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November 2, 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-02 (PDF)

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L'ONTARIO

Wednesday 2 November 2005 Mercredi 2 novembre 2005

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

REPORT, ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSIONER

CANCER TREATMENT

COMMON GROUND CO-OPERATIVE

MINISTERS' EXPENSES

DETROIT-WINDSOR TUNNEL

CORMORANT POPULATION

ADVOCIS

SCHOOL PRINCIPALS

TAKE OUR KIDS TO WORK DAY

VISITORS

REPORTS BY COMMITTEES

STANDING COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

BUDGET MEASURES ACT, 2005 (NO. 2) /

LOI DE 2005

SUR LES MESURES BUDGÉTAIRES (N O 2)

EDUCATION AMENDMENT ACT (COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT), 2005 /

LOI DE 2005

MODIFIANT LA

LOI SUR L'ÉDUCATION

(PARTICIPATION COMMUNAUTAIRE)

CITY OF HAMILTON ACT, 2005

MOTIONS

COMMITTEE REPORT

HOUSE SITTINGS

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY AND RESPONSES

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN /

VIOLENCE FAITE AUX FEMMES

DRINKING AND DRIVING

CULTURAL PROTECTION /

PROTECTION CULTURELLE

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

DRINKING AND DRIVING

CULTURAL PROTECTION

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

DRINKING AND DRIVING

ORAL QUESTIONS

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

HOSPITAL FUNDING

WATER QUALITY

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

WATER QUALITY

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

CHEDOKE LONG-TERM-CARE FACILITY

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

NEWBORN SCREENING

TENANT PROTECTION

WORKPLACE SAFETY FOR STUDENTS

VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS

POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS

PETITIONS

SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

BRIDGE REPLACEMENT

GASOLINE PRICES

SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

PUBLIC TRANSIT

HEALTH CARE SERVICES

CANCER TREATMENT

MANDATORY RETIREMENT

PUBLIC ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

QUEENSWAY CARLETON HOSPITAL

HEALTH CARE SERVICES

ONTARIO FARMERS

ILLEGAL SIGNS

SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

AUTISM TREATMENT

OPPOSITION DAY

ONTARIO ECONOMY

The House met at 1330.

Prayers.

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

REPORT, ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSIONER

Mr. Toby Barrett (Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant): I want to thank Environmental Commissioner Gord Miller for yesterday's annual report. Commissioner

Miller addressed the major changes to Ontario's land use planning system, land use that spawns a myriad of environmental concerns related to sprawl, highway gridlock, aggregate extraction, water

quality and natural heritage.

As Miller points out, "There is a fixed amount of land in Ontario, and each year there are more of us placing more demands on that land." Four million to six

million more people are coming to Ontario, mainly to Toronto, over the next 20 years -- more people, more cars, more garbage, more air pollution, and more demands for water, sewer and roads as our

population skyrockets.

Last year I mentioned in this House that the United Nations Millennium Assessment had a stark warning about the alarming rate at which we are eating up our

natural resources. The Environmental Commissioner raises the question: Why must population grow at this rate in parts of southern Ontario? He cites the examples of prosperous European economies

that thrive without a burgeoning population base. Twenty years ago, Haldimand county in my riding had the same population it had 100 years ago.

I congratulate the commissioner for pointing out what we should already know, "that a planning regime based on the continuous expansion of population and the

growth in consumption of resources ... is ultimately not sustainable."

CANCER TREATMENT

Mr. Peter Kormos (Niagara Centre): Suzanne Aucoin of St. Catharines, like so many others in Dalton McGuinty's Liberal Ontario, is being forced

to finance her own cancer treatment. Suzanne Aucoin has colon cancer and the only drug that's effective at this point in her disease is Erbitux. Erbitux has to be financed out of pocket by Ms.

Aucoin to the tune of $100,000 over the course of the next six months, not because Health Canada hasn't approved it -- Health Canada indeed has approved it as an effective medication -- but because

the McGuinty government arbitrarily disallows intravenous medications from consideration for

section 8 application so that it can be funded by Cancer Care Ontario.

That is cruel, it is unjust, it is unfair and it is a harsh attack on people in this province, good Ontarians, who deserve this province's support. Let me tell

you what people like Ken and Margaret Cosgrove of Welland have to say: "Continuing to deny colon cancer patients access to Erbitux means that the Minister of Health is willing to let them suffer

and ultimately die."

I say to this government that it's time for it to merely demonstrate the political will to end this incredible injustice to people suffering from cancer, to sign

the necessary paper and ensure that immediately -- not next month, certainly not next year, but immediately -- persons with cancer like Suzanne Aucoin have this Health Canada-approved drug,

Erbitux, and other intravenous medications approved under

section 8.

COMMON GROUND CO-OPERATIVE

Ms. Kathleen O. Wynne (Don Valley West): I rise today to recognize a wonderful organization in Don Valley West called the Common Ground

Co-operative. The co-operative is a non-profit organization that helps those with intellectual disabilities create employment opportunities for themselves.

The idea for the Common Ground co-op was formed in 1998 when Jim and Carolyn Lemon applied on behalf of their daughter Cathy for a grant from the provincial

government. The grant allowed Cathy to start up a bakery and catering business called Lemon and Allspice Cookery.

Hon. Sandra Pupatello (Minister of Community and Social Services, minister responsible for women's issues): That's a good program.

Ms. Wynne: It's a good program. This grant, along with the generosity of Community Living Toronto, which provided Cathy free use of its kitchen,

enabled the cookery to expand into a successful business.

As a result of this success, the cookery created the Common Ground co-op in 2000, which provides people with intellectual disabilities the support needed to

create meaningful employment for themselves. Last year, Minister Pupatello and I visited the co-op and we can tell you it's really heartening to see people who might not otherwise have this chance

actually have the opportunity to be contributing members of the workforce. It's been such a successful model that they'd like to reach out to other communities around the province, and this is a

model worth duplicating.

Congratulations to Jim, Carolyn and Cathy Lemon for their vision and for working with the community to create this program. I'm proud that government funding

continues to support this wonderful initiative. This year, the Common Ground co-op is celebrating its fifth anniversary. I'd like to invite all members of the House to join me in commending the

Lemon family for this initiative.

MINISTERS' EXPENSES

Mr. John Yakabuski (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke): On this side of the House, we've watched the McGuinty Liberal government ministers thumb their

noses at the Integrity Commissioner as they hid their expenses from him and partied across Europe on the taxpayers' tab.

Was Dwight Duncan's $800 steak dinner reviewed by the Integrity Commissioner? No. Why? Because he billed it through an OPS staffer whose expenses aren't

reviewable.

Did Joe Cordiano have his $1,000 lunch in Milan or his $1,000 dinner in Stuttgart reviewed? No. Why? Because he funded it through an OPS staffer.

What did Dalton McGuinty say about this flagrant breaking of the rules? He said, "Oops, you caught us. We'll start following the rules from now on. Trust me."

How can we trust him? He botched the Sorbara affair, he botched the Takhar affair and now he's botched the $50,000 Dwight Duncan European vacation affair.

Can we expect the Liberals to change and start to co-operate with the Integrity Commissioner? Well, let's look and see what their new candidate for the

Scarborough-Rouge River by-election, Mr. Bas Balkissoon, has to say about Integrity Commissioners: "In the future, I will not participate with this Integrity Commissioner or any Integrity

Commissioner process."

That is what Mr. Balkissoon said. He said it to the North York Mirror on July 27, 2005. He said he won't participate in any Integrity Commissioner process in the

future. The McGuinty Liberals seem to have found the ideal candidate. They've found someone who's just like themselves.

DETROIT-WINDSOR TUNNEL

Mr. Bruce Crozier (Essex): Tomorrow will mark the 75th anniversary of the official opening of the Detroit-Windsor tunnel. It was 75 years ago

that a new

chapter in US-Canadian relations began when Canadian and American officials officially opened the mile-long Detroit-Windsor tunnel.

At the opening ceremony on November 3, 1930, the Honourable Thomas Gerow Murphy, Minister of the Interior and Canadian government representative, stated, "The

opening of the Detroit-Windsor tunnel today is another object lesson to other nations of the world on how international goodwill, such as that which exists between Canada and the United States, can

be maintained and developed." The tunnel was also seen as a way to "enable each country to learn more about the other," and in that way, "further the spirit of international friendliness that now

exists." The truth of these statements still resonates today, 75 years later.

As Canada's automotive industry heartland and a major economic hub for the province of Ontario, Ontario's and Windsor-Essex's economies are intricately linked

with the international border crossing. The tunnel remains the only underwater international vehicular tunnel in the world and is a vital socio-economic link between the United States and Canada,

playing a significant role in the economic health of Canada, the province of Ontario and Windsor-Essex, as it acts as a conduit for trade between the two nations.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate those who have made the tunnel a success over the past 75 years, and for the role that it has played in

strengthening the friendship and the economies of both great nations. May its success continue for another 75 years and beyond.

CORMORANT POPULATION

Mr. Robert W. Runciman (Leeds-Grenville): I rise today to ask the Minister of Natural Resources to take effective action against the invasion of

cormorants in the Thousand Islands region into other inland waterways in this province. This is a significant concern. We've seen a devastating impact on sports fishery in the Thousand Islands

area. The minister, when I asked him this question almost a year ago, talked about oiling eggs and said that he felt that would be effective.

There's a press release dated September this year from New York State Senator Jim Wright, which is indicating that we're having no impact on the cormorant

population in the Thousand Islands region because of the lack of action of the Ontario government. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has been stymied by the lack of action

on the Ontario and Canadian side of the border. Most of the nests of cormorants lie on the Canadian side. The Americans are trying to do something, but their impact is not really telling because of

the lack of action of this minister and this Liberal government.

I encourage them to take action now, before it's too late. Save our fisheries.

ADVOCIS

Mr. John Wilkinson (Perth-Middlesex): Today it's my pleasure, on behalf of all members, to welcome Advocis to Queen's Park.

Advocis is the largest voluntary professional membership association of financial advisers in Canada, with 5,500 members right here in Ontario. Its members are

licensed to distribute life and health insurance, mutual funds and securities. For almost 100 years, Advocis members have provided financial advice to millions of Ontarians, delivering security and

peace of mind.

As the first certified financial planner elected to the Legislature, I can share with my colleagues that I have been a proud member of Advocis for 20 years.

Advocis members provide financial and product advice for Ontarians and Canadians across a variety of distinct areas, including comprehensive financial and retirement planning, finance and wealth

management, estate and tax planning, and employee benefits planning. With members in every Ontario community, Advocis is uniquely placed to partner with all MPPs on all issues related to the

financial services industry.

In the gallery today are several members of Advocis who have come to Queen's Park, and we welcome you. Tonight, Advocis is hosting a reception for all MPPs in

the legislative dining room. On their behalf, I invite all members to attend and hear how Advocis can help their constituents and communities.

SCHOOL PRINCIPALS

Mr. Dave Levac (Brant): I rise today to recognize delegates of the Ontario Principals' Council who join us today in the House and the

Legislature.

As a principal on leave myself, it is always nice to see colleagues from my former life. Today was the council's Queen's Park Day, where they have met with more

than 45 members of this House to discuss the issues that are affecting their members and, most importantly, kids.

