorized to meet on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.

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

Motion agreed to.

Petitions

Labour legislation

Mrs. Jennifer (Jennie) Stevens: This petition was presented to myself by Ashley Woolhead from Sudbury. I do agree with what she’s agreeing with within this—passing anti-scab labour legislation.

The petition states that we should prohibit employers from using replacement labour—to prohibit employers from using both external and internal replacement workers. She also feels that Ontario workers—and pass anti-scab labour legislation, like the Ontario NDP’s bill, Bill 90, the Anti-Scab Labour Act, 2023. The use of replacement workers undermines workers, and scab labour contributes to higher conflicts on picket lines, which we don’t want to see. Strong and fair anti-scab legislation will lead to shorter labour disputes, which will help with safer workplaces.

Speaker, I agree with Ashley Woolhead from Sudbury. I’m going to sign the petition and send it down with page Laura to the table.

Ferry service

Mr. Ted Hsu: This is a petition from residents of my riding of Kingston and the Islands, Wolfe Island, Simcoe Island, Howe Island, and it’s about the Wolfe Island ferry. They are asking the Ministry of Transportation to restore the 60-minute—the hourly

schedule for the Wolfe Island ferry; it’s currently running at an 80-minute schedule. What has happened with disruption of the ferry service is that the local family medicine clinic was withdrawn—paramedic service was withdrawn in 2022. Contractors are withdrawing their services to the island because of the risk of irregular ferry service. It’s affecting tourism. Businesses on Wolfe Island have been affected by disruptions to the ferry service.

So I join my constituents in Kingston and the Islands to call for the government to restore Wolfe Island ferry service at the previous hourly service or better.

Social assistance

MPP Jamie West: This petition is entitled “To Raise Social Assistance Rates.” Basically, what the petition says is that the amount of money that you get on Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program is far below the Market Basket Measure poverty line—OW for an individual would be $733; ODSP, Ontario Disability Support Program, would be $1,368.

There was an open letter that went to the Premier and two cabinet ministers, and it was signed by over 230 organizations that recommended that the rates for OW and ODSP be doubled.

They also cite that back during COVID, when the CERB program was—federally, basic income was declared at $2,000 per month. As you can see, $733 wouldn’t even be half of that.

The petition is asking the Legislative Assembly to double social assistance rates for OW and ODSP.

I support this petition. I think it’s a noble cause—to make sure people get out of poverty. I’ll affix my signature and provide it to page Alina for the table.

Land use planning

Mr. Ted Hsu: I have a petition today called “No Farms, No Food,” signed by people from lots of different communities in southwestern Ontario. It is calling on the government to immediately take steps to stop the expropriation of prime agricultural land, and calling on the government to have a transparent and collaborative conversation with Waterloo region officials and farmers to promote sustainable development in that region of Waterloo.

Sexual violence and harassment

Ms. Sandy Shaw: I have a petition entitled “Justice for Sexual Assault Survivors.” We just heard the Solicitor General table a bill in the House that he proposed will keep Ontarians and children safe. I’m hoping that in that bill, the Solicitor General has taken into account the fact that there are more than 12,000 cases of sexual assault reported in Ontario, but more than 80% of those sexual assault cases go unreported. We know that in 2022 alone, 1,326 cases of sexual assault were withdrawn or stayed before trial. So we have a system that’s allowing sexual assault perpetrators to walk free in this province.

In 2019, the Auditor General put a recommendation forward making strong recommendations to improve this situation that is really difficult. As we continue to see an epidemic of intimate partner violence and femicide in this province, I’m hoping that this bill that we are going to see takes into account the issues I’m putting forward in this petition.

Particularly, I hope that this includes an improvement to the Victim Quick Response Program, and that the recommendations from the Auditor General that want to make the system more responsive and not such a hostile space for survivors, where justice is often delayed—I have hope that this bill will include some of those provisions. We’ll see.

I think that this is a very, very important petition. I’m going to sign it and I’m going to give it to page Ryan to take to the table.

Health care

Mr. Terence Kernaghan: The petition that I have to read today is entitled “Health Care: Not for Sale.” When we look at the track record of this government and their profitization of health care, this petition is to stop the privatization, to stop the profitization of our treasured health care system, something that is a Canadian value for all of us, except for those across the floor.

