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November 29, 2004

38th Parliament, 1st Session

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Hansard Transcripts

Votes and Proceedings

Orders and Notices

Hansard Transcripts 2004-Nov-29 (PDF)

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO

ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L'ONTARIO

Monday 29 November 2004 Lundi 29 novembre 2004

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

MICHAEL SIYDOCK

WIFE ASSAULT PREVENTION MONTH

NATIONAL OSTEOPOROSIS MONTH

MICHAEL SIYDOCK

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

DOCTORS

COMMUNITY SAFETY

RENEWABLE FUELS

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

VISITOR

ORAL QUESTIONS

HYDRO GENERATION CONTRACT

HOSPITAL FUNDING

OMA AGREEMENT

MINISTERIAL CONDUCT

FABRY DISEASE

CORONER'S INQUEST

GASOLINE TAX

CANCER TREATMENT

CHILD CARE

SMALL BUSINESS

ONTARIO FILM INDUSTRY

PUBLIC TELEVISION /

TÉLÉVISION PUBLIQUE

COMMUNITY USE OF SCHOOLS

PETITIONS

EYE EXAMINATIONS

IMMIGRANTS' SKILLS

ABORTION

HOSPITAL FUNDING

STUDENT SAFETY

ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK

CHILDREN'S HEALTH SERVICES

GO TRANSIT SERVICE

ONTARIO DRUG BENEFIT PROGRAM

ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK

CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES

LANDFILL

WATER QUALITY

ORDERS OF THE DAY

BUDGET MEASURES ACT (FALL), 2004 /

LOI DE 2004 SUR LES MESURES

BUDGÉTAIRES (AUTOMNE)

The House met at 1330.

Prayers.

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

MICHAEL SIYDOCK

Mr John Yakabuski (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke): Mike Siydock served for many years as a warden with the Ministry of Natural Resources. During

that time, his dream was to join his brother Kevin as a member of the Ontario Provincial Police. Seven years ago, his dream was realized. This past Friday evening, while responding to a motor

vehicle accident, Mike collapsed at the scene. He was pronounced dead at the Milton general hospital. Mike Siydock was 49.

Mike grew up in Whitney, Ontario. He was an avid sportsman who loved to hunt and fish, and made many return trips to the area with his boys to enjoy this

passion.

I first got to know Mike during minor hockey days, and through the years the Siydock boys and the Yakabuski boys clashed on the ice on many occasions. There were

competitive confrontations on the ice, but only on the ice. I also worked with Mike in Algonquin Park in the summer of 1976. Mike had more experience than I did and was always willing to help the

new kids.

Mike was married to Elizabeth Murray, of Barry's Bay. Liz and I were one year apart in school. Both Mike's and Liz's families have deep roots in the Madawaska

valley; they are well-known and respected. Along with Liz, Mike leaves behind their three children, Donald, Stephen and Laura; his father, Andrew; and 10 brothers and sisters. He will be missed by

them and by countless others.

WIFE ASSAULT PREVENTION MONTH

Ms Shelley Martel (Nickel Belt): November is Wife Assault Prevention Month, and as part of the effort to respond to this very serious situation,

women's shelters around the province are lobbying the McGuinty government to provide funding to add 60% more beds to the shelter system.

In Sudbury the need for more shelter beds is critical. The executive director of our YWCA reported last week that Genevra House, a 32-bed shelter for women and

children, is completely full. There is zero vacancy. In the last month, four mothers and their children were transferred out of the community because no beds were available for them. Women and

children have been placed in shelters in Sturgeon Falls, North Bay and as far away as Orillia and Barrie. Women making the difficult decision to flee from an abusive partner should not have to go

to a shelter four hours away from home in order to be safe. It is overwhelming enough to flee, perhaps without money or any means to support your children; imagine the added stress when you have to

flee the community too and leave behind any support of friends and family who might be needed to help you and your children survive this trauma.

This is a situation which can't be allowed to continue. We need more shelter beds, not only in Sudbury but throughout the province. We need a substantial

increase in social assistance rates to make up for the 34% loss in income that came with the 22% cut and eight-year freeze of rates under the Conservatives. We need more affordable housing so women

and children don't have to choose between a violent home and no home at all. And we need these changes now, so women and children traumatized by violence can seek and obtain refuge and have the

resources they need to put new lives together again.