The Ontario Principals' Council is a voluntary professional association that represents the interests of principals and vice-principals in Ontario's publicly

funded school system. Currently, OPC represents 5,000 practising school leaders in the elementary and secondary panels, as well as 500 associate members from within the educational community. The

OPC offers a wide range of services to its members in support of exemplary leadership in public education.

Our government is committed to excellence in public education. We understand that principals play an integral and pivotal role in their school communities. They

are the hub of happy and safe school systems and they keep our kids safe and happy. The Ontario Principals' Council is an integral player in ensuring our principals receive support and

representation. I know that our government will invite principals to the table to help shape the future of our publicly funded school system.

I salute the principals who have joined us here today and commend them for the work they do, both in our school communities and, more importantly, for our kids,

and also as part of their own organization, the Ontario Principals' Council. I am proud to be among their colleagues and I invite us all to support our principals.

TAKE OUR KIDS TO WORK DAY

Mr. Ted McMeekin (Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Aldershot): I rise to acknowledge the nationwide program known as Take Our Kids to Work. Organized

by the Learning Partnership, a not-for-profit organization of business people, educators and community leaders, more than 1.5 million young Canadians and tens of thousands of workplaces have

benefited from this program over the last decade. This learning opportunity connects grade 9 students with the world of work and their own futures, providing a real-life experience in a work

environment and the opportunity to experience different workplace roles and responsibilities.

Our government believes in alternative, outside-the-classroom programming designed to help students succeed. We won't give up on our youth and will work to

challenge and engage young Ontarians by making school more responsive to their needs.

I want to acknowledge and welcome the many students in the gallery today and especially students from Parkdale Collegiate Institute and Cardinal Carter Academy

for the Arts who are job-shadowing with Minister Kennedy's office at the Ministry of Education. We hope they've all had an enjoyable day.

I have several friends who have brought their children to work today. I didn't have time to acknowledge them all, but I want to acknowledge Bernadette Curtis,

who works in my office and who is here with her young son Sean. Welcome.

VISITORS

Mr. Bob Delaney (Mississauga West): On a point of order, Mr Speaker: On behalf of the Peel region members, I'd like to draw members' attention

to the east members' gallery and introduce Kuldip Dheer, whom we know as Jake, who is our station manager at Rogers Cable 10 in Mississauga. Jake is an indefatigable volunteer whose efforts have

touched just about every community group and charity in Mississauga. He's been a proud Mississauga resident for 25 years and he is Mississauga's Citizen of the Year.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): That is not a point of order, but welcome.

I have the distinct pleasure today of introducing, in the Speaker's gallery, the Honourable Allan Lawrence, former member representing the riding of St. George

in the 25th through 29th Parliaments. Help me to welcome Mr. Lawrence.

Mr. Frank Klees (Oak Ridges): On a point of order, Mr Speaker: I had the pleasure of meeting with Mr. Ian McFarlane, president of the Ontario

Principals' Council, and Mr. Mike Benson, the executive director of the Ontario Principals' Council. They're here today, along with other members of the council, and I would ask members to welcome

them to the Legislature.

Mr. Peter Kormos (Niagara Centre): On a point of order, Mr Speaker: I want to advise this chamber that with us today doing his job-shadowing is

grade 9 student and former page -- year 2004 -- Daniel Walker.

Mr. John O'Toole (Durham): On a point of order, Mr Speaker.

The Speaker: All right. It must be Wednesday. The member for Durham on a point of order.

Mr. O'Toole: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. When you were introducing the Honourable Allan Lawrence, you forgot that he has with him his

granddaughter, Emma Healey, who is a student at the University of Toronto Schools. Welcome, Emma.

The Speaker: Welcome.

Mrs. Carol Mitchell (Huron-Bruce): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: It's certainly my pleasure to introduce my job shadow today, Anya Scott.

Anya, if you would please be recognized. She came from the most beautiful riding in Ontario: Huron-Bruce. Welcome, Anya.

REPORTS BY COMMITTEES

STANDING COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

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

2, 2005, of the standing committee on government agencies. Pursuant to standing order 106(e)9, the report is deemed to be adopted by the House.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

BUDGET MEASURES ACT, 2005 (NO. 2) /

LOI DE 2005

SUR LES MESURES BUDGÉTAIRES (N O 2)

Mr. Duncan moved first 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 oeuvre certaines mesures énoncées dans

le Budget de 2005 et modifiant diverses lois.

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. Carried.

The minister may have a brief statement.

Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Finance, Chair of the Management Board of Cabinet): This bill gives effect to a number of the outstanding

measures that were contained in this government's 2005 budget.

EDUCATION AMENDMENT ACT (COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT), 2005 /

LOI DE 2005

MODIFIANT LA

LOI SUR L'ÉDUCATION

(PARTICIPATION COMMUNAUTAIRE)

Mr. Fonseca moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 19,

An Act to amend the Education Act with respect to community involvement activity hours and board support / Projet de loi 19, Loi modifiant la Loi

sur l'éducation à l'égard des heures d'activité et de l'appui des conseils au

titre de la participation communautaire.

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

The member may have a brief statement.

Mr. Peter Fonseca (Mississauga East): This bill has already received tremendous support from the mayor of Mississauga, from the school boards

and from a number of seniors' groups. The bill amends the Education Act by permitting the minister to require that students complete no fewer than 60 hours of community involvement activities

before receiving their Ontario secondary school diploma.

The minister may also require that school boards establish and maintain policies and procedures to assist students in completing the required number of

community involvement hours. Boards are given the concomitant power to establish and maintain such policies and procedures.

CITY OF HAMILTON ACT, 2005

Ms. Marsales moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr22,

An Act respecting the City of Hamilton.

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

Under the standing orders, this is referred to the committee on regulations and private bills.

MOTIONS

COMMITTEE REPORT

Hon. David Caplan (Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal, Deputy Government House Leader): I move that, notwithstanding the order of the

House dated June 13, 2005, the select committee on electoral reform shall present its final report to the assembly no later than December 1, 2005.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): I'm told you need to ask for consent.

Hon. Mr. Caplan: Then I will seek unanimous consent to move that motion, Speaker.

The Speaker: Mr. Caplan has asked for unanimous consent to move the motion without notice. Agreed? Agreed.

Hon. Mr. Caplan: Now I do move the motion that, notwithstanding the order of the House dated June 13, 2005, the select committee on electoral

reform shall present its final report to the assembly no later than December 1, 2005.

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

HOUSE SITTINGS

Hon. David Caplan (Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal, Deputy Government House Leader): I move that, pursuant to standing order

9(c)(i), the House shall meet from 6:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 2, 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 those in favour will say "aye."

All those opposed will say "nay."

In my opinion, the ayes have it.

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

The division bells rang from 1357 to 1402.

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

Ayes

Arthurs, Wayne

Baird, John R.

Barrett, Toby

Bartolucci, Rick

Bentley, Christopher

Berardinetti, Lorenzo

Bryant, Michael

Cansfield, Donna H.

Caplan, David

Colle, Mike

Cordiano, Joseph

Craitor, Kim

Crozier, Bruce

Delaney, Bob

Di Cocco, Caroline

Dombrowsky, Leona

Duguid, Brad

Duncan, Dwight

Dunlop, Garfield

Fonseca, Peter

Gerretsen, John

Hardeman, Ernie

Hoy, Pat

Jackson, Cameron

Jeffrey, Linda

Klees, Frank

Kular, Kuldip

Kwinter, Monte

Lalonde, Jean-Marc

Leal, Jeff

Levac, Dave

Marsales, Judy

Martiniuk, Gerry

Mauro, Bill

McMeekin, Ted

Meilleur, Madeleine

Miller, Norm

Milloy, John

Mitchell, Carol

Mossop, Jennifer F.

Munro, Julia

O'Toole, John

Ouellette, Jerry J.

Parsons, Ernie

Peters, Steve

Phillips, Gerry

Pupatello, Sandra

Qaadri, Shafiq

Ramal, Khalil

Rinaldi, Lou

Runciman, Robert W.

Sandals, Liz

Scott, Laurie

Smith, Monique

Sorbara, Gregory S.

Sterling, Norman W.

Takhar, Harinder S.

Tascona, Joseph N.

Tory, John

Van Bommel, Maria

Watson, Jim

Wilkinson, John

Witmer, Elizabeth

Wynne, Kathleen O.

Yakabuski, John

Zimmer, David

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

Nays

Bisson, Gilles

Churley, Marilyn

Horwath, Andrea

Kormos, Peter

Murdoch, Bill

Prue, Michael

The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Claude L. DesRosiers): The ayes are 66; the nays are 6.

The Speaker: I declare the motion carried.

Ms. Marilyn Churley (Toronto-Danforth): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker: I'm asking for unanimous consent that all three parties have up to

five minutes to speak on Women Abuse Prevention Month, which is the tradition in this place.

The Speaker: Ms. Churley has asked for unanimous consent.

Interjection: No; a statement.

The Speaker: Statements by the ministry.

STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY AND RESPONSES

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN /

VIOLENCE FAITE AUX FEMMES

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

that since 1986, November has been recognized as Wife Assault Prevention Month in Ontario. With the support of many fine organizations across Ontario dedicated to stopping violence against women

and supporting abused women, le mois de novembre sera désormais connu sous le nom de Mois de la prévention de la violence à l'égard des femmes. November will be now known as

Women Abuse Prevention Month.

It is widely felt that this new designation more accurately represents the individuals affected and the work being done. The month itself continues as a clear

reminder that violence against women remains shockingly pervasive in our society, and it raises awareness of the plight of women and children who are subject to abuse. It reminds us also of our

collective responsibility to work on their behalf toward the prevention and elimination of violence.

The stats on this are chilling: 25% of Ontario women experience spousal abuse at least once in their lifetime, and only 27% of spousal assaults are reported to

police. Thirty-seven per cent of those spousal abuses are witnessed by children. An average of 25 women per year are killed by their spouses right here in Ontario.

Domestic violence is a concern that goes far beyond partisan politics. I know we all agree on the need not only to address it as an issue, but to shine a harsh

light on it so that all Ontarians can be mobilized in the effort to reduce it.

Domestic violence not only affects the safety and security of so many of our citizens, but also their sense of confidence and self-worth. Children who are

subjected to abuse not only learn unhealthy attitudes about relationships, but can pass them on to future generations.

Il faut mieux soutenir les victimes. Il faut briser le cycle de la violence. Victims must be better supported. The cycle of violence must be broken.

It's been almost one year since we tabled a comprehensive, four-year, $66-million domestic violence action plan. It's a long-term commitment, it's going to

take time to do it right, but we are making steady progress. That progress is measured by the improved quality of the lives of the women of Ontario.

I met a remarkable woman who endured 10 years of abuse. She tried to leave 11 times. Her husband forbade her from using the phone and from seeing her family,

and forced their child to spy on her and then report. When she made that leap of faith to leave the abusive relationship, she phoned a shelter -- a shelter that we, this government, support. The

staff there helped her develop a safety plan and take the necessary precautions before leaving with her child. She is now safe, she is happy in a non-abusive relationship, and she has retrained for

employment.

We're making progress in our implementation of our action plan, because it's built on the belief that insists that all women have the right to live free from

fear and free from the threat of violence. In fact, just last week I attended the expansion of Ernestine's shelter right here in the Toronto area.

