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November 22, 2005

38th Parliament, 2nd Session

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Hansard Transcripts

vol. A

Hansard Transcripts

vol. B

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcripts 2005-Nov-22 (PDF)

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L'ONTARIO

Tuesday 22 November 2005 Mardi 22 novembre 2005

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

IDENTITY THEFT

GREATER TORONTO

TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY

EVENTS IN BRANT

COMMUNITY SAFETY

NATIONAL HOUSING DAY

ELECTRICITY GENERATION

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

VISITORS

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

ARCHIVES AWARENESS

WEEK ACT, 2005 /

LOI DE 2005 SUR LA SEMAINE

DE SENSIBILISATION AUX ARCHIVES

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY AMENDMENT ACT

(HARASSMENT), 2005 /

LOI DE 2005 MODIFIANT LA LOI

SUR LA SANTÉ ET LA SÉCURITÉ

AU TRAVAIL (HARCÈLEMENT)

MOTIONS

HOUSE SITTINGS

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY AND RESPONSES

BIRTH CERTIFICATES

SPORTS AND RECREATION FUNDING /

FONDS POUR SPORTS ET LOISIRS

BIRTH CERTIFICATES

SPORTS AND RECREATION FUNDING

BIRTH CERTIFICATES

SPORTS AND RECREATION FUNDING

DEFERRED VOTES

BUDGET MEASURES ACT, 2005 /

LOI DE 2005

SUR LES MESURES BUDGÉTAIRES

ORAL QUESTIONS

LAYOFFS

HOSPITAL FUNDING

LAYOFFS

FOREST INDUSTRY

VIOLENT CRIME

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

HOSPITAL FUNDING

WORKPLACE SAFETY

IMMIGRANT SERVICES /

SERVICES AUX IMMIGRANTS

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

LONG-TERM CARE

APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING

PETITIONS

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

PROPERTY TAXATION

IMMIGRANTS' SKILLS

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

DIABETES TREATMENT

SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

AGGREGATE EXTRACTION

CANCER CARE

LONG-TERM CARE

ORDERS OF THE DAY

BUDGET MEASURES ACT, 2005 (NO. 2) /

LOI DE 2005

SUR LES MESURES BUDGÉTAIRES (N O 2)

NOTICE OF DISSATISFACTION

BUDGET MEASURES ACT, 2005 (NO. 2)

(CONTINUED) /

LOI DE 2005

SUR LES MESURES BUDGÉTAIRES (N O 2)

(SUITE)

ADJOURNMENT DEBATE

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

The House met at 1330.

Prayers.

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Mr. Jim Flaherty (Whitby-Ajax): I rise today to express the serious concerns of the people of Whitby-Ajax, and indeed of all of Durham region,

about yesterday's large layoff announcement at General Motors in Oshawa. Many people and their families will be affected negatively, not only those employed directly at General Motors but also

those in the related parts and service industries.

On their behalf, in 2002-03, as minister responsible for economic development, I worked for Ontario to resurrect the Canadian Automotive Partnership Council to

develop an auto strategy for Ontario and Canada. This was accomplished successfully with the co-operation of industry leaders, including Michael Grimaldi of GM and Buzz Hargrove of the CAW. The

strategy called for the federal and provincial governments to invest in skills training, research and innovation, and infrastructure.

In research and innovation we have the Beacon project going ahead at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, in co-operation and partnership with

General Motors. Now we need some urgent action on skills training at Durham College in Whitby, which needs to expand, and at our other skills training facilities in Ontario. In infrastructure we

must move urgently, particularly at our border facilities in Windsor and Fort Erie, and I urge the government to do that; and the expansion of the 407 east, urgently, to serve General Motors in

Oshawa. These projects are essential for the auto sector east of Toronto, and I urge the government, on behalf of my constituents, to act.

IDENTITY THEFT

Mr. Tony Ruprecht (Davenport): It seems that every week, as regular as a Schwartzwald cuckoo clock, we can count on a security breach at one of

our financial institutions, where thousands of our private financial records are stolen. I'm speaking of identity theft, the quickest-rising crime in North America.

While I applaud the Minister of Government Services on his public awareness campaign on how to guard against identity theft, we must give those financial

institutions and credit reporting agencies notice that if a personal credit record has been stolen or even compromised, the affected consumer must be notified -- no ifs and no buts. How else can we

protect ourselves? How else can we be more vigilant?

A recent survey by First Data Corp. found that 6.8% of adults have been victimized by identity theft and a striking 43.4% have been contacted by scam artists

trying to get personal financial information. It gets worse: Most of our financial institutions had security breaches, and Equifax credit reporting agency had 2,400 files stolen. These incidents

are only the tip of the iceberg.

What should we do? Our government was on the right track to consider my private member's Bill 174, which passed second reading unanimously on March 3. It died in

the last session of Parliament. When it is resurrected, I hope I can count on all of your support.

GREATER TORONTO

TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY

Mr. John O'Toole (Durham): I rise in the House today because I'm still upset with the response from the Premier yesterday. Members will be aware

that transportation congestion in Toronto is costing the economy an additional $1.8 billion per year. These are jobs, Mr. Speaker. Gridlock hurts the economy, our environment, our health and indeed

the very quality of life we enjoy.

Yesterday at Queen's Park, we heard GTA business leaders call for immediate action. The Toronto Board of Trade, along with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and

other boards of trade and chambers across the GTA and Hamilton, have asked for the creation of a Greater Toronto Transportation Authority. Unlike this government, Ontario business leaders and

municipal leaders understand that you need to have a plan if you want to ease gridlock.

However, establishing a GTA transportation authority takes leadership, and therein lies the question. We might expect that this would be something for the

Premier to lead. However, his recent decision to avoid gridlock by catching an airplane from Toronto to Hamilton, a distance of 70 kilometres, shows he's simply out of touch with this, and indeed

many, issues.

So, Premier, who is going to take the lead? In my view, the Greater Toronto Transportation Authority should not be led by any single municipality, nor should it

become just another government bureaucracy. The leadership needs to come from all stakeholders who understand the problem and how to bring about solutions. I urge this government to take its

election promise seriously and work with business and municipal leaders, and indeed with all citizens of the GTA, to resolve gridlock by using the Greater Toronto Transportation Authority.

EVENTS IN BRANT

Mr. Dave Levac (Brant): I'm pleased to rise today to tell all members of this House about the good things happening in Brantford and Brant

county. In Places to Grow, the riding of Brant is identified as a growth node, and we are ready.

Business has recognized what we have to offer. The Ferraro Group is investing $150 million to build a new plant. This plant will hire 600 new skilled employees

when it opens. More exciting are phases 2 and 3. When -- not if -- these phases are completed, the job total will rise to 1,300 jobs. Mohawk College and Laurier University, along with the province,

will work with business to offer courses to develop a workforce that meets the skills that our industries need.

Brownfield areas are ripe for redevelopment. I will continue to push for even more action on this file for the future. The riding and the province of Ontario

recognize that we are on the cusp of a boom. The Oak Park interchange is an integral part of this boom, and it is ready for realignment. I'm proud to have taken the leading role I have taken to

bring the two sides -- the city and the province -- together and the private sector. I continue to encourage all the partners to work co-operatively to get this interchange signed off on and

shovels in the ground.

I am also convinced that, again working co-operatively, we will have a family health team in Brant and a CHC in Brantford to meet the health care needs of my

constituents.

Finally, I am pleased to say that today a new YMCA will officially open to our citizens. I invite all my colleagues to visit. As Walter Gretzky says, it's the

centre of the universe.

COMMUNITY SAFETY

Mr. Robert W. Runciman (Leeds-Grenville): After being missing in action over the summer, we've recently heard considerable noise from the

McGuinty Liberals in response to gun crime in Toronto. Mr. McGuinty and his Attorney General have attempted to portray themselves as law-and-order advocates, but even a cursory look at what they've

done since assuming office and what they plan to do over the next few years tells the real story.

We know that, overwhelmingly, the gun violence now plaguing Toronto primarily involves young offenders. One of the first things the McGuinty Liberals did upon

taking office was close down Project Turnaround, a strict-discipline facility that had an impressive record of turning young lives around. They followed up the closure with a transfer of violent

young offenders from the corrections ministry to a children's ministry. We know that under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, supported by the McGuinty Liberals, serious youth criminal acts such as

car theft do not result in charges -- give Johnny a warning letter. Also, this spring's budget indicated a $300-million cut to the justice ministries, reductions that have serious implications for

public safety.

The Liberal government's attempt to portray themselves as law-and-order advocates is a charade, a public relations exercise that gives political expediency and

cost-cutting the priority over community safety. That, as Paul Harvey would say, is "the rest of the story."

NATIONAL HOUSING DAY

Ms. Marilyn Churley (Toronto-Danforth): Today is National Housing Day. I had the pleasure this morning at the Home Depot store in my riding of

Toronto-Danforth of helping to launch this year's toque campaign, put on by Raising the Roof. This is something they've been doing for nine years now. I wanted to tell everybody here about it,

because it is an opportunity for all of us to go out and, for just 10 bucks, buy a really warm toque.

You can go into any Home Depot in your own riding across the country and buy a toque. You can get it in fabulous red, which I know the Liberals will like, or

your basic classic black, and it will keep you very warm, especially for those politicians and their supporters who might be out on the hustings in the near future.

I want to say that this is an important campaign. They're hoping to raise $750,000 by the campaign's end on February 28. The Raising the Roof national day is

Toque Tuesday on February 7, 2006. They want to raise this money to help homeless people and organizations who advocate for them across the country. They are the only national charity doing this,

and it's important to support them. I would ask all members to go and put down their $10 and buy themselves either a classic black toque or a nice red one.

ELECTRICITY GENERATION

Mrs. Carol Mitchell (Huron-Bruce): I am so pleased to rise today to speak about another positive government announcement. Yesterday, the

Minister of Energy announced nine clean, renewable energy projects that will provide 975 megawatts of energy.

Three companies in my riding of Huron-Bruce signed agreements for a total of 434 megawatts. The four projects are the Kingsbridge II wind power project in

Goderich, 158 megawatts; Enbridge leader wind project A in Kincardine for 100 megawatts; Enbridge leader wind project B in Kincardine for 99 megawatts; and Ripley wind power project, 76

megawatts.

I can tell you that this is good news not only for Huron-Bruce but for our rural communities around the province of Ontario. We can harvest the wind, and we can

harvest our fields. This is a good announcement for rural communities.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Members' statements. The member for York West.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION

Mr. Mario Sergio (York West): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. We are ahead of the game.

I am proud and delighted to have here today in the members' gallery at Queen's Park two very special young leaders from the riding of York West. I would like to

welcome Jamal Clarke and Amanda Parris, who are here from the Friends in Trouble Youth Initiative. These movers and shakers have demonstrated that adversity proves a person's mettle. They are

actively involved in a project in the York West riding which seeks to help teens break the cycle of violence, manage anger, teach youth how to have healthy relationships with others and help

instill life skills which help our youth succeed.

I am also proud to say that our government has endeavoured to give our young people as many choices as possible with our flourishing youth apprenticeship

program, and helping to keep them safe in schools with our innovative bullying prevention strategy.

Faced with increased gun violence on our streets, the government introduced a weapons enforcement unit, the guns and gangs task force, the gun amnesty program,

the mandatory gunshot wound reporting bill, increased border security, the hiring of 1,000 more police officers and the summer jobs and PEACE programs.