NATIONAL OSTEOPOROSIS MONTH

Ms Kathleen O. Wynne (Don Valley West): I rise today to recognize that November has been National Osteoporosis Month. Some 1.4 million Canadians

suffer from osteoporosis. One in four women and one in eight men over the age of 50 has osteoporosis, but the disease can strike at any age. Maybe osteoporosis is not the disease we think about the

most, but it's one that affects many of us, and together we can reduce both its prevalence and its impact.

As we mark National Osteoporosis Month this year, there is reason for optimism. Significant progress is being made toward the adoption of an osteoporosis

strategy. According to Dr Earl Bogoch of St Michael's Hospital, a coordinated and targeted strategy has the potential to reduce fractures related to osteoporosis by 50% to 60%.

The Osteoporosis Society of Canada was formed in 1982 as the first national charitable organization dedicated to helping people living with osteoporosis in the

world. With headquarters located in my riding of Don Valley West, the Osteoporosis society works with volunteers, the medical community, health care organizations and government to promote

high-quality services, research and education for people affected by osteoporosis.

I want to take this opportunity to invite all members of the Legislature to join me in recognizing the hard work of Karen Ormerod and her team at the

Osteoporosis Society of Canada and the difference they make in the lives of people who live with osteoporosis every day.

MICHAEL SIYDOCK

Mr Garfield Dunlop (Simcoe North): Along the lines of Mr Yakabuski, I have a statement on the death of a constable on the weekend.

As critic for community safety and correctional services, it is with great sorrow that I rise in the House today to pay tribute to Provincial Constable Michael

John Siydock, of the Port Credit detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police.

On the night of Friday, November 26, while on duty investigating a motor vehicle collision near Milton, Constable Siydock collapsed. He was later pronounced

deceased due to natural causes at Milton general hospital. Constable Siydock was only 49 years of age. He leaves behind his wife, Elizabeth, and his children, Donald, Stephen and Laura.

While his personal family grieves his loss, so does his OPP family. Members of the OPP are strongly committed to each other, to exemplary service and to making

this province a safer place for all. While they may not see or speak to each other every single day, ties develop between officers that bind the entire OPP family together. In fact, I spoke during

the weekend to OPP Commissioner Gwen Boniface. Hearing her grief made me realize just how profoundly the constable's death has affected the OPP as an organization. There is a quote on the OPPA Web

site that reads as follows:

Remember our fallen members and their memory,

if we forget, who but their family will remember,

after all, we are all family.

On behalf of the PC caucus and our leader, John Tory, I offer condolences to the Siydock family and to the OPP family. May Constable Siydock rest in peace, as he

so rightfully deserves, and may his family treasure his many memories.

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Mrs Carol Mitchell (Huron-Bruce): On the evening of November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the

Honourable Sandra Pupatello travelled to Kincardine to speak, and she carried the message that this government is serious about ending the deadly cycle of violence against women.

She praised the Women's House of Bruce County for its work, for offering a shelter to women and children who are escaping from domestic violence. Both the

Women's House of Bruce County and the Women's Shelter of Huron have benefited from increased funding from this government.

The Honourable Sandra Pupatello has announced an action plan to fight domestic violence, including additional funding to create second-stage housing, investing

in a public education and awareness campaign, improved training for people working in the criminal justice system to better assess risk and abusive situations, and province-wide consultations with

experts and front-line workers. November is Wife Assault Prevention Month, and it marks the government's commitment to ending violence.

DOCTORS

Mr John R. Baird (Nepean-Carleton): The hallmark of Health Minister George Smitherman has been the bully approach. This has certainly been the

case with respect to Ontario's public hospitals. But Premier, the bully is back. The bully is now bullying our doctors.

Let's look at what Christina Blizzard said in the Saturday Sun: "I don't know if it's bald-faced arrogance or sheer stupidity that prompted Premier Dalton

McGuinty and his Health Minister George Smitherman to declare war on the province's 20,000 doctors yesterday."

She then quotes Dr John Rapin, who later said, after the stunt that the health minister and Premier pulled, that he and Ontario's physicians had been

"shanghaied" by the government: "Some of you" -- the news media -- "got this release before I did."

Let's look at the bottom line, according to the Sun and Christina Blizzard. The bottom line is, "It is outrageous -- and very dangerous -- for McGuinty to get

involved in such a ham-fisted attempt to browbeat the doctors.... Now it's not just his minister who is wearing this foolish move. McGuinty himself has egg all over his face."

What have we heard from Dr John Rapin and the OMA? Just today, in a recently released letter, he says, "It is unacceptable that a government who promised to work

with doctors would fail to even return their phone calls about an important issue."