C'est une conviction que nous devons disséminer dans toute la province. It's a belief that we need to spread across the province. Le mois de novembre nous

offre l'occasion spéciale de le faire. This month provides us with an opportunity to do just that.

I am pleased that we're hosting the first Ontario-government-led conference on domestic violence here in Toronto on November 28 to 30, with space for 500

delegates and 1,000 registrants already. So we have problems aplenty. Our government will work together with North American experts, front-line workers and professionals to share information, to

learn from each other and together learn how to work to address this problem.

There are many hard-working individuals who are dedicated to eradicating this problem of domestic violence, and they can often go unnoticed. I want to thank

all of them for their hard work, for the compassion that they continue to show as they continue to help women and children across this province.

Sadly, while we know we've made significant strides forward, we also know how much more work there is to do. We as a government, and I know all members of this

House, are committed to doing just that.

DRINKING AND DRIVING

Hon. Harinder S. Takhar (Minister of Transportation): I rise in the House today to talk about a very sad but true reality in Ontario: drunk

driving. This is an issue we must all work together to combat. At the same time, I'm proud to report that Ontario has the lowest rate of alcohol-related road deaths in Canada. Our government is

doing everything we can to keep drunk drivers off Ontario roads.

This province already has some of the toughest anti-drinking-and-driving laws in the country, including stiff fines, licence suspension, mandatory remedial

measures and an ignition interlock program.

Our government is also trying to address the fact that drinking drivers aged 18 to 21 are 25% more likely to be involved in a collision than those aged 22 to

30. That is why my ministry targets new young drivers through Ontario's graduated licensing system. Our government has a zero tolerance policy for novice drivers. They must maintain a zero blood

alcohol level while driving. A fully licensed driver who has a blood alcohol level of less than 0.05% must accompany them.

I would also like to note that our government recently passed legislation to protect young G2 drivers. Bill 73 restricts the number of teenage passengers they

can carry between midnight and 5 a.m. Our research shows that new teenage drivers are almost three times more likely to be involved in a fatal or serious collision when they are carrying teenage

passengers. In fact, the research shows the more teenage passengers, the higher the risk.

Our government also launched the iDRIVE campaign last year. It includes a video by and for young people to raise awareness about dangerous driving, including

impaired driving. So far, 1,800 copies have been distributed to schools, community groups, public health offices and police.

When it comes to drunk driving, our government is looking at measures to discourage first-time offenders from becoming repeat offenders. We also want to target

repeat and serious offenders. In short, our government is doing everything we can to keep drunk drivers off Ontario roads.

We are joined today by Carolyn Swinson, former president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and Mary Sultana, the president of the Toronto

chapter of MADD

Canada. I want to welcome both of them to the Legislature.

I also want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the great work MADD Canada does to educate people and prevent impaired driving in this province and

throughout Canada. Yesterday, I was pleased to help MADD Canada launch its annual Project Red Ribbon, along with my colleagues Minister Kwinter and Minister Bryant. MADD Canada is distributing four

million red ribbons, and I'm sure all members of this House are aware of the red ribbons. Across this country this holiday season, the red ribbon is a sign of respect for the thousands of people

who have lost their lives or have been injured as a result of impaired driving. By tying it on your vehicle, it serves as a commitment not to drink and drive and as a reminder to others. Tying a

red ribbon on your car or key chain is also a good reminder. I know that all honourable members will want to join me in supporting MADD Canada by tying a red ribbon on their vehicle or on a key

chain.

Ontario has the safest roads in North America, but the simple fact is that drunk driving costs lives -- too many lives, in fact. In 2003, more than 200 people

died and more than 500 were seriously hurt in collisions caused by drunk drivers. However, there is some encouraging news. The number of drinking and driving deaths is falling, down by about 35% in

the last 10 years; and yet drinking and driving is still a factor in about one quarter of all fatal collisions in Ontario. That is why we have tough laws to stop people from drinking and driving,

and that is why our government is working with MADD Canada and other community groups and organizations to raise public awareness. We are doing this through holiday RIDE and other campaigns, as

well as Project Red Ribbon.

I want to urge everyone in Ontario not to drink and drive this holiday season. Drinking and driving do not mix.

At the end, I want to ask for unanimous consent to make these red ribbons available to all members so they can join me in tying one on for safety.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Mr. Takhar has asked for unanimous consent to distribute the ribbons to all members. Agreed?

Mr. Peter Kormos (Niagara Centre): To wear them.

The Speaker: To wear them? All right.

CULTURAL PROTECTION /

PROTECTION CULTURELLE

Hon. Madeleine Meilleur (Minister of Culture, minister responsible for francophone affairs): Ontarians and Canadians alike have great reason

to celebrate. Since 1998, Canada has been leading efforts to develop an international convention governing cultural goods and services. It has worked to build international support for it through a

broad range of international organizations. International consensus that cultural products and activities must be considered separately in matters of trade is now a matter of record.

On October 20, 2005, 148 member states of UNESCO voted in favour of the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

This historic accord recognizes in international law the distinctive nature of cultural goods and services as vehicles of cultural expression, identity and meaning. It clearly affirms the right of

countries to have cultural policies and to take measures to protect and promote their cultural expressions, including national content quotas, subsidies, tax credits and foreign ownership

rules.

La convention affirme également le principe de non-subordination. Ceci signifie que le statut de la convention en matière de droit international sera

égal aux autres traités internationaux, y compris aux accords commerciaux.

Je suis fière de vous annoncer que les provinces de l'Ontario et du Québec ont contribué de façon notable à ce succès canadien,

en apportant un soutien crucial et des ressources vitales.

Ontario has demonstrated and will continue to demonstrate its support for the convention.

J'aimerais profiter de l'occasion pour féliciter la ministre du Patrimoine canadien, M me Liza Frulla, pour son leadership inlassable, ainsi que

ma collègue du gouvernement du Québec, M me Line Beauchamp, pour son soutien indéfectible envers cette initiative.

J'aimerais également remercier la Coalition canadienne pour la diversité culturelle. En tant que voix de l'industrie au Canada, la coalition a

travaillé sans relâche pour promouvoir la convention sur la scène internationale et nationale.

En mai de cette année, le ministère de la Culture de l'Ontario a organisé une table ronde en collaboration avec des leaders de l'industrie

culturelle afin de mieux sensibiliser le public à cet enjeu.

Our work is not over. The convention, in order to become a binding international instrument, must be ratified by at least 30 countries within the next year. Le

Canada espère être l'un des premiers pays à ratifier la convention.

The UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions is great news for Canada's and Ontario's arts and cultural

industries. It is also important to each and every Ontario citizen, because it aims to promote ethnic traditions and minority languages and to protect local cultures from being overwhelmed by

globalization trends.

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

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Mrs. Elizabeth Witmer (Kitchener-Waterloo): I am very saddened today that this Liberal government has broken a tradition in this House by not

allowing the opposition their five minutes to speak on the important issue of Wife Assault Prevention Month. We have always been given that opportunity, and for the minister to stand in this House

and say that this is beyond being a partisan issue -- it is, and it should be. But this government has chosen to take away the opportunity for us on the other side of the House to also express our

serious concerns about the whole issue of Wife Assault Prevention Month. So much for an open government and a consultative government. This government just doesn't want to hear the truth.

However, on behalf of our caucus, I would like to recognize Wife Assault Prevention Month. Wife assault continues to be very widespread today despite the

efforts of all three provincial parties over many years to do something about it. It crosses all demographic boundaries, it affects people of all ages, and unfortunately, the numbers continue to be

high.

I would simply, in conclusion, urge all three parties to continue to work together, because if we're ever going to solve this problem, we have a responsibility

to work in a coordinated fashion and make sure that women and children in this province can live in safety in their homes and their communities.

DRINKING AND DRIVING

Mr. John O'Toole (Durham): Indeed, it is a time to reflect upon what the minister has put before us today, recognizing the work done by MADD

Canada. In fact, it draws to mind for me a personal story and a personal tragedy. Constable Terry Ryan was tragically killed in a two-car, alcohol-related crash on his way home from a police event

in May 2002. Carol Ryan, his wife, is now a director of MADD in Durham region. She, along with president Nancy Codlin, offers an opportunity for youth, and indeed people of all ages, to respect the

efforts to educate the public. I commend them for their public service of advocacy and education. Durham region, of course, not at all different from other regions in the province, is a fine

example of community participation on behalf of MADD Canada.

I also want to commend the minister for working with Julia Munro, the member from York North, and for her effort and her personal resolution on the roadside

memorial signage resolution that has been endorsed unanimously in this House. I commend the ministry for working with Mrs. Munro to make that happen, along with MADD Canada. Those consultations,

it's my understanding, are ongoing.

Indeed, John Tory and the opposition today give their commitment to work with you to recognize the toll on our roads. This is indeed a time that we'd all work

together to tie one on for safety.

CULTURAL PROTECTION

Mrs. Julia Munro (York North): First of all, let me say that receiving the news by the minister is certainly something that we on this side

appreciate and support, because we as a caucus support preserving the culture and heritage of both Ontario and Canada. We recognize that it's an important thing to encourage our citizens to

patronize our theatres and art galleries, and to provide educational opportunities to emphasize our history, our culture and our heritage.

However, I would underscore the fact that we on this side of the House would like to see this government make it a stronger priority. I reference the fact that

if you are truly interested in preserving culture, then obviously the kinds of announcements that were made last spring to small-town libraries in our province created a great deal of uncertainty

in an area that is so important for heritage and community life to be understood. I would say that this minister needs to impress upon the Minister of Government Services the importance of the

archives, because they are preserving our culture.

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Ms. Marilyn Churley (Toronto-Danforth): I'm happy to respond to the minister's statement on abuse prevention month. I do want to take a quote

right from the minister's five minutes today, after rejecting the New Democrats' proposal asking for the traditional all-party consent for each of us to take five minutes to talk about this

important issue. The minister said, "Domestic violence is a concern that goes far beyond partisan politics. I know we all agree on the need not only to address it as an issue, but to shine a harsh

light on it, so that all Ontarians can be mobilized in the effort to reduce it."

Well, what we saw happen here today is worse than what happened under the Harris government. I want to tell you, Minister, and the House leader of that party

that even under the Mike Harris government, with John Baird as the House leader, we would get up here and take the full five minutes to lambaste them, both the Liberal opposition and the NDP. But

they would allow us to take our full five minutes, instead of making us divide three important statements today.

Mr. John R. Baird (Nepean-Carleton): Shame on you.

Ms. Churley: Shame on you. Yes, you know I'm going to criticize you, because the minister herself said that this is an opportunity to "shine a

harsh light" on this problem. There's no respect for the traditions in this place and the truly non-partisan aspect of talking about domestic abuse. I will shine a bit of a harsh light on the

government's plan --

Mr. Peter Kormos (Niagara Centre): As you should.

Ms. Churley: -- as I should, because that's what we're here to do.