This petition speaks about how privatization will bleed doctors, nurses and PSWs out of public hospitals and will make the health care crisis worse, something we’re seeing in real time. Privatization always ends up with people having to pay more for health care.

It goes on to recommend some very specific measures that this government could undertake today.

One of them is to repeal Bill 124, which they wasted thousands of dollars fighting in court—a losing legal battle; to retain, return and respect nurses, doctors and PSWs with better working conditions; to license the internationally trained health care professionals who are ready, willing and able to practise; to include 10 employer-paid sick days, as well as making education free or low cost for nurses, doctors and other health care professionals; to incentivize health care professionals to work in northern Ontario; and, more than anything else, to fund hospitals to make sure that there are enough nurses on every shift on every ward.

This is something we fully support in the official opposition. I wish the government would think about our public health care system and not about the profit that certain people can make out of health care.

Health care funding

Ms. Peggy Sattler: I would like to thank Andy Kroeker, the executive director of West Elgin Community Health Centre, for sharing a petition that is signed by 780 people who live in the West Elgin area in towns from West Lorne, Rodney, Ridgetown, Glencoe, Dutton, Fingal and many more places.

The petition speaks to the financial challenges that are facing the West Elgin Community Health Centre, which is one of 1,800 organizations in community health across Ontario that are all dealing with the fact that there has been a base budget increase of just 7% over the past 16 years, when inflation has shot up about 40% over that same period. This means that the West Elgin Community Health Centre is unable to pay fair salaries to their existing staff.

So the petitioners call on the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to deliver an immediate operational funding increase of 5% to the centre and the other community health organizations across the province, which would support the centre’s ability to care for patients and communities.

I fully support this petition, affix my signature and will send it to the table with page Alina.

Social assistance

MPP Jill Andrew: This petition is entitled “Petition to Raise Social Assistance Rates.” This petition acknowledges that people on ODS poverty and OW are unable to afford the basics, such as a safe place to call home.

This petition recognizes that during the heights of the pandemic, the CERB program provided a “basic income” of $2,000 per month, which isn’t even a start, quite frankly, to afford a one-bedroom in Toronto–St. Paul’s, and those who have signed this petition know that as well.

So really, this petition is calling for compassion. It’s calling for the recognition of folks who are on ODS poverty and OW that they deserve to have the ability to pay for rent, to pay for food, to afford medicine—the “luxuries” that every MPP in this House has.

I absolutely agree with this petition, and I will affix my signature to this petition and hand it over to Ryan.

Traitement du cancer

M me France Gélinas: J’aimerais remercier Juliette Denis de Hanmer dans mon comté pour ces pétitions. La pétition s’appelle « Prise en charge des médicaments contre le cancer pris à domicile ».

Comme vous savez, monsieur le Président, si on vous donne des médicaments contre le cancer à l’hôpital, tout est gratuit, mais lorsque vous êtes à la maison, vous devez payer pour—le coût des médicaments contre le cancer pris à domicile peut être très élevé. En Colombie-Britannique, en Alberta, en Saskatchewan, au Manitoba et au Québec, ces provinces couvrent le prix des médicaments contre le cancer pris à domicile.

La Société canadienne du cancer demande au gouvernement de l’Ontario de couvrir les médicaments contre le cancer pris à domicile, car les données démontrent clairement que ça va sauver des vies. Donc, les gens qui ont signé la pétition demandent au gouvernement de donner la priorité à l’accès au traitement du cancer en élaborant un programme provincial qui couvre entièrement les médicaments contre le cancer admissibles, qui sont pris à domicile.

J’appuie cette pétition. Je vais la signer et je demande à Macarius to bring it to the Clerk.

Social assistance

MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam: I’m pleased to be standing in this House and to present this petition entitled “Petition to Raise Social Assistance Rates,” and it’s going to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. I want to say thank you to Dr. Sally Palmer of Dundas, Ontario, who has been raising this petition in this House for many years.