The OMA is asking to get an explanation of this media stunt, of this media press release. They said that the government of Dalton McGuinty has "failed to take

the time to consult directly" with Ontario's physicians.

Shame on this minister, and double shame on Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty.

COMMUNITY SAFETY

Mr Kevin Daniel Flynn (Oakville): I rise today in recognition of two Halton police services groups that are committed to keeping our communities

strong and safe. The Elder Abuse Prevention Committee provides advice, training and information forums for organizations that deal specifically with seniors. The Two District Diversity Team has

been doing fine work in promoting training and diversity issues within a variety of organizations.

On November 3, I had the honour of presenting the Elder Abuse Prevention Committee and the Two District Diversity Team of Halton Regional Police Services with

the 2004 Award of Excellence for Fighting Crime.

I would also like to take this time to mention two of my fellow members, without whom these awards would not exist. David Zimmer and Liz Sandals have been doing

amazing work as co-chairs of the Ontario Crime Control Commission.

Please join me in applauding the vigilance of the Elder Abuse Prevention Committee and the Two District Diversity Team of Halton Regional Police Services, and

all their colleagues, for the work they do in building an Ontario and a Halton region that is safe for all citizens.

RENEWABLE FUELS

Mr Pat Hoy (Chatham-Kent Essex): The McGuinty government is putting forward a plan that will require that all gasoline sold in Ontario contain

an average of 5% ethanol by 2007. As many of you know, ethanol is a cleaner-burning fuel, so this means cleaner air for all Ontarians.

As I'm sure you know, Mr Speaker, ethanol is made primarily from corn, meaning this initiative will be a major boost for rural farming communities all across

Ontario. Small agricultural communities like mine in Chatham-Kent-Essex or communities in Brant, Guelph or Cornwall -- agricultural communities all across Ontario -- will benefit from increased

demand for their products.

It also means that ethanol producers can now move forward on new investments, investments in capital and jobs, investments that will help make our domestic

ethanol industry the springboard for a larger bio-based economy that will bring new opportunities to Ontario.

To that end, the McGuinty government is also working to develop a parallel strategy to boost the domestic production and use of biodiesel, something that will

help make Ontario a leader in the emerging bioeconomy. People in farming communities will see real benefits. It's a win for farmers, a win for rural Ontario and a win for the environment. This is

not only a boost for Ontario in the rural communities; it is a boost for all Ontarians, who will reap the rewards of cleaner air and improved health.

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Mr Bruce Crozier (Essex): I thought I'd share another one of today's headlines with the House: "Ontario to Overtake Michigan as Auto

Kingpin."

Ontario's auto industry represents the largest manufacturing sector in the province. The sector directly employs more than 140,000 people and generates another

191,000 jobs in spinoff activities.

This government understands how important the auto industry is to the Ontario economy. That's why we announced the Ontario automotive investment strategy, which

over the next five years will invest in leading-edge auto manufacturing projects that are worth more than $300 million in investment or that create or retain more than 300 jobs. Recently, we

invested $100 million when Ford celebrated its 100th anniversary in Ontario and announced $1 billion for a flexible manufacturing facility in Oakville.

Investments in the auto industry mean investments in my community, in my riding of Essex. Instead of turning our backs on the automotive industry like the

previous government did, we're celebrating it.

Just listen to what Buzz Hargrove had to say at the Ford announcement this past year: "I first have to compliment Dalton McGuinty, because it was with his

election that we got rid of the naysayers that said this industry was a smokestack industry, was dying, that the government shouldn't put money in." He complimented Joe Cordiano, he complimented

the ministry and he said he was never so happy in his life to see the tail end of Jim Flaherty. That's the word from Buzz Hargrove.

VISITOR

The Speaker (Hon Alvin Curling): In the members' west gallery we have a former member from Halton Centre of the 36th Parliament, Mr Terence

Young. Let's welcome him here.

ORAL QUESTIONS

HYDRO GENERATION CONTRACT

Mr Robert W. Runciman (Leader of the Opposition): I have a question for the Premier. Last week I raised an issue with your energy minister

dealing with the very rich contract awarded to AIM PowerGen Corp, a company headed by the Ontario president of the Liberal Party of Canada.

The bid requirements outlined in your RFP forbid anyone who is bidding to have any contact with any provincial official before and during the bid process. Can

you assure the House that, in the case of this $475-million contract awarded to a prominent Liberal, the no-contact requirement was adhered to?