I am confident that with the proper coaching our young people will make the right decisions in governing their lives --

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

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Mr. Wayne Arthurs (Pickering-Ajax-Uxbridge): I know I speak for every member on this side of the House when I express my concern for the

families affected by General Motors' announcement yesterday of some 30,000 job cuts across North America.

It has been widely acknowledged that Ontario's record of productivity, its publicly funded health care system and its highly skilled workers helped to minimize

what could have been an even harsher blow to the auto sector, yet we are still troubled by the cutbacks earmarked for GM's Oshawa and St. Catharines operations. My thoughts today are certainly with

the workers and their families who may be affected and the suppliers that support the assembly function that may also be affected.

As a government, we will maintain our determination to seek out new auto investment in Ontario. We have helped to secure over $5 billion in new auto sector

investments in Ontario so far, and we have a responsibility to all Ontarians to continue to aggressively pursue even more new investment. Ontario is one of North America's leaders in the auto

industry, and we'll do our part to keep Ontario where it rightly belongs: as leader of the pack.

Yesterday, Canadian Auto Workers president Buzz Hargrove spoke of the Premier's vision and foresight, saying, "He's the first Premier that really understands the

auto industry." Last year, when we made a record $500-million investment in the auto strategy, Hargrove said, "This strategy ... is going to be good for Ontario.... This is a positive and welcome

change from previous governments who took our sector for granted, when other jurisdictions were stepping up to attract investment and jobs that we want for Ontario."

VISITORS

Mr. Ted Arnott (Waterloo-Wellington): Mr. Speaker, on a point of order: I wish to inform the House that the family of one of our pages, Cameron

McLean, has joined us today. Cameron's parents, John and Joyce, and Cameron's brothers, Stuart and Andrew McLean, are here in the gallery, and I'd like to extend a warm welcome to them from the

Ontario Legislature.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Welcome, and that is not a point of order.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

ARCHIVES AWARENESS

WEEK ACT, 2005 /

LOI DE 2005 SUR LA SEMAINE

DE SENSIBILISATION AUX ARCHIVES

Mr. O'Toole moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 34,

An Act to proclaim Archives Awareness Week / Projet de loi 34, Loi proclamant la Semaine de sensibilisation aux archives.

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

The member for Durham may have a brief statement.

Mr. John O'Toole (Durham): Ontario has a rich and colourful recorded history. Archives play an essential role in the preservation and use of

that history. By acquiring, preserving and making available documented material from all aspects of society, archives promote the heritage of this great province. This bill proclaims the first

Monday of April each year as Archives Awareness Week.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY AMENDMENT ACT

(HARASSMENT), 2005 /

LOI DE 2005 MODIFIANT LA LOI

SUR LA SANTÉ ET LA SÉCURITÉ

AU TRAVAIL (HARCÈLEMENT)

Ms. Churley moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 35,

An Act to amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act to protect workers from harassment in the workplace / Projet de loi 35, Loi modifiant la

Loi sur

la santé et la sécurité au travail pour protéger les travailleurs contre le harcèlement dans le lieu de travail.

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

The member for Toronto-Danforth may have a brief statement.

Ms. Marilyn Churley (Toronto-Danforth): I'm reintroducing this bill in light of the tragic murder of Lori Dupont. I introduced a similar bill or

the same bill in the last session after the horrible death of Theresa Vince in the workplace in 1996. Hopefully a bill like this would help prevent those deaths from happening.

It amends the Occupational Health And Safety Act to require employers to protect workers from harassment in the workplace, to give workers the right to refuse to

work in certain circumstances after harassment has occurred, to require an investigation of allegations of workplace-related harassment and to require employers to take steps to prevent further

occurrences of workplace-related harassment. I do hope that all members in the House will support quick passage of this bill for obvious reasons.

MOTIONS

HOUSE SITTINGS

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

9(c)(i), the House shall meet from 6:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 22, 2005, for the purpose of considering government business.

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

All in favour will say "aye."

All opposed will say "nay."

In my opinion, the ayes have it.

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

The division bells rang from 1352 to 1357.

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

Ayes

Arthurs, Wayne

Bartolucci, Rick

Bentley, Christopher

Bountrogianni, Marie

Bradley, James J.

Brownell, Jim

Cansfield, Donna H.

Caplan, David

Chambers, Mary Anne V.

Chudleigh, Ted

Colle, Mike

Crozier, Bruce

Delaney, Bob

Di Cocco, Caroline

Dombrowsky, Leona

Duguid, Brad

Duncan, Dwight

Dunlop, Garfield

Flaherty, Jim

Flynn, Kevin Daniel

Fonseca, Peter

Gerretsen, John

Gravelle, Michael

Hardeman, Ernie

Hoy, Pat

Jeffrey, Linda

Klees, Frank

Kular, Kuldip

Lalonde, Jean-Marc

Leal, Jeff

Levac, Dave

Marsales, Judy

Martiniuk, Gerry

Mauro, Bill

McMeekin, Ted

McNeely, Phil

Miller, Norm

Milloy, John

Mitchell, Carol

Mossop, Jennifer F.

Munro, Julia

O'Toole, John

Orazietti, David

Ouellette, Jerry J.

Parsons, Ernie

Patten, Richard

Peters, Steve

Phillips, Gerry

Qaadri, Shafiq

Racco, Mario G.

Ramal, Khalil

Ramsay, David

Rinaldi, Lou

Ruprecht, Tony

Sandals, Liz

Scott, Laurie

Sergio, Mario

Smith, Monique

Smitherman, George

Sorbara, Gregory S.

Sterling, Norman W.

Takhar, Harinder S.

Tascona, Joseph N.

Tory, John

Van Bommel, Maria

Watson, Jim

Wilkinson, John

Wilson, Jim

Witmer, Elizabeth

Wong, Tony C.

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

Nays

Bisson, Gilles

Horwath, Andrea

Kormos, Peter

Marchese, Rosario

Martel, Shelley

Murdoch, Bill

Prue, Michael

The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Claude L. DesRosiers): The ayes are 70; the nays are 7.

The Speaker: I declare the motion carried.

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY AND RESPONSES

BIRTH CERTIFICATES

Hon. Gerry Phillips (Minister of Government Services): I would like to tell the members about an innovative new service for consumers applying

for a birth certificate from the Office of the Registrar General. I announced this service at an event earlier today.

A few weeks ago, I gave the members some background on the service challenges at the ORG. I told the House and the public what has been done to date and what

other actions are being undertaken to help fix the problems. Today's announcement is another step in our plan to modernize government. Our goal is to set a new standard of excellence in delivering

services to the public.

I am pleased to say that our government has introduced a money-back guarantee for on-line birth certificates.

This guarantee means that anyone who applies for their birth certificate on-line will get their certificate delivered to them within 15 business days or they

will get their money back. Anyone born in Ontario can now apply on-line for a birth certificate and get it within 15 working days. Whether they are new parents seeking a birth certificate for their

baby or an adult seeking a replacement certificate, the guarantee still applies. In order to qualify for the service guarantee, the birth must already be registered with the province and the

information provided must be complete and accurate. The service guarantee does not apply to on-line applications, of course, that contain errors.

The people of Ontario have busy schedules. This quick and easy application will help eliminate unnecessary delays for birth certificates.

Since June, the on-line application has been available to parents of children eight years and younger. The Office of the Registrar General has received more

than 45,000 applications on-line, and about 99.7% of eligible applications have been processed and delivered within 15 business days. This has been a huge success.

As of today, we are officially extending the on-line service and the money-back guarantee to all consumers born in Ontario. We have received excellent feedback

from the consumers using the application: 97% of the people find the application easy to find, use and understand. All consumers have to do is to go to the ServiceOntario Web site at

www.serviceontario.ca.

Hon. James J. Bradley (Minister of Tourism, minister responsible for seniors, Government House Leader): I'm going to write that down.

Hon. Mr. Phillips: Write that down. In just a series of steps, they can complete the on-line application at their convenience, 24 hours a day,

seven days a week. Within 15 days, their birth certificate will be at their doorstep.

We believe this is the first public service guarantee of its kind in North America. This desktop-to-doorstep guarantee is something we plan to extend to a wide

range of on-line government services.

While this initiative is just one way we are making government services surprisingly simple, I want to assure the Legislature and the people of Ontario that we

will ensure the safety and security of their private information. The Office of the Registrar General has security measures in place that are more extensive than any other Canadian jurisdiction.

These security measures are built on recommendations from a number of third-party experts. These include the OPP, the Vital Statistics Council of Canada, former RCMP Commissioner Norman Inskter and

the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner.

The on-line application uses secure Web technology similar to on-line banking. It has undergone rigorous testing, including a review by external IT security

experts, and is regularly monitored to ensure security and that personal information is protected.

We also continue to require guarantors for subjects over the age of eight. Ontario is one of only two provinces with this additional security requirement.

After all, protecting the privacy of personal information is one of my ministry's key priorities. This is just one more way we are fulfilling our commitment to

both service excellence and smart security.

In the future, we plan to extend service guarantees to a range of on-line services for other areas of government. Ontarians want and deserve better service,

and through Service Ontario, we are making it happen.

SPORTS AND RECREATION FUNDING /

FONDS POUR SPORTS ET LOISIRS

Hon. Jim Watson (Minister of Health Promotion): Last Friday, I was pleased to be joined by two federal cabinet ministers, the Honourable

Stephen Owen, Minister of State (Sport), and the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of State (Public Health). We were pleased to announce, at the Boys and Girls Club in Ottawa West-Nepean, the

Sport for More program, a bilateral agreement between our government and the federal government, totalling $6.1 million over four years to support grassroots sports participation initiatives across

Ontario.

This agreement is proof positive that the Premier's campaign to the federal government for fiscal fairness is resulting in better agreements for all Ontarians.

This agreement means that over the next year, $1.3 million in total funds will go to provincial level not-for-profit organizations for sport participation initiatives among underrepresented groups.

Additionally, over the same period, $500,000 will go to aboriginal groups.

So far, project proposals from two organizations, the Metis Nation of Ontario and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Ontario, have been approved for funding under

this program. There are an additional 31 proposals for funding from 30 organizations currently being reviewed.

La diversité des projets proposés par ces organisations fera en sorte que plus d'Ontariens de tous les horizons participeront plus souvent à des

activités sportives de qualité, selon leur niveau, leurs capacités et la façon dont ils voudront y participer.

The initiatives under this program are aimed at encouraging regular physical activity among young people, developing provincial athletes, improving the quality

of coaching and increasing leadership skills within the aboriginal community through aboriginal sports programs. Aboriginal communities across the province currently lack affordable and accessible

opportunities to participate in sport and recreation. This agreement will include specific initiatives to increase the participation of aboriginal communities across Ontario in sport

activities.

In addition to this agreement, our government's investment in amateur sport will total $12.62 million for fiscal year 2006-07.

Recent estimates indicate that sedentary living costs our health care system approximately $1.8 billion every year. Childhood obesity is on the rise, and many

Ontarians still lack the opportunities or skills to be full participants in sport and physical activity. We are in the midst, sadly, of an epidemic of unhealthy weights. Almost 50% of Ontario

adults and 15% to 20% of Ontario youth are overweight or obese.