The minister gets up and brags in her statement about their plan. The plan actually does little to stop the cycle of violence for women and children already

experiencing abuse. When in opposition and on the campaign trail, the Liberals insisted that they would listen to inquest reports, the coroner and experts to inform their blueprint to stop domestic

violence. But what did they do when they got into power? It's broken promise after broken promise on issues like housing -- Michael Prue can tell you about that -- and poverty, both critical in

breaking the cycle of violence, and not following through on measures like protecting women from re-offenders. The plan does not address how the cycle of violence is perpetuated, because there is

an acute shortage of safe places where women and children can go to rebuild their lives.

Yes, last year I took my five minutes specifically to talk about the Liberals' broken promise, and urged them to fix it, on fully reinstating the funding which

the Tories took away for second-stage housing. They promised that they would, and then in the plan broke that promise. Instead, the $3.2 million has been spread around for a new program, which we

all support.

Interjection.

Ms. Churley: Yeah, he's talking about increasing money for homelessness. We need money for housing for these women to go to. That's what we

need. We need income supports for these women. That's the kind of thing we need to be talking about in a non-partisan way, looking at the real needs of these women and their children -- children

who are experiencing and watching the violence in their homes.

This is a massive, huge problem. The government did not reinstate that funding as promised. They are not building the affordable housing as promised. The

minimum wage has not gone up appropriately. Welfare rates that the Tories cut by over 30% -- just a 3% increase. Poverty is increasing. What do the Liberals do today? Not give the other opposition

parties an opportunity to stand up and talk in depth to this issue. On that, I say shame on the women's issues minister and the Liberals for cutting this short today.

DRINKING AND DRIVING

Mr. Peter Kormos (Niagara Centre): New Democrats join others in this assembly in applauding and thanking MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Driving,

for their leadership across the province and beyond in the battle against drunk driving and the carnage it leaves on our highways, and the incredible, destructive theft of life of young and old and

its impact on communities and upon families.

Having said that, it's imperative that if we join together here thanking MADD, we also have to commit ourselves to ensuring that there's a sufficient police

presence on our roadways to ensure that drunk drivers are detected and apprehended promptly before they take out innocent victims.

It's imperative as well that we halt this government's agenda of increasing the number of so-called agency stores where booze, liquor and beer, is being sold

at anything from 7-Elevens to Avondales across southern Ontario, that we resist this government's agenda of privatizing and growing the number of liquor outlets across the province, in contrast to

liquor being served and sold by experienced, trained professional OLBEU members. The government's agenda only serves --

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Thank you. It is time for oral questions.

ORAL QUESTIONS

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

Mr. John Tory (Leader of the Opposition): My question is for the Minister of Finance. Minister, on what page of yesterday's economic update

can you point to a single initiative to help the over 42,000 families who have lost manufacturing jobs in Ontario so far this year? Which page of the statement?

Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Finance, Chair of the Management Board of Cabinet): In the minister's statement, appendix 1, appendix 2,

appendix 3, appendix 4, appendix 5, appendix 6 -- appendix 7 has no reference because that deals with the consultation process.

The facts remain: Employment is up, unemployment is down. We've created 77,000 new jobs this year. It's the government's overall economic policy undoing the

damage you and your colleagues did that has allowed for that growth and is ensuring that Ontario is prepared to meet the challenges that are coming at us in the future.

Mr. Tory: The minister couldn't answer my question because there wasn't one single initiative, not a line anywhere, to help the over 42,000

families who have been devastated by these layoffs over the course of the past year.

It was very telling that when I asked the Premier last week about what his government was prepared to do to help these families and these communities

experiencing these layoffs, he cited a good-news story about a company in Niagara Falls, only the company he referred to happens to be under criminal investigation for fraud and never opened. So

that seems to be the sum total of what the Premier has to say on this.

Minister, on top of the 42,000 families without a paycheque who you seem to ignore, all families in Ontario are being forced to endure paying your McGuinty

Liberal government $2,000 more in taxes, charges and fees. They're working harder and finding it more difficult to get by. Can you point me to one line in your statement of yesterday, one line in

this whole book, that gives any relief whatsoever to those people who are working harder and falling farther behind thanks to your taxes and charges?

Hon. Mr. Duncan: Let's talk about the auto sector fund which that government refused to deal with. This government invested $400 million to

protect 19,000 manufacturing jobs and attract 1,800 new manufacturing jobs. Let me refer you to what Mr. Flaherty said about those programs. He said they didn't work. Let me refer you to what your

party has said about that. They said they'd never do that sort of thing. We did that. It's in the budget. Read it more carefully. We've protected 18,000 jobs and created another 1,400 in the

process. That's a record I'll put up against his record and his government's record any day.

Mr. Tory: I haven't formed a government yet, but I will. Just wait and see.

I take it from that answer that you're just going to stand here in the House today and you're going to read us your old lists again because you have no plan to

help the families that have been devastated by these layoffs and you have no plan to help the people you have devastated with your taxes and charges. Worse than that, your own update -- what it did

show yesterday on page after page: GDP growth down 0.2%, exports down 1.4% since your last budget, retail sales down 0.9%, housing starts down 0.8%, personal income down 0.4%, wages and salaries

down 0.7%, job creation down by 28,000 jobs, and the deficit up by $800 million.

We've heard all of your old lists many times. What are you going to do about these disturbing current trends that are affecting people in this province

today?

Hon. Mr. Duncan: That is the best example of Tory math I've heard since Ernie Eves sat in this House. Do you know what he's referring as the

rate of growth? The rate of growth is up on all of those items next year. Have a closer look. Exports, GDP growth, retail sales, housing starts, corporate profits, personal income and job creation

are all up. Unemployment is down; employment is up. What should be up is up and what should be down is down. We're undoing the mess that that member and his government created in this province

throughout the last nine years.

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

Mr. Tory: The rate of unemployment in Ontario was above the national average for several months this year for the first time since World War

II. I notice you never mentioned that.

My question is for the Minister of Finance. The Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters issued a stark report on manufacturing and the economy in our country. The

report says that manufacturers are facing the most dire prospects in a decade, and they blame higher energy costs, the higher dollar and high taxes. Alexandria Moulding in Cornwall added 45 more

job losses last month to the more than 1,500 jobs that have disappeared around the Cornwall area in the last 18 months, according to the Cornwall Standard Freeholder; and 180 employees of Satisfied

Brake Products were also told that by the end of this month they will have no paycheque.

Minister, why did you fail absolutely, completely and totally to address these 1,500 people who are losing their jobs around Cornwall and the 42,000 people who

have lost their jobs across the province of Ontario in manufacturing so far this year? Why did you leave them out of your statement completely?

Hon. Mr. Duncan: In fact, we addressed the same concerns that the manufacturers did in our statement: specifically, the value of the US

dollar, energy prices, the state of the US economy. The fact remains that those are challenges. We said that. What I'll say is this: that by investing in education and health care, we will improve

the productivity of our economy and create jobs. We will attract new investment: Just like we attracted Toyota to Woodstock; just like the Bruce deal will create 1,500 new jobs; just like the

recent GlaxoSmithKline announcement, a $23-million expansion in Mississauga; just like Koei, a Japanese software entertainment company opening up 200 jobs within three years, 600 new jobs in

Cornwall.

This government's policy is on track. It's meeting the challenge of the future, and it's doing it in a way that will ensure prosperity and protect working

people from the kinds of situations they found themselves in as a result of the policy of his government --

The Speaker: Thank you. Supplementary.

Mr. Tory: High energy costs and high taxes are key factors over which you have direct control. Last week, Bombardier confirmed it will spend

$235 million on a new plant in Mexico. Employees at the Downsview plant here in Toronto were told that their jobs will likely be outsourced. Imperial Tobacco announced last month they were closing

their plants in Guelph and Aylmer, laying off 635 employees. Instead, jobs are being created in Mexico. Last month in Hamilton, Rheem Canada announced the closure of its plant. It will be shifting

its production to Mexico. One hundred and fifty people will be without work. I hear that the Mexican Chamber of Commerce is giving consideration to you as Man of the Year.

Why did you fail to outline any specific measures in your economic statement yesterday about the recent loss of almost 800 jobs in Guelph, Aylmer and Hamilton,

possibly more in Downsview, and the 42,000 jobs lost so far this year across this province? Why did you fail to address it?

Hon. Mr. Duncan: Let me remind the Leader of the Opposition that since we took office, there have been 193,000 new jobs in Ontario -- 77,000

this year alone. For the first time since the 1980s, a new automotive plant in Ontario is coming from Toyota. The list that I read off in my second supplementary about the investments that are

happening -- their party refused to interact with the investing community and the manufacturers. They repeatedly refused to do that. We've responded. Our actions this year have protected 18,000

jobs, leading to the creation of another 1,800. I'd stack this government's record up against his government's any day.

The economy is growing and the deficit is down. This government is on track and is serving the people well through its economic policies.

Mr. Tory: Again to the Minister of Finance: Your own economic statement pointed to worsening economic conditions in Ontario. Earlier, we

recited trend after trend that is down, between your budget and the statement. You completely failed to address the burden that has been placed on hard-working taxpayers across this province, who

are working harder and paying your fees.

It's no wonder 42,000 manufacturing jobs have been lost. In Corunna, Ontario, outside of Sarnia, 35 employees at the Glis plant were told that their jobs would

be lost. On September 30, in St. Catharines, 212 people lost their jobs when the Ferranti-Packard Transformers plant closed for good. Last month, 89 employees at the Harrowsmith cheese plant

outside of Kingston were told their factory was closing. This is the pattern we are seeing across Ontario under the watch of your government.

Why did you fail to outline any specific measures at all in your economic statement to address the job losses in Harrowsmith, St. Catharines, Sarnia, Hamilton

and Cornwall, and the 42,000 others across this province? Why did you fail to do that?

Hon. Mr. Duncan: I believe 77,000 net new jobs in Ontario this year is a darned good record, and one that will stand up against --

Applause.

Hon. Mr. Duncan: He may want to put Ontarians down, but we're going to build Ontario up. We're building Ontario up with a $6.2-billion

investment in post-secondary education. That will improve productivity. He himself endorsed our economic plan last March when he said that it may take three or four years to balance the budget.

That's what he said. One day he says one thing, another day he says another. The deficit is down; growth is up. Employment is up; unemployment is down. What should be up is up, what should be down

is down. We're undoing the mess that your government left us with, and we're doing it well, by eliminating your $5.5-billion deficit and creating 77,000 net new jobs this year in Ontario.

HOSPITAL FUNDING

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): My question is for the Acting Premier. The McGuinty government's budget plans for Ontario hospitals

should be called the hidden hit list. Despite $2 billion in new federal money for health care and $2.4 billion of new money from your regressive and unfair health tax, reports suggest that the

McGuinty government will force half of Ontario's underfunded hospitals to cut health services. Acting Premier, will the McGuinty government make your hospital budget plans public today so that

ordinary families can see what important hospital services are at risk of being cut?

Hon. Gerard Kennedy (Minister of Education): I think the member opposite evinces some confusion. He knows that in fact there has been an

enormous investment of some 2.2 billion new dollars into our hospitals under this government. He knows that it stands in stark contrast with the record of his own government. What has happened is

an orderly process across the province, where hospitals are working with Ministry of Health staff and local authorities to make sure that they can balance their budgets and meet the tough targets

we have to improve health care.

That is being worked out on a community-by-community basis. For the first time, they have multi-year funding, some confidence in terms of projecting forward

how they are going to be able to do that, and the hospitals are having to sign accountability agreements to make sure they are able to provide the services and stay within budget.

