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April 3, 2019

42nd Parliament, 1st Session

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Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcript 2019-Apr-03 (PDF)

L087 - Wed 3 Apr 2019 / Mer 3 avr 2019

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO

Wednesday 3 April 2019 Mercredi 3 avril 2019

Orders of the Day

Safe and Supportive Classrooms Act, 2019 / Loi de 2019 pour des écoles sûres et axées sur le soutien

Introduction of Visitors

Oral Questions

Health care

Education funding

Education funding

Taxation

Education funding

Transportation infrastructure

Licence plates

Autism treatment

Government services

Consumer protection

Education

Services for persons with disabilities

Transportation infrastructure

Northern transportation

Maple syrup

Visitors

Committee membership

Deferred Votes

Safe and Supportive Classrooms Act, 2019 / Loi de 2019 pour des écoles sûres et axées sur le soutien

Decorum in chamber

Introduction of Visitors

Members’ Statements

Soins de longue durée

Elmvale Maple Syrup Festival

Sexual assault crisis centres

Organ donation

Ambulance services

Événements divers à Ottawa–Vanier / Events in Ottawa–Vanier

Student achievement

Pharmacare

Animal protection

Hellenic Heritage Month Act

Visitor

Introduction of Bills

Independent Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Appointment Act, 2019 / Loi de 2019 sur la nomination en toute indépendance du commissaire de la Police provinciale de l’Ontario

Democratic Participation Act, 2019 / Loi de 2019 sur la participation démocratique

Petitions

Education funding

Taxation

Education funding

Waste reduction

Fish and wildlife management

Education funding

Public safety

Long-term care

Public safety

Affordable housing

Automobile insurance

Education

Orders of the Day

Fixing the Hydro Mess Act, 2019 / Loi de 2019 pour réparer le gâchis dans le secteur de l’électricité

Royal assent / Sanction royale

Fixing the Hydro Mess Act, 2019 / Loi de 2019 pour réparer le gâchis dans le secteur de l’électricité

The House met at 0900.

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

Prayers.

Orders of the Day

Safe and Supportive Classrooms Act, 2019 / Loi de 2019 pour des écoles sûres et axées sur le soutien

Resuming the debate adjourned on April 2, 2019, on the motion for third reading of the following bill:

Bill 48,

An Act to amend various Acts in relation to education and child care / Projet de loi 48, Loi modifiant diverses lois en ce qui concerne l’éducation et la garde d’enfants.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Further debate.

Miss Monique Taylor: Good morning, everyone. It’s always my pleasure and my honour to be able to rise in the Legislature to speak on behalf of the people of Hamilton Mountain, and, quite frankly, for many families across this province.

The bill that we have before us today, Bill 48, the Safe and Supportive Classrooms Act: again, a great title, but I’m not quite sure, as I’ve been reading through it, what it is that creates the safe and supportive classrooms. I don’t see anything in the bill that talks about increasing supports, like extra EAs in the schools. I don’t see more teachers. Quite frankly, the government announced a couple of weeks back, or not that long ago—I don’t know; time seems to fly pretty quickly around this place lately—that we’re cutting teachers, that we are freezing hiring for teachers.

Does that fall under the title of this bill? I’m not quite so sure. It’s kind of uncanny, really, that the government is announcing freezing on teachers and yet puts a bill with this title before us pretty much at the same time.

There are a few things within this bill:

—regulating the behaviours of teachers and early childhood educators. It talks about how, if a teacher is found guilty of sexual abuse, a prescribed criminal offence, that teacher would not be able to teach anymore. I fully agree with that. I don’t think anybody in this House doesn’t agree with that;

—requiring the Ontario College of Teachers and College of Early Childhood Educators to provide funding for therapy and counselling;

—dissolving the public interest committee—I’m not sure how that’s safe and supportive schools;

—requiring applicants for a teaching certificate to successfully complete math tests—I’m not sure how that’s safe and supportive schools;

—enabling the Minister of Education to create policies and guidelines with respect to service animals in schools—that has my attention.

I brought forward a bill in this House back on May 2, 2018, the Service Dogs Advisory Committee Act, where I asked—I’ll read it to you:

“1. Inquire into and report on the use and training of service dogs and the barriers faced by persons who are assisted by service dogs or who train service dogs.

“The committee is to be established within 60 days after ... royal assent” and established within eight months.

That was a bill that consulted the people in Ontario, people within the service dog world, people who train service dogs.

I know many folks in this House have been visited by Deanna Allain, a young woman who has been coming to Queen’s Park. I believe she’s officially registered as a lobbyist. She’s 18 years old. She just turned 18 last June. She’s already registered as a lobbyist because she has put her dedication into service dogs and training service dogs. It was important to her to have legislation to ensure, first of all, that there are dogs in the schools and, secondly, that dogs in training have the same access as a dog not training or that’s already graduated.

Because if you’re training a dog, you need to be able to access places like Queen’s Park; it’s a good thing the Legislature allows it, because there’s no real rules or legislation that allows her to come here. Hamilton district school board allows access for the dog because Deanna worked hard to make that happen. Deanna has travelled on GO buses and anywhere that she possibly could to ensure that her dog had the training to move on to its forever family. But there is no legislation that allows her to do that.

The legislation that I’ve seen put forward within this bill doesn’t do the type of work that’s necessary. She was at committee. She has spoken. But nothing in committee seems to matter these days. Amendments, all put forward—nothing passes. The government’s bill stays as is. In this bill, it says:

“Schedule 2

“Education Act

“The Education Act is amended to provide that the Minister may”—that’s always a fun word around here: “may,” not “shall”—“establish policies and guidelines respecting service animals in schools, and require boards to comply with the policies and guidelines and to develop policies in accordance with those policies and guidelines.”

Well, Speaker, policies and guidelines make no difference to a school board. They follow procedures.

Interjection.

Miss Monique Taylor: Sorry? I’m sure you’ll have two minutes to respond. I’m looking forward to it. I’m looking forward to it, member. I think this is something that we need to be doing. We need to be talking. We need to be making sure—

Interjection.

Miss Monique Taylor: Yes; sorry, Speaker.

The whole point is, we need to be talking in this House. We need to be working together. We can’t have a government that just wants to roughshod through everything, bulldoze through everything, throw in legislation so fast. Legislation that hurts people in this province has been just happening so fast in this House that people have so many balls in the air and nobody is allowed to speak to it.

We have a health bill that is the biggest change in the province of Ontario and the government is so proud of it. We’re allowed 30 deputations and we have 1,500 wanting to speak. How is that democracy in the province of Ontario? That is in the wrong direction. We have government policies that are coming in, like the autism policy, and we watch the government have to backtrack. Why? Because they didn’t speak to anybody first. That’s the problem. If they put forward bills with great titles but they don’t listen to any other party’s recommendations—they allow a few deputations, but they don’t make changes to actually reflect that—then what are we doing? Is this a democracy? It concerns me.

The lack of supports in schools for children with special needs is great. We have many children within our system who should have EAs, and they don’t. If they’re lucky, they get to share one. That’s not right.

We have children who are runners in our school board, and how do we have a teacher with 28 kids in the classroom—and that’s another thing: School class sizes increase in grades 4 to 8. In the most trying times, probably, for a lot of our young people, where they’re anxious and they’re going through all different things in life, and we’re going to increase those class sizes. How much attention are those kids going to get? Add some special-needs kids into that class—which is exactly what almost happened on April 1.

If the minister hadn’t finally reversed some of the decisions that she made in her bad autism plan, we would have seen an influx of children into our schools on April 1, and schools having no idea how to handle that when we’re already short on adults in the school system.

That is not what the people of Ontario signed up for when they voted for this government. That is not what they were promised. But, unfortunately, there was no platform, so what were people basing their decision on? I think it was just, “No more Kathleen Wynne.” That was the basis of this election, and, unfortunately, this is where it has sent us: to a place where we have bills that don’t make sense, where we have a government who doesn’t listen to people, who doesn’t care about consultation, and who pushes through and then wants to backtrack. Is this what they’re going to do on every policy that happens in this House—backtrack when they have a public outpouring?

There’s going to be a public outpouring across this province. On April 6, there’s a rally happening right here at Queen’s Park on the front lawn. You should come. You should join it—educators from across the province. We have students—500-plus students. Over 100,000 students are walking out of schools tomorrow. Students are walking out of schools tomorrow because of this government’s bad policies and plans. That has to say something.

It’s time for this government to get back to the table, start talking to the people of this province, and do the right thing.

The Deputy Speaker (Mr. Rick Nicholls): Questions and comments?

Mr. Dave Smith: I’m going to try and stick as much as I possibly can to what the member opposite said, but it’s going to be really difficult because this bill is Bill 48 and it’s about the Early Childhood Educators Act, the Education Act, and the Ontario College of Teachers Act, and, really, there wasn’t a whole lot she said that fit into that.

There was one thing that she started off with that I do want to address. She started off with, “What about this bill makes classrooms safe?” Let me read from the bill, because perhaps she hadn’t:

“1. Various amendments are made with respect to professional misconduct:

“i. The definition of ‘professional misconduct’ is amended to include proscribed sexual acts, which are offences of a sexual nature under the Criminal Code (Canada) and prescribed by a regulation under the act.

“ii. The new subsection 1(8) clarifies that sexual abuse of a student does not include touching or behaviour that is a necessary part of a teacher’s professional responsibilities or remarks that are pedagogically appropriate.

“iii.

Section 30.2 of the act is updated to require mandatory revocation of a member’s certificate if the discipline committee finds the member guilty of

an act of professional misconduct that consists of or includes sexual abuse of a student, a prohibited act involving child pornography or a proscribed sexual act.”

To me, that sounds like we are making the classrooms safer because we’re making sure that that type of behaviour is not acceptable. Anyone who engages in that type of behaviour should not be in the classroom with our students. That is very much about making safe classrooms. Perhaps you should re-read the bill.

The Deputy Speaker (Mr. Rick Nicholls): Further questions and comments?

Mr. Chris Glover: This bill contains a number of things. It talks about mandatory math testing for teachers, it talks about service dogs in schools, and it talks about sexual predators in schools. Obviously, with the sexual predators, we’re supportive of getting those people out; it’s a real danger in our schools. As a former school board trustee, we had to deal with some situations that involved this, and giving the school boards more tools is absolutely essential.

The service dogs one, we’re very supportive of that as well, but you’ve got to get it right. The problem with the way this government operates is that they don’t actually consult with the people who are going to have to implement the decisions that they’re making. Bringing service dogs into schools requires consultation with the school boards and with the schools that are going to be accommodating those dogs. They need to be prepared. They need to prepare the other children that a service dog is a working animal and not just a pet that you’re going to be petting all the time.

So they need to prepare the children for that. They need to prepare the schools for it. When the dog has to relieve itself, how is that going to be dealt with? There are a lot of things in there.

The thing about this bill, though—while we’re talking about this bill, the elephant in the room is the cuts to education that this government is making. That’s the big thing that’s on people’s minds. If you’re a parent or a student in this province, the big concern you have right now is the increase in class sizes. We’re talking about changing the student-to-teacher ratio from 1 to 22 to 1 to 28 in our high schools. This means cutting 20% of the teachers out of our high schools. And then, the following year, they’re talking about having students do four of their 30 credits online. That means cutting another 15%.

So in the next couple of years, our high schools could see one in three teachers leave the building. And then the question will be: How can they manage and deliver an effective program?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the time.

The Deputy Speaker (Mr. Rick Nicholls): Further questions and comments?