Les membres du gouvernement McGuinty, les citoyens, ainsi que les intervenants du domaine des sports et de l'activité physique de partout dans la province

expriment leurs préoccupations croissantes en ce qui a trait au niveau trop peu élevé d'activité physique et de pratique des sports.

There are numerous benefits associated with habitual physical activity and sport participation. These include increased longevity, psychological well-being,

promotion of pro-social behaviours, improved social cohesion, increased labour force productivity and higher student achievement. Research findings have also established strong links between sport

participation and physical activity and the prevention and management of certain chronic diseases such as colon cancer, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity and

depression. Although there are numerous documented benefits associated with leading an active lifestyle, the current rate of participation in sport and physical activity prevents us from fully

realizing these benefits.

That's why our government introduced the Sport for More program as part of a comprehensive new strategy to increase participation in sport and physical

activity throughout Ontario.

This bilateral agreement -- I was pleased to be joined by some grade 6 students from Our Lady of Fatima school in my riding -- is just a start. The statistics

I briefly outlined earlier show that even more needs to be done to support amateur sport and physical fitness in Ontario, and I'm committed to bolstering our commitment to young athletes.

As the Ministry of Health Promotion delivers on its commitments, the people of Ontario can take comfort in the knowledge that their government is working hard

with them to grow a generation of active children and youth, enable adults to promote healthy lives for themselves and their families, and empower older people to age in good health.

BIRTH CERTIFICATES

Mr. Joseph N. Tascona (Barrie-Simcoe-Bradford): I'm certainly pleased to respond to the minister on the introduction of this guarantee. He

conditions, there are 14 of them. I would call them basic loopholes for the government to get out of their guarantee.

Here's condition (2): "The application must be complete and accurate. If the ORG contacts you (by mail or phone) to complete processing of your application,

you are not eligible for a refund" -- if they contact you, you're not eligible. Condition (4): "You must be eligible to receive the requested document(s)." Well, what does that mean? You have to be

eligible. Next is number (8): "The delivery date is the date on which the courier first attempts to deliver the document(

s) to the address provided on the application. If no one is present to sign

for the delivery, the courier will leave a delivery notice providing further pickup or delivery options. The service guarantee does not apply if you decline the delivery." The biggest kicker is

number (13): "A request for a refund must be made no later than 30 days after your certificate(

s) are delivered to you."

The other part of the statement, which the minister doesn't even address, is the security measures. I put order paper question 38 a number of weeks ago for the

minister to "explain what security measures and procedures will be utilized to prevent identity theft in the on-line application for all birth certificates, both children and adult." At this time,

I haven't received a response to that order paper question.

Also, the service guarantee does not apply to birth certificate applications arising from a name change or correcting errors to your first or last name on your

existing birth certificate. Minister, you are going to have to look at extending the service, because there are a lot of errors out there caused by your ministry with respect to existing birth

certificates, and you haven't done that.

But I guess the fundamental question that has to be answered on this is, if you get your money back, do you have to reapply to get your birth certificate?

SPORTS AND RECREATION FUNDING

Mr. Norman W. Sterling (Lanark-Carleton): I was listening on the radio in Ottawa last week when the minister was making his announcement at

the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa. The comment by the announcer was that some of the kids were putting the basketball in the hoop, but the minister was having great difficulty in doing that.

This announcement makes one very wary about this whole new ministry, because I'm not sure this is about health promotion. I think it may be about Liberal

government promotion. This announcement amounts to $1.5 million in total, federal plus provincial, per year. That amounts to a provincial contribution of five cents a head per population in all of

the province of Ontario for health promotion to help groups promote physical education. We already have an organization, the Trillium Foundation, a non-partisan foundation, that does this kind of

work. What this government has shown in the past is that they've cut back the money out of the Trillium Foundation, and now they're using it for health promotion.

I read a press release today: "Health Promotion Minister Jim Watson says he likes the idea of `using a carrot instead of a stick' to encourage people to join

health clubs, ride bicycles or buy other fitness equipment.

"Watson will travel to 10 cities in January to get feedback on ideas such as eliminating the provincial sales tax on gym memberships and bicycle helmets.

"But Dalton McGuinty says Ontario can't afford the ideas Watson will be looking into."

Why are we doing this? Why is Mr. Watson spending the taxpayers' money to go around all over Ontario to consult with people about ideas that the Premier has

put the nix to already? We have a health promotion ministry to promote the provincial Liberal government. This isn't about improving the health of the people of Ontario; this is about improving the

health and the perception of the Liberal government of Ontario.

BIRTH CERTIFICATES

Mr. Peter Kormos (Niagara Centre): There was some, albeit muted, excitement amongst New Democrats at the prospect of an announcement today by

the Minister of Government Services. We thought the government might sweeten the deal: perhaps, in addition to your money back, a coupon for $10 off your next driver's licence renewal or a

certificate for a 15% reduction in your 407 fees or, at the very least, a set of steak knives. But what we got today is a rather embarrassing, rehashed, recycled reannouncement of what the minister

somehow felt compelled to say but a couple of weeks ago.

Look, the problem is with the problem cases. The fact is that name change applications have not been speeded up in any way, shape or form, and those piles are

lingering for months and years at your ministry and within the office of your Registrar General. The fact is that corrections to defective birth certificates or defective legislation, which are

sometimes discovered only many, many years after the fact, are still lingering in your Registrar General's office for months and years. The issue is all about staffing. It's all about stability of

that staffing, adequacy of that staffing, training of that staffing, and your failure to acknowledge that that ministry and that Registrar General's office remain gutted of an adequate staffing

level. That should have been the real announcement today.

But I've got to tell you, Minister, the phones calls in our constituency office yesterday and today -- although frequently in the past they have been about

inadequacies in your ministry and the Office of the Registrar General -- have not been focused on lengthy waits for birth certificates. The folks calling my office down in Welland and calling other

MPPs' offices are the spouses of GM workers who know that their jobs are going to be not just taken away from them but are going to be lost to the community forever. The phone calls received in our

constituency offices over here in this caucus are phone calls of desperation by people because their jobs have been taken away in the course of this orgy of job loss during the Dalton McGuinty

government's term -- over 42,000 manufacturing jobs. Their concern is there may be no doorstep left to leave that birth certificate on when it's delivered by the courier.

I say to you, sir, that this government's failure to recognize, acknowledge and respond to the crisis around the significant job loss, around the significant

loss of value-added manufacturing jobs and the serious loss of wealth-creation jobs should be a source of shame and embarrassment.

SPORTS AND RECREATION FUNDING

Ms. Shelley Martel (Nickel Belt): In response to the Minister of Health Promotion, I want to talk about the complete inability of children

from families on social assistance or families who are working poor to ever be able to access community-based sport organizations, and I doubt the announcement that was made by the minister today

is going to change that one bit.

The fact is that the fees alone that are associated with many community-based organized sports are far beyond the reach of even modest-income families, never

mind the working poor or those on social assistance. Take a look at hockey, which is played in communities big and small right across this province. I'm telling you that the fees alone associated

with hockey, even house league, are totally beyond the reach of working poor families or kids on social assistance. By God, if you have a child who's actually talented enough to be on a select

team, that child could never imagine the possibility of having an opportunity to play on that team, because his or her parents will never be able to afford the equipment, never mind the fees

associated with that. There's nothing in the minister's announcement today that's going to change any of that.

With respect to aboriginal communities, the real issue is, does the aboriginal community in question even have the infrastructure necessary to have sports and

recreation? The community of Martin Falls has a half-built arena. They came to this government over 18 months ago. They met with the Minister of Northern Development and Mines and the Minister of

Public Infrastructure Renewal and asked for provincial funding so they could finish the arena, so they could actually give sporting opportunities to kids in their reserve -- nothing from this

government two years later: no money, no arena. How is this money going to help people in Martin Falls or any other aboriginal community that doesn't even have the necessary infrastructure?

Do you want to make some change? End the clawback so poor families can enjoy organized sports. Stop the win tax so that aboriginal communities can pay for

this. Finally, why don't you put some --

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

DEFERRED VOTES

BUDGET MEASURES ACT, 2005 /

LOI DE 2005

SUR LES MESURES BUDGÉTAIRES

Deferred vote on the motion for third reading of Bill 197,

An Act to implement Budget measures / Projet de loi 197, Loi mettant en oeuvre certaines

mesures budgétaires.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Call in the members. This will be a five-minute bell.

The division bells rang from 1421 to 1426.

The Speaker: Mr. Bradley has moved third reading of Bill 197,

An Act to implement Budget measures. All those in favour will please rise one at

a time and be recognized by the Clerk.

Ayes

Arthurs, Wayne

Bartolucci, Rick

Bentley, Christopher

Bountrogianni, Marie

Bradley, James J.

Brownell, Jim

Cansfield, Donna H.

Caplan, David

Chambers, Mary Anne V.

Colle, Mike

Crozier, Bruce

Delaney, Bob

Di Cocco, Caroline

Dombrowsky, Leona

Duguid, Brad

Duncan, Dwight

Flynn, Kevin Daniel

Fonseca, Peter

Gerretsen, John

Gravelle, Michael

Hoy, Pat

Jeffrey, Linda

Kennedy, Gerard

Kular, Kuldip

Kwinter, Monte

Lalonde, Jean-Marc

Leal, Jeff

Levac, Dave

Marsales, Judy

Mauro, Bill

McGuinty, Dalton

McMeekin, Ted

McNeely, Phil

Meilleur, Madeleine

Milloy, John

Mitchell, Carol

Mossop, Jennifer F.

Orazietti, David

Parsons, Ernie

Patten, Richard

Peters, Steve

Phillips, Gerry

Pupatello, Sandra

Qaadri, Shafiq

Racco, Mario G.

Ramal, Khalil

Ramsay, David

Rinaldi, Lou

Ruprecht, Tony

Sandals, Liz

Sergio, Mario

Smith, Monique

Smitherman, George

Sorbara, Gregory S.

Takhar, Harinder S.

Van Bommel, Maria

Watson, Jim

Wilkinson, John

Wong, Tony C.

Wynne, Kathleen O.

Zimmer, David

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

Nays

Arnott, Ted

Barrett, Toby

Bisson, Gilles

Chudleigh, Ted

Churley, Marilyn

Dunlop, Garfield

Flaherty, Jim

Hardeman, Ernie

Horwath, Andrea

Hudak, Tim

Klees, Frank

Kormos, Peter

Marchese, Rosario

Martel, Shelley

Martiniuk, Gerry

Miller, Norm

Munro, Julia

Murdoch, Bill

O'Toole, John

Prue, Michael

Runciman, Robert W.

Scott, Laurie

Sterling, Norman W.

Tascona, Joseph N.

Tory, John

Wilson, Jim

Witmer, Elizabeth

The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Claude L. DesRosiers): The ayes are 61; the nays are 27.

The Speaker: I declare the motion carried.

Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.

ORAL QUESTIONS

LAYOFFS

Mr. John Tory (Leader of the Opposition): My question is for the Premier. While literally thousands of men and women left their jobs yesterday

in Oshawa and St. Catharines with an uncertain future, you downplayed the 3,660 job losses at GM and said the job losses were "a little bit of contraction." Automotive analysts today say that

between 15,000 and 21,000 spinoff jobs will also be lost as a result of the GM layoffs. In fact, in May 2002, you said, "I'm sure you will understand, Premier, that when an assembly plant is shut

down, the parts plants are sure to follow."