We would say that this is a reasonable approach. Some 60% of hospitals have already arrived at a successful conclusion; there is more work still to be

done.

Mr. Hampton: The Acting Premier says this is an orderly approach. Here is what is facing Bluewater Health in Sarnia. This is what they have

been told will be cut: 169 hospital workers and nurses to be laid off, operating room times slashed, palliative care eliminated. I wonder, does that sound like an orderly process to people?

Acting Premier, if you won't make your budget plans public, will the McGuinty government guarantee ordinary families that important hospital services like

these will not be cut?

Hon. Mr. Kennedy: The leader of the third party's list sounds like the kinds of things that happened under the NDP government. In fact, it

sounds like what happened with the $268-million cut to hospitals that the NDP government engineered. Some 11,000 beds were closed under that government. Those are the kinds of things they did.

In Sarnia, the palliative care unit is open, not surprisingly in contrast to what the member opposite is saying, and we're also opening a hospice unit.

There is an overall approach taken to health care, an approach that is credentialized by the fact that $2.2 billion more is available to hospitals and being

used to improve services in the system. We're not afraid to make improvements; we're not afraid to make changes. We are doing that, working with local communities, and making sure that all of the

health services add up to the highest-quality care possible. That will be true in Sarnia, and it is true in all the other --

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

Mr. Hampton: It will be a real revelation for the people of Sarnia to find that the McGuinty government calls eliminating palliative care and

laying off 169 hospital workers orderly improvement of their health care system.

Here is the reality: Half of the hospitals in Ontario say that unless they get adequate funding from the McGuinty government, they will be forced to cut

hospital services. For patients, that means fewer nurses, closed hospital wards, longer waits and reduced emergency services. Is this what you call orderly progress?

If the McGuinty government is determined to keep its hospital hit list secret, if the McGuinty government refuses to guarantee no cuts, would you at least tell

people across Ontario what health care services the McGuinty government is telling hospitals to cut first?

Hon. Mr. Kennedy: Quite the contrary; what we're saying to hospitals is that they have support to improve services. In fact, we're saying

there is a 42% increase in MRI scans -- some 116,000 more -- an 8% increase in CT scans and a 20% increase in hip and knee surgeries provided by hospitals across this province. You wouldn't know

that from what the member opposite is saying. You wouldn't know, as well, that there is a 17% increase in cardiac surgeries, a 16% increase in cataract surgeries and an 11% increase in cancer

surgeries taking place in hospitals all across this province. It isn't the picture being portrayed by the member opposite, simply because the picture the member opposite portrays isn't the facts of

what is taking place.

Sarnia still has its palliative care open. There are active discussions taking place, trying to find their best solutions for that community. They have already

been found in 60% of the hospitals across the province and, for the first year, it's being done under multi-year, certain funding, increased funding -- quite a contrast to the conditions the member

opposite would remember when he served in cabinet.

WATER QUALITY

Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): My question is to the Acting Premier. The people of Sarnia will be interested to know that you refer

to these cuts as making the hospital system better in their community.

I wanted to ask the Acting Premier this: When did the McGuinty government announce a declaration of emergency over the tainted water crisis at Kashechewan

First Nation?

Hon. Gerard Kennedy (Minister of Education): The McGuinty government made its declaration in this past week. I'm sorry I don't have the exact

date and time here. I will endeavour to get it for the member opposite.

On October 15, Chief Friday announced an emergency, and he received support for that from the provincial government. As you're aware, an agreement arrived at

under the NDP government and the federal government gave that authority and responsibility to the provincial government. It was exercised by this government in order to protect the citizens of

Kashechewan.

Mr. Hampton: Well, for the record, your government didn't declare a state of emergency until October 25. That's when your minister responsible

for aboriginal affairs looked into the camera and said, "We just found this out today." In fact, Chief Friday from Kashechewan First Nation faxed the following band council resolution to Emergency

Measures Ontario on October 13. It reads:

"Whereas the Kashechewan First Nation chief and council decided to make a declaration of emergency....

"Whereas the Kashechewan First Nation community does not have any ... source of safe and clean consumable water ...

"Therefore

be it resolved that individuals affected by water-related illnesses be medi-vaced out for immediate treatment and that Emergency Management Ontario

... officials be brought in to assess the crisis situation."

He asked you on October 13 for a declaration of emergency. You say you didn't find out about it until the 24th. What happened here, Minister?

Hon. Mr. Kennedy: I think the people of Ontario and the people of Kashechewan are well aware that this government didn't dawdle like past

governments did, didn't use the jurisdictional excuse, didn't try to slough off what was happening in terms of a real human condition in this particular community. Instead, the Premier of this

province made a courageous decision in saying that he wouldn't worry about what was politic, he wouldn't worry about anything but the welfare and the well-being of these particular citizens of

Ontario.

They received the respect that they deserve as citizens of this province, and right now, the emergency services commissioner, Fantino, and the Emergency

Measures Organization are leading an orderly evacuation, ensuring that there are medical services, first of all, and school services. We're glad to report that children will be in school today and

tomorrow, receiving the kinds of things that the Premier and this government decided had to happen. A state of emergency was declared as soon as we were aware that the conditions were met to

require that and that the --

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

Mr. Hampton: Here is the quote from the 1992 memorandum of understanding. It says, "Ontario agrees to provide emergency assistance to First

Nation communities within Ontario ... emergency preparedness will be provided when requested by a First Nation community."

On October 13, Chief Friday sent this very clear fax to Emergency Measures Ontario. On October 15, he sent a follow-up, a very clear fax, "Declaration of

Emergency," to Emergency Measures Ontario. Your minister responsible for aboriginal affairs went on television on October 24 and said, "Oh, we just found out about this now."

Acting Premier, who dropped the ball, Emergency Measures Ontario or the McGuinty government once again?

Hon. Mr. Kennedy: Thankfully, no one has dropped the ball. In fact, we're carrying the ball exactly the way it should be carried. We're making

sure that things are happening for the citizens of Kashechewan. After a long back-and-forth between the various authorities involved, we did declare a state of emergency. We did enact an

evacuation. The citizens have been moved from a state that was hazardous to their health and well-being, and they are receiving the comfort and support that they should.

There's a five-point plan that the federal government has put together to advance them. It was triggered in part, I guess, by the decisions that were made by

the provincial government. We accept that that is going to move forward what needs to be done. The state of emergency is what we were asked to do and what we did deliver. There is now a state of, I

believe, improving conditions being worked on for those citizens, the way there should be and the way this province is pleased to have helped to facilitate.

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

Mr. John Yakabuski (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke): My question is for the Minister of Energy. Minister, one of the strongest requirements,

greatest requirements, for business, industry and people in the province of Ontario is a confidence in the reliability of their electricity supply.

In June 2004, the former minister announced with great fanfare an RFP process for 2,500 megawatts of electricity. In April and May of 2005, he announced the

winners: Eastern Power, for 560 megawatts in Mississauga -- two plants of 280 each in Mississauga; and St. Clair Power, for 570 megawatts in the Sarnia-Lambton area.

Minister, what is the status of these new plants?

Hon. Donna H. Cansfield (Minister of Energy): Thank you for the question. I'm pleased to be able to respond, as I did yesterday, that as of

October 17, 2005, St. Clair township approved the site plan for Calpine's 1,005-megawatt facility.

Mr. Yakabuski: It's apparent that the government's energy policy and their announcements have the shelf life of a quart of milk. You see

currently, today, on November 4, the Sarnia plant is under an OMB hearing for rezoning because the township denied access, or a change of zoning, for that.

I did ask about the Mississauga plants but the minister did not touch them. We don't hear about the unannouncements; we only hear about the announcements. The

northern power plant was nixed quietly in August, and the southern power plant is under a great deal of opposition in the community.

I ask the minister again, what is happening with these plants? The people of Ontario need to know where we're going with our electricity policy.

Hon. Mrs. Cansfield: With Inver Energy, they are in the process of looking at two new sites with the township. We're pleased that they're

continuing with that. In terms of Greenfield they're going through their EA process, which I know the honourable member supports and believes in.

WATER QUALITY

Mr. Gilles Bisson (Timmins-James Bay): My question is for the Acting Premier as follow-up to the question put to you by my leader. I want to

know, and more importantly, the people of Kashechewan First Nation want to know, when the band council passed a resolution and faxed the resolution to Emergency Measures Ontario, an agency of this

provincial government, why you did not take seriously the declaration that was issued by that community and didn't immediately take action in order to medevac those people out of that community on

October 14. Was it because you're uninterested or was it because they happen to be people of the First Nation community?

Hon. Gerard Kennedy (Minister of Education): I won't dignify the allegation implied in that comment with a direct response; only to say that

there has been a fully respectful response made to Kashechewan First Nation. When our Premier met with the chief and learned of the conditions, when the province became fully apprised of how things

were that required the action of the province, this province acted. It acted in favour of the citizens of that reserve; it acted to make sure that positive things would happen for them. It happened

in a fashion that I believe is appropriate and that this government believes is appropriate to exercise, notwithstanding other jurisdictional implications. We continue to provide health services.

We are providing educational services in tandem with the teachers from Inet. We will continue through our actions -- not through rhetoric, not through boisterous intervention after the fact, but

rather through our actions --

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

Mr. Bisson: Acting Premier, that just doesn't cut it. The community is frustrated and the community is mad for a good reason. They feel they

were not taken seriously. They knew that their citizens were getting sick. They contacted the federal government, which did nothing, and they sent you two faxes saying that they wanted a state of

emergency declared in their community on October 14 and 15, and you did nothing. It wasn't until the chief showed up here, along with Grand Chief Stan Louttit, and had to show pictures of sick

children that your government took action. I ask you again, why does it take the chief of a community to come down to Queen's Park and show pictures of sick children to make this government act?

And what happened for the first 13 days?

Hon. Mr. Kennedy: I say to the member opposite, what does it take to change his tone, when he gets immediate reaction from ministers of this

government who accompany him, when he thanks them publicly for what they have done, and then allows his comments to be used and turned around in a political fashion? Last week he said thanks to the

province for having acted. This week he is trying to make political capital out of a situation that deserves none. I recognize the member opposite for having acted on behalf of his constituents,

but he should recognize what he said last week. This government did the right thing in the right circumstances, and to play around, as he is doing today, is simply to make politics out of a

situation that doesn't deserve it.

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

Mr. John Milloy (Kitchener Centre): My question is to the Minister of Health Promotion. As anyone in this House who has spent any time with me

over the last few days knows, I recently had a baby that I can't stop talking about. Newborn babies are, of course, one of our province's most precious resources, and we have a duty to protect

their health. As we speak, the Minister of Health is in Ottawa, the home town of the Minister of Health Promotion, making an important announcement that involves provincial newborn screening

programs. I'm wondering if the Minister of Health Promotion can outline to the Legislature the implications of the announcement and its contents.

Hon. Jim Watson (Minister of Health Promotion): I want to congratulate the honourable member from Kitchener Centre and Sara, and particularly

welcome John Patrick Milloy to this province.

I'm very pleased to report that the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care is in fact in my home town making an important announcement to create a

state-of-the-art provincial screening facility at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario -- CHEO. It's a major victory for the health and well-being of young people in this province.