Mrs. Robin Martin: I was listening to the member from Hamilton Mountain give her comments and, frankly, I was kind of perplexed, because she was talking a lot about what is not in the bill but not what is in the bill. At the same time, she was telling us that we don’t give enough time for members to discuss the bill. So I was wondering why her comments were not focused on the bill.

Let’s talk about what is in the bill. The legislation brings important amendments to a number of acts, including the Ontario College of Teachers Act, the Early Childhood Educators Act, the Teaching Profession Act, and the Education Act. I think I said when I spoke to this that my constituents in Eglinton–Lawrence are actually very excited about what the bill brings forward, because it brings common-sense reforms to teacher discipline. That will make the classrooms safer, as my colleague from Peterborough–Kawartha pointed out. Frankly, education stakeholders and the opposition are supportive of these changes.

This is a bill about safety in the classroom, and it’s also a bill about supports in the classroom for children who need the service dogs.

The members like to say that we don’t consult, but I think, as a government, we have been doing a lot of consulting. In fact, on education, we had the biggest consultation in Ontario history, where 72,000 people weighed in and gave us their views. I think that is really important to inform policy going forward, and we haven’t had that before. It’s the largest in Ontario history, so that goes a long way to consulting.

In addition, on the supportive part of this legislation with the service dogs, we have the member from Kitchener South–Hespeler, who has made this issue her passion and has been consulting for years on the issue. So we have a lot—

The Deputy Speaker (Mr. Rick Nicholls): Thank you.

Further questions and comments?

Mr. Taras Natyshak: I’m pleased to join the debate this morning. I want to congratulate my colleague from Hamilton Mountain, who dug deep on the file and made reference to a lot of the concerns that this government just isn’t listening to from the general public and those who are on the front lines of our education system: those teachers, parents and student council members.

They can, on the surface, say that they made broad consultation, but if they are not listening to the vast majority of parents and educators, who are saying, “Please, stop attacking our education system. Don’t make this a crisis that you create for the sake of covering up a whole litany of other terrible policy decisions,” then they certainly aren’t listening to the general public.

We will see that on April 6, when I expect thousands of students and parents to once again rally and join each other on the front lawns of this building to send a clear message to this government that they’re on the wrong track.

We see that this bill carries three provisions, one that deals with sexual predators. Of course, everyone in this House can agree that we should and can do as much as we can to protect children from sexual predators and give the tools to school boards and to associations to identify and to deal with that. But the other two issues, around the College of Teachers: There hasn’t been enough consultation on that, as submitted by the various teachers’ associations, and on service animals as well. The third issue, on math tests for teachers: That is a direct attack on the teachers; that’s what that is.

It’s a clear, direct attack. It’s their opening salvo to teachers, to show that they mean business. They’re open for business, but guess who’s first on the radar? It’s the teachers.

I would ask and I would submit that if they’re serious about this, they would add a provision there to force the Premier to pass a grade 6 math test before he takes the chair in this House. I would say that a proctored exam would be a very difficult challenge for this Premier, given his academic record. Let’s see them put that in the bill and see how far it goes.

The Deputy Speaker (Mr. Rick Nicholls): I now return to the member from Hamilton Mountain for final comment.

Miss Monique Taylor: I want to first address the member from Peterborough–Kawartha. A good skill of a politician is to speak less and listen more, but he failed that already this morning in this House because of the fact that what he talked about, sexual abuse, was the first thing that I acknowledged in my speaking notes this morning. It was the first thing I acknowledged, so he really should maybe take the test of learning to listen.

There are a lot of things that need to be consulted on when it comes to service dogs. There are things like: What happens when there are children in the class with severe allergies, when teachers have allergies or when there are phobias of dogs? They have to be serious concerns. What about if there’s a temp teacher, a spare—what do you—

Mr. Taras Natyshak: Supply.

Miss Monique Taylor: Supply, thank you—a supply teacher in the classroom? What happens then? How does that teacher know how to deal with the service dog? Who takes the dog out to go to the bathroom? Is it just the child that has the dog or is there a support person with the child that takes care of the dog? There are so many aspects of this. I just think, to get it right—

Interjection.

Miss Monique Taylor: I’m happy to speak to the member, but I really can’t hear her, as it’s my turn to stand and speak, and she didn’t take the opportunity to rebut when she had the opportunity. I would have loved to hear from her. I asked to hear from her, but she didn’t speak to me then.

It’s important that we get this right. I believe that she has good intentions. I know the work that she did with service dogs before coming here. I remember very clearly when she and Kenner were on the front lawn with their service dog, fighting over #AutismDoesntEndAt5, against the Liberals. That’s when I met the member.

Mr. Taras Natyshak: How far away—

Miss Monique Taylor: How things have changed.

But it’s important that we get it right. I’m happy to speak to the member off-line to hear how we can make sure that service dogs in this province are the right move.

The Deputy Speaker (Mr. Rick Nicholls): Further debate?

Mr. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: I’m honoured to rise here today and speak to this very important piece of legislation, the Safe and Supportive Classrooms Act, because it underlies how important this government believes education is, making sure that our classrooms are safe, making sure that education is a priority for this government, because that is exactly why we were elected: to ensure, whether it’s our education or whether it’s our health care, that we fix the broken system that the previous government left us after 15 years of waste, mismanagement and scandal.

This is a very important piece of legislation that is going to make some very important and substantive changes to the Ontario College of Teachers Act, the Early Childhood Educators Act, the Teaching Profession Act and also the Education Act.

I want to start by thanking the honourable Minister of Education for all the work that she put into this piece of legislation, and the member from Niagara West, who serves as her parliamentary assistant, for the great work that they have put into making this piece of legislation, bringing this piece of legislation forward and bringing this piece of legislation through committee and now for third reading, which I have an opportunity to speak to.

Education is of the utmost importance to people across this province and especially for a lot of my constituents in my riding of Brampton South, and I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, education is a top priority for our government. We campaigned on a promise to get the education system in Ontario back on track, and that is exactly what we are doing. As I canvass my riding and speak to my constituents, I have spoken with many parents in my riding who agree that changes are long overdue. I am proud to say that our government is taking action. We are making the necessary changes, and we will get our education system back on track.

Safety is one of the biggest concerns for parents and students across Ontario. Students should always feel safe and supported while they’re in our classrooms and getting an education. Students deserve, at the very least, a safe learning environment. This bill, if passed, will ensure safer and more supportive classrooms. It will do that by making it mandatory that the discipline committees of the Ontario College of Teachers and the College of Early Childhood Educators revoke an educator’s certificate for committing any act of sexual abuse of a student or child where the discipline committees of the colleges have found the educators guilty of such acts.

As a government, we have always put safety at the top of our priorities, and this bill is aimed at ensuring our students and children are learning in safe environments. Our government has zero tolerance for any form of sexual abuse. We are taking action to create a safe and supportive classroom for students in Ontario, and that starts with Bill 48.

We are also taking action to keep children safe by providing regulation-making authority for the Lieutenant Governor in Council to proscribe other acts of a sexual nature prohibited under the Criminal Code that would result in a mandatory revocation of an educator’s certificate.

Bill 48 will strengthen protections for students and children by expanding the definition of sexual abuse to include any proscribed act of a sexual nature prohibited under the Criminal Code of Canada. I think this is something we can all agree with.

In addition to this, Bill 48 will help to advance students’ mathematics skills by better preparing both students and also teachers. Math scores are going up in every single province except for Ontario. The stats provided by the EQAO have shown that our success numbers have decreased each year since 2013. And that, Mr. Speaker, is a shame. Over 51% of Ontario’s grade 6 students and 38% of grade 3 students failed to meet provincial standards in math in 2018. Let that sink in for a second: 50% of grade 6 students and 38% of grade 3 students failed to meet provincial standards. That is unacceptable, and that is why our government is taking action.

The EQAO data showed that 21% of students who met provincial standards in grade 3 failed to do so in grade 6. Parents are turning to private tutors and after-school classes to get the same math skills that these students should be getting in class. This is unacceptable. Students and parents in Ontario deserve better. The Minister of Education introduced Bill 48 with an emphasis to resolve this issue. The Safe and Supportive Classrooms Act would support teachers across Ontario to become even better prepared to teach the fundamentals of mathematics.

We want to make math the central focus of our education system, and by preparing our teachers in advance, we will ensure that our students are ready for the future. Our measures will help instill confidence in parents that Ontario continues to have one of the best education systems in the world.

I also want to recognize the MPP for Kitchener South–Hespeler, who has played a great role in this piece of legislation, and all that she has done for service dog animals and making our classrooms much more supportive, because it is so important that we support our students in every way possible.

With that, Mr. Speaker, recognizing the importance of this piece of legislation, recognizing that one of this government’s top priorities is making sure education is at the top of the list, making sure that our students are better prepared to face the world that they will go into, and are better prepared on their mathematics skills—that is of utmost importance to us. That is exactly what this piece of legislation is doing.

I would now like to move that, pursuant to standing order 48, the question be now put.

The Deputy Speaker (Mr. Rick Nicholls): Mr. Sarkaria has moved that the question be now put. I am satisfied that there has been sufficient debate to allow this question to be put to the House. Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? I heard a no.

All those in favour of the motion that the question be now put, please say “aye.”

All those opposed to the motion that the question be now put, please say “nay.”

In my opinion, the ayes have it.

A recorded vote being required, this vote will be deferred until after question period today.

Vote deferred.

The Deputy Speaker (Mr. Rick Nicholls): Orders of the day. I recognize the government House leader.

Hon. Todd Smith: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good morning to you. No further business at this time.

The Deputy Speaker (Mr. Rick Nicholls): There being no further business, this House will stand recessed until 10:30 this morning.

The House recessed from 0932 to 1030.

Introduction of Visitors

Mr. Gilles Bisson: We have a number of dentists and various people involved with dentistry from across Ontario, but I’d like to welcome my friend LouAnn, who’s here all the way from Timmins. We don’t share an office, but we’re in the same building.

Hon. Caroline Mulroney: It is my pleasure to welcome Ted Hunter, Brenda Hunter, Grace Petty, Marsilio Gobio, Alessandra Gobio, Dante Gobio, Rick Gobio and Delanah Gobio from Sutton, Ontario. They’re the family of our legislative page Julia, and they should be very proud of Julia. It is my honour to welcome them to the Ontario Legislature today.

Mr. Percy Hatfield: Speaker, good morning to you. I have three dentists from my area today for the dental lobby day, trying to convince the government to give them more money on the Healthy Smiles program. I have Charles Frank, Lesli Hapak and Edward Cervini. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’ll remind members to keep their introductions brief, and with no political statements or commentary.

Mr. John Fraser: I would like to welcome our friend and colleague Laura Albanese, the former member for York South–Weston, here with us today. I would like to welcome her to the Legislature.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I too would like to welcome Laura Albanese to the Legislature. She served in the 39th, 40th and 41st Parliaments, representing the riding of York South–Weston. Once again, on behalf of the whole Legislature, welcome back.

Mrs. Gila Martow: I’m so excited to welcome Jim Jones, regional councillor for Markham, here. He’s somebody who really is very engaged and wants to see traffic and transit moving.

Ms. Sandy Shaw: Really, it is my absolute honour this morning to introduce students from St. Mary Catholic Secondary School in Hamilton, their principal and their proud parents. Mr. Speaker, these students have been heralded as heroes for safely bringing their school bus to a stop and offering first aid after their driver collapsed from a medical emergency—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’m sorry to interrupt the member. I would ask the House to come to order, and I would ask the member for Hamilton West–Ancaster–Dundas to start from the beginning again so that everyone—

Interjections.