Hon Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs): I believe the Minister of Energy had an opportunity to speak to this last

week, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to address it as well.

The process for this RFP was open and tendered. The government was not involved in selecting the successful bidders. The minister was not aware of any of the

successful proponents until a few days before the announcement itself was made. An independent fairness commissioner was contracted to oversee the entire process and ensure that all proponents and

interested parties were treated equally and fairly throughout the process.

Mr Runciman: Once again the Premier clearly avoided the questions dealing with adherence to bid requirements. We're talking about a contract

that provided a company headed by a prominent Liberal with a guaranteed 20-year, $66,000-a-day contract. This is a very lucrative deal, and the hard-working taxpayers of Ontario have a right to

know if this contract was awarded appropriately.

Today I received information indicating that Mr Mike Crawley, the president of AIM PowerGen, sent an e-mail in the midst of the bid process to various parties

encouraging their attendance at the energy minister's fundraiser at $5,000 a pop. Premier, I'm sending copies of this material over to you and asking that you have an independent third party review

the contract award process to ensure that it was absolutely above-board.

Hon Mr McGuinty: To repeat, the entire process was overseen by an independent fairness commissioner. I'll quote from his report. It stated in

part, "We detected no bias either for or against any particular proponent in the application of the" evaluation "criteria. "Those evaluation criteria that were applied were applied objectively

based on a criteria published in the RFP." I think the fairness commissioner has addressed this.

Mr Runciman: In fairness to the fairness commissioner, he would be unaware of these political contacts; he would be unaware of Mr Crawley's

e-mail. To try to lay this all on the fairness commissioner is totally inappropriate.

Premier, the contract your government signed with Mr Crawley is worth $24 million a year, or $66,000 a day, each and every day, guaranteed, for 20 years. A

contract of this magnitude must be above-board.

Your own RFP was clear in stating that no bidder may have any contact with decision-makers before or during the RFP process. The RFP was issued on June 24 and it

closed on August 25 of this year. Mr Crawley, the winner of this contract, sent an e-mail out on July 27 for an August 23 event. You won't guarantee that the RFP guidelines were followed. Premier,

will you halt this contract immediately and refer it to the Integrity Commissioner to ensure that it is completely above-board? Will you do that?

Hon Mr McGuinty: The member opposite knows full well that he has the option, if he wants to -- if he thinks there is some legitimacy connected

with his concern, then what he can do is refer this to the Integrity Commissioner himself. Rather, he chooses to bring this here and make these kinds of spurious allegations on a rather regular

basis.

The fairness commissioner oversaw this matter. Again, he addressed it very specifically. He said, and I quote once more, "We detected no bias either for or

against any particular proponent in the application of the" evaluation "criteria. Those evaluation criteria that were applied were applied objectively based on the criteria published in the

RFP."

I believe that ends the matter. If the member opposite wants to keep this alive, if he thinks there's some legitimacy, then I encourage him and invite him to

speak to the Integrity Commissioner.

HOSPITAL FUNDING

Mr John R. Baird (Nepean-Carleton): My question is to the Premier. It concerns hospital funding in eastern Ontario. Premier, your own Ministry

of Public Infrastructure and Renewal Web site says that it "manages infrastructure planning to achieve maximum leverage for taxpayer dollars." Taxpayers in Campbellford, Ontario, and indeed

throughout Northumberland county were shocked and outraged to see your parliamentary assistant for this ministry trotting around the county saying that the riding of Northumberland had too many

hospitals and that the province couldn't afford to run them. Premier, your parliamentary assistant is basically threatening hospital closures.

Residents of Northumberland county want you, their Premier, to personally stand in your place and say that this idea is misguided. Will you stand in your place

and defend the Campbellford Memorial Hospital?

Hon Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs): I know the Minister of Health would like to address this.

Hon George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): In a fashion that seeks not to confirm the honourable member's storyline,

because that hasn't always served us well in the past, I can stand in this House and give complete assurance to the people of Northumberland, and in fact the people of Ontario, that we have no plan

to close hospitals. In fact, I'm on the record as very clearly saying -- from one of the earliest questions I ever had in this House, related to the Four Counties hospital in Newbury -- that every

hospital in Ontario is cherished and that each one of them has a very special and particular role to play, and that it's our government's complete intention to build on their capacities and enhance

the role they play in each and every one of these important communities.