The petition calls on the government to recognize that the poverty rate in Ontario is not addressed with the OW rate of $733 a month or $1,368 a month for the ODSP payment. There has been an open letter to the Premier and two cabinet ministers signed by over 230 different organizations that recommend raising this rate by doubling the rates on Ontario Works and ODSP. They also recognize that during the COVID pandemic, the CERB program gave a basic income to Ontarians of at least $2,000 a month.

This petition is signed by residents from Hamilton to Caledonia, from Woodstock to Ancaster to Lakefield to Peterborough—and it’s more and more. I just want to say thank you, Speaker, for this opportunity, and may the government hear us one more time as we call for justice for those who are living on ODSP and OW.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’ll remind the members to briefly summarize their petitions without getting into additional political commentary on the merits of the petition.

The next petition.

Health care

M me France Gélinas: I would like to thank Carole and René Ménard from Hanmer in my riding for these petitions. They’re called “Improve Access to Primary Care.” Medicare is a program that defines us, Speaker. Care is based on our needs, not on our ability to pay.

Unfortunately, right now in Ontario, 2.3 million Ontarians do not have a family doctor, do not have access to primary care. There are community health centres, Indigenous primary health care, nurse practitioner-led clinics, community-governed family health teams who could all take new patients if only we would fund them.

So the people have signed the petition calling for an immediate increase to funding to community health centres, Indigenous primary health care teams, nurse practitioner-led clinics and community-governed family health teams to give access to primary care to every Ontarian who needs it.

I fully support this petition, will affix my name to it and ask page Ryan to bring it to the Clerk.

Health care

Ms. Sandy Shaw: I have a petition entitled “Stop Ford’s Health Care Privatization.”

As we know, we’ve been hearing today in the Legislature the questions that our leader, Marit Stiles, the official opposition leader, has been asking about the concerns that we’re seeing in our hospitals. We now have deficits all across the province in our hospitals, and there’s no clear answer as to how they are going to be addressed.

We’re concerned that the privatization that is taking place under this government is bleeding nurses, doctors and PSWs out of our public hospitals, and it’s certainly making the health care crisis worse. Certainly, it’s making the human resource problem that all of our hospitals are facing—it’s become now an absolute crisis.

We know Ontarians have experienced the clear impact of privatization. It always ends up with patients paying a bill. It ends up with long wait-lists. People are not getting the treatment and the procedures that they need. I’m sure all of our constituents are letting you know that they have a year, year-and-a-half, two-year wait-lists to get critical procedures, and so this is a very, very important petition that we hope the government will take to heart and stop underfunding hospitals and make sure that all hospitals have enough staff on every shift in every ward in every province across Ontario, to make sure that we’re serving the very basic needs of the people of the province of Ontario.

Opposition Day

Municipal funding

Ms. Marit Stiles: I move that,

whereas successive Ontario governments have downloaded approximately $4 billion in annual costs to municipalities for provincial programs; and

Whereas municipalities rely on property taxes to pay for these downloaded costs, which has resulted in property tax increases across the province; and

Whereas, despite these tax increases, many municipalities have had to make significant cuts to essential services, like public health, housing, public safety, transit, infrastructure and road maintenance; and

Whereas the province needs a sustainable public infrastructure strategy to support growth, improve transit options, and ensure climate-resilience; and

Whereas the government’s neglect of affordable housing and mental health and addictions programs has resulted in a homelessness crisis;

Therefore, in the opinion of the House, the government of Ontario must reach a new deal with Ontario’s municipalities, which includes re-uploading provincial responsibility for public health, housing, highways and infrastructure.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Ms. Stiles has moved opposition day number 3, and I look to the leader of His Majesty’s loyal opposition to lead off the debate.

Ms. Marit Stiles: It really is my pleasure to stand in this House this afternoon to discuss how urgent it has become for the province to give all municipalities a new deal—a new deal to meet the myriad challenges that are facing Ontario and Ontarians.

Decades of unfair provincial downloads—cuts—have emptied the coffers of rural, urban, small, northern municipalities. They’re drowning under the huge costs to address issues that are shared responsibilities between the province and the municipalities: infrastructure, transit, housing, child care. Today, we need to all come together to pass this motion, our motion, to give predictable, reliable and sustainable funding that will let municipalities make long-term plans and deliver them.

Speaker, the people of this province are looking for a government that will deliver, at the very least, the basics. Our new deal for municipalities is going to deliver exactly that and more.