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

The member for Hamilton West–Ancaster–Dundas.

Ms. Sandy Shaw: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

So it is with great pride that I introduce students, their principal, Mr. Daly, and parents from St. Mary Catholic Secondary School in Hamilton. Mr. Speaker, these students have been heralded as heroes for safely bringing their school bus to a stop and offering first aid to their driver after he collapsed from a medical emergency.

So let me read the names of these students. We have Aidan Gilmore, Logan McCorquodale, Rachel Watson, Keven Brennan and Kennedy Couture. Please join me in welcoming these incredible adults to the Legislature.

Applause.

Mr. Rick Nicholls: It’s my pleasure to introduce from the Ontario Dental Association, from the great riding of Chatham-Kent–Leamington, Dr. Arthur Worth, and from the other great riding of Dufferin–Caledon, Dr. Lisa Bentley, who practises in Mississauga. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Ms. Jennifer K. French: As I look over in the galleries, I see our friend Dustin Allen from Oshawa joining us at Queen’s Park. Welcome to Queen’s Park, Dustin.

Ms. Goldie Ghamari: I’d like to welcome, from the Ontario Dental Association, a good friend and colleague of mine from the riding of Carleton, Dr. Don Friedlander, as well as Dr. Grace Lee from the city of Ottawa.

Ms. Teresa J. Armstrong: I would also like to welcome a member from the Ontario Dental Association, a local doctor, Dr. Brock Nicolucci. Welcome to the Legislature.

Ms. Jill Dunlop: I would like to introduce two of my guests today: new town of Midland councillor Bill Gordon, and his wife, Donna. Thank you for being here this morning.

Mr. Chris Glover: I would like to welcome to the House today John Powell-New from my riding.

Mr. Stephen Crawford: I’m pleased to introduce a constituent of Oakville, the president of Aligned Capital and a great entrepreneur for our community, Chris Enright.

Ms. Judith Monteith-Farrell: I’d like to welcome Dr. Don Young, Dr. Judy McCartney and Dr. Jerry Smith to Queen’s Park today. They’re great dentists in Thunder Bay.

Mr. Rudy Cuzzetto: Today I’d like to introduce, from the Ontario Dental Association, from Mississauga–Lakeshore, Brian Tenaschuk.

Mr. Jamie West: Also from the Ontario Dental Association, I’d like to introduce, from downtown Sudbury, Dr. Roch St-Aubin.

Mr. Vijay Thanigasalam: I would like to welcome two dentists from Scarborough, Dr. Raffy Chouljian and Dr. Nick Sanci. Dr. Raffy is the chair of Brush-a-mania.

I also would like to welcome Daniel Koivisto, a student from the University of Toronto Scarborough campus. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Ms. Peggy Sattler: I am looking forward to meeting later today with Dr. Joe Armstrong, who is chief of dentistry at London Health Sciences Centre. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

I would also like to welcome my friend from London Amanda Stratton, who is also a former NDP candidate.

Mr. Joel Harden: It was my great pleasure to meet with the dentists this morning, in particular Dr. Don Friedlander, who has a practice only steps from my house, and Dr. Steven Fremeth, who I look forward to meeting with later today. Thank you for coming to Queen’s Park.

Mr. Sheref Sabawy: I would like to welcome 44 students from grade 5 from St. Rose of Lima school from the great riding of Mississauga–Erin Mills. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Also, I would like to welcome Dr. David Stevenson, the president and chair of the board of directors for the Ontario Dental Association. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

M me France Gélinas: J’aimerais souhaiter la bienvenue à mon dentiste favori, le D r Roch St-Aubin. Bienvenue à Queen’s Park.

Mr. Stephen Lecce: This morning I had a great meeting with representatives from the Ontario Dental Association. I want to welcome Dr. Mostyn, a phenomenal dentist from King-Vaughan, to the people’s House.

Mr. Paul Calandra: I’m delighted to welcome the parents of our page captain, Niko, today. George Diplas and Vicky Agelopolous are here. Their son is doing a great job. Congratulations.

Mr. Kaleed Rasheed: I would like to welcome this morning Dr. Lisa Bentley and Dr. Alyna Lin from Mississauga. Welcome to Queen’s Park. They are part of the Ontario Dental Association.

Mrs. Robin Martin: I see in the gallery my friend, a member of the Ontario Dental Association, Mr. Frank Bevilacqua, who is here. I want to greet him and welcome him to Queen’s Park.

Mr. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: I have the honour of introducing a good friend of mine and one of Canada’s finest entrepreneurs, Karan Walia, who is the CEO of Cluep. He just sold his company for $54 million.

Mrs. Belinda Karahalios: It’s my pleasure to introduce my friend Dr. Lisa Bentley to the House. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Mr. Jim McDonell: I’d like to welcome a dentist from my riding, Dr. Venelin Topouzov. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Ms. Jane McKenna: I just wanted to say, from the beautiful riding of Burlington, Dr. Larry Pedlar is here today. I want to thank him for my white teeth and my braces. Thanks so much.

Mr. Robert Bailey: I would like to welcome a good friend of mine, Dr. John Milne. He’s from the riding of Sarnia–Lambton, a long-time personal dentist. He’s here representing the Ontario Dental Association today.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Ottawa South on a point of order, I think.

Mr. John Fraser: A point of order. I am seeking unanimous consent so that the member from Thunder Bay–Superior North will take my position on the estimates committee and that I will take his position on the social policy committee.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member is seeking unanimous consent of the House to allow a switch on the committees, so as to allow him to take a position on the estimates committee and the member for Thunder Bay–Superior North to take a position on the social policy committee.

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I got it reversed? The reverse. It would be helpful to get this in writing. Agreed? I heard a no.

The member for Timmins on a point of order.

Mr. Gilles Bisson: Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to move a motion to reschedule the clause-by-clause consideration for Bill 74 so that members of the Standing Committee on Social Policy have time to adequately consider the close to 7,000 written submissions received prior to submitting amendments to the bill.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Timmins is seeking unanimous consent of the House to move a motion to reschedule the clause-by-clause consideration for Bill 74 so that members of the Standing Committee on Social Policy have time to adequately consider the close to 7,000 written submissions received prior to submitting amendments to the bill. Agreed? I heard some noes.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order. Opposition, come to order.

It is now time for question period.

Oral Questions

Health care

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Speaker, my question is to the Acting Premier. Yesterday, at committee, members heard from some of the thousands of Ontarians worried about the Ford government’s plans to create a mega-health bureaucracy and open the door to privatization. In his testimony, Michael Sherar, the president and CEO of Cancer Care Ontario, said that agency was not even consulted on the government’s legislation and that they first heard of the government’s plans through the media.

The government praised the work of Cancer Care Ontario. Why the heck were they not consulted, Speaker?

Hon. Victor Fedeli: Government House leader.

Hon. Todd Smith: Thanks to the member opposite for the question. Obviously, that individual the member opposite has referred to had the opportunity to appear at committee yesterday. We’ve had a couple of days of committee hearings at the social policy committee on the health care bill, Bill 74, which was brought forward.

I just want to add a little context here because what the House leader of the official opposition and what the leader of the official opposition have asked for this morning is for us to have 70,000 different people appear before committee. I just want to put that into perspective—70,000 people before committee. That’s what they’re looking at, Mr. Speaker. That would take us well over a year, to hear in person from all of those different people, many of them friends of the NDP who have filed these submissions in our inbox.

What we are doing is allowing anybody who wants to provide a written submission on the health care bill, we encourage them to do so, and the health ministry will consider—

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

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Well, Speaker, there the government goes, making stuff up again: 7,000 documents, at least, have been received by committee. They are not going to be able to be reviewed in time for clause-by-clause. That’s the way this government is shutting down the people of Ontario.

For weeks, the government has insisted that organizations like Cancer Care Ontario, for example, could be shut down itself without any disruption of services. In fact, the minister claimed yesterday that the new mega-agency would learn lessons from Cancer Care Ontario. Yet the organization was very clear yesterday: They first heard of the government’s plan when they read about it in the news. How can the government claim that they’re going to learn lessons from Cancer Care Ontario, Speaker, when they can’t even be bothered to consult with them on their plans in the first place?

Hon. Todd Smith: I know that the member opposite knows what happened on June 7 last year. After a lengthy campaign where the people of Ontario had the opportunity to choose for a plan that was focused on ending hallway health care in our hospitals, they chose the Ontario PC Party and our Premier, Doug Ford, to lead the way in clearing those backlogs to ensure that the patient care that people were receiving in Ontario was focused on the patient. They don’t want more logjams here at the Legislature, Mr. Speaker; they want action. They want to ensure that we are getting rid of hallway health care in Ontario.

Our Minister of Health, Christine Elliott, has done an outstanding job in putting together Bill 74, which is going to achieve exactly that.

If the member opposite wants to stand in her place and defend the local health integration networks, the LHINs, she can do that, Mr. Speaker, but we’re focused on ending hallway health care in Ontario.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Stop the clock. Before I ask the Leader of the Opposition to do her final supplementary, I will remind all members, as it is our convention, to refer to each other by our ministry names if applicable or our riding names, not our personal names.

Start the clock. Final supplementary.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: What they didn’t know is they were electing a government that thinks it’s all right to take away their voice and participation in their own democracy. That’s what they didn’t know, because that party over there didn’t tell them.

At every turn, this government has tried to shut people out. Hundreds of people were denied a chance to appear at the committee; we know that. Almost 1,600 people: 1,594 people denied a spot at committee. The minister insisted they can make written submissions the other day, but thousands of people who took the minister at her word are now learning that the government won’t even give the committee time to read through those submissions before ramming through their changes.

Will this government stop plowing ahead with their mega-bureaucracy health privatization bill and take the time to see and hear the literally thousands of Ontarians who have serious concerns with their health care schemes?

Interjections.

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

Government House leader to reply.

Hon. Todd Smith: Our government for the people committed during the election campaign that we would end hallway health care in Ontario, and we’re fully committed to following through on that promise.

There were 1,500 requests to appear at committee. Do you know how long it would take us to get through that process of hearing from them directly? It would take us 50 weeks. It would take us a full year of inaction on this front. If the NDP want to continue to support the status quo or the Liberal policies of the past, they’re entitled to do that, but we’re not going to do that on this side of the House, Mr. Speaker. We’re acting to end hallway health care in Ontario.

Of the 7,000 that were written to us, the vast majority of these written submissions came from an NDP, union-led write-in campaign. These are their friends trying to block our transformative change in the health care sector that is going to ensure that we end hallway health care and have a patient-centred approach to delivering health care in Ontario.

Education funding

Ms. Andrea Horwath: My next question is to the Minister of Education, but I would have to say that people think that good government means you listen to folks and you have a democracy. I don’t think that’s what we have in this government, and it’s very, very disappointing to many, many, many Ontarians.

Tomorrow, thousands of students will be walking out of classes in public schools across Ontario. They’re taking this dramatic step for one simple reason: They feel their education and their future is at risk. Can the minister explain to students and to young people across Ontario why the Ford government thinks education cuts that will mean larger classrooms, massive teacher layoffs, elimination of arts and music programs and elimination of tech and trade programs make students more resilient?

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: What I would like to reply back to the Leader of the Opposition is that she is wrong, wrong, wrong and wrong again, with all the fearmongering and all of the assertions that she and her supporters are trying to make the students embrace.