In September, we announced an increase in screening from two to 21 inherited metabolic disorders, the first improvement in screening in 27 years. This

government pledged not too long ago that we would go from worst to first when it came to newborn screening in the province of Ontario, and we have delivered on that promise right at the wonderful,

world-class Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario.

Mr. Milloy: I want to thank the minister and just tell him in passing that I plan to take advantage of the 15-day, money-back guarantee on the

birth certificate.

On a serious note, these tests are very important and will bring peace of mind to a lot of parents and allow doctors to make early diagnoses in order to treat

an array of life-altering diseases that might otherwise catch health professionals and families of newborn children off guard. With so many health concerns related to preventable diseases, I was

wondering if the minister could tell us how his ministry is addressing issues that are not revealed in these tests, but are just as important as children grow older.

Hon. Mr. Watson: One of the priorities of our ministry is working with Dr. Sheela Basrur, who just about a year ago put out a very good report

called Healthy Weights, Healthy Lives. It talked about the challenge facing young people, and children in particular, with respect to obesity. There's been a 300% increase in obesity rates among

children in Canada in the last 25 years. For the first time, kids are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, which can add to some challenges with respect to heart failure and other debilitating

diseases. So we're going to be announcing in the next couple of months an action plan to implement recommendations brought forward by Dr. Basrur, because we believe the epidemic of obesity among

children is something we have to deal with in short order, quite frankly, because it is going to be an enormous strain on the individual children, but also on the health care system down the

road.

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

Mr. Tim Hudak (Erie-Lincoln): A question to the Minister of Finance: Minister, I'm sure you're aware of the vulnerability of taxpayers in

Ontario. In 1997 the average person's loans, mortgage, credit card debt and financial liabilities equalled their entire annual after-tax income, plus an additional 6%. Today, in Dalton McGuinty's

Ontario, those debts are 124.5% of their income. They are extremely vulnerable to expected interest rate hikes in the oncoming year. That typical working family is also dealing with a big tax

increase courtesy of Dalton McGuinty, a big hydro increase courtesy of Dalton McGuinty, higher gas prices and higher home heating prices. Minister, what hope was there in your economic statement to

give these working families some sort of break?

Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Finance, Chair of the Management Board of Cabinet): The hope is that we have a strong economy that has grown

in the last year and is going to continue to grow for the next three years. The hope is that unemployment is down. It is down to its lowest level since 2001. The hope is that employment is up, and

the other hope is that real incomes are up. Finally, the hope is that this government is investing in post-secondary education, health care and economic infrastructure to undo the damage his

government did when it threw away the most prosperous years this province has seen in many years.

Mr. Hudak: Minister, the answers you give -- I know you don't have an answer and you resort to political bluster, but quite frankly, there is

no solace there, no sense of comfort for working families in the province of Ontario.

I don't need to remind you that when you were energy minister, you increased energy hydro rates by some 28%, with a big surprise coming in 2006 with another

30% increase in hydro prices. You're presiding over a budget with $13 billion, awash in revenue since you've taken office -- higher taxes, higher hydro, higher user fees and higher gas prices.

Working families now have $2,000 less in their pockets than they did when Dalton McGuinty took office, and on top of that, vulnerability on interest rates. Minister, if you're not going to cut them

a break, what kind of advice can you give to working families that are struggling to make ends meet?

Hon. Mr. Duncan: The Tories left a legacy of mismanagement that's second only to the NDP between 1990 and 1995. Some 2,000 megawatts of

electricity came offline while they were the government of Ontario, while they were asleep at the switch. We're cleaning up that mess every day. You know what? Expenses went up 21% under that

government, while revenues didn't go up anywhere near that, and left us with a $5.5-billion deficit. That's their record of mismanagement. They ran up a deficit. They starved health care and they

starved education. We're reinvesting in those priorities. Our priorities are about education and health care. Unlike your leader, we will not cut $2.4 billion from the health care system. We

believe those investments are crucial to the future productivity of this province and to its future security, economically and socially.

CHEDOKE LONG-TERM-CARE FACILITY

Ms. Andrea Horwath (Hamilton East): In the absence of the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, I'll direct my question to the Acting

Premier. Acting Premier, when your government decided to close the Chedoke complex continuing care centre and not build the long-promised new complex continuing care centre, patients and family

members were promised there would be no change to their current fee structure and no additional costs would be levied against them and their families.

That promise has been broken. In addition to the serious concerns patients have over the level of care they're receiving, some are also being gouged as much as

$1,480 per month in residential fees. Will you take immediate action to withdraw these fees and ensure that all medical costs for these patients, including the rooms at their new facilities, remain

as they were before the transfers, as promised?

Hon. Gerard Kennedy (Minister of Education): Thank you to the member opposite for the question. I think as the member knows, having asked the

question before, that the Hamilton hospital officials came up with a plan. They're dealing with a surplus in their community of complex continuing care beds, and making sure that the cases that

were at Chedoke, those people, have a place to go to. All the residents got a medical assessment. That assessment was worked out with the individuals and their families. The residents were either

transferred to another complex continuing care facility at St. Peter's or St. Joseph's, or to a long-term-care home.

The transfer decision to go to a long-term-care home is voluntary, the decision of the resident and his or her family. Even there, they can change their minds;

they're not obliged to do it. They can request a transfer to a complex continuing care unit, the same type of care under the same conditions they had at Chedoke. The member knows this. It is

available to those families. That answer stands and is available to those families today.

Ms. Horwath: Unfortunately, the Acting Premier was looking at the wrong briefing note, because I wasn't asking about the facilities in terms

of the question I asked the other day. Now I'm asking about the fact that your government promised that they would not face any further fees. I'm going to read to you from a letter that was sent to

the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. It's a quote from one of these patients' family members:

"For the past 20 years that my husband has been at the Chedoke complex continuing care centre in Hamilton, the province has covered all expenses. What has

changed? At one of our meetings of our family association members, when officials spoke to us it was stated that there would be no change in costs -- whatever we had at Chedoke would stay the same

at any facility."

Will this government fix the horrible situation that exists now and keep its promise to these families and patients that they would not suffer financially from

these imposed transfers?

Hon. Mr. Kennedy: There is a difference in what is put forward by the selection of the word "forced." These transfers have been offered up as

choices, instead, that the families and the patients have. There is a difference, as the member opposite knows, in terms of those who chose to go to long-term-care facilities and those who went to

continuing complex care. But I want to make it absolutely clear again. I believe the member is clear on this, but I want to make absolutely sure that the families and people in Ontario know that

they are able to stay in complex continuing care where the kinds of fees that may apply in a long-term-care setting, which are then based on ability to pay, do not apply.

There are 13 families who have chosen long-term care and are waiting for placement. It was a choice that they made. If they change their minds, whether it's

because of fees or other conditions, they're free to do so, and they will be facilitated into similar complex continuing care to that which they had before.

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

Mr. Brad Duguid (Scarborough Centre): My question is to the Minister of Finance. Let me begin by congratulating the minister on his first

economic statement, a statement that clearly demonstrates that under the McGuinty government, there's no question that we're heading in the right direction here in Ontario.

While I realize the McGuinty government is doing an extraordinary job cleaning up the Tories' fiscal mess and putting the finances of the province back in

order, there's no question that Ontario is facing a number of risks that are beyond our control. These risks certainly have the potential to impact our economy: oil prices, the value of the

Canadian dollar and the US economy all have a big impact. Can the minister outline how he has accounted for these risks in his fiscal plan to ensure that the great work the McGuinty government is

doing to bring prosperity to Ontario can continue?

Hon. Dwight Duncan (Minister of Finance, Chair of the Management Board of Cabinet): The member raised a valid point, and unlike the

opposition, he's got his facts straight. It's true: the price of oil has gone up and the value of the Canadian dollar is higher. However, a prudent government makes provisions for these challenges.

We have a $1-billion reserve fund this year; we're increasing that reserve to $1.5 billion next year. The deficit this year is down $400 million from where we projected it would be in our spring

budget. If we don't have to use the reserve, the deficit will be $1.4 billion. We are on track to eliminate the deficit by 2008-09, and if we don't have to use the reserve in either of those two

years, the deficit will be eliminated by 2007-08.

Mr. Duguid: None of us want to see any Ontarian lose their job. In my riding over the years, I've known some constituents who have experienced

the pain of being laid off, and nobody wants to see that happen to anybody. At the same time, it's not a perfect world, and adjustments in the workplace have to be made due to the economy and other

things. From time to time, that will lead to layoffs. While, unfortunately, some jobs have been lost, it must also be noted that many others have been created. The opposition is wrongly getting

people to believe that there are only job losses and no such thing as job growth. That's simply not true. Can the minister explain, based on his economic update yesterday, what the province can

expect in terms of job growth?

Hon. Mr. Duncan: We have created 193,000 net new jobs since we took office. The unemployment rate is currently 6.4%. I also want to add that

the working men and women of this province and our small businesses have kicked in to improve Ontario's productivity. Under the Tories, productivity was among the lowest in North America. The gap

between Ontario and the US doubled under the Tories. Thanks to our small businesses, thanks to the working men and women of this province, our productivity has improved.

Finally, members opposite may not know this, but Ontario has the second-highest number of manufacturing employees of any jurisdiction in North America, second

only to California. And let's look at this: In 2003, the last year of the Tory government, Ontario ranked 16th in terms of overall manufacturing employment; in 2004, our first year of government,

we moved up to third. That's a record I'd put up against theirs any day of the week.

NEWBORN SCREENING

Mr. John Tory (Leader of the Opposition): I have a question I would have ordinarily directed to the Minister of Health Promotion, because he

was answering on this earlier, but I'll instead direct it to the --

Interjection.

Mr. Tory: Is he on the precinct, Mr. Speaker? He was here.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Will you stop the clock for a moment and determine if he has just stepped out for a second?

Interjection.

The Speaker: He's not here? New question.

Mr. Tory: I'll direct the question to the Acting Premier. Can the Acting Premier confirm what I'm reading from the Minister of Health's press

release from this afternoon concerning newborn screening: that the newborn screening program at CHEO will be in operation by March 2006, with all the tests for the different disorders being

performed by the end of 2006? Is that the date on which these new tests, including, in particular, sickle-cell disorder, will be performed under the government's new program?

Hon. Gerard Kennedy (Minister of Education): Yes, it is. The answer is yes.

Mr. Tory: In light of that fact, since the minister has confirmed the date is going to be at the end of 2006, I wonder if the minister might

commit to this House, right here and now, on behalf of the government in his capacity as Acting Premier, that since there are babies being born today, in particular with sickle-cell anemia and some

of these other disorders, who are not being screened in Ontario, and since it's a simple and relatively inexpensive matter to send those test samples out of Ontario, if necessary, to have it done

elsewhere, as is done every day in other places, to have this government start now or within a reasonable period of time -- to have a quick start, say, in 30 or 60 days -- to get that testing going

before the end of 2006, so more people aren't exposed to not being screened in the meantime.

Hon. Mr. Kennedy: I'm sure that the people of Ontario need to appreciate the context of the member opposite's question, that this is the first

update to newborn screening in 27 years. In fact, Minister Smitherman announced 19 new tests in September, and today he's adding another six, which brings us up to 27, including sickle-cell anemia

tests. We're also announcing $18 million for a state-of-the-art newborn screening facility at CHEO. It will take time; it will be phased in.