Earlier this year, some here will recall that I was at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference and I met, along with my colleagues here in the official opposition NDP, with a number of mayors and councillors and reeves and wardens, the hard-working people who are relentless champions and caretakers of the towns and the cities they represent. Everyone I met—all of them—had one thing to say. They said, “We need help.” I know that every member of the government opposite and all of the independents would have had similar meetings. The message was consistent among every one of them: “We need help.”

I want to share a conversation I had with the mayor of Tweed, Don DeGenova. Mayor DeGenova told me how deeply his community is struggling—struggling with crumbling roads and bridges, and the rising cost of living. The mayor is a champion for his community, as are all mayors, but he shouldn’t have to beg the province just to do its job, to pay for the things that the province is responsible for. He shouldn’t have to lobby for Tweed residents to have safe roads and bridges to get to school and to work. These are not luxuries. And yet this is the reality that small towns and cities all across our province are facing. They are left to foot the bill for this government’s neglect.

Neglect is something we’re seeing in so many different ways, all across the province, from the proliferation of encampments, people in parks and tents because they simply have nowhere else to go, to the one million people lining up at food banks, to the astronomical housing costs, to the mental health, addiction and opioid crisis that we’re seeing in every corner of this province. These are the result of decades of neglect, decades of downloading, decades of government cuts.

In 2022, municipalities in Ontario spent $3.8 billion more than they received in areas of provincial responsibility like social housing, long-term care, ambulance services, social services, child care. These downloaded costs impose disproportionately high burdens on rural municipalities and the people who depend on those services.

Rural and northern communities are having a harder time; that’s the truth. The areas they serve are larger, but they have smaller tax bases to draw from. In eastern Ontario, rural municipalities are spending $536 million a year to operate and maintain their transportation infrastructure, and another $321 million to operate and maintain their environmental services infrastructure.

I want to thank the Rural Ontario Municipal Association for reminding us that rural Ontario municipalities contribute more than $480 million to health and social service programs, even as those rural families in those communities are losing access to those very services because of the Conservatives’ provincial cuts—cuts to emergency rooms and hospitals; cuts to the programs and the services that people depend on. But they are paying more for that every year, at a time when our communities are being absolutely ravaged by an opioid epidemic.

I want to remind folks in this House that Sudbury was forced to shut down a site that was providing care for those suffering from addiction because of their funding challenges. This should never be the case.

The thing is that what municipalities and the people of Ontario really need from this government at this point is just to do their job. Just do your job.

A new partnership with municipalities and Queen’s Park, one based on respect—imagine that, eh?—mutual respect. Evidence—imagine if a government actually ran things based on evidence, respect, empathy.

Our motion today takes us one step closer to that. Our plan for a new deal calls for consultation with municipalities on updating things like governance rules that, I’ve got to tell you, were created in the 19th century. We also have to look at how we’re going to actually empower those municipalities to meet 21st-century challenges.

Our plan is a response to calls that municipalities all across Ontario have asked for, a social and economic prosperity review that is—let’s just be clear here—almost 20 years overdue. Our plan applies a rural and a northern lens to all issues. Instead of imposing a one-size-fits-all approach to solutions, it recognizes the very unique challenges and opportunities that are facing so many communities all across our province. Our plan for this new deal paves the way for a historic new partnership to address the challenges we’ve spoken about in this place so many times: housing, health care, education, transit, infrastructure.

I want to take one moment here to talk a little bit more about housing, which is an issue we have been raising consistently in this House for years, but especially in light of the Financial Accountability Office’s report that came out last week that shows that we are just failing—“we”? No, sorry: The Conservative government is failing. They’re not even close to meeting their targets; in fact, they’re down over and over again.

Just two weeks ago, this government, aided by the abstention of the Liberal MPPs in this House—and shame on them—voted against our motion to double the supply of affordable housing. I want to again remind members here why Homes Ontario is exactly what we need right now. Housing starts, again, are falling. The government is struggling to even come up with a definition for attainable housing, let alone a plan to build the homes that we need.