Do you know what I think is really shameful? The fact that we should be celebrating is the fact that we had 72,000 students, parents, teachers and concerned citizens participate in the largest consultation in the education history of Ontario. The fact of the matter is, that is the proper forum to have their voices heard.

We are continuing the consultation right now, through to May 31. I encourage all teachers, all students, all parents and school boards to make sure that they embrace the opportunity to have their voices properly heard in the current consultation that we have going through to May 31.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: It is the minister who is wrong, wrong, wrong. It’s not just students sounding the alarm bell; school boards are echoing their concerns.

In Hastings and Prince Edward County, the board wrote the minister to say, “We are particularly alarmed by changes to class sizes in elementary and secondary schools.”

The chair of the Toronto District School Board wrote to express her “deep concern” about the “magnitude of permanent teacher reductions.”

They’re pretty clear. These changes will not make kids more resilient; these changes will damage their education and shortchange their future. Why is the minister not listening?

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: Speaker, what I can say is, the drama classes that the Leader of the Opposition has enrolled in are maybe paying off, because the fact of the matter is, it’s the PC government of Ontario that’s standing up for students. We’re listening to parents, and we’re standing up with teachers as well.

But with regard to tomorrow, Speaker, I want to be very serious here. We need to make sure that school boards, as well as teachers, understand the responsibility they have to parents to make sure whatever happens tomorrow, they keep their students safe. Classrooms should be a place for learning, not for pushing ideologies and nonsense and fearmongering.

Again, I would like to invite all students and parents and teachers to engage with me in the proper manner. We have a consultation open right now until May 31. I welcome your input.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Stop the clock. Members take their seats. Order.

Start the clock. Final supplementary.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Apparently, the minister hasn’t bothered to read the letters, so I’m going to send them over, by page Mirren, so she can actually look at what the real facts are in terms of the damage that her changes to education are going to do.

Parents are also standing with their children as they stand up for their education. One school advisory council put it well in a letter to the minister: “Your government ran on the platform ‘For the People.’ However, by targeting public education to balance the budget, you have shown us that young people are not included in the ‘people’ for whom your government claims to be working.”

The Ford government claims they’re making students resilient. Really, they are leaving our kids behind—again, another Conservative government making changes to education that leave our kids behind. They did damage last time they were in government; they’re doing the same damage again.

Will this minister listen to the thousands of young people protesting tomorrow and stop her plans for the cuts in the classroom?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Stop the clock.

We’re just over 10 minutes into question period. That means we’ve got 50 minutes to go. I could barely hear the Leader of the Opposition’s question. I have to be able to hear the Leader of the Opposition’s question. I would ask members on both sides of the House to come to order and allow us to be able to hear each other as we debate these important issues.

Start the clock. The minister to reply.

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: Thank you, Speaker.

I want to remind everybody watching and in the House today that it’s the party opposite—the opposition party—who, 97% of the time, propped up a Liberal administration that absolutely put the education system in Ontario into chaos. That party, across the hall from me, failed our students.

So, what are we targeting? We’re targeting the messages that we heard from parents loud and clear. We’re targeting getting back to the basics. We’re targeting fundamentals. We’re looking at math. We’re looking at science. We’re looking at technology. We’re embracing technology for good. And guess what, Speaker? Employers and parents and students and teachers are embracing that because we’re investing in job skills, we’re investing in life skills; we’re investing not only in our students but our teachers, as well. Later today, I’ll never be so proud as when we see Bill 48, the Safe and Supportive Classrooms Act, become law.

Education funding

Ms. Laura Mae Lindo: My question is to the Minister of Education. Speaker, the Upper Grand District School Board has issued layoff notices to 54 elementary school teachers due to a loss of funding and programming. This is what the Ford government’s attack on education in Ontario has done. There will be fewer adults in our schools and students will no longer have access to the educational programs that they once enjoyed.

The Ford government’s Education that Works for You scheme is a farce. Since it’s not working for the students and it’s not working for the teachers, who was this plan really designed to work for?

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: I’m really glad to have another opportunity to stand in this House and to actually remind everybody in this House that what we’re hearing coming from school boards right now is normal, routine annual practice. If the member opposite actually spoke to any of her caucus members that used to be school board trustees, you would know full well that it is a normal, standard practice to issue notices in terms of the number of local factors that are happening, specifically school board to school board.

I might remind everybody that some of the first we heard of this was back on March 6, when Thames Valley District actually reported in the newspaper that they don’t anticipate any actual job losses, at the end of the day, after they issue surpluses “because of retirements, resignations and redeployment.” This is normal, annual, standard practice.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Ms. Laura Mae Lindo: School board officials for the Guelph region have said that the board is being made to operate with less provincial funding. The minister’s new education plan is dragging Ontario in the wrong direction. The Ford government’s cuts translate to thousands of fewer teachers, bigger class sizes, and less help for kids, particularly marginalized and underserved students. I’m talking about Black students, Indigenous students, queer students, students living with autism, and many other students who live on the margins.

Ontario has the opportunity to have a world-class public education system, but to do that we need to give our children more opportunities, not less. Speaker, when will this government stop cutting the budget on the backs of children and teachers?

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: Right back to the member opposite—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Members, please take your seats.

Minister, to reply.

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: Thank you, Speaker.

Right back to the member opposite: I would like to say, when is your party going to stop fearmongering once and for all? Clearly, that is all that they’re trying to foster on their side of the House. Quite frankly, I think it’s shameful because, again, if the member opposite actually was tuned into the media coverage of what was happening with the Upper Grand, she would have seen one of the leadership from the local organization saying that this is normal, ordinary, routine on an annual basis, and when all the chips fall after the surplus notices are given and all the resignations, redeployments and retirements fall into place, they’re hopeful that everybody will have a job.

Again, to the people watching, don’t let this opposition party fearmonger and cause you to stay away from the facts. The reality is, they’re doing nothing but fearmongering. What we’re hearing in the news today is routine, annual—

Interjections.

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

The next question?

Taxation

Mr. Toby Barrett: A question to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs: Speaker, as we all know, this past Monday, April 1, the job-killing, recession-causing federal carbon tax came into effect. Farmers in my riding have told me time and time again that this carbon tax is going to raise the cost of everything from field to fork. From farmers, to processors, to retailers, to consumers, this federal carbon tax is going to make it more expensive to grow the food we all enjoy and more expensive for consumers to buy that same food.

Can the minister explain to this House what this government is doing to oppose the federal carbon tax—the Trudeau carbon tax—and offer a real plan to fight climate change?

Hon. Ernie Hardeman: Thank you very much to the member from Haldimand–Norfolk. I recently had the opportunity to host the Premier and the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks in my riding to discuss the impacts of the federal carbon tax with the leaders of our agriculture community.

I’ve heard time and time again from our farmers and leaders in agribusiness that the federal carbon tax will stifle innovation and growth. It will cause a significant increase in costs, from heating fuels to transportation costs, from gasoline to diesel fuel.

Our government brought forward our made-in-Ontario plan that is focused on striking the right balance between a healthy economy and a healthy environment. Our plan will reduce waste and litter, give municipalities a say in the location of landfills and ensure we do our

part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This government has a plan to protect our environment and support our farmers without imposing a tax of any kind.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary.

Mr. Toby Barrett: This newly imposed federal carbon tax not only affects farmers, it will also affect seniors in the province of Ontario. Living on a fixed income, seniors need to make every dollar count, and the carbon tax threatens the day-to-day budget they try to stick to.

The Financial Accountability Office has confirmed the federal carbon tax will cost the average Ontario household an additional $648 a year by 2022. Our seniors have worked hard for decades. They deserve to enjoy a healthy and comfortable lifestyle. Our government is concerned that pressures caused by the federal carbon tax will have a negative impact on that quality of life that our seniors enjoy.

Hon. Raymond Sung Joon Cho: Mr. Speaker, through you: I’d like to thank the member for raising a great question.

Many seniors live on a fixed income. For them, every dollar counts. It’s not really fair to burden our seniors with an unnecessary tax. Now, seniors have to spend more for heating their homes, groceries and gas due to the federal carbon tax. This will have a negative impact on the quality of life of our seniors. That’s why I’m standing up to fight for our seniors.

Education funding

Mr. Gurratan Singh: My question is to the Minister of Education. In an open letter to the minister, the Peel District School Board expressed serious concerns about the government’s education changes because there will be more students in every classroom and fewer teachers in every school.

Students in Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon will have fewer options, including courses that expose students to the skilled trades, technology and recovery courses that help the most vulnerable students complete high school.

Why is this minister denying students in Brampton and Peel region the opportunity to learn new skills and graduate from high school?

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: When it comes to making sure that we make sure our students have the life skills and the job skills that parents, employers and students themselves are asking for, we’re getting it right.

We’ve landed in a really good place. We’ve gotten a wonderful response with regard to the financial literacy package we’re going to be focusing on. We’re getting it right with the math curriculum that we’ll be rolling out and phasing in over the next number of years. We’re getting it right when it comes to health and physical education.

Speaker, everything I announced in my plan, the vision that we have to make sure our students finally are back on a pathway to success, is going to show how education works for you and how education is going to work for students and also for teachers.

I might remind everybody in the House today that we first took immediate steps last summer by introducing Bill 48. I bring it up again because this is a piece of legislation that makes sense for every single one of us—

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

Mr. Gurratan Singh: Back to the minister: Brampton is one of the youngest and fastest-growing cities, and our schools are already chronically overcrowded. Our youth deserve to have quality education and smaller class sizes, but the Premier’s scheme to increase class sizes and cut 500 teaching jobs from the Peel region alone will take things from bad to worse.

Will the minister admit today that larger classes, fewer teachers and less opportunity for our students is not how you help kids become more resilient?

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: I will tell everybody in this House today that what doesn’t help students is the fearmongering we’re hearing from every single member of the opposition party. It’s absolutely disgusting. Because the fact of the matter is, Peel region, just like every other school board district in this province, matters. They’re going to be working with us to get it right. People are finally having hope, because the fact of the matter is, through our consultation, we’ve listened.

Again, the health and physical education curriculum: We’ve listened and we’ve got that right as well. We’ve listened to employers and we’re going to be talking about job skills and life skills. When we talk about STEM, that’s going to be the focus of our fundamentals that our students require going forward to address the jobs of today and tomorrow. We’re going to make sure they have a balanced curriculum so that they can enjoy school and they have programming and curriculum that matters to them. But most of all, they’ll be employable and—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you. Next question?

Transportation infrastructure

Ms. Andrea Khanjin: My question is for the great minister who keeps building up success, the Minister of Infrastructure. Congestion on our roads has real costs to both people and our economy. People stuck in gridlock are trying to get to work on time, trying to get to soccer practice or home to their families. It’s frustrating and it’s stressful, and it costs the average person $273 per week. There are also economic costs. If it takes longer to deliver goods and services, it slows down businesses.

Our government, however, for the people wants to grow success, wants to grow the economy, and we want to send a clear message that we are open for business. We are committed to making the future easier for hard-working families in Ontario.

Can the minister please tell us about the $1.62-billion transformational investment for commuters like those in Barrie–Innisfil and outside the GTA?

Hon. Monte McNaughton: Thank you to the great member for Barrie–Innisfil for that question this morning.

Mr. Speaker, I was pleased, on March 26, to join the Minister of Transportation and our Peterborough and area MPPs Dave Smith and David Piccini to announce how our government is investing in smart infrastructure to create jobs and grow Ontario’s economy.