Mr Baird: I want to redirect this question back to the Premier. Premier, it's not rich enough that your second-highest-ranking elected

official dealing with public infrastructure in the province is threatening to close hospitals in Northumberland; in fact, this individual is the member of provincial Parliament for Northumberland.

That's the riding that Campbellford Memorial Hospital calls home.

Volunteers in the community are angry and frustrated. Your parliamentary assistant's suggestion that the hospital might have to close is hurting patient care

today. You see, it's hard to fundraise for the hospital's capital campaign when the local MPP is threatening to close it. It's hard to attract new doctors and nurses when the local MPP is musing

publicly about shutting down the hospital.

The Speaker (Hon Alvin Curling): Question.

Mr Baird: Their local MPP won't stand up for their hospital. Taxpayers, patients and health care workers in Campbellford and throughout

Northumberland county want you to stand in your place and say that this idea is not going to happen, that it will not happen as long as you're in the Premier's chair. Will you do that, Premier?

Hon Mr Smitherman: I think the important part of history that people need to be reminded of in the House today is that if there is a party in

this Legislature that has a history of closing hospitals in Northumberland, it's that party. That party closed the Port Hope hospital during their days in office. This is the party that, while in

office, took the knife and cut health care services in Northumberland. It's not the plan of our party.

Since coming to office, we have been involved in an unprecedented investment in community care and almost $1 billion in new operating funds for Ontario's

hospitals. Campbellford, like the other 153 distinct hospital corporations in the province of Ontario, is one of the proud foundations of a very good health care system.

The Speaker: Final supplementary.

Mr John O'Toole (Durham): My question is also to the Premier. This past weekend, I was in Peterborough, and I was literally shocked when I

picked up the local press that said the Peterborough Regional Health Centre was "in dire straits." Minister, this means less service and more cost to that community.

I went on to read the

article in some detail. This was said by the CEO of the hospital: "This is a challenging time, a stressful time." Clearly, in the

community of Ontario, Peterborough is just one of many that are hurting from your cuts and brutal action by your Minister of Health. Minister, you've not only imposed a health tax of $2.4 billion,

but people are simply paying more and getting less. It isn't just the Peterborough hospital I'm speaking of. I believe the arguments you have going on in health care are not helpful.

The Speaker: Question.

Mr O'Toole: Minister, it's more tax, less service. What are you going to do to help the rural hospitals in Ontario?

Hon Mr Smitherman: Let's be clear in a fashion that the honourable member couldn't be in his question.

There is a party in this Legislature, and it's the governing party, that's investing this year $700 million more in Ontario hospitals than they proposed in

their Magna budget for the same fiscal year. There is a party in this Legislature, and it is the Liberal Party, that stands in contrast to those two parties, which, during their days in government,

cut the budgets of Ontario hospitals -- in your case, over two years by $600 million. It is only the magical math of the honourable member that can turn a $469.5-million investment in hospitals

into a cut. The reality of the circumstances are very clear. The cuts that took place under their regime totalled nearly $600 million over two fiscal years.

OMA AGREEMENT

Mr Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): My question is for the Premier. Just a year and a half ago you used to criticize the former

Conservative government for creating conflict everywhere, for dividing society and attacking anyone who disagreed with their direction.

On Friday, your health minister tried a cute surprise trick with the doctors, the physicians of Ontario. In response, the president of the Ontario Medical

Association, Dr Rapin, said he was upset with the way the revamped offer was foisted upon the doctors. He said, "I feel disappointed and frustrated, and there's some anger around as well, that

we've been somewhat shanghaied rather than dealt with openly by government."

Premier, why is your Minister of Health now employing the same kinds of tactics that you used to criticize under the former Conservative government?

Hon Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs): Let me take the opportunity once again to commend our Minister of

Health, who has been relentless, respectful of Ontario's doctors and resolved to move ahead with the fundamental transformation that ensures Ontario patients have better access to family care and

we put our health care system on a more sustainable footing. I want to commend him for taking on that responsibility.

Just so we know how we got here, 14 months into our mandate, this minister devoted nine entire months to negotiating with the Ontario Medical Association. That

consisted of over 120 meetings. We set up four side tables, which themselves also involved some 44 meetings. The Ontario Medical Association negotiating team endorsed this agreement unanimously.

That gives you an idea of how hard we worked with the Ontario Medical Association, with Ontario's doctors' representatives, to make sure that we got this right. I think that demonstrates tremendous

respect for those people who work day in and day out on behalf of Ontario patients -- our doctors.