Premier, your "Don't worry. Be happy" approach to manufacturing job losses across Ontario is no comfort to the families involved or to the communities

devastated by these layoffs. After yesterday's overwhelming understatements on your part, you gave yourself a general shake this morning. Can I ask you now what specific measures you propose to

take to give some sense of relief and hope to these communities and these families affected by these layoffs?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): It didn't take the leader of the official opposition that long to assume

an all-too-traditional role, unfortunately, for the Leader of the Opposition, which is one of a very bleak outlook on the world around us.

I want to quote Gerry Fedchun of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association.

Interjections.

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: I know that the members opposite will be very much interested in hearing this. They don't like the news of 214,000 net new

jobs during the course of the past two years. That seems to rile them unduly, but perhaps they'll listen to what Gerry Fedchun, head of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association, said

yesterday: "It's not all doom and gloom. Canada's still doing reasonably well. We've still got a good percentage of the assembly business in North America, and we'll continue to have a pretty good

percentage of business."

Mr. Tory: The problem is, on account of the kinds of answers you gave yesterday, it is necessary for somebody to come here and speak on behalf

of people who actually find their circumstances a little bit bleak. They're looking for some sense of hope, maybe, coming from you, as the leader of the government, when they've just been told that

they've lost their jobs.

Now, this morning, 550 employees at the Cascades coated paper plant in Thunder Bay were devastated by news that their plant will be shut down completely, just

in time for Christmas. The company says that high energy costs in northern Ontario are largely to blame. This will be yet another body blow to Thunder Bay.

Premier, again, your "Don't worry. Be happy" approach to these layoffs is no consolation to these families being affected. What exact measures -- including

perhaps some of the measures so far, the many recommendations of your own council report that you've ignored -- do you intend to take to help Thunder Bay, to help these communities and to help

these people who are losing their jobs?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: It is indeed interesting and heartwarming to hear from this new-found champion of the working people. Let me tell you about

something that one Mr. John Tory said as president and CEO of Rogers. In 2001, you see, he laid off 170 people; in 2002, he laid off 187 people; in 2003, he laid off 175 people. When he was asked

about it -- Speaker, I know you'll be interested in hearing this -- he said, "It's a sign of the times. Most businesses today are finding that they have to reduce their costs and that includes,

unfortunately, people costs." Again, I wonder where it is that we have suddenly found this newly discovered champion of the working people.

Mr. Tory: That is a pathetic abdication of your responsibility as Premier of this province.

Premier, the Prescott Shirt Company announced it is closing. The maker of Hathaway shirts will leave over 60 people out of work, just in time for Christmas.

The company started this year, on your watch, with 125 employees.

In the town of Campbellford in the riding of Northumberland, they were hit with terrible news two weeks ago. One of the town's largest employers, the World's

Finest Chocolate factory, is closing and moving jobs to the United States; 125 employees will be laid off on your watch.

Premier, these are jobs that are affecting real people, real families across the province. To say to them, "Don't worry; be happy," to say that kind of thing

is not good enough. They need to see you in their corner to give them some reason to be optimistic. What exact measures are you prepared to take to help the families in Campbellford, Prescott,

Thunder Bay, Oshawa and St. Catharines? Specifically, what are you prepared to do about it?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: The 214,000 net new jobs -- our biggest responsibility on this side of the House is to lay the foundation in this economy

for new jobs to be created, and that's what we're doing. I know they don't like to hear it on that side of the House, but we believe 214,000 net new jobs to be somewhat meaningful.

In September, 17,300 new jobs were created. In October, 21,200 new jobs were created. De Beers is moving ahead in their next phase of a new diamond mine in

northern Ontario. That is a potential $1-billion investment. It will create 600 construction jobs and 375 jobs during production. GlaxoSmithKline: a $23-million expansion that secures 75 new jobs.

The Automodular Corp. is building a new plant in Oakville for 400 new jobs. Stream, a voice over Internet protocol company, is adding 700 full-time new jobs. In my home town of --

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

Interjection.

The Speaker: The member for Timmins-James Bay.

New question.

HOSPITAL FUNDING

Mr. John Tory (Leader of the Opposition): My question again is to the Premier. Can you detail for the House today exactly what measures you

are prepared to undertake immediately to ensure that patients are not left to literally wait until it's too late in the emergency rooms of this province?

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

Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): The first thing I would say to the honourable member whose name bears the name

of a party that took 7,110 beds out of circulation in the Ontario health care system is that the question might better be posed to the person who sits beside you. After all, it was she for three

years as Minister of Health in this province who poured hundreds of millions of dollars into hospitals and produced very little, to the point where it was said by her one day: "In meeting with our

stakeholders, no one can quite identify the reason for the problem."

I believe the reason for the problem can be found in the reduction of beds at the same time that there was no investment in community-based care. Accordingly,

in addition to the $2.35 billion that we've invested in our hospitals since coming to office, we have made the largest single increases in community-based care, to the point where we're seeing at

hospitals like Credit Valley in Mississauga, in a high-growth area, a level of emergency room visits that is in decline. That's a message that our efforts to build community-based care and primary

care are working for patients, and we will continue along this path.

Mr. Tory: I've been to a good number of those emergency rooms, and they're saying that the decisions that are taken, that have been taken on

your watch, by you and by the McGuinty government, are responsible for the backlog we see today.

According to a recent CIHI report on ER wait times, patients in Ontario are having to wait, in some cases, hours to see a doctor, when they should be seeing

one in minutes. This is a report written by an objective organization. Physicians working in our ERs are asking the Ombudsman -- they've now gone to the Ombudsman -- to investigate why this is the

case.

We've seen the story of a man who arrived at a hospital with chest pains. He was determined to have a life-threatening condition and should have been seen

within 15 minutes, according to your standards. In fact, he waited one hour and 40 minutes and suffered a heart attack in the process.

Premier, your government and you have had very little to say about what specifically you are doing in the places where there are still problems; one of them

I've just mentioned. What is your plan to deal with the places that have these kinds of unacceptable waits that don't meet the standards you have adopted?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: It's very interesting that an honourable member who has a policy platform on the record of reducing health care spending

by $2.4 billion has the gall to ask questions about this. It's astonishing. When will this member stand in his place and tell the people of the province of Ontario how things are going to get

better when you cut $2.4 billion out of health care spending, as is your stated goal and plan, sir?

With respect to the initiatives that were undertaken related to emergency rooms, in addition to providing care for people in more appropriate settings and

diverting from the emergency room those people who are better treated elsewhere, we are working with the Ontario Medical Association. These doctors who are here today at the press conference are a

separate organization. We are in the midst, in the province of Ontario, of having emergency room doctors sign an alternate funding agreement. This is money that is on the table to enhance the

number of doctors working in our emergency rooms. Three quarters of the hospitals in the province of Ontario and the emergency room doctors there, through the OMA, have signed it; several of the

representatives of the group that you stood beside today have not. This is evidence --

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

Mr. Tory: Well, whatever it is you're doing, it's not working. According to the ER doctors filing a complaint with the Ombudsman -- they've

tried dealing with you; they're now filing a complaint with the Ombudsman -- our emergency rooms in this province cannot meet the standards that your government has accepted. The Coalition of

Ontario Physicians in Emergency, the group filing the complaint, have said that those patients requiring emergent care ought to see a doctor within 15 minutes. That's a standard you accepted.

Patients are waiting 30 minutes in the province of Ontario. Those requiring urgent care ought to see a doctor within 30 minutes. Here in your McGuinty-Smitherman Ontario, they are waiting 60

minutes. These are real doctors, and real people who are waiting to be seen with real problems in these emergency rooms.

Are you prepared to stand in your place today and give us a guarantee that the standards you've bought into, the standards your government has bought into,

will be met? It's fine to guarantee a birth certificate. Will you guarantee that people who are seriously ill will have the standard met that you have guaranteed them in this province?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: It's very interesting that when given an opportunity, this honourable member won't stand in his place and tell us what

the standards are going to be when you reduce $2.4 billion from health care spending in this province. You have some obligation, sir, to come clean on that. You have not yet, and all Ontarians

await your transparency on the commitment that you've made.

Our government has invested $2.35 billion in hospitals. In addition, we've spent more money on community-based care, to the point where we have hospitals in

this province that are seeing lower numbers of people seeking care in emergency rooms.

This is the party that closed 28 hospitals and 7,200 hospital beds, and promises to cut $2.4 billion from health care. That is your plan, sir; ours is

different. We work with our partner, the Ontario Medical Association. We make the payment of emergency room doctors a priority in our agreement. We work with doctors in emergency rooms across

Ontario to sign an alternate funding agreement. And some doctors, a small group, come forward today with a different organization and a different viewpoint. We will consider --

The Speaker: Thank you. New question.

LAYOFFS

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): I have a question for the Premier. Yesterday, General Motors swung the axe and cut 3,900 auto

assembly jobs in Oshawa and St. Catharines. Your response was incredible. You said it's "a little bit of contraction." For 3,900 GM workers and their families losing their jobs, for thousands of

other workers in the auto parts sector and for yet thousands of other workers who are employed in spinoff jobs, this isn't a little bit of contraction; this is a crisis. Maybe you can tell them,

Premier, when did this become just "a little bit of contraction" for the McGuinty government?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): I can say with all objectivity that never has the Ontario auto worker had

a greater champion than they have found in this government and our determination to grow this sector and create new jobs -- never.

We've had a very aggressive auto plan that's been in place for a long time now, and I'm proud to say that Ontario is competing and Ontario is winning. We've

secured $4.5 billion in new investment, and then yesterday, DaimlerChrysler announced another investment of $750 million; GM announced an investment of $400 million. We're up to $5.7 billion in new

investment.

The member opposite may not like to hear these things, but those are the facts. Toyota's new plant alone will create some 1,300 direct jobs. Thousands of other

spinoffs will also be created as a result of that new investment alone. When it comes to the CAMI plant, that new investment will create 1,000 jobs both at Ingersoll and Oshawa.

I can say again: Never has the Ontario auto worker had a stronger champion than they're finding --

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

Mr. Hampton: Never has Ontario lost so many auto assembly jobs on a permanent basis in this province.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Stop the clock. Order. Leader of the third party.

Mr. Hampton: Premier, we saw recently how you flew to China to flog Ontario's tobacco, and we saw this weekend how you flew from Toronto to

Hamilton to attend a Liberal fundraiser. Can you tell us, have you flown to Detroit, to the GM headquarters, to fight for the 3,900 jobs at Oshawa and St. Catharines? Have you flown to General

Motors headquarters to fight for the auto parts jobs that are being lost? Have you flown to GM headquarters in Detroit to fight for the thousands of spinoff jobs that are being lost? Have you done

any of that, Premier?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: I have done that; I've done that and a lot more. While the leader of the NDP is mired in intractable pessimism, we are very

optimistic about the future of the auto sector in Ontario. To quote Buzz Hargrove, CAW president, "We have almost three years to work on it. So that gives me some comfort. We have some time."

I'm telling you, our responsibility right now is to work with Ontario auto workers, to work with GM, whether here in Canada or south of the border, and ensure

that we have, in time for the 2008 planned closure, a new line working hard on a brand new product. We've got the workers in this province, who are the most productive in North America, we've got a

medicare advantage and we've got a government that is committed to --

The Speaker: Thank you. Final supplementary.