What all new parents in the province, like my colleague Mr. Milloy, need to know is that they will be better protected from those foreseeable diseases, those

foreseeable calamities, that could overtake their infants than ever before in the province of Ontario. We have in Minister Smitherman someone who has carefully invested both the dollars and the

faith of the people of this province into making health care better. Infants will be better protected. We'll be implementing this program as quickly as possible to --

The Speaker: Thank you. New question?

TENANT PROTECTION

Mr. Michael Prue (Beaches-East York): My question is to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. I'm going to ask you the same question

that I have repeatedly asked you -- in fact, on October 25, 2004, on November 3, 2004, and on October 25, 2005 -- and for which I have yet to receive an answer. The tenants of Ontario want to know

-- in fact, I think everyone in this House wants to know -- about the repeal of the Tenant Protection Act. You promised this would happen within one year of your taking office. You've missed that

deadline by 14 months. The tenants are waiting, their advocates are waiting, and, quite simply, we need an answer. Will you stop listening to the landlord advocates and introduce real rent controls

that will protect tenants from higher rents, rising eviction rates, poor maintenance and spiralling energy costs?

Hon. John Gerretsen (Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing): I will once again repeat to this member the statement I've made in this House

on a number of occasions, and that is that we are still looking at the situation. We did go through an extensive consultation process a year or so ago, as he well knows, and we got an awful lot of

valuable information during that period of time. We will be acting on that information and we will be changing the Tenant Protection Act.

But let's also talk about some of the programs that we have initiated since we became the government. The first program we initiated was the rent bank, which

helps people who are in rental emergency situations. We started the Toronto pilot project, which made 400 housing units available, through housing allowances, for low-income individuals. We had

historic low-rent guidelines introduced for both 2005 and 2006, in the range of 1.5% and 2.1%, which were the lowest on record. We have done a lot, and we will be doing a lot in the future --

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

Mr. Prue: For the fourth occasion in a row now, we have had a non-response. The question that is being asked is, what date are you going to

introduce this legislation? Is Carol Goar correct when she assumes that you don't care about the 32% of Ontarians who rent because, as she put it, they don't vote in blocks and they move more

often? Is that the reality? Or is your parliamentary assistant right when he says it's not on the agenda for the balance of this year? We want to know, do you have a date that you're going to

introduce it? And, if so, what is that date?

Hon. Mr. Gerretsen: I can tell the member this, because I know he has an interest in housing, and so do we on this side of the House: For the

first time in almost 10 years the government of Ontario has taken a position with respect to the affordable housing program. We decided to match the $301 million that the federal government put up

with $301 million of provincial monies, to make sure we have an affordable housing program that works. Through that program, we just recently announced 5,000 units of affordable housing through

housing allowance programs for low-income individuals and another 5,000 new units that will be built as soon as they are approved. Presently, the allocations are out across the entire province to

the housing service providers.

We are doing something about the situation here in Ontario. We are very pleased to be back in the housing business again, and the people of Ontario will

benefit from that. The member will be hearing on the issues that he's talking about very soon.

WORKPLACE SAFETY FOR STUDENTS

Mr. Khalil Ramal (London-Fanshawe): My question is for the Minister of Labour. Young people like the ones who join us today in the gallery for

Take Our Kids to Work Day are among those at greatest risk for the most severe workplace injuries, which can result in lifelong disability or end their lives prematurely. According to the Institute

for Work and Health in Ontario, workplace injuries to young and new workers are six times more likely to occur in their first month of employment than at any other time. Further, I understand that

last year over 49,000 young workers were injured on the job. That seems like a large number, considering that not all young people are employed. Minister, can you tell our guests today, what is

your strategy to protect our young children and kids?

Hon. Steve Peters (Minister of Labour): We want to thank everybody up in the media gallery for participating in the program today: Jenny

Shrewsbury-Gee, Anthony D'Elia, Neville Britto, Natalie Lolua and Joel Mundell, who are still here. We appreciate that they're here. We appreciate that employees have taken

part in this as

well.

Young worker health and safety should be a priority for every one of us in this room because, quite frankly, in 2004, seven workers under the age of 25 were

killed and 49,000 workers under the age of 25 were injured on the job, and that's just not acceptable. There needs to be an onus on every employer in this province to make sure that they have a

health and safety strategy in place, that they have a plan there for young workers, because these are our future employees. These are employees who are going to be able to take the skills that we

can teach them today in their workplaces and carry that forward.

It's a huge priority for us as a government. It should be a priority for every employer in this province, and we encourage them.

Mr. Ramal: Our young people deserve the best start in life, and that includes a safe workplace. We want Ontarians to remember their first job

positively. The initiatives you have listed are important to ensuring that. What information can I share with my constituents, young workers, parents and employers, to help build upon the important

work the Ministry of Labour is doing?

Hon. Mr. Peters: There are a couple of great Web sites that we would encourage people to look to: worksmart.ca and youngworker.ca. As well,

we're working very closely with the Ministry of Education on the curriculum from grades 9 to 12. We're teaching young workers the importance of health and safety.

We're also moving forward and hiring 200 new inspectors in this province. With these new inspectors, one of the things they are looking at when they go in to

visit workplaces is what programs they have in place for orientation, training and supervision. It's extremely important for families in this room who are parents of children working in a

workplace. Ask your child about the workplace and any hazards that may exist.

We need to make sure that it gets through to our young people that the Employment Standards Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act apply to them as

well. When they begin a new job, they should ask for orientation so that they know they have the ability to say no to unsafe work in their workplace. It's incumbent on all of us: Employees, parents

and young people all have a role to play in this.

VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS

Mr. Ted Arnott (Waterloo-Wellington): My question is also for the Minister of Labour. Last Saturday, it was reported in the Stratford Beacon

Herald that there was a mid-morning house fire on October 20 in the community of Shakespeare in the riding of Perth-Middlesex, which caused major damage and killed a family pet.

According to the article, the local volunteer fire department had trouble mustering enough firefighters to meet minimum provincial response guidelines and had

to ask for help from its Milverton affiliate, 20 minutes away. This emergency occurred while two double-hatter firefighters, who otherwise would have responded to this emergency, were forced to sit

at home in Shakespeare with their pagers off because their union recently charged them with the so-called offence of serving as a volunteer firefighter on their time off.

In this same article, the Ontario fire marshal is quoted as saying, "I think there should be legislation," meaning legislation to uphold a double-hatter's

right to volunteer. This is a public safety issue, but it's also a labour issue. When will the government demonstrate concern for public safety in rural Ontario, take the fire marshal's advice and

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): The question has been asked. The Minister of Labour.

Hon. Steve Peters (Minister of Labour): On behalf of the government, we express our condolences to the families involved in this

situation.

As the government, we recognize and value the hard work and dedication of our firefighters in this province. We realize that fire services in our community are

important, including the vital role that volunteer firefighters play. They are vital for the provision of services to many of our smaller communities. Firefighters, fire chiefs and municipalities

need to work co-operatively to resolve this issue. We are confident that with that leadership, they're going to do exactly that. The Office of the Fire Marshal is continuing to monitor this

situation, to ensure there are no serious threats to public safety.

Again, I remind the honourable member that he had the opportunity, when they were in government, to deal with this issue. We're moving forward on ensuring that

open dialogue continues between the municipalities, the fire departments and the fire marshal's office.

The Speaker: Supplementary?

Mr. Norman W. Sterling (Lanark-Carleton): This is a huge problem in the Ottawa Valley. Just outside of the boundaries of the city of Ottawa,

we have many volunteer firefighters who also have professional jobs in the city of Ottawa. This was found in the nearby town of Kemptville where they lost four volunteers and a senior captain with

22 years of experience because of this ruling.

The local union says that it really hasn't got a lot of objection to this, but it's the American control over the local fire union which is demanding this.

Minister, do you believe that an American union boss should dictate to Canadian professional firefighters what they can do in their spare time?

Hon. Mr. Peters: Unlike what is being proposed right there and what the member from Leeds-Grenville failed to move this issue forward on,

we're not about to interfere in a collective bargaining process in this province. I think you said it: We're going down an extremely dangerous path if he's advocating that we start to involve

ourselves in collective bargaining. We're advocating to the fire associations in this province that we're not going to interfere in the collective bargaining process. But we remain confident that

fire chiefs, volunteer firefighters and professional firefighters in this province are going to continue to work together independently, to continue their dialogue at moving forward to find a

co-operative solution to this issue. We've asked the fire marshal's office, through the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, that if there are some serious community issues

The Speaker: Thank you. New question.

POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS

Ms. Marilyn Churley (Toronto-Danforth): I have a question for the Acting Premier. In this post-Gomery world, people want politicians to clean

up their act, especially when it comes to Liberals these days. Tonight, yet again, the Liberal Party of Ontario will be selling access to the Premier of Ontario for anyone with $4,000 to spare.

You've repeatedly claimed that the public has a right to know in real time who's donating to Ontario's political parties. Will you release today the list of movers and shakers who have coughed up

the big bucks to dine with the Premier?

Hon. Gerard Kennedy (Minister of Education): To the Minister Responsible for Democratic Renewal.

Hon. Marie Bountrogianni (Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, minister responsible for democratic renewal): I thank the honourable member

for my first real question since my new role. It's exactly because of questions like this and the very perceptions that are out there these last couple of years about all of us, about politicians

-- we're all painted with the same brush -- that this government has begun to take steps to address these perceptions and to win back the trust of the public. As the honourable member knows -- she

was at the committee hearings -- we have introduced Bill 214, which went through clause-by-clause, where any donations of $100 or more to political parties will be disclosed, after the amendments

from the committee, to Elections Ontario after 10 days, and then will be on a Web site 10 days after that. This will address a lot of those questions the honourable member has raised.

PETITIONS

SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

Mr. Joseph N. Tascona (Barrie-Simcoe-Bradford): I have a petition for the Legislative Assembly of Ontario which 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 support the petition and affix my signature.

BRIDGE REPLACEMENT

Mr. Bill Mauro (Thunder Bay-Atikokan): "Whereas we, the visible minority of rural northwestern Ontario within the unorganized townships of

Kaministiquia, require our basic inherited right to subdivide our land, along with immediate and continued government funding to ensure our roads and bridges are safe for our daily travels....

"Your immediate intervention is needed. The two bridges crossing the Dog River exemplify our heritage as a logging and farming community. Built by our

ancestors, the bridges are a necessity. Our first bridge was replaced in 1977 with an inadequate narrow Bailey bridge with weight and width restrictions. The other bridge is currently closed, and

slated for demolition. This bridge was closed to vehicle traffic in 1985, but was used extensively for pedestrian, snowmobile, ATV, horse and bicycle traffic until March 2005. Now it is closed to

all traffic.

"Please help reunite our rural community by allocating sufficient funds to repair the two community bridges to the capacity in which they were intended for,

and reunite our rural community."