We announced the opening of the public transit stream of the Investing in Canada infrastructure program. This intake will unlock up to $1.62 billion in federal and provincial funding for public transit projects outside of the GTHA.

Mr. Speaker, I have great news to share. Yesterday we began accepting proposals. The 85 eligible municipalities now have eight weeks to submit their projects. This investment will enhance and increase local transit options. This investment will create and sustain good jobs across Ontario. This is, again, our commitment to ensure that Ontario is open for jobs.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Ms. Andrea Khanjin: Thank you to the Minister of Infrastructure for that great response and getting healthy competition amongst our municipalities. I am so pleased to see our government for the people investing in transportation networks to get people moving here in Ontario.

It’s important that we are supporting municipalities by providing predictable and secure funding that addresses local needs. Our highways, roads and bridges are vital infrastructure that we must maintain to keep people moving and allowing them to get from point A to B as efficiently and quickly as possible.

I know my community of Barrie–Innisfil was very pleased to hear the funding announcement. Our government for the people is delivering on our promises to get people moving faster through new infrastructure funding that will keep and make our province open for business and open for jobs.

Can the Minister of Transportation tell us more about this excellent program?

Hon. Monte McNaughton: To the Minister of Transportation.

Hon. Jeff Yurek: Thanks to the member from Barrie–Innisfil and the great Minister of Infrastructure, Monte McNaughton, for that question.

Speaker, I come from the great riding of Elgin–Middlesex–London, and I truly understand the needs of transportation and infrastructure throughout rural ridings in this province, particularly in my own. The people of Ontario, especially those in my neck of the woods and northern Ontario, depend on our roads, highways and bridges to take them to work, take them home, take them to see their friends, take them to participate in everyday life.

I was pleased to join the Minister of Infrastructure to announce the opening of the public transit stream of the Investing in Canada infrastructure program. Municipalities can easily apply for the ICIP funding streams using the Grants Ontario website, a one-stop-window source for the entire process.

Our government for the people is committed to get the people of this province moving. I can surely know that my municipalities and the municipalities throughout this province are in desperate need of support, and our government is going to deliver that.

Licence plates

Mr. Taras Natyshak: My question is to the Acting Premier. Yesterday, the Ford government admitted that their plan to slap their “Open for Business” campaign slogan on Ontario licence plates is purely political. The Premier admitted that his goal is to have the taxpayers of Ontario foot the bill so that he can promote himself and his party on private licence plates.

Speaker, my question is pretty simple. Will the Acting Premier or the Premier be declaring the costs of thousands of new licence plates as a campaign expense with Elections Ontario?

Hon. Victor Fedeli: Government and Consumer Services.

Interjections.

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

Hon. Bill Walker: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, for the question. To the member from across the floor: I can tell you that there actually has been a lot of discussion about what we should be doing after following 15 years of disastrous Liberal mismanagement for our province. I can tell you that we are looking at a new slogan.

But despite speculation, passenger licence plates will not feature the slogans “Open for Business” or “For the People.” Despite the NDP fearmongering on almost every topic in this House, there is no truth to that whatsoever. People are either misinformed or they’re lying, Speaker.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’m going to ask the member to withdraw his unparliamentary remark.

Hon. Bill Walker: Withdraw, Speaker.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): He can conclude his remarks.

Hon. Bill Walker: Passenger and commercial plates will not have the same slogans.

But I can tell you, we are excited about what we’re doing for the people of Ontario. We’re turning this province around, and we will be announcing with great excitement in the coming weeks what we will be doing on behalf of the people of Ontario. We are very excited. We’re very confident and—

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

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order.

Supplementary.

Mr. Taras Natyshak: Speaker, I’ll forgive the minister for being confused about the Premier’s policy on this, but people outside of this building have a different perspective. If the Premier is interested in better suggestions, the people across Ontario have been putting their ideas forward. There’s “Ontario: Race to the Bottom”, “Ontario: Yours to Recover,” and, Speaker, my personal favourite, “Ontario: Clap or Else.”

Thousands of people are also calling on this government to abandon the wasteful exercise in self-promotion. Why is this Premier so determined to use every licence plate in Ontario to promote himself and his cheesy campaign slogans?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Members, please take your seats.

Interjections.

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

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The House will come to order. The government side will come to order. The opposition side will come to order. The member for Essex will come to order. The Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry will come to order.

Restart the clock, and I can hear the minister’s reply now.

Hon. Bill Walker: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. What I can tell you is, if it were the NDP in power, probably “closed for business” would be the slogan.

If we want to talk slogans, maybe we’ll come back to my riding and we’ll say, without a shadow of a doubt, we will continue to do things that the people of Ontario want. We want to turn this province around. We want to make sure people are proud to be Ontarians.

We will not be sending 350,000 manufacturing jobs out of our province like the Liberals did. We will not be closing down businesses in all of our small, rural and our large urban cities, like happened under that government. And we will not be supporting a continuation of how the Liberals mismanaged this whole province, Mr. Speaker.

We will definitely bring things in that are going to make people proud to be Ontarians. We want people to step up and see that we have a government and a Premier who are here, and he is focused on turning around lives, ending hallway health care, and making sure we have better opportunities for our kids in the future and an education system that we’re all proud of here in Ontario.

Autism treatment

Mrs. Marie-France Lalonde: Ma question est pour la ministre des Services à l’enfance et des Services sociaux et communautaires.

Since the government’s announcement of the new Ontario Autism Program, children, parents, front-line workers and organizations have been in a state of complete chaos. Mr. Speaker, I really hope that the minister won’t do her always-the-same tired political spin with her answer. I really don’t want to hear today again about the fact that they’ll reduce the wait-lists, or they’ll eliminate the income test, or that they’re doubling the investment in diagnostic hubs, or that they are listening to parents by actually providing OT and speech therapy, or that the existing programs of the children who are receiving the proper services were extended by six months.

Minister, what I want to know, and what I think everyone in Ontario wants to know, is, what are you actually doing? No more political spin. No one actually knows what you’re doing. Mr. Speaker, my question is simple: What is the minister actually doing to help the day-to-day lives of parents of children with autism?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Before I ask the minister to reply, I’m going to remind the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry once again that he has to come to order. The member for Kitchener–Conestoga has to come to order.

The Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.

Hon. Lisa MacLeod: I want to thank the honourable member for her question. I think it was a really important question to ask.

Here’s what we’re doing. We went to Treasury Board. We were able to get $102 million to keep the current program moving. We invested $321 million in February, and we’re investing an additional $300 million to double the funding to support all children with autism in the province of Ontario.

We have invested into diagnostic hubs by doubling those, and those wait-lists will start to be cleared this month. There are 2,400 children that are on that list.

There are 23,000 children waiting for service from their Ontario government. That’s why we’re going to a childhood budget. We’re going to be offering those children a lot of choice in what types of services they get.

We’ve also said that we’re going to bring forward a massive consultation process as of May 1. We would encourage members opposite to be part of this process with us. We’re going to be ensuring that there are parents involved, clinicians involved, and many other people. We’re also going to extend an invitation to members opposite to host round tables. We hope that they take us up on that offer.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary.

Mrs. Marie-France Lalonde: I want to say thank you to the minister for having missed some of the all-political-spin talking points that she has said for a very long time now.

I want to say that I’m taking the honourable member to heart, because I have actually two consultations in Orléans, on May 6 and May 16, to discuss the consultation.

I think parents still have questions, and that’s what I’m asking the minister today. They’re wondering why we haven’t started the consultation. Members of this House are probably all wondering why the consultation did not start first, before doing this wonderful approach of chaos to those parents.

I’m going to ask, on behalf of all the parents here: Why? I’m going to ask. Hopefully I’ll get an answer.

My question is—and I hope you answer, Minister—when families who have been thrown off the wait-lists will be starting to receive funds. I’m going to ask the minister how families—

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

The minister to reply.

Hon. Lisa MacLeod: I’m proud that this government started consultations as early as June last year, when we were first elected and when I was first appointed. We had over a dozen round tables led by my parliamentary assistant, Amy Fee.

But let me be perfectly clear: With the additional $300 million that we were able to secure thanks to the flexibility of Premier Ford, we are going out for a needs-based assessment tool and we are going to be consulting. As of May 1, there will be an online survey at ontario.ca/autism. I hope all Ontario parents take

part in that.

The second thing that we’re going to do is to have telephone town halls right across the province in the month of May. The third thing that we’re going to do is to ensure that every single MPP who wants to have a round table has an ability to provide support to their constituents and then fill that information in to my ministry.

Fifth—this is one I’m very proud of, and this is what everyone’s talking about—is the fact that this ministry, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, for the first time ever, are doing wraparound supports. We are going to leverage all resources for children with autism in the—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Stop the clock.

Start the clock. Next question.

Government services

Mr. Sheref Sabawy: My question is for the Minister of Government and Consumer Services. Minister, many members of this chamber have heard concerns about the long and bureaucratic processes required to access government services. Whether it is paper-based processes for businesses and citizens or delay with birth registration, we all know the frustration delays can cause our constituents.

The issue I raise again and again is that the problem lies with outdated processes causing long waits and delays. I know this is an issue the minister is well aware of and one he understands needs to be fixed.

Ontarians can do everything else online, from buying groceries and gifts to paying their hydro bills and mortgages. Mr. Speaker, can the minister share with the assembly our commitment to improving the quality of service delivery to Ontarians?

Hon. Bill Walker: I want to thank the honourable member from Mississauga–Erin Mills, Mr. Sabawy, for the great job he does for his constituents. I want to assure him, his constituents and everyone listening that we take this issue very seriously.

Ontarians are used to banking online at any hour of the day. We’re used to shopping online and having purchases delivered right to our doors. The people of Ontario have choice and flexibility in nearly everything but government services.

For 15 years, the previous Liberal government refused to change out-of-date, overly bureaucratic processes that reduced the quality of service provided to the people of Ontario. The fact is that there are currently dozens of provincial laws governing multiple ministries, forcing them to rely on outdated and inefficient processing methods like fax machines and snail mail. I firmly believe we can and we must do better.

Mr. Speaker, I can say to the member that our government is committed to delivering a plan for simpler, faster, better services for the people of Ontario, and we will implement that at every opportunity.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Mr. Sheref Sabawy: I am very happy to hear that the minister and government continue to correct the mistakes of the past 15 years of Liberal rule and are bringing Ontario into the 21st century.

One issue I have heard recently from my constituents is a delay in receiving birth registrations for their newborns. As I’m sure the minister is aware, without having a birth registered, there are a number of federal and provincial programs that new parents cannot sign up for, delaying the process of getting their and their infant’s life in order.

The private sector long ago reacted to the customers’ demands and made shopping, banking and practically everything we do easier to do and accessible online. Mr. Speaker, to the minister: What processes is he putting in place to correct outdated Liberal practices in order to solve those delays?

Hon. Bill Walker: Again to the honourable member: Thank you for the question.

It is no secret that ServiceOntario is currently experiencing longer-than-normal processing times. A couple of weeks ago, I visited the Office of the Registrar General in Thunder Bay. The staff there, as well as across Ontario, are hard-working and dedicated to serving the people of Ontario, but sadly, in many cases they’re working with outdated processes. Right now, if parents make a mistake, even a minor typo on a birth registration form for their newborn baby, manual intervention is needed to fix the problem, delaying the processing time.

We need to rethink these outdated rules and processes. We need to engage in digital solutions to make life easier and more convenient for the people of Ontario and to modernize our government. Above all, we need to put the people back at the centre of everything government does. This, Mr. Speaker, is something that I am committed to.