Mr. Hampton: Here's what the thousands of General Motors workers see: You boasting about your accomplishments in the auto sector while they

get pink slips. That's what they see.

Premier, not long ago you boasted about your $100-million contribution to Ford, yet we know that Ford is also prepared to make an announcement about cutting

thousands of jobs. Can you tell us, when you made that $100-million contribution to Ford, did you get an ironclad clause that says they won't be laying off thousands more workers in Ontario?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: Just so I understand this, is the leader of the NDP actually saying that we should not partner with auto companies, that we

should not work together to strengthen our auto sector, that we should not do everything we can to create new, high-paying jobs in Ontario for auto workers? Because I differ with him significantly

in that regard.

We have a plan in place. It has secured $5.7 billion worth of new investment. We see great things in the future for the auto sector. We will continue to work

with the auto workers. The member opposite may not be prepared to work with Buzz Hargrove. I can say that on this side of the House we are more than willing to do that and to ensure we have a

strong, vibrant, robust auto sector long into the future.

Interjections.

The Speaker: Order. New question. The leader of the third party.

FOREST INDUSTRY

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): If you're going to boast about hundreds of millions of dollars for GM and Ford, thousands of Ontario

workers shouldn't be losing their jobs, Premier.

To the Premier: I want to ask you about the 500 workers who have now lost their jobs through the closure of the Cascades paper mill in Thunder Bay. You see,

Premier, this is a paper mill that's closing after you announced your much-vaunted, much-boasted-about strategy to help save the pulp and paper industry. Obviously, this company doesn't think much

of your so-called loan guarantees. It doesn't think much of the photo ops and the announcements you've held already; otherwise, they wouldn't be putting 500 workers out of work just after

Christmas.

Premier, can you tell those 500 workers, is your government prepared to do anything to ensure that their jobs are maintained, that they can continue to

contribute to society and contribute to the community of Thunder Bay, or are you just going to --

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): The question has been asked. Premier?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): The Minister of Natural Resources, I know, met with representatives of

the head office, in Montreal, of this company. There was an

article that appeared in the Chronicle Journal that talked about a statement made by one of the workers at the plant in Thunder Bay. The

worker said, in reference to the employer, "You and your company have chosen to not modernize the plant. What do you expect when productivity lags because old machinery is constantly breaking

down?"

Our plan is open and available, and we have yet to receive an application from this particular company. But we have a plan in place. We've made $150 million

available, and it's designed specifically to upgrade technology, to ensure that we put the plants on a more sustainable footing by increasing the value-added component of their product and

enhancing productivity. The plan stands. We are more than prepared to work with this company and any other company that feels they are up against it and are unable to make the necessary

investments. We're prepared to work with them, to partner with them to ensure that we have a vibrant and sustainable --

The Speaker: Thank you.

Mr. Hampton: Premier, I too read the press release from the company. They're moving the production and they're moving their jobs to a mill in

Quebec. Why? They're very clear. Because in Dalton McGuinty's Ontario, electricity rates have been driven so high they can't afford to pay them in comparison to electricity rates in Quebec, and the

cost of delivered wood fibre in Dalton McGuinty's Ontario has been driven so high that they can't afford that either. Premier, what they want to know, and what thousands of other workers across

northern Ontario want to know, is when is the McGuinty government going to realize that if you drive electricity prices to the point where they are double or triple the electricity prices in other

pulp and paper jurisdictions, mills will close here? When is the McGuinty government going to realize that, and when are you going to do something about it?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: I would strongly recommend to my friend opposite that he actually get his hands on the press release that was issued today

so he could better understand the reasons behind this closure. I will cite some of those for him. The company specifically talks about the "current economic situation within the pulp and paper

industry." It talks about "recent sales price decrease in the fine papers sector." It talks about "reduced demand." It talks about "increased price of raw material." It talks about these being in

combination with "an increase of the Canadian dollar compared to the US dollar." Yes, there is a reference to energy as well, but there are a number of factors, just in case the member opposite was

somewhat remiss in leaving the impression that somehow energy was the only factor. In fact, there are six all told. We have lost plants in BC. We have lost plants in the Maritimes. We have lost

plants in Quebec.

We have stepped up to the plate with a $680-million strategy that is designed to support the forestry sector. We are more than willing to work with any partner

that's prepared to make the necessary efforts --

The Speaker: Thank you.

Mr. Hampton: Premier, I have read the press release. You quote the American dollar. In 1993, when this mill was successfully repositioned and

the jobs sustained, the American dollar was even lower in value than it is today. In fact, paper prices in 1993, when this mill was successfully repositioned, were even worse then. Do you know what

has changed, Premier? What has changed is this: You've got the McGuinty government hell-bent to drive the price of electricity through the roof, so that pulp and paper companies can't afford to

stay in Ontario, so that companies like Dofasco, a leading steel company, are telling you you're going to kill jobs there, so that even General Motors this past summer told you that you have

doubled their hydro bill over what it was two years ago.

Premier, this is your government and your government alone. You're driving the price of electricity through the roof, you're driving the cost of wood fibre

through the roof and you're driving these companies and these jobs out of Ontario. When are you going to --

The Speaker: The question has been asked.

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: The leader of the NDP is riding this poor, feeble, one-trick electricity pony into the ground. If it snows later this

afternoon, it somehow is going to be connected with electricity prices in the province of Ontario.

They lost 14 mills in northern Ontario on their watch. When the leader of the NDP was in cabinet, the number of people in northwestern Ontario employed in the

forestry, mining and oil and gas industries collapsed from 11,700 to 6,600. In northeastern Ontario, the number of people working in the forestry, mining and oil and gas industries plummeted from

27,700 to 21,700 between 1990 and 1995.

We've stepped up to the plate. We've got a great plan, a $680-million strategy. We're prepared to work with any plant, any company that's prepared to make the

effort and prepared to make the investment in improving the quality of their plants.

VIOLENT CRIME

Mr. John Tory (Leader of the Opposition): My question is for the Premier. In looking at the things you can do to show some leadership and some

urgency on the gun crime epidemic in the Toronto area, people in the communities affected, people across the community, are repeatedly saying that they want to see people working together:

governments, community leaders, political parties, police forces and so on.

We've seen some areas of law enforcement in which there has been great operational co-operation -- child pornography and white-collar crime, to name only two.

Recognizing we have some joint effort taking place in this area because of the guns and gangs task force, are you willing to consider expanding that model by putting someone in place in

co-operation with the federal government, with the municipalities, with all of the police forces involved to launch an all-out crusade on this epidemic of gun crime in Toronto? Are you prepared to

consider that?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): I know that the leader of the official opposition will recall the

statements I made yesterday and the invitation I've extended to representatives of the police and the judiciary to meet with our Attorney General and possibly to have representation there from our

crown attorneys as well. The purpose of that meeting is to review the initiatives that have been made by each of us separately to determine whether or not there is more that we might do together to

be more effective in terms of addressing the guns and gangs issue, especially here in the city of Toronto. I think that is very much in keeping with the spirit of the suggestion put forward by the

Leader of the Opposition.

Mr. Tory: It's always nice when you comment on the spirit of the suggestion I put forward. I had a specific idea I put forward, on which you

didn't comment at all. But anyway, let's move on to another topic, same subject.

Last week, in dealing with a notice of dissatisfaction I filed in respect of a non-answer from the Attorney General, the member for Willowdale said, "The crown

does not support three-for-one credit" -- this is in pretrial sentencing -- "as a general policy." It's the last few words I want to focus on -- "as a general policy" -- because there's always a

loophole. This kind of language clearly leaves open the kind of deal-making in our justice system which has eroded public confidence and made a farce of sentencing decisions, especially for gun

crimes. I hear that over and over again, as I'm sure all members of this House do.

Are you and your Attorney General prepared to tell his crowns they cannot propose or agree to these get-out-of-jail-free deals -- no ifs, ands or buts -- and

that you're going to take the reforms necessary to give people comfort that the justice system is working for them?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: I know that the leader of the official opposition will also be familiar with the policy put forward by the Attorney General

providing as much of a directive as he might to crown attorneys here in Ontario with respect to dealing away gun charges. He will also be aware that we have been pressing the federal government, as

has he, with respect to ensuring that we have tough laws on the books with respect to any crime involving any use of a gun, and the federal government has made a commitment in that regard of

late.

But beyond all of that, beyond all these separate and individual initiatives advanced by various levels of government, I think the next best step that we might

take is to bring people together to review those steps to see if there's anything that we might do further, either separately or collectively, to ensure that we have safer streets, especially here

in the city of Toronto.

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

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): My question is for the Premier. When I asked you yesterday why your government wasn't treating the

issue of gun violence on the streets of Toronto more urgently, you said that your government was. You said that you now have 50 new crown attorneys in place under the guns and gangs task force. But

we listened to your Attorney General, who said, "No, there aren't 50; there are only 32, and only 24 of them are in fact working on the task force."

Premier, who, between you and your Attorney General, is mistaken about these important issues?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: The Attorney General is always right.

Mr. Hampton: The problem here is that young people are dying while you and your Attorney General can't get the numbers straight. You also said

that there are 34 new judges. Well, Premier, we checked that as well: As far as we can determine, your government has only appointed 15 new judges, and none of those new judges has been appointed

since this gun violence started breaking out on the streets of Toronto.

I ask you again, Premier: Were you mistaken in what you said on that issue again yesterday?

Hon. Mr. McGuinty: With respect to the crown attorneys, 32 are specifically hired to deal with the new guns and gangs task force. With respect

to judges, I'm advised that there are in fact 39 on the job.

I can tell the member opposite that we are working as quickly as we can, as hard as we can, to ensure that we have the necessary crowns in place and the

necessary judges in place to attack this problem of crime in the most efficient and effective manner possible.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Mr. Jeff Leal (Peterborough): My question is to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Today is National Housing Day, and on a day

such as this I think it's important for Ontarians to understand a major difference between our Premier and the opposition leader.

In a recent interview, John Tory had this to say about affordable housing: "The government should not be in the housing business, except, perhaps, for people

who are sort of mentally disabled or addicts, like assisted housing where you have special housing and so on. But the government, you know, they shouldn't build or operate housing, in my view,

because it's just not what government's good at. And I'm just being straightforward with you. That's my view."

I'm sure we all appreciate Mr. Tory's honesty. Thankfully, Premier McGuinty and our party hold a different view. We believe that the role of assisting

Ontario's most vulnerable citizens in finding a place to call home is an important one for our government to play.

Minister, can you tell me what action our government has taken since our election to provide affordable housing for Ontarians?

Hon. John Gerretsen (Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing): I certainly would like to thank the member for his question. I know that he's

a great advocate for social housing in the Peterborough area.

As he well knows, for the first time in almost a generation -- at least in the eight years that the Tories were in office -- earlier this year, this government

signed an agreement with the federal government in which we matched the dollars for affordable housing that the federal government had put forward some two or three years ago in the amount of $301

million. We also put $50 billion aside as part of our strong communities rent supplement program, and of course there's the rent bank of $10 million, which is to help individuals who are involved

in emergency situations and need help with a month or two of rent when they are involved in those kinds of situations.

We're also very pleased with the pilot project, which was quite successful here in Toronto, that gave the opportunity for 400 families to get safe and

affordable housing.

Mr. Leal: I'm pleased to hear from the Minister that indeed our government is back into affordable housing in a meaningful and significant way

after the previous government did absolutely nothing.