GASOLINE PRICES

Mr. Jerry J. Ouellette (Oshawa): "To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas gasoline prices have continued to increase at alarming rates in recent months; and

"Whereas the high and unstable gas prices across Ontario have caused confusion and unfair hardship to Ontario's drivers while also impacting the Ontario

economy in key sectors such as tourism and transportation;

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

"That the Parliament of Ontario consider an immediate gas price freeze for a temporary period until world oil prices moderate, and

"That the provincial government petition the federal Liberal government to step up to the plate and lower gas prices by removing the GST on gasoline products

and fix the federal Competition Act to ensure consumers are protected and that the market operates in a fair and transparent manner."

I affix my name in full support.

SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

Mr. Ernie Hardeman (Oxford): I have here a petition signed by a great many of the good residents of Oxford county, and it is 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 upon 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 to this petition, as I agree with it.

The Speaker (Hon. Michael A. Brown): Petitions? The member for Durham.

PUBLIC TRANSIT

Mr. John O'Toole (Durham): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm somewhat disappointed that the member from Waterloo wasn't recognized there.

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas public transit is an important public good for Ontario which must be promoted;

"Whereas increased ridership of the public transit system will result in benefits such as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the ease of traffic

congestion and gridlock;

"Whereas it is important to provide incentives to commuters to choose public transit as an alternative,

"Therefore we, the undersigned, respectfully petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows: That eligible residents for the taxation year living

within the province of Ontario be able to claim on their income tax an expense credit of 50% for all public transit expenses incurred throughout the taxation year."

This is part of Bill 137, and I'm pleased to endorse it on behalf of many constituents.

HEALTH CARE SERVICES

Mrs. Elizabeth Witmer (Kitchener-Waterloo): I have here 15,000 names.

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas we, the residents of Sarnia-Lambton and surrounding area:

"Were told a peer review would be done, including both financial and clinical aspects;

"Were told publicly on numerous times that front-line staff would not be affected;

"Were told that the quality of care because of these cuts would not be affected;

"Our community is already listed as having the highest shortage rate for physicians, and our community is now losing a neurologist, an obstetrician, two

radiologists and possibly more medical professionals; and

"As a result of cutbacks, our palliative care unit is scheduled to close.

"As patients, doctors, nursing staff and residents, we have voiced concerns to the board, upper administration, Ministry of Health and to the Premier -- our

concerns have not been heard or dealt with adequately; we are asking for an investigation regarding the spending of dollars at Bluewater Health and for these matters to be reopened as patient lives

will be more at risk because of these cuts."

I hereby affix my signature.

CANCER TREATMENT

Mr. Cameron Jackson (Burlington): This is a petition to the Parliament of Ontario:

"Whereas Ontario has an inconsistent policy for access to new cancer treatments while these drugs are under review for funding; and

"Whereas cancer patients taking oral chemotherapy may apply for a

section 8 exception under the Ontario drug benefit plan with no such exception policy in

place for intravenous cancer drugs administered in hospital; and

"Whereas this is an inequitable, inconsistent and unfair policy, creating two classes of cancer patients" in Ontario "with further inequities on the basis of

personal wealth and the willingness of hospitals to risk budgetary deficits to provide new intravenous chemotherapy treatments; and

"Whereas cancer patients have the right to the most effective care recommended by their doctors;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Parliament of Ontario to provide immediate access to Velcade and other intravenous chemotherapy while these new cancer drugs

are under review and provide a consistent policy for access to new cancer treatments that enables oncologists to apply for exceptions to meet the needs of patients."

I've attached my signature in support, and I'm going to give that to Adam to hand over to the Clerk.

MANDATORY RETIREMENT

Mr. Mario Sergio (York West): I have a petition that is addressed to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas existing legislation enforcing mandatory retirement is discriminatory; and

"Whereas it is the basic human right of Ontario citizens over the age of 65 to earn a living and contribute to society; and

"Whereas the provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Yukon and the Northwest Territories have also abolished mandatory retirement in

various forms; and

"Whereas ending mandatory retirement is a viable means of boosting the Ontario labour force and accommodating the growing need for skilled workers;

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

"The Ontario government should act by abolishing mandatory retirement in the province of Ontario. This is best achieved by passing Bill 211,

An Act to amend

the Human Rights Code and certain other Acts to end mandatory retirement."

I'm in full agreement and I will affix my signature to it.

PUBLIC ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Mr. Joseph N. Tascona (Barrie-Simcoe-Bradford): I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario which reads as follows:

"Whereas Bill 213, Justice Statute Law Amendment Act, 2002, enacted the Limitations Act, 2002, which provides for a reduction in the legal limitation period

from six to two years;

"Whereas the two-year limitation period in effect from January 1, 2004, is not long enough for investors seeking restitution after suffering serious financial

damages due to the wrongdoing of the financial services industry; and

"Whereas the Attorney General's position is that the plaintiff investor interests do not need further protection;

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

"That the provincial government immediately pass and implement an amendment to the Limitations Act, 2002, to provide an exemption for claim by victims of

financial services industry wrongdoing so that no time limitation period applies to such claims."

I support and sign the petition.

QUEENSWAY CARLETON HOSPITAL

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Michael Prue): The member from Nepean-Carleton.

Mr. John R. Baird (Nepean-Carleton): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Might I say what a great job you're doing in your role, Mr.

Speaker.

Interjections.

Mr. Baird: I'm trying to be non-partisan for a bit here.

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas the Queensway Carleton Hospital is one of the most efficient hospitals in the country;

"Whereas the Queensway Carleton Hospital's priority should be providing excellent patient care, not money for Paul Martin's Liberal government;

"Whereas the number of senior citizens served by the Queensway Carleton Hospital is growing rapidly in the west end of Ottawa and Nepean;

"Whereas the federal Liberal government led by Paul Martin has a surplus potentially as high as $10 billion;

"Whereas all provincial political parties in Ontario have acknowledged the significant fiscal imbalance;

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

"The Ontario Legislature call upon the federal Liberal government to immediately cancel its plans to dramatically increase the rent for the land now being used

by the Queensway Carleton Hospital, and that the hospital be charged only $1 rent per year."

I'm very pleased to sign this petition because I am in complete agreement.

HEALTH CARE SERVICES

Mr. Ernie Hardeman (Oxford): I have a petition here to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario signed by a great number of my constituents.

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas the current government has eliminated OHIP coverage for chiropractic services; and

"Whereas the current government has eliminated and reduced OHIP coverage for optometry services; and

"Whereas the current government has eliminated and reduced OHIP coverage for physiotherapy services; and

"Whereas the current government has refused to fund treatment for autistic children even after the courts and human rights commission ruled it should; and

"Whereas the current government has now decided to fund sex change operations even though the Canada Health Act deems it not an essential health service;

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

"That the government of Ontario does not fund sex change operations and reinstates funding for delisted health services."

I affix my signature to the petition.

ONTARIO FARMERS

Mr. Toby Barrett (Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant): This petition is entitled, "`Farmers Feed Cities' Day."

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas the 60,000 farmers in Ontario are the foundation for 10.3% of provincial economic activity; and

"Whereas many citizens do not appreciate the role Ontario farmers play in putting food on their table; and

"Whereas the budget of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food is only 0.7% of the Ontario budget, despite Dalton McGuinty's promise to make OMAF a `lead

ministry';

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

"Declare the Saturday prior to Thanksgiving Day as `Farmers Feed Cities Day.'"

I see this is signed by John Tory, Richard Blyleven from my riding, and I also sign this petition.

ILLEGAL SIGNS

Mr. John O'Toole (Durham): I'm pleased to present a petition on behalf of the city of Vaughan. It reads as follows:

"Whereas the city of Vaughan has witnessed the proliferation of illegal signs across the municipality; and

"Whereas the city of Vaughan has received numerous complaints from residents concerning the proliferation of illegal signs across the municipality; and

"Whereas the city of Vaughan bylaw department continually wastes time, money and resources in an attempt to stop the proliferation of illegal signs; and

"Whereas the current city of Vaughan sign bylaw limits the extent to which the proliferation of illegal signs can be stopped by prohibiting charges being laid

against the party whose name is contained in the sign; and

"Whereas the city of Vaughan is requesting that the province provide the city with more authority and autonomy to address local issues;

"Therefore,

be it resolved that the city of Vaughan requests that the province consider strengthening the Municipal Act, RSO 1990, in order to allow

municipalities to charge and recoup costs for illegal signs and those names on the sign, rather than the current law, which only permits charges to be laid unless replacement is witnessed by a

party thereto."

I'm pleased to sign this and endorse it on behalf of the municipality of Vaughan.

SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

Mr. Jerry J. Ouellette (Oshawa): I have a petition that 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 upon 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 name in full support.

AUTISM TREATMENT

Mr. John O'Toole (Durham): I have a valid petition here that I'd like to present to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas children with autism who have reached the age of six years are no longer being discharged from their preschool autism program; and

"Whereas these children should be getting the best special education possible in the form of applied behaviour analysis (ABA) within the school system; and

"Whereas there are approximately 700 preschool children with autism across Ontario who are required to wait indefinitely for placement in the program, and

there are also countless school-age children that are not receiving the support they require in the school system; and

"Whereas this situation has a negative impact on the families, extended families and friends of all of these children; and

"Whereas, as stated on the Web site for the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, `IBI can make a significant difference in the life of a child with autism.

Its objective is to decrease the frequency of challenging behaviours, build social skills and promote language development';

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to fund the treatment of IBI for all preschool children awaiting services. We also petition

the Legislature of Ontario to fund an educational program in the form of ABA in the school system."

I'm pleased to sign this on behalf of the many families who are trembling under the crushing load of treating their child with autism.

OPPOSITION DAY

ONTARIO ECONOMY

Mr. John Tory (Leader of the Opposition): I move that the Legislative Assembly call upon the government:

To recognize that Ontario's businesses, farmers and hard-working families are being pushed to the financial breaking point by higher electricity prices, higher

fuel prices and increased taxes; and

To recognize that the McGuinty Liberal government has presided over 42,000 manufacturing job losses in the past year alone, causing serious financial hardship

for families and communities province-wide; and

To recognize that the current government's fiscal and energy policies are placing increased financial pressure on large and small job-creating businesses,

creating an uncertain investment climate; and

To keep its promise to "balance the budget, keep taxes down, manage prudently, and invest in higher productivity and better quality of life."

The Acting Speaker (Mr. Michael Prue): Debate. The leader of the official opposition.

Mr. Tory: We in this party have been trying to raise these matters during question period without any success at all in terms of getting an

ounce, a line or a word of compassion or recognition from this government. It isn't just in question period. As we pointed out today during question period, when they had an opportunity yesterday

to present an economic statement to the people of Ontario, there wasn't a line in here, not a letter that addressed the fate that is being experienced by an awful lot of people across this

province, namely, the loss of manufacturing jobs, the impact it's having on communities across the province and the crushing load that people are having to bear in terms of the increased taxes and

charges they are experiencing at the hands of this McGuinty Liberal government.

Again, we would argue that ignoring the problem, kind of saying, "Don't worry. Be happy," not saying a word of empathy or compassion, not offering a single

line of solution, is not going to make this problem go away, because the facts are the facts: 42,000 manufacturing jobs have been lost in this province so far this year. For five months this year,

the unemployment rate in Ontario has been above the national average, for the first time since World War II, and the average family is paying, as we speak, $2,000 each in increased taxes, costs and

other fees imposed on the watch of this government.

It's communities across the province. We talked about a number of them today and we talked about a number of them last week. We