Consumer protection

Mr. Peter Tabuns: To the Acting Premier: Global News is reporting on the abusive practices of Wyse Meter, a company that meters individual apartments. Brock University students were billed double for the power they were using in their unit. Yesterday, we found out that in Oshawa, Wyse was charging tenants for power from a sub-meter when Wyse had not installed any such meter for that unit. The individual apartment metering business is the Wild West, but Bill 66 eliminated the protection that tenants need from predatory private energy metering companies.

Why did the government decide to not protect tenants from these predatory companies?

Hon. Victor Fedeli: Minister of Natural Resources.

Hon. John Yakabuski: I want to thank the member for the question.

Speaker, in the dying days of the previous government, the Wynne Liberals made a misguided commitment that would have raised electricity bills for low-income tenants: Rate-regulating unit sub-metering companies would have increased hydro bills for low-income tenants. This is unacceptable to our government. Consumers are protected from price gouging through competition. We know this because unit sub-metering companies often offer metering services at lower costs than local utilities.

There are several measures in place that protect low-income customers. Unit sub-metering companies must still be licensed under the OEB and must comply with consumer services rules as set out by the OEB. We know that these protections are working because, out of 326,000 sub-metering customers, only 95 complaints were made to the OEB in 2018.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary? The member for Oshawa.

Ms. Jennifer K. French: Again to the Acting Premier: My constituents in Oshawa deserve protection from predatory energy metering companies like Wyse Meter Solutions. The Global News story made it clear students were charged at least double their actual consumption of electricity by a company that had not even installed meters. Students, families and the programs meant to help people need protection from predatory companies. This government stripped them of that protection—specifically, on purpose—in Bill 66.

Why did this government knowingly open the door to corporate greed and cancel laws that are supposed to protect people from predatory billing?

Hon. John Yakabuski: To the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

Hon. Todd Smith: We’re ecstatic about the passage of Bill 66 yesterday, the Restoring Ontario’s Competitiveness Act, which reduces red tape across a number of different industries, which is going to make Ontario open for business.

I can tell you that when we introduced Bill 66 on the last day of the Legislature before Christmas, the opposition members had all kinds of opportunity to opine on the contents of Bill 66. They had the opportunity to protest some things. They had the opportunity to start petitions.

When the bill actually went to committee, our members were there and we actually put forward a couple of very friendly amendments to change the bill to make it work better for the people of Ontario. Do you know what the members of the NDP did when it went to committee, Mr. Speaker? Absolutely nothing. Zero. They stand here today on their feet and they complain about it after the fact. Mr. Speaker, they had no amendments.

If we had an NDP licence plate in Ontario it would simply say, “Ontario: No Darn Plan.”

Education

Ms. Donna Skelly: My question is for the Minister of Education. Like many Ontarians, I was really pleased when the minister introduced Bill 48 to ensure that our classrooms are, once again, safe and supportive communities. Our schools are the place where our children grow and learn. In my riding of Flamborough–Glanbrook, and for students right across Ontario, the passage of this legislation means an education that works for all students.

Can the Minister of Education tell us what our government is doing to ensure that all students in Ontario are receiving a meaningful education?

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: Thank you so much to the member from Flamborough–Glanbrook. You do a great job representing your constituents, and I really appreciate working with you as well.

Speaker, I’m also pleased to be able to stand up and speak to the safe and supportive classrooms that are going to succeed through the passage of this act later this morning. It’s our responsibility to stand up for students and begin to make sure that they have a safe environment in which to learn.

With this legislation, we are creating an atmosphere that allows our students to feel safe, to learn and to grow. Our government will not tolerate the abuse of our students and children. This legislation makes it very clear, Speaker, that any educator found guilty of any sexual abuse will lose their licence. This is an area that we simply cannot tolerate. This is an area that does not allow for second chances.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Ms. Donna Skelly: Back to the Minister of Education: Minister, I am so pleased to hear you mention how we are going to be ensuring that our classrooms are once again safe and supportive environments. It’s refreshing to hear we finally have a government that puts students first.

I know that we are supporting our students in the classroom, but can the minister tell me more about what the government will do to help our teachers provide our students with a quality education?

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: Thank you very much for that. It’s a pleasure to stand up and talk about the fact that in order to make sure we support our students, we also need to be supporting our teachers. This government of Ontario, the PC government of Ontario, is doing just that.

In Bill 48, we propose that we’re going to be supporting teachers by helping them be better prepared to teach the fundamentals of math. By making math content knowledge tests a requirement for certification with the Ontario College of Teachers, we’re going to ensure that all of our new teachers are entering the classroom with a strong foundation in math. We’re going to be supporting our teachers already in the classroom, as well.

It’s important that there is confidence in the classroom, and that is what our plan for education in Ontario is going to do, Speaker. This is going to give parents the confidence that our government and our educators are working together to ensure Ontario continues to have one of the best education systems in the world.

Services for persons with disabilities

Miss Monique Taylor: My question is for the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. For weeks now, I’ve been hearing from anxious parents about Special Services at Home funding. SSAH helps families support their children with physical and developmental disabilities. Usually families get their funding notice in March—last week—but this year staff are saying that funding has been frozen until the budget is released on April 11. That’s next week. The ministry won’t share any more information other than that.

Families have lost services and are afraid that cuts are coming. Parents are not able to plan and feel that they are being targeted. Will the minister tell us why the government is leaving families and their vulnerable children in the dark?

Hon. Lisa MacLeod: Thank you for the question. Special Services at Home is a very important program throughout our ministry. I can assure the member opposite that we have a budget process. The budget will be announced on the 11th of April, as the member opposite knows and as Ontarians know, because the finance minister publicly indicated that.

But let me assure the member, with respect to Special Services at Home, I have not sought to reduce, nor will I be reducing, Special Services at Home, and it would be irresponsible for the member opposite to continue to fearmonger.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Miss Monique Taylor: Parents are asking for these questions, Minister, so it’s not about me fearmongering. You need to do your job and educate the people of this province.

Families know this government has a cruel track record on supporting vulnerable children. First, they abolished the child advocate, then they introduced a bad autism program—which she has still yet to acknowledge was bad or apologize for. And now parents are afraid of what they’ll do to Special Services at Home.

Parents have received no information except that funding is frozen until the budget is released. Parents need to plan for their child’s care and their own finances. Is the government cutting this program? If not, will the minister please provide parents the information they need to be able to plan their lives?

Interjections.

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

Hon. Lisa MacLeod: Speaker, I answered that question when she first asked it. I am not reducing funding for the Special Services at Home program, period. I was very clear with that after the first question. Families currently receiving support through the program will be notified of their 2019-20 funding allocations after the finance minister tables his first budget. He was very clear about that.

Our government for the people is committed to providing support to families living with developmental and/or physical disabilities. The Special Services at Home program helps families care for children living with developmental disabilities or physical disabilities by helping children learn new skills and abilities and purchasing services that help the families.

But if we want to talk a little bit about the autism program, here’s an email that I just received: “Premier Ford, I’m writing to commend you for authorizing the increased funding and the enhanced supports for the Ontario Autism Program. I would also like to commend Minister MacLeod for her leadership and her”—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Hamilton Mountain has to come to order. The member for Waterloo has to come to order.

Next question.

Transportation infrastructure

Mr. Daryl Kramp: My question today is to the Minister of Transportation, a minister who is finally getting Ontario moving once again.

I was pleased to see the Minister of Finance make an exciting announcement last week in his community. Our government for the people is committed to getting the people of Ontario moving and ensuring all of Ontario is open for business and open for jobs. Our roads, our bridges, our transit networks are vital to the quality of life in this province and to all of the local economies. We’re committed to making it easier for families to get from point A to point B, whether it’s on the daily commute, getting to medical treatments or getting home to spend some time with family, friends and loved ones.

Mr. Speaker, can our Minister of Transportation share with this Legislature the exciting news that was delivered to the community of North Bay last week?

Hon. Jeff Yurek: I thank the member from Hastings–Lennox and Addington. He’s one of the best caucus chairs we’ve had as a government.

Mr. Speaker, last week the Minister of Finance announced a great announcement in North Bay. Our government for the people announced that we’re partnering with the Nipissing First Nation to replace the Duchesnay Creek Bridge on Highway 17B. This estimated $12-million project will include one kilometre of paving, replacement of the bridge and the removal of the abandoned CN railway bridge. We will get this job done through a limited partnership between Nipissing First Nation and Miller Paving company, who created a company where the First Nation will be the majority owner. It’s great news, Mr. Speaker.

Through this partnership, Ontario will be able to provide jobs, skills and economic development for Nipissing First Nation while building infrastructure that benefits everyone in the community. I’m very pleased with this partnership. I’m so thankful to the Minister of Finance to be able to announce it. Again, thank you, caucus chair, for being a great champion.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary.

Mr. Daryl Kramp: Thank you, Minister. I’m certainly pleased to hear that you and our government for the people are partnering with the Nipissing First Nation to replace the Duchesnay Creek Bridge on Highway 17B. This partnership is just the latest example of strong co-operation between our government and Nipissing First Nation. This announcement is a very, very important example of how we can and do work together to realize the opportunities that are presented to us and exist.

It’s also yet another example too, though, that our government is committing to getting the people of Ontario moving and to improve and to provide a better transportation network across Ontario, but specifically in this case in the northern region. So that I know, Mr. Speaker, can the Minister of Finance directly engage and share with this Legislature more details on this partnership and why it was so important for his community in North Bay?

Hon. Jeff Yurek: Minister of Finance.

Hon. Victor Fedeli: Thank you to the member from Hastings–Lennox and Addington for the question. This project is the latest step in our government’s work to support Nipissing First Nation. Last fall, we announced $1 million for their business centre. Recently we announced a three-year renewal of the MOU with them to help the recovery of the walleye population in Lake Nipissing, and now our government is investing $12 million to replace the Duchesnay Creek Bridge, an invaluable economic link in my riding.

Here’s what Chief Scott McLeod had to say: that this “marks a significant change in the way of doing business and a real step forward towards reconciliation. This means real opportunities for our people—not just platitudes and promises.”

We will continue working together to ensure we make meaningful change in our northern communities.

Northern transportation

Mr. Guy Bourgouin: Ma question est pour le ministre des Transports. People throughout northeastern Ontario keep on wondering why this government simply doesn’t care about their well-being. There is a stark divide between the north and the south in our beautiful province, and this government does not seem to care. We need to bring northern Ontario up to par with the south for basic things like intercity transportation. The Northlander, the train that used to connect Cochrane to Toronto, could do exactly that. The train is a reliable, safe, accessible and environmentally conscious way to travel that could help bring prosperity to northeastern Ontario.

Minister, when will the government do right by northern Ontario and restore the Northlander?

Hon. Jeff Yurek: Thanks very much for that question. I do have to say that our government is caring for all people of the province. We look after the people in the south, in the east, northeast, northwest and in the GTHA. What we’re doing is building a regional transportation system down here, but at the same time we’re looking at how we can build and develop infrastructure and transportation to spur economic growth and give people more time with their families getting from point A to point B.

The Minister of Finance just had a great announcement in North Bay. I can tell you, from working with the Minister of Northern Development and Mines and the Minister of Finance, that we’re looking at how we can fix the transportation systems up in the north. Unfortunately, the previous government, supported by the NDP, got rid of the Northlander for the people of northern Ontario. We are going to look forward to seeing how we can improve transportation opportunities for the people of the north as well as southern Ontario.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary.