Since our election, we've broken ground and completed a number of projects across Ontario in communities such as Waterloo, Guelph, Hamilton, Brantford,

Vaughan, Peterborough and Kingston. I also understand that new, affordable homeownership units are being built in Markham, Pickering and Scarborough. Specifically, Minister, can you tell us,

through this government's enhancement improvements to the affordable housing agreement, how many units are now under construction and development, and how many units are now complete and occupied

by Ontario families who desperately need affordable housing?

Hon. Mr. Gerretsen: I'm sure the member realizes, and all the members realize, that it takes a while to get the housing programs up and

running, to get the necessary approvals from the municipalities to get the zoning in line. But I can tell him that, so far, $85.7 million has actually been spent and 983 units have been completed

in some 20 projects throughout the province. Most of these are occupied right now. Another 800 are under construction, and another 2,300 are currently under development.

I should also tell you that in the new affordable housing program that we announced earlier this fall, all 47 service managers have submitted an expression of

interest to get involved with both the housing allowance program, which will create some 5,000 units, and the 5,000 units of affordable housing. We have some work to do, but we believe we're on the

right track. If there are any projects that are immediately ready to go, they will be eligible under the strong start program, which was allocated about $25 million. Ontario is back in the housing

business.

HOSPITAL FUNDING

Mrs. Elizabeth Witmer (Kitchener-Waterloo): My question is to the Minister of Health. Doctors in this province are becoming increasingly

concerned about the inability of your government to respond to patient needs. Earlier this week, the OMA said in a press release, "Physician Resource Crisis Continues to Deepen in Ontario," and

today, the emergency room doctors told us that worsening wait times in emergency rooms are contributing to more adverse patient outcomes and more suffering and pain as patients wait longer.

Minister, will you at least acknowledge, as these doctors have indicated today, that emergency room wait times are worsening. Will you also, as they have

asked, work with health professionals to create a sustainable plan to reduce wait times for patients in this province?

Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): Well, holy moly, Mr. Speaker -- is that OK?

Interjections.

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: The first thing I want to ask is why that honourable member, who is part of a party that's a proponent for a $2.4-billion

cut to health care, won't stand in her place and acknowledge it.

You want to pretend that you guys aren't part of that connection to Mike Harris, but we see lots of evidence every day that that continues: no honesty in terms

of the decisions made by the previous government to reduce by almost 7,200 the number of beds in health care. That occurred on your watch, when you were a minister of the crown.

You ask me to stand in my place and acknowledge something that can't be proven. In fact, I'm the only one who has offered any statistic today, and that's about

the declining number of people who are seeking care in the Credit Valley Hospital emergency room in a high-growth part of our province. We've made a $2.35-billion investment.

Yes, we have challenges in our emergency rooms. This is a long-standing challenge in the Ontario health care system. It's been here for decades, and we're

going to work on solutions that are different from the one the honourable member tried, which was to pour hundreds of millions of dollars down the drain and get no result for it whatsoever.

Mrs. Witmer: I don't believe that people in this province who are waiting in emergency rooms are very impressed with your response or your

lack of compassion or understanding. We actually launched the most comprehensive emergency room strategy in Canada in 1998 and we increased the capacity in our emergency rooms.

We have heard from the emergency room physicians. They came here today because they're concerned for their patients. They say there's an immediate need for

resources -- for beds and for nurses -- and they're saying that your decision to force hospitals to balance their budgets is forcing hospitals to lay off nurses and close beds. I am asking you

today, Minister, will you guarantee today, particularly with flu season upon us, that no more nurses are laid off and no more beds are closed in our hospitals?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: I think this honourable member should be ashamed. I don't say this lightly. She talks about her program in 1998, this

fantastic ED program. Here's what she said about its effect two years after:

"In meeting with our stakeholders, no one can quite identify the reason for the problem. It seems that at certain times in the day and on certain days there

are more people who are presenting themselves at the emergency room door.... No one quite understands why, at certain times, there seems to be a tremendous pressure." That was September 28,

At the same time, the government she was so proud to be part of was just wrapping up closing 28 hospitals and 7,200 hospital beds in this province. Contrast

that with a $2.35-billion investment: ED alternate funding arrangement for emergency room doctors -- more money for them, more resources; 3,000 new nurses; 69 family health teams; 39 new community

health centres; a 13% investment in community care last year alone. This is a government investing across the breadth of health care and --

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

WORKPLACE SAFETY

Ms. Marilyn Churley (Toronto-Danforth): Premier, today I reintroduced my bill to make sexual harassment a charge under the Occupational Health

and Safety Act. I introduced it last fall. It was allowed to die on the order paper. Experts say that had such legislation been enforced, it could have helped to prevent the murder of Lori Dupont,

the nurse and single mother who, tragically, was stabbed at her workplace by a co-worker whom she feared.

Premier, there is evidence now, and there has been for some years, that this type of legislation can save lives. In light of that, will you pass it today?

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

Hon. Steve Peters (Minister of Labour): Once again, on behalf of the government, we send our condolences to the family of the nurse.

I think it's important to realize that, as the Ministry of Labour, we are waiting for notification of the completion of the police investigation and a

coroner's report that is going to be completed. I think it's appropriate in those circumstances, since there are two ongoing investigations, that we need to wait and see what the results of those

are and what recommendations may be forthcoming.

Certainly. as a government, we do not tolerate violence in the workplace. We encourage employers in this province to review the practices and procedures that

they have in place, to ensure that they have good policies in place to prevent workplace harassment.

Ms. Churley: Making sexual harassment a charge under the Occupational Health and Safety Act has been called for for a long time. It was called

for after Theresa Vince was murdered in the workplace in 1996.

Last year, the Centre for Research on Violence Against Women and Children and the Ontario Federation of Labour again called for such reform. Your caucus

colleague Pat Hoy presented a private member's bill when he and you were in opposition that is very similar to what I have introduced now. Had Pat's bill or mine been acted on, Lori Dupont's life

might have been saved.

Premier, will you pass this legislation before you today to prevent another woman's murder in the workplace because of sexual harassment?

Hon. Mr. Peters: Again, I reiterate that, as a government -- and I think every one of us in this chamber -- we do not tolerate workplace

violence. Again, we ask that employers review the procedures that they have in place. I think it's important to recognize that we are going to be hiring an additional 69 health and safety

inspectors. Certainly as those inspectors come on the job, one of our focuses is going to be in our health care sector.

But for the member to know as well, I have asked my ministry staff to look at other jurisdictions. You've cited Quebec as an example. Most provinces in Canada

right now are undertaking a comprehensive review of this issue. I have asked my staff to look at what other jurisdictions are doing.

Specifically on the Windsor situation, since there are the police investigation and a coroner's investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment on that.

But we are prepared to look at this issue because, again, workplace violence shall not be tolerated.

IMMIGRANT SERVICES /

SERVICES AUX IMMIGRANTS

Mr. Jim Brownell (Stormont-Dundas-Charlottenburgh): My question is to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.

This province is dependent on the skills new Ontarians bring with them as they settle in our province. Unfortunately, the process of becoming part of our

communities has traditionally not been easy, with cultural and language barriers impeding their ability to truly feel part of our provincial landscape.

Yesterday, you signed an historic agreement with the federal government that will increase federal funding for Ontario's newcomers, and for that I congratulate

you and the Premier. Minister, can you tell us why this agreement is so important and what this money will do to reverse the trend of difficulty faced by Ontario's new arrivals?

Hon. Mike Colle (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration): I'd like to thank the member from Stormont-Dundas-Charlottenburgh for his question.

I would like to say to him that, due to the persistence of the Premier in insisting that the federal government fund newcomer settlement fairly in Ontario, and after 20 years of trying, the

government of Ontario has finally gotten the federal government to invest in Ontario's newcomer settlement programs. That's after government after government either wasn't interested or didn't

succeed. Our Premier succeeded in getting that money. That's $920 million invested in these newcomer settlement programs that will go directly to the integration of our newcomers to overcome

barriers. Those are programs that are going to mean more success. It is also going to mean more success for Ontario's economy. That's what the Premier has achieved. That's what the NDP does not

support. That money is for Ontario.

Mr. Brownell: Thank you, Minister. I know that this government appreciates the contributions of our immigrant population.

Once they have settled into their new communities, the next big hurdle many face is mastering one of the two official languages. Comme j'essaie maintenant

Applause.

Mr. Brownell: That's my contribution.

province, in my riding of Stormont-Dundas-Charlottenburgh. For many new arrivals to be able to participate fully in our communities, they must have the opportunity to learn this language as well.

And let me say: ce nouveau financement va nous permettre d'offrir plus de classes de formation linguistique aux nouveaux Ontariens, à plus de niveaux. Les

nouveaux arrivants pourront ainsi apprendre la langue de leur profession, qu'ils travaillent dans la technologie ou dans les affaires commerciales.

This is going to finally --

Applause.

Hon. Mr. Colle: It would have been easier in Italian. But I would say this is about investing in our francophone communities. This is

investing in the capacity to --

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

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Ms. Laurie Scott (Haliburton-Victoria-Brock): My question today is for the Minister of Education. Last year I stood up with the member from

Simcoe North and asked you to resolve a transportation issue affecting students and families in the Carden-Dalton areas of my riding of Haliburton-Victoria-Brock. I told you then about the

approximately 150 students in these former townships who for generations have taken their elementary and secondary school education with the Simcoe County District School Board. Many of them have

travelled and are in the galleries today.

Minister, a year has passed, and still your government has not found a way to resolve this issue. The local municipalities, student councils and myself believe

it is time to put politics second and students first. Surely these students and families have a right to expect a decision. When are you going to make that decision?

Hon. Gerard Kennedy (Minister of Education): I hope that the member opposite has spoken a little more frankly to the people in the gallery

about her own position. Last year, she came to us, and I have a letter here from the director of education that says, "As a direct result of the intervention from the minister, Gerard Kennedy, we

have provided transportation that will gain time for the two boards to resolve" this issue. We resolved this problem once.

This is a local school board issue. At that time, I found the member opposite was in favour. There are 89 children in one board; 69 children in another

board.

The member opposite, in her supplementary, I'm sure, will stand up and say what solution she advocates, because some are advocating a boundary change; many who

have written to me want it to be left the same. For me, this is clearly an issue to have the local boards resolve, but I ask the member opposite to express in her supplementary what she wants done

in that area. Does she want her residents moved outside of her area, and give up on them, or does she want to hang on to them and have another solution in mind? I look forward to seeing the

solution she has.

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

Mr. Garfield Dunlop (Simcoe North): Minister, today we have in the gallery, all around us, from Carden and Dalton, parents and students who

have had to live with this uncertainty for the last two years. They have travelled here today to ask you to permanently find a solution so that the children of Carden and Dalton can attend Simcoe

county schools. Those are the same schools that the Ministry of Education has funded in the past with major expansions. They are also the schools that the Carden and Dalton families have attended

for the last 50 years.

Minister, please provide a decision today. Please put these students first. Please tell this House and these people who are visiting us here today what you

plan to do to resolve this situation permanently.

Hon. Mr. Kennedy: Again, each of the local members, and I appreciate this very much, has written, and they were responded to. We helped the

local boards in an intervention to make sure that transportation was sustained.