We have served you up with a plan—a plan ready to deliver safe, secure, permanently affordable housing to the people of Ontario—and this government says no again and again, despite the fact that this is working in British Columbia. In fact, this worked in the province of Ontario for decades under Conservative, Liberal and NDP governments. We got housing built. People today rely on that housing. They deserve more.

Under our new deal, we would upload the financial responsibility for affordable housing, for shelters, for homelessness prevention back to the province while maintaining a locally focused delivery, and that means in partnership with our municipalities. It would designate a single ministry responsible for the homelessness crisis. Wow, what a difference that would make, addressing the root issues of mental health and addiction and creating the necessary wraparound supports.

Our new deal also addresses the crisis in health care. It will restore the 90-10 cost sharing with municipalities for ambulance services. My goodness, they need that. Boy, do they need that. It would also restore the 75-25 cost sharing for local public health units.

And because people deserve local transit that’s reliable, accessible and affordable, our new deal would restore 50% funding for local transit operators.

Ultimately, what this new deal establishes is a new kind of leadership: a leadership that recognizes the help municipalities need and respects all the very hard and important work that they do in keeping our towns and our cities, our communities running. The new deal for municipalities that we’re proposing here today allocates provincial infrastructure funding based on need, not self-serving politics. It replaces all of that with fair, predictable and consistent formula-based funding that municipalities can finally count on.

What we’re proposing today is providing permanent funding that municipalities can count on so they can plan for our future instead of what this government throws at them: one-time infusions of cash. It’s about empowering communities; it’s about supporting each other to address the growing challenges that are facing all of us—including, by the way, the need to adapt to the increased risk of flooding and heat stress associated with the climate crisis.

Ontario’s municipalities deserve better than the deal that they have right now. Boy, do they. They deserve so much better than this. Let’s just think about it for a minute here: What are municipalities? They’re people, Ontarians. Ontarians deserve better than what they have right now.

I’ve got to tell you, I have taken so many calls from mayors and councillors and reeves who have told me about the challenges that are facing their communities. I have seen first-hand many of their struggles. Every one of us here has, and I know the members opposite have too. They absolutely have.

This motion today is a response to their pleas. Undoing decades of underfunding and downloading isn’t going to happen overnight, but it has to start somewhere. Today’s vote is a chance to get things moving in the right direction and to start this important work. It’s an opportunity for us to signal a new era—an era in which the province supports its citizens and the communities that they call home. It’s about a government that will focus on getting the basics right, because—my goodness—people are struggling right now.

Life in the province of Ontario has never been more expensive. We have never had encampments like this, but under the Conservative government of the Premier, Doug Ford, we have encampments in every community. We have an opioid, an addiction and mental health crisis—out of control. Our kids are sitting in classrooms freezing in the winter, overheating in the spring and the fall—too many kids in a class, not enough supports. Our transit is less affordable than it’s ever been, and less reliable. Our roads—our infrastructure is failing under this government.

Life has never been more difficult than it is right now under this Conservative government, and it’s about time that this government joined us in trying to do something right for the people of this province. Let’s help our communities build up Ontario. That’s what this motion is about. Let’s come together, let’s pass this motion and let’s build a new deal for Ontario’s municipalities right now.

The Acting Speaker (Ms. Bhutila Karpoche): Further debate?

Interruption.

The Acting Speaker (Ms. Bhutila Karpoche): Stop the clock.

Interruption.

The Acting Speaker (Ms. Bhutila Karpoche): We’re going to recess the House for a few minutes. Thank you.

The House recessed from 1339 to 1348.

The Acting Speaker (Ms. Bhutila Karpoche): Please be seated. Further debate?

Mr. Jeff Burch: I want to thank our leader for bringing forward this timely and important motion, calling for a much-needed new deal for municipalities. This is something municipalities, municipal leaders, AMO and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities have been calling for over the years as costs have increased for municipalities due to downloading and inflation, while revenue tools and provincial policies have failed to keep up.

This was predicted by AMO 25 years ago, as our leader mentioned. I found a CBC

article from 1999 that I’ll quote:

“Ontario’s mayors and councillors are calling on the next provincial government to reverse most of the changes downloaded by the Harris Tories. They say it was a mistake to make property taxpayers responsible for health and social programs.

“They say their communities will be in big financial trouble if the changes aren’t reversed.