Mr. Guy Bourgouin: Let me make one thing clear: It was the Liberals who let us down first by shutting down the Northlander back in 2012; now this Conservative government is on track to do the same. It seems as if both Liberals and Conservatives have been trying to erase 100 years of train history in our beloved region. Liberal, Tory, same old story. Our people deserve so much better.

The government has made an announcement concerning transportation in southern Ontario. It is now time to focus on northern Ontario’s region. We can certainly do so if the Northlander is restored. Is the minister’s intention to give up on the seniors, students, medical patients, immigrants and families who could benefit from the restoration of a passenger route in northern Ontario?

Interjections.

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

Minister of Transportation to reply.

Hon. Jeff Yurek: Minister of Finance.

Hon. Victor Fedeli: I’ve got to tell you: I am absolutely shocked that you would even go down that path. That shutdown of the Northlander only happened because the NDP supported the Liberals on that. That’s the only reason why.

Let me tell you a little bit more, Speaker: When in power, the Ontario NDP reduced bus service from Timmins to Chapleau and Wawa; they docked the new ferry in Tobermory; they cut norOntair service from 21 to six communities; and they sold off Star Transfer, the trucking firm of the ONTC. That’s a heck of a legacy you’ve left.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Members will take their seats. Order. Government side, order. The clock is ticking, and it’s taking your time.

Maple syrup

Mr. Jim McDonell: My question is for the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. As winter fades away and the temperature slowly starts to increase, I want to draw everyone’s attention to a sticky situation: The annual maple syrup season has arrived.

Across the province, more than 3,000 farmers will participate in this annual ritual of tapping trees. Farmers from my riding are looking forward to gathering sap, tapping trees and boiling to make delicious maple syrup and creating some delicious maple products. Year after year, these farmers dedicate hours of care and dedication to preparing this tasty Canadian treat. As a child, I always remember it was a highlight as an end to a long, cold winter.

But the benefits of maple syrup go far beyond the kitchen table. Could the minister please tell the House about this positive impact on the economy of Ontario?

Hon. Ernie Hardeman: I want to thank the member from Stormont–Dundas–South Glengarry for his sweet question. Without sugar-coating it, maple syrup production in our province has a long and storied history, with traditions proudly passed on from one generation to another. Farmers spend months preparing for harvest season. This dedication is clearly seen in the fact that it takes 40 litres to 45 litres of maple sap to make just one litre of maple syrup.

This weekend’s annual maple syrup weekend provides an excellent opportunity for Ontarians across the province to learn more about maple syrup making first-hand. Hosted by the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association, maple syrup farmers across the province will welcome their neighbours onto their farms. The Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association encourages everyone to develop a relationship with a producer, check out their local farm and buy local.

I highly recommend your personal favourite producer, mine being Jakeman’s Maple Products located in the great riding of Oxford. Each year I have the pleasure of enjoying their maple syrup—

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

Visitors

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I recognize the Minister of Education on a point of order.

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: It’s my pleasure, just ahead of the vote that we’re about to participate in, to introduce the best ministerial team this province has. My team from EDU is here. Thank you so much for all the work you do day in and day out.

Committee membership

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Point of order: The member for Ottawa South.

Mr. John Fraser: Speaker, I think you will find that we have unanimous consent for the member from Thunder Bay–Superior North to take my spot on estimates and for me to take his spot on the social policy committee.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Ottawa South is seeking unanimous consent that the member for Thunder Bay–Superior North replace the member for Ottawa South on the Standing Committee on Estimates and that the member for Ottawa South replace the member for Thunder Bay–Superior North on the Standing Committee on Social Policy. I hope I got it right this time.

Agreed? Agreed.

Deferred Votes

Safe and Supportive Classrooms Act, 2019 / Loi de 2019 pour des écoles sûres et axées sur le soutien

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

Bill 48,

An Act to amend various Acts in relation to education and child care / Projet de loi 48, Loi modifiant diverses lois en ce qui concerne l’éducation et la garde d’enfants.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): We have a deferred vote on a motion for closure on the motion for third reading of Bill 48,

An Act to amend various Acts in relation to education and child care.

Call in the members. This is a five-minute bell.

The division bells rang from 1148 to 1153.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The doors are closed. I would ask members to please take their seats. Are we ready to vote?

On March 6, 2019, Mr. Clark moved third reading of Bill 48,

An Act to amend various Acts in relation to education and child care.

Mr. Sarkaria has moved that the question now be put.

All those in favour of Mr. Sarkaria’s motion will please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.

Ayes

Anand, Deepak

Baber, Roman

Babikian, Aris

Bailey, Robert

Barrett, Toby

Bethlenfalvy, Peter

Bouma, Will

Calandra, Paul

Cho, Raymond Sung Joon

Clark, Steve

Coe, Lorne

Crawford, Stephen

Cuzzetto, Rudy

Downey, Doug

Dunlop, Jill

Elliott, Christine

Fedeli, Victor

Fee, Amy

Ghamari, Goldie

Gill, Parm

Hardeman, Ernie

Harris, Mike

Hogarth, Christine

Kanapathi, Logan

Karahalios, Belinda

Ke, Vincent

Khanjin, Andrea

Kramp, Daryl

Kusendova, Natalia

Lecce, Stephen

MacLeod, Lisa

Martin, Robin

Martow, Gila

McDonell, Jim

McKenna, Jane

McNaughton, Monte

Mulroney, Caroline

Nicholls, Rick

Pang, Billy

Park, Lindsey

Parsa, Michael

Pettapiece, Randy

Phillips, Rod

Piccini, David

Rasheed, Kaleed

Romano, Ross

Sabawy, Sheref

Sandhu, Amarjot

Sarkaria, Prabmeet Singh

Scott, Laurie

Skelly, Donna

Smith, Dave

Smith, Todd

Tangri, Nina

Thanigasalam, Vijay

Thompson, Lisa M.

Tibollo, Michael A.

Triantafilopoulos, Effie J.

Wai, Daisy

Walker, Bill

Yakabuski, John

Yurek, Jeff

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): All those opposed to Mr. Sarkaria’s motion will please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.

Nays

Andrew, Jill

Armstrong, Teresa J.

Bell, Jessica

Berns-McGown, Rima

Bisson, Gilles

Bourgouin, Guy

Burch, Jeff

Fife, Catherine

Fraser, John

French, Jennifer K.

Gates, Wayne

Gélinas, France

Glover, Chris

Gravelle, Michael

Gretzky, Lisa

Harden, Joel

Hassan, Faisal

Hatfield, Percy

Horwath, Andrea

Karpoche, Bhutila

Kernaghan, Terence

Lindo, Laura Mae

Mamakwa, Sol

Mantha, Michael

Miller, Paul

Monteith-Farrell, Judith

Morrison, Suze

Natyshak, Taras

Rakocevic, Tom

Sattler, Peggy

Schreiner, Mike

Shaw, Sandy

Singh, Gurratan

Stevens, Jennifer (Jennie)

Tabuns, Peter

Taylor, Monique

West, Jamie

Wynne, Kathleen O.

Yarde, Kevin

The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Todd Decker): The ayes are 62; the nays are 39.

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

Mr. Clark has moved third reading of Bill 48,

An Act to amend various Acts in relation to education and child care.

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

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

Third reading agreed to.

Decorum in chamber

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Before I recess the House, I want to remind all members that it’s totally inappropriate to take photographs while we’re in the chamber during proceedings, at any time. We have to take a hard line on this or it will be chaotic in here. We’re not going to permit it. Your phone may be confiscated, and you may not get it back very quickly.

This House stands in recess until 3 p.m.

The House recessed from 1158 to 1500.

Introduction of Visitors

M me Marie-France Lalonde: Il me fait vraiment plaisir aujourd’hui d’avoir une visiteuse ici, Anick Tremblay, qui est mon adjointe au bureau de circonscription d’Orléans. Je voudrais la remercier pour tout le beau travail qu’elle fait avec moi depuis les dernières années.

Mr. Kaleed Rasheed: I would like to introduce three young students from my riding. They are here this afternoon, along with their teacher Dolly. The students are Aditi, Liz and Laetitia. I will be doing a member’s statement about their achievement this afternoon. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Mr. Deepak Anand: I’d like to welcome Manraj Furmah and Ronnie Gavsie from the Trillium Gift of Life Network and Mr. Onkar Gill from Amar Karma, an organ and tissue donor advocacy group from my riding of Mississauga–Malton. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): It is now time for members’ statements.

Members’ Statements

Soins de longue durée

M. Guy Bourgouin: Les aînés et les familles du nord de l’Ontario sont dans une situation de détresse totale. Le manque de places dans les foyers de soins de longue durée cause bien des soucis aux résidents et résidentes de Mushkegowuk–Baie James.

Nous avons entendu la ministre de la Santé parler de places supplémentaires, mais ce n’est pas le cas pour le nord de la province. Nous avons une population vieillissant plus rapidement que la moyenne de la province. La plupart des régions sont isolées des grands centres urbains. Les communautés comme Hearst ont quatre ans d’attente, quand la moyenne provinciale est de 142 jours. À Kapuskasing, la période d’attente est de trois ans, quand la moyenne provinciale est, encore, de 142 jours—inacceptable. Comment est-ce que les communautés peuvent passer à travers ces temps-là ou attendre ces périodes d’attente avec dignité?

Je pense que la ministre devrait être à l’écoute puis rétablir une moyenne qui est près de la moyenne provinciale et donner des lits supplémentaires pour la région de Mushkegowuk, que ce soit pour Hearst ou Kapuskasing. La communauté est en détresse. Nous avons besoin de ces lits supplémentaires, monsieur le Président. Trois, puis quatre ans, c’est inacceptable, quand la moyenne est près de 142 jours.

Elmvale Maple Syrup Festival

Mr. Doug Downey: The transition into spring means the beginning of tapping season for maple syrup producers in Ontario.

The iconic maple tree and the syrup it provides is found everywhere: in our kitchen cupboards, backyards and on our nation’s flag. This cultural symbol and local economic driver is proudly produced and celebrated in my riding, as it is in many other ridings.

On April 27, I’ll be attending the 54th annual Elmvale Maple Syrup Festival in the township of Springwater. This historic community event gives local syrup producers an opportunity to sell their products and educate over 30,000 visitors on the history and practice of their craft.

It’s a great example of the kind of community support we find in small towns across Ontario. For 10 months, the volunteer committee works tirelessly to organize. Over 90 different community partners donate everything from money to flowers to prizes and parking spots. Each year, the committee holds a banquet after the festival, and they donate over $20,000 in proceeds to local schools, libraries, charities and extracurricular programs in the community.

Since 1966, the people of Springwater have volunteered their time, effort, talent and money to help build their community from within.

This year’s festival is set to be the biggest yet, with a variety of activities, including the annual log-sawing competition for dignitaries. I still need a partner, so if you’re as good at cutting wood as you are at cutting red tape, please give me a call.

I want to thank the volunteers and organizations that make this important community event possible every year. I wish you all a healthy and bountiful harvest season.

Sexual assault crisis centres

Mr. Jeff Burch: Recently, I had the privilege of meeting with Lisa Berketo, the administrative coordinator with the Niagara Region Sexual Assault Centre. She described the dire straits they find themselves in due to a lack of proper sustainable funding.

We are living in a time when more victims and survivors of rape, sexual violence and sexual abuse are choosing to speak out about their experiences. However, many cannot access the support they want and need, including free counselling services, because there is an ever-growing waiting list.