I want to say very clearly: We do expect, on behalf of any of the families that are affected, certainty from the education system. We are paying for the

transportation of children who may have to go to school in another place, but as far as we're concerned, the dollars are being provided.

I would say this, because the government opposite was always blaming school boards and so on: We are looking forward to the boards finding a resolution. If the

boards cannot find a resolution, we will move with mediation, with other assistance to find a resolution, because we have 90 students on the one hand that are being educated in one county; 70

students on the other hand.

The local members have no idea what they want done about it. We ourselves at the province will work with the boards. We will get an equitable solution, and we

will take this anxiety off of the backs of families, where it doesn't belong.

LONG-TERM CARE

Ms. Shelley Martel (Nickel Belt): I have a question to Minister of Health. The Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for

Seniors today confirmed what I've said for many months now: that most of the funding you've announced for long-term care has not gone to direct services for residents in our homes who need those

services. OANHSS said: "What you find is that most of this increased funding has not been allocated to direct care and services. In fact, only about a third of the total announced increases can be

legitimately described as enhancing care."

Minister, during the election your government promised to provide an additional $6,000 in care for every resident in long-term-care homes. When are you going

to deliver on that promise?

Hon. George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): Using the honourable member's logic, when you open a new bed in extended care,

you haven't enhanced care for the people of the province of Ontario. This is the math that that member, who was not so good at it during her days in government, likes --

Mrs. Elizabeth Witmer (Kitchener-Waterloo): George, do you have to put everybody down?

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: Why don't you get another question, Elizabeth, please?

The circumstances that we're dealing with in 2005-06 include, in the long-term-care homes program budget, an investment increase of $264 million. Part and

parcel of that, and this evidence has been presented to the honourable member in response to an FOI request, indicates that, of the commitment to hire 2,000 new staff, by surveying, 1,627 full-time

equivalents have been hired to date.

In addition, we've got new regs in 2005 for 24/7 RN coverage and an extension of the number of baths per week. We've increased the comfort allowance for the

first time in 20 years. All of these things cost money, and all of them are about enhancements to care for the people of the province of Ontario.

Ms. Martel: It wasn't only OANHSS that was here today to express concerns about the lack of adequate funding for residents in long-term-care

homes. They were joined by the Canadian Pensioners Concerned, Concerned Friends of Ontario Citizens in Care Facilities, Ontario Association of Residents' Councils, Ontario Society of Senior

Citizens' Organizations and the United Senior Citizens of Ontario. All of these organizations were here today to make it clear that despite the election promise of the McGuinty Liberal government

to increase funding per resident in every home by $6,000, in fact this government has only increased funding by $2,000 for every resident in this province. The result is that residents are

receiving about two hours of hands-on care a day when they need at least three, there are not enough personal support workers to meet needs, the staff can't provide the rehabilitation that's needed

and only a fraction of residents who need mental health services are receiving them. I ask you again, Minister, on behalf of all of these organizations --

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Thank you. Response, the Minister of Health.

Hon. Mr. Smitherman: I appreciated the honourable member's question, particularly the acknowledgement of the efforts and the progress that we

have made toward putting more resources to enhance the care in our long-term-care homes. We're the first to acknowledge many accounts -- this is not the only one today -- of organizations that have

come forward indicating that several hundred million additional dollars would do the trick just nicely. This, of course, is the challenge that we grapple with.

Accordingly, our commitments have included a $264-million enhancement to the funding on long-term care this year. I think that speaks as a pretty good example

of the progress we're making. In addition, we've moved forward with freezing resident co-payment fees. This creates more cash on hand for residents in these homes. This is an additional cost of

$72.8 million. We supported family and resident councils, tougher compliance and enforcement, a 1-800 action line and a public reporting Web site. The point is that on a variety of files in health

care, there's more work to do. There's also ample evidence that we've done quite --

The Speaker: New question.

APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING

Mr. Khalil Ramal (London-Fanshawe): My riding of London-Fanshawe is home to many students and young people looking for ways to improve their

quality of life and the quality and variety of work experience in the future. One of the ways young people in my riding are able to gain knowledge and learn new skills is through apprenticeships.

There is a great need and a great demand for more apprenticeships in Ontario. I have had many people ask me when the government would move forward on the creation of an apprenticeship program. We

are all aware of the need for more apprenticeships across the province, and many in my riding are hoping to get an apprenticeship in their field of interest.

Today there was an announcement made by the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities regarding the Ontario youth apprenticeship program. My question for

the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities is how his announcement today will affect my constituents, who are hoping --

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

Hon. Christopher Bentley (Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities): I'd like to thank the member from London-Fanshawe for his advocacy

on behalf of the young people in the riding.

Interjection: Hear, hear.

Hon. Mr. Bentley: That's absolutely right. He has been a passionate advocate for opportunities for all young people, particularly those who

might be interested in the trades. He's correct in saying that the Ontario youth apprenticeship program is a marvellous opportunity for trades.

Today, I had the opportunity to announce an additional $1.25 million for OYAP this year. What does that mean? That means another almost $60,000 to the Thames

Valley board, and London-Fanshawe will benefit. It means an additional 1,500 students are going to have the opportunity for the youth apprenticeship program this year. It means greater exposure to

apprenticeships. It means a brighter future --

The Speaker: Thank you. Supplementary.

Mr. Ramal: I am happy to hear the minister's response. This is going to be a great investment for people in my riding and across the province.

I believe there will be many in my constituency who will be able to apply for this program, and I will be more than happy to help them in their search for new skills and knowledge.

Minister, I am happy that the government is keeping skills training and apprenticeship a high priority, but I imagine that this is not the only initiative

taken by your ministry to improve and advance skills training and apprenticeship. Could you tell me what other initiatives have been taken to improve skills and training in Ontario?

Hon. Mr. Bentley: You know, there's so much to say in so little time, but I'll make an effort.

In addition to OYAP for young people, just a few weeks ago, we announced a co-op diploma program extension, which will provide 1,000 students with the

opportunity to get both the beginnings of an apprenticeship and a college diploma. What a great opportunity that is. In addition, a program for 100 youth at risk through five different programs. We

have more good news to come, because we have pre-apprenticeship programs, an expansion to our apprenticeship training.

I know you want to hear more, but we have to save some time. I'd like to thank the member for London-Fanshawe for all his hard advocacy on this issue.

PETITIONS

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Ms. Laurie Scott (Haliburton-Victoria-Brock): To the Legislature of Ontario:

"Whereas students of (the former) Carden and Dalton townships are entitled to accommodation in and transportation provided to Simcoe county schools, yet now

are being treated as out-of-area students;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislature of Ontario as follows:

"

(1) Transportation is provided immediately to all students of Carden and Dalton townships from their homes/previously established bus stops to the most

appropriate schools within the Simcoe County District School Board boundary;

"

(2) Modify the Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB)/Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) boundary to include (the majority of) Carden and

Dalton townships within the Simcoe county boundary. Such boundary change is implemented prior to December 31, 2005."

It is signed by hundreds of parents from my riding. Mr. Kennedy, I hope you're listening.

Interjection: He's not.

Ms. Scott: He's not.

PROPERTY TAXATION

Mr. Michael Prue (Beaches-East York): I hope that everyone can hear me. My voice is a little better today.

I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. It read as follows:

"Whereas property assessment now occurs to an annual basis;

"Whereas the Mike Harris government created the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) to deflect criticism of property assessment methodology from

the province;

"Whereas the McGuinty Liberal government promised to create a fair and equitable system of assessment; and

"Whereas property values are not related to the cost of municipal services nor to the ability of taxpayers to pay,

"Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to immediately create a new system of property assessment that provides property

and business owners with fair and equitable assessments that are stable and transparent that a property owner will clearly be able to understand."

I'm in agreement and affix my signature thereto.

IMMIGRANTS' SKILLS

Mr. Bob Delaney (Mississauga West): I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario sent to me by a group of residents of Brampton

and Georgetown. It deals with access to trades and professions for newcomers to Canada, and it reads as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

have and want to use;

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

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

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

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

workforce."

I agree with this petition. I'm going to affix my signature to it and ask the page, Richard, to carry it for me.

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Mr. Garfield Dunlop (Simcoe North): This is to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

"Whereas students of (the former) Carden and Dalton townships are entitled to accommodation in and transportation provided to Simcoe county schools, yet now

are being treated as out-of-area students;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislature of Ontario as follows:

"

(1) Transportation is provided immediately to all students of Carden and Dalton townships from their homes/previously established bus stops to the most

appropriate schools within the Simcoe County District School Board boundary;

"

(2) Modify the Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB)/Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) boundary to include (the majority of) Carden and

Dalton townships within the Simcoe county boundary. Such boundary change is implemented prior to December 31, 2005."

On behalf of all these folks who have signed this, I'm pleased to sign it as well.

SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

Mr. John Wilkinson (Perth-Middlesex): I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

"Whereas, without appropriate support, people who have an intellectual disability are often unable to participate effectively in community life and are

deprived of the benefits of society enjoyed by other citizens; and

"Whereas quality supports are dependent on the ability to attract and retain qualified workers; and

"Whereas the salaries of workers who provide community-based supports and services are up to 25% less than salaries paid to those doing the same work in

government-operated services and other sectors;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to address, as a priority, funding to community agencies in the developmental services

sector to address critical underfunding of staff salaries and ensure that people who have an intellectual disability continue to receive quality supports and services that they require in order to

live meaningful lives within their community."

It has been signed by many of my constituents, and I affix my own name and submit it.

Mr. Frank Klees (Oak Ridges): I have a petition addressed to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario that was delivered to me by Roxanna

Spruyt-Rocks of the Independent Living Residences for the Deafblind in Ontario. It reads as follows:

"Whereas, without appropriate support, people who have an intellectual disability are often unable to participate effectively in community life and are

deprived of the benefits of society enjoyed by other citizens; and

"Whereas quality supports are dependent on the ability to attract and retain qualified workers; and

"Whereas the salaries of workers who provide community-based supports and services are up to 25% less than salaries paid to those doing the same work in

government-operated services and other sectors;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to address, as a priority, funding to community agencies in the developmental services

sector to address critical underfunding of staff salaries and ensure that people who have an intellectual disability continue to receive quality supports and services that they require in order to

live meaningful lives within their community."

I am pleased to affix my signature to this petition.

DIABETES TREATMENT

Mr. Jeff Leal (Peterborough): I have two petitions today.

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

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

"We are" requesting "that all diabetic supplies as prescribed by an endocrinologist or medical doctor be covered under the Ontario health insurance plan.

"Diabetes costs Canadian taxpayers $13 billion a year and increasing! It is the leading cause of death and hospitalization in Canada. Many people with diabetes

cannot afford the ongoing expense of managing the disease. They cut corners to save money. They rip test strips in half, cut down on the number of times they test their blood and even reuse lancets

and needles. These cost-saving measures often have tumultuous and disastrous health consequences. Persons with diabetes need and deserve financial assistance to cope with the escalating cost of

managing diabetes.

"We think it is in all Ontario's and the government's best interest to support diabetics with the supplies that each individual needs to obtain optimum glucose

control. Good blood glucose control reduces or eliminates kidney failure by 50%, blindness by 76%, nerve damage by 60%, cardiac disease by 35% and even amputations. Just think of how many dollars

can be saved by the Ministry of Health if diabetics had a chance to gain optimum glucose control."

I affix my signature to it.

SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

Mr. Ernie Hardeman (Oxford): I have a petition here that is similar to the ones being read. It's such an important issue on behalf of my

constituents.

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas, without appropriate support, people who have an intellectual disability are often unable to participate effectively in community life and are

deprived of the benefits of society enjoyed by other citizens; and

"Whereas quality supports are dependent on the ability to attract and retain qualified workers; and

"Whereas the salaries of workers who provide community-based supports and services are up to 25% less than salaries paid to those doing the same work in

government-operated services and other sectors;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to address, as a priority, funding to community agencies in the developmental services

sector to address critical underfunding of staff salaries and ensure that people who have an intellectual disability continue to receive quality supports and services that they require in order to

live meaningful lives within their community."

I affix my signature, as I agree with it.

Mrs. Maria Van Bommel (Lambton-Kent-Middlesex): My petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario reads:

"Whereas, without appropriate support, people who have an intellectual disability are often unable to participate effectively in community life and are

deprived of the benefits of society enjoyed by other citizens; and

"Whereas quality supports are dependent on the ability to attract and retain qualified workers; and

"Whereas the salaries of workers who provide community-based supports and services are up to 25% less than salaries paid to those doing the same work in

government-operated services and other sectors;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to address, as a priority, funding to community agencies in the developmental services

sector to address critical underfunding of staff salaries and ensure that people who have an intellectual disability continue to receive quality supports and services that they require in order to

live meaningful lives within their community."

I support the intent of this petition, and I will sign my signature to it.

Mr. Bill Murdoch (Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound): I must say at the start that I'm really pleased to see that the Treasurer, Mr. Dwight Duncan, is

here to listen to this petition, because I know he is very interested and is probably going to look after it. It's a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas, without appropriate support, people who have an intellectual disability are often unable to participate effectively in community life and are

deprived of the benefits of society enjoyed by other citizens; and

"Whereas quality supports are dependent on the ability to attract and retain qualified workers; and

"Whereas the salaries of workers who provide community-based supports and services are up to 25% less than salaries paid to those doing the same work in

government-operated services and other sectors;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to address, as a priority, funding to community agencies in the developmental services

sector to address critical underfunding of staff salaries and ensure that people who have an intellectual disability continue to receive quality supports and services that they require in order to

live meaningful lives within their community."

I've also signed this.

AGGREGATE EXTRACTION

Mr. Kevin Daniel Flynn (Oakville): I've got a petition to rescind the joint board decision of June 8, 2005, approving the applications of

Dufferin Aggregates to extend its mining licence in the Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve.

"To the Legislature of Ontario:

"There are numerous reasons for rescinding the joint board decision including the following:

"Whereas the decision contravenes the purpose of the Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act;

"Whereas the decision sets precedent for quarry expansion licences on the Niagara Escarpment;

"Whereas this decision could lead to habitat destruction for species of concern;

"Whereas escarpment rural lands are equivalent to buffer designation under the United Nations' framework for biosphere reserve...;

"Whereas to attempt to maintain the significant wetlands and the streams course water will have to be pumped in perpetuity;

"Whereas this decision allows for pumping 50 feet ... below the water table;

"Whereas the 50-foot dams to be constructed have a potential for failure;

"Whereas aggregate can be readily accessed close to market off the Niagara Escarpment in land that is not protected or at risk;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislature of Ontario as follows:

"We call on the government of Ontario to:

Issue an order by the Lieutenant Governor in Council ... rescinding the decision made by the joint board dated June 8, 2005, approving the applications of

Dufferin Aggregates in regards to this matter;

Issue an order by the cabinet substituting for the decision of the board on this matter, a decision rejecting the applications of Dufferin."

CANCER CARE

Mr. Joseph N. Tascona (Barrie-Simcoe-Bradford): I'm pleased to present a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, which reads as

follows:

"Whereas people of all ages with cancer have the right to seek treatment in their own area without the added trauma and obstacles imposed by having to travel

great distances while unwell; and

"Whereas the citizens of Barrie and Innisfil" -- and Bradford West Gwillimbury -- "have shown their good faith and continue to fundraise for their share of the

cost for the development of a regional cancer centre, enabling area patients to receive their life-saving treatment close to home, near their family and friends; and

"Whereas the building of a regional cancer care centre will remove the barrier for area patients to receive their life-saving treatment close to home;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislature of Ontario to provide the approvals and funding necessary to commence construction of the Royal Victoria

Hospital cancer care centre."

I affix my signature.

LONG-TERM CARE

Mr. Tony Ruprecht (Davenport): I have a petition to the Legislature of Ontario, and it reads as follows:

"Whereas Portuguese Canadians number 171,545 in the Toronto census metropolitan area, many of whom encounter serious barriers (language, culture and location)

to accessing community and long-term-care services; and

"There are no long-term-care homes dedicated to the needs of Portuguese Canadian seniors; and

"Camões House for the Aged and Portuguese Community Centre of Toronto is proposing a partnership with a local long-term-care provider to purchase up to

160 existing beds in the Toronto area (for a nominal fee), to develop a Portuguese Canadian long-term-care home in Toronto. This partnership is tentative and is dependent on the approval of the

Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislature of Ontario as follows:

"We encourage the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, his staff, and members of the Legislature to support the Camões proposal; and to make the

appropriate administrative and policy changes required to develop a Portuguese Canadian long-term-care home in Toronto."

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

ORDERS OF THE DAY

BUDGET MEASURES ACT, 2005 (NO. 2) /

LOI DE 2005

SUR LES MESURES BUDGÉTAIRES (N O 2)

Mr. Duncan moved second reading of the following bill:

Bill 18,

An Act to implement 2005 Budget measures and amend various Acts / Projet de loi 18, Loi mettant en _uvre certaines mesures énoncées

dans le Budget de 2005 et modifiant diverses lois.

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Ted Arnott): Would the minister choose to lead off the debate? I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Finance, Chair of the Management Board of Cabinet): I'm pleased to rise to speak about Bill 18, and I'll be

sharing my time with my parliamentary assistant, the member for Pickering-Ajax-Uxbridge.

I'm proud to be here today to speak to this bill. It's an important part of our government's budgetary policy. This bill implements measures arising from this

year's budget -- a budget that delivers on what Ontarians want. This bill proposes amendments to some 23 provincial statutes. However, I don't propose to go into a great deal of detail on all of

these amendments at this time. As I stated, my parliamentary assistant will be speaking to this bill as well, and at this time, I would like to focus my comments on those measures that fall under

two broad areas: those that would support investment and job creation in the province, and those that underscore our commitment to fairness, accountability and transparency. I will begin by

discussing some of our proposed changes to the tax system.

Seniors have given, and continue to give, so much to our communities. Their contribution, their commitment to building a stronger, more prosperous Ontario has

been key to our collective success. We owe them more than just a debt of gratitude. We owe them a dignified life, befitting who they are and what they have accomplished in their lives. Indeed, the

author Tom Brokaw wrote the book about the greatest generation, and indeed, our parents and grandparents were part of the greatest generation -- the generation that lived through the Great

Depression and fought two world wars. We owe them a dignified life, befitting who they are and what they've accomplished.

So in this bill, we are proposing changes to the Income Tax Act that would ensure that seniors get to keep more of their hard-earned income. With the consent

of the Legislature, our bill will ensure that seniors are not financially penalized by having their property and sales tax credits reduced for 2005, if there is a cost-of-living increase in the

amount of federal old age security and the federal guaranteed income supplement. This is not only good news for seniors, but good news for everyone. I hope that the opposition won't vote against

this bill or block this bill, because that's an important part of the bill, and something I think we would all want to support.

This amendment builds on the positive initiatives this government has already put in police for seniors, such as increasing the available property tax credit

to $625 for low- and middle-income seniors -- $625, something we on this side of the House are very, very proud of. I know my colleagues voted in favour of it and spoke in favour of it.

Unfortunately, the New Democrats and the Conservatives voted against it, voted against helping our seniors stay in their homes -- something they all speak a good game about, but again, I remind you

that they voted against it when they had the chance. I can only hope that they won't vote against this particular bill, which provides, I think, this tremendous incentive for seniors.

As we continue to help Ontario's aging population, we have not forgotten the other end of the spectrum. Young people who are just entering the workforce are

equally important. As members will recall, we introduced the apprenticeship training tax credit in our first budget, in 2004. This bill contains a number of provisions to help ensure effectiveness

of this tax credit, which is a key element in our plan to increase the number of new annual entrants into apprenticeship by 7,000, reaching 26,000 new entrants annually by 2007-08. Imagine that: a

policy that increases the number of apprenticeships and trains young people for high-paying, high-skilled jobs. In this budget, the goal in turn supports our $6.2-billion Reaching Higher plan, the

most ambitious investment in post-secondary education in this province in 40 years.

We are also taking steps to parallel a new federal tax credit for adoption and a recent federal enhancement to the medical expense tax credit. Similarly, we

are proposing to adopt the tax shelter rolls in the federal Income Tax Act as they relate to corporations. Those who follow our venture capital sector will know that we have already announced our

intention to phase out the provincial tax credit for labour-sponsored investment funds by the end of 2010. The bill before us would give legislative and regulatory force to key elements of our

plan, including additional information about the timeliness for an orderly windup of this tax credit and other important new rules. We continue to consult with those involved in this area of our

economy and will report back on future developments in due course.

I want to turn my attention now to another important area of our economy, and our culture, and that is book publishing. Although Ontario's book publishing

sector accounts for 39% of the country's book publishers, it produces 49% of new or reprinted titles, and generates, indeed, 71% of total book sale revenue; all this, while employing more than six

out of every 10 people who work in the business in Canada and generating $1.7 billion in annual revenues -- some 71% of the national total. I am particularly proud that this bill would expand the

Ontario book publishing tax credit to recognize the importance of children's books. Specifically, we're proposing to increase from one to four the categories of children's books eligible for the

credit. It would also increase the number of eligible authors, making them eligible for up to 12 books, as opposed to three now. As a father myself, I value the contribution children's authors make

to our society and I am proud that we are expanding the tax credit, and again, I would be most surprised if the opposition parties voted against this very, very important initiative.

For instance, the New Democrats voted against cancelling the corporate tax credits. They voted against that. They voted against our government's plan to

reinvest in education and health care. Of course, we know that the priority of the Tories is tax cuts for their wealthy friends,

whereas this government is investing in education, health care,

economic infrastructure and renewal.

Interjection.

Hon. Mr. Duncan: The members laugh, but their voting records are clear and unequivocal. They've already indicated they're going to vote

against these important measures --

Mr. Jeff Leal (Peterborough): They're at the Albany Club.

Hon. Mr. Duncan: Yes, they're at the Albany Club. They would probably vote for tax credits for members of the Albany Club, but when it comes

to children's book authors and senior citizens, they'll vote it down. I really hope they'll think long and hard before voting against these important measures, because their record has not been, in

our view, the best record when it comes to that.

As we evolve to become a more knowledge-based economy, the small corner stores of yesterday are increasingly finding that software vendors and computer service

outlets are becoming their next door neighbours. Historically, they faced a menu of taxable and non-taxable items, requiring them to determine their tax liability. Our fall budget bill proposes a

way to address this situation and simplify matters for small vendors -- once again, the government responding to our small business community, once again reducing red tape. Yet once again, I fear

the Conservatives will vote against this.

Certainly I would expect the New Democrats to vote against something of this nature, and they probably