“Mike Power, the president of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, says the restructuring of services such as welfare, ambulance and public health may have helped Harris’ bottom line, but it’s left towns and cities across the province $600 million in the hole.”

That was 25 years ago, Speaker. But instead of reversing course, this government has doubled down and made things worse.

Just a quick grocery list of how this government has treated municipalities: In 2019, there was a 10% reduction to provincial funding for child care services, reducing the provincial share from 80% to 70% of funding for child care services. The result: Municipalities are now responsible for 30% of the costs, leading to higher fees for families and fewer child care spaces.

There was a 10% reduction in funding for ambulance services, decreasing from 50% to 40%, requiring municipalities to pay 60%, resulting in higher local taxes and service cuts.

There was a 5% reduction in provincial funding for public health services, reducing the provincial share from 75% to 70%, which leads to higher local costs for services like vaccinations and disease prevention.

Of course, we all know about Bill 23, which downloaded even more costs and mandates onto the backs of municipalities, with no provincial funding to make up the financial gap. AMO clearly warned that Bill 23 would reduce municipal revenues that fund growth-related infrastructure, transferring “up to $1 billion a year in costs from private sector developers to property taxpayers without any likelihood of improved housing affordability.”

This government cut provincial funding for community housing by 70%, putting even more pressure on municipalities to address housing and homelessness challenges that were once provincial responsibilities. We see the effects of that today as we sit here in the Legislature.

At the same time, this government has interfered in municipal jurisdiction, blaming them for all the world’s problems, especially on the housing file, and has shown a complete lack of respect and concern for the challenges facing Ontario’s municipalities, both large and small.

Bill 5, on the heels of the 2018 election, cancelled regional chair elections and reduced the size of Toronto city council, disrupting municipal election campaigns that were already under way. Reminiscent of today, I can remember sitting here shortly after being elected, after we were called here for the summer, living in a hotel. I think I was standing here at 4 or 4:30 in the morning as people were being led out in handcuffs from the gallery. Here we are today, and we’ve seen what’s happening today.

After a lower court found Bill 5 unconstitutional and granted a stay, the government passed Bill 31, invoking the “notwithstanding” clause to bypass constitutional rights and push the bill through.

We had Bill 218, which included a clause repealing the legislation allowing municipalities to use ranked ballots in municipal elections, removing a local democratic option.

We had the strong-mayor system, which empowered mayors to veto any bylaw that could interfere with provincial priorities, reducing the influence of municipal councils on local decision-making.

The list goes on and on: Bill 39 expanded strong-mayor powers, allowing mayors to propose and pass bylaws with the support of only one third of council members, undermining the principle of majority rule and diminishing the role of councillors.

We had MZOs, ministerial zoning orders, a tool the provincial government can use to overrule or bypass bylaws, planning decisions or processes with little or no transparency and accountability. To date, this government has issued more than 100 MZOs.

Of course, we’ve all been hearing lately about bike lanes. The Ontario government’s new Bill 212 is interfering in municipal jurisdiction once again and requiring them to get permission to install bike lanes while empowering the province to rip out existing lanes.

The list goes on and on and on, Speaker—the disrespect and lack of partnership shown by this government towards municipalities.

As a former city councillor and budget chair in a large urban municipality in Niagara, I know how difficult it is to prioritize spending and balance competing priorities around a fixed budget while trying to keep property taxes affordable. Municipalities, now more than ever, need a partner that will help them to continue delivering the basics while keeping property taxes under control. We believe the best way to do that is for the province to start doing its job so that municipalities can do theirs.

Health care; public health; housing; mental health and addictions; our social safety net: these are provincial priorities and responsibilities that have been downloaded onto the backs of Ontario’s towns and cities. These downloads result in tax increases. Ontarians deserve better than a Premier that passes the buck, and it’s time to change that.

By supporting our motion today, this government can reverse course, become a real partner to municipalities, start doing its job and deliver on the basics, which is to focus their cities and towns on keeping property taxes down and making life more affordable for everyday Ontarians.

The Acting Speaker (Ms. Bhutila Karpoche): Further debate?

Ms. Chandra Pasma: I’m very pleased to be able rise today to speak to the leader of the official opposition’s motion calling fo