This agency is most certainly grateful for the funding that is provided from the Attorney General’s office. The rest of their funding comes from generous local donations, grants and fundraising activities. Administration is bare-bones, accounting for 11% of its budget. They now have no idea what additional funds there will be for this year.

We need to ask ourselves: Why is it that in this period of heightened awareness, and with a stated government commitment, we cannot ensure that help is available? We have a social responsibility to all victims and survivors to make sure they can access properly funded services.

As noted by Ms. Berketo during our meeting, with unprecedented growth in demand, coupled with the lack of funding resources, this agency’s very existence is threatened, and that will have dire consequences for victims and survivors.

This government must provide the Niagara Region Sexual Assault Centre with sustainable, multi-year funding so that it can continue to carry on with the work it has been doing across our region for over 40 years.

Organ donation

Mr. Deepak Anand: University Health Network Toronto is one of the top five organ transplant hospitals in the world. Some 85% of Ontarians are in favour of organ donation, yet 1,600 Ontarians are waiting for a life-saving organ. Every three days, someone in Ontario dies waiting for a transplant.

One organ donation can save eight lives and, through tissue donation, can enhance the lives of 75 individuals.

Hockey legend Don Cherry’s son Tim was saved by an organ transplant. Under the leadership of Premier Mike Harris, in 1999, Don Cherry became the head of a new advisory board on organ donations.

By registering to become a donor, we have the power to save or change someone’s life

In my riding of Mississauga–Malton, there are 27 people waiting for their transplant.

I’d like to acknowledge Amar Karma, an organ and tissue donor advocacy group from my riding, along with Trillium Gift of Life Network. They have been working tirelessly to increase registration and awareness for this cause. Thank you so much for doing this.

Every April, Ontarians celebrate Be a Donor Month, a time at which all Ontarians are encouraged to show their support.

Mr. Speaker, Mississauga is ranked fifth in registration, but still, there are over 500,000 health card holders who have not registered.

I encourage everyone to please register yourself through www.beadonor.ca.

I hope and I wish that we have plenty of donors so that no one—and I repeat, no one—has to die waiting for an organ transplant.

Ambulance services

Ms. Catherine Fife: In early December, the Ministry of Health suddenly moved the Cambridge ambulance communications centre to Hamilton due to staff shortages. The relocation was supposed to help; instead, it made things worse. Hamilton dispatch was not equipped with auto-locate technology for Waterloo region, and an ambulance was sent to the wrong location.

Last month, when I asked the Minister of Health about this, she said she is “working to modernize and strengthen” the system. Since then, no progress has been made. In fact, the ministry has made things worse.

Here is an update from the front-line Cambridge staff in Hamilton: The workplace is hectic and unhealthy. Staff are unable to take breaks and are being denied vacation time. Unsurprisingly, this has led to staff taking more stress leave. As of last week, Cambridge dispatch was short 20 staff. Managers told them that by March 17, 12 new people would be hired. That date has come and gone, and no new staff have walked through the door.

Provincial dispatch staff are asking for wage parity with OPP dispatchers, so that they can actually retain staff; full-time hours for new staff rather than partial contract hours; and the same equipment that they need to do their job.

The Minister of Health is fully aware of the severity of the crisis with Cambridge dispatch, and by not using the information at her disposal to address these issues, her ministry is knowingly putting people at risk. We believe front-line ambulance dispatchers deserve so much better than an unresponsive ministry.

Événements divers à Ottawa–Vanier / Events in Ottawa–Vanier

M me Nathalie Des Rosiers: Je suis heureuse aujourd’hui de me lever pour parler d’événements qui se tiennent dans Ottawa–Vanier les samedis.

In between the two stints at Épelle-Moi Canada, I attended another incredible event, which was Let Your Voice Be Heard, which is organized by the Ottawa Inuit Children’s Centre. Inuit youth took the stage and talked about their lives, their culture, their desire to unite to prevent suicide. Moving testimonies were offered, and we had great Inuit hiphop. We also heard wonderful lullabies and love songs in throat singing. We were fed traditional food. It was a wonderful day.

Next Saturday, there is a sugar bush au Muséoparc Vanier. It is the only functioning sugar bush in an urban environment, so I look forward to seeing you next week on Saturday in Ottawa–Vanier. It’s always snowing.

Student achievement

Mr. Kaleed Rasheed: It is my honour today to highlight in this House the accomplishments of three young women from my riding of Mississauga East–Cooksville who are here today. The three bright young students, Aditi, Liz and Laetitia from T.L. Kennedy Secondary School, will be heading to Orlando, Florida to compete in the international DECA competition.

DECA is an exciting business club that has over 180,000 members, with chapters all over the world. DECA allows students to participate in conferences and compete in regional, provincial and international competitions. This year, Aditi, Liz and Laetitia will be representing their school, our province and our country internationally.

I was proud to hear about the three students who showcased their exceptional leadership and communication skills during the regional and provincial competitions. They have now qualified to compete at the international level. Their hard work and dedication have paid off. The young girls are looking forward to representing not only Ontario but Canada at the International Career Development Conference in Florida.

Let us all together wish the very best, and congratulations to the three T.L. Kennedy DECA members, Aditi, Liz and Laetitia, as they head to Florida this month.

Pharmacare

M me France Gélinas: Did you know, Speaker, that this Monday, April 1, the Ford government changed its drug coverage for kids in Ontario? Without much fanfare, they decided that hundreds of thousands of kids would no longer qualify, and now their families are finding out. Today, a family from Blind River found out that their 10-month-old daughter, who needs special dairy-free formula, is no longer covered and they will have to pay $700 a month to keep her alive. For the families of premature babies who need hypercaloric formula, it is $400 a month, and for kids with special needs being fed via G-tube it could be up to $1,600 a month.

The great majority of drug plans do not cover the special formula that feeds preemies, fragile infants or kids with special needs. The medication and nutrients they need were covered until March 31, but they aren’t anymore. Now, families of premature babies and babies with special needs are finding out the hard way that the government has cut them off, with no warning, with no consultation.

What does this government have against babies and children? The minister seems to be making changes on the fly without thinking of the consequences, and these families are finding out that things are going from bad to worse.

The NDP knows how to fix this, Speaker. It is called “pharmacare,” a universal drug program for all Ontarians where you get the medicine you need, even if you’re 10 months old and don’t own a wallet.

Animal protection

Mr. Stephen Lecce: In the township of King, there are disturbing reports of the poisoning of dogs taking place in and around Memorial Park in King City. York Regional Police have issued a statement asking for the support of the public in apprehending those involved in what is really a disturbing allegation. The township is taking action to communicate to residents, to post signs and to help ensure that family owners of dogs are safe.

Two individuals have been apprehended, but we must remain vigilant. All of us have a role to play. The safety of our animals is important to us all, and dog owners in King and Vaughan know that I stand with you and support tough penalties for those who harm our pets.

I know that many of you love your dogs, and they’re part of your family. I have fond memories of a German shepherd that I had for many years that brought me great affection as a youngster.

I’m asking each person watching to be part of the solution, to remain vigilant and to please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Hellenic Heritage Month Act

Mr. Aris Babikian: I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my friend the member for Oakville North–Burlington for tabling Bill 77, the Hellenic Heritage Month Act. I want to thank her for this very important piece of legislation. I believe that recognizing the Hellenic community and its contributions to Ontario is very important and timely. Since the arrival of the first Greek immigrants to Ontario during the early 20th century, the community has contributed immensely to the social and cultural makeup of this great province. Greek cultural organizations, businesses and religious institutions have historically played an important role in making Ontario what it is.

On a personal note, I am the son of Armenians, a culture and society very much linked to the culture and history of the Hellenic community. In fact, my maternal grandmother was Greek. I lived in Athens for two years, and as a young man I was able to experience Greek hospitality, warmth and friendship. I learned to speak the Greek language and was able to immerse myself in a culture and society that has left me with memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

On a final note, as we celebrated Greek Independence Day we also had to recall the 100th anniversary of the horrific genocide that the Pontic Greeks experienced during the dying days of the Ottoman Empire. As the grandson of a survivor of the genocide, I want to mention that this bill will hopefully contribute to the healing of the people who are still living with that horrific memory today.

Visitor

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I think the member for Orléans has a point of order.

Mrs. Marie-France Lalonde: Yes, Mr. Speaker. I’m terribly sorry, but I have a guest who’s here. I would just like to recognize Mark Henschel, who’s here with us today for the introduction of a private member’s bill that I will be tabling. I would like us to welcome him to our Legislature. Merci.

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

Introduction of Bills

Independent Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Appointment Act, 2019 / Loi de 2019 sur la nomination en toute indépendance du commissaire de la Police provinciale de l’Ontario

Madame Des Rosiers moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 95,

An Act to amend the Police Services Act and the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 with respect to a Commissioner Appointment Advisory Committee / Projet de loi 95, Loi modifiant la

Loi sur les services policiers et la Loi de 2019 sur la sécurité communautaire et les services policiers en ce qui concerne le Comité consultatif sur la nomination du commissaire.

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

First reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’m going to ask the member for Ottawa–Vanier to give the House a brief explanation of her bill.

M me Nathalie Des Rosiers: This is a co-sponsored bill by MPP Schreiner and myself. It responds directly to the Integrity Commissioner’s recent report that made clear that we need to create a formalized, independent process for selecting OPP commissioners moving forward, similar to judicial appointments.

The bill amends the Police Services Act and the Community Safety and Policing Act to enact a commissioner appointment advisory committee. Both acts require the commissioner to be appointed on recommendation. These recommendations will be derived from a list of potential candidates prepared by the new commissioner appointment advisory committee.

The committee is charged with advertising a vacancy, assessing candidates and preparing a ranked list of at least two candidates that the minister will appoint. This is drawn on similarities with judicial appointments.

The Minister or the Solicitor General can reject the list and require the committee to provide a fresh list.

Democratic Participation Act, 2019 / Loi de 2019 sur la participation démocratique

Mrs. Lalonde moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 96,

An Act to amend various Acts in respect of democratic participation / Projet de loi 96, Loi modifiant diverses lois en ce qui concerne la participation démocratique.

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

First reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I would like to invite the member to give the House a brief explanation of her bill.

Mrs. Marie-France Lalonde: I introduce a bill that, if passed, will strengthen democratic participation. The specific changes proposed in this bill include lowering the voting age to 16 to increase youth participation and mandating the Chief Electoral Officer to study making election day a provincial holiday. It also discusses the possibility of bringing a feasibility study regarding mandatory voting and expanded mail-in voting. It also proposes a ranked ballot pilot project in upcoming by-elections and during the next provincial election, and a full analysis of its effectiveness.

Mr. Speaker, the status quo is not working. We must work together in a new way. I look forward to beginning the conversation.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): It is now time for petitions.

Petitions

Education funding

Ms. Marit Stiles: It’s my pleasure to present this petition on behalf of my constituent Stephanie Gomes. It reads:

“Don’t Increase Class Sizes in Our Public Schools.

“Whereas the vast majority of parents, students, and educators support smaller class sizes and the current model of full-day kindergarten and want the best education possible for the students of Ontario; and

“Whereas larger class sizes negatively impacts the quality of education; reduces access to teaching resources and significantly diminishes teacher-student interactions; and

“Whereas the impact of larger class sizes will be particularly detrimental to students who need additional support; and

“Whereas Ontario has an internationally recognized public education system that requires careful attention and the investment to ensure all of our students can succeed;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to commit to reducing class sizes, maintain the current model of full-day kindergarten, and make the necessary investments in public education to build the schools our students deserve.”

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