Mr Hampton: Clearly, Premier, somewhere there must be something wrong with your strategy, because Dr Rapin said that he felt "somewhat

shanghaied rather than dealt with openly by a government that had committed to work with stakeholders to renew health care."

He also said, and I quote the Toronto Star, that the surprise bargaining tactic "infuriated senior doctors ... who were summoned to what they thought was an

8:00 am informal chat ... aimed at kick-starting a new round of negotiations." Dr Rapin referred to your leaking of torqued and misleading polling information that vilified doctors as "cheap

politics."

Premier, why is your Minister of Health engaging in the kind of cheap politics that you were so critical of the former Conservative government for?

Hon Mr McGuinty: Let me tell you that we are very proud of this plan, and we look forward to moving ahead with it. Let me tell you about some

parts of it.

Our plan improves access to medical services by rewarding -- not penalizing, but by rewarding -- doctors, by providing them with specific incentives and

supports. For example, it provides significant rewards and incentives for doctors working in underserviced northern and rural communities. It rewards and supports doctors who work in teams with

fellow doctors as well as nurse practitioners and pharmacists, giving patients better access to care around the clock. It pays doctors to spend more time with senior citizens. It provides

incentives and supports to reduce wait times for key medical services like hips and knees, cardiac, cancer, MRIs, CTs and the like.

I believe that it is transformative and it is essential. But I'm also pleased that more and more people are coming forward and saying, "Yes, we want to go

ahead with this agreement."

I thought that the member opposite would want to support Roy Romanow, and I look forward to quoting from him very shortly.

Mr Hampton: Premier, maybe it has gotten past you, but everyone in Canada believes in primary care reform. It's the new motherhood and apple

pie of health policy. Even Mike Harris said that there had to be primary care reform. That's not the issue. The issue is the conduct of your health minister, who only seems to know one mode of

operation: attack, attack and attack.

This is what the physicians said as a result of your manoeuvre on the weekend. Dr Rapin felt that you tricked him, that instead of a discussion, they were, as

I say, handed the media reports at the same time that you were handing the press releases and your documents to the media. He said that this kind of heavy-handed tactic could alienate physicians

and might hinder plans to change the way family medicine is practised in Ontario.

Premier, isn't it time to stop a Minister of Health who only seems to know one mode of operation: attack, attack, attack? Isn't it time to pay more attention

to preserving our health care system?

Hon Mr McGuinty: I think it's time for us to move forward with the transformation of health care in the province of Ontario, and that's what

we're doing.

It's hard to figure out, from one day to the next, where the leader of the NDP stands on these issues and where his party stands on these issues. Originally,

when this agreement was made public, he said, "Most people would find it hard to swallow an 11% increase, but a 25% increase, a 35% increase?" Apparently, now he's very much on side with the

doctors who want to come back and renegotiate the deal.

I want to quote from Roy Romanow, who I think has a tremendous amount of credibility when it comes to health care in this country. This is his characterization

of our approach and the arrangement -- our plan -- that we want to have with Ontario doctors: "`It is a fundamental transformational change, and it is something that all the evidence in my report

indicates should be implemented,' he said. `I think the government is on the right track.

"`I believe that the government of Ontario has the support of the public. It's the right thing to do. Hopefully, the doctors will still come round to an

agreement. But if not, the Premier, I think, must act.'"

They've been talking about action for a long time. We're actually acting.

MINISTERIAL CONDUCT

Mr Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): I want to quote another self-described expert in health care who spoke during an election: "It's time

to invest in greater resources ... and stop the ... privatization of health care.

"Gimmicks and name-calling and personal attacks won't get the job done."

But what we've had is a Minister of Health who, when the physicians disagree with him, tries cheap politics, releasing press releases that vilify doctors. When

the hospital association disagrees with him, he threatens them. When the cleaners, the lowest-paid workers in the hospital system, disagree with him, he threatens them.

Premier, don't you think it's time to get rid of the personal attacks, the name-calling and the cheap gimmicks that your Minister of Health seems addicted to

engaging in?

Hon Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs): It's interesting to get this question from a guy who, during the course

of the campaign, tried to nail Jell-O to a wall. Apparently, he has no affinity for gimmicks whatsoever.

Interjections.

Hon Mr McGuinty: Apparently, I've struck a nerve.

The member opposite may not understand this, but moving ahead with change -- change that's very important to the people of Ontario -- is not an easy thing to

do. That's why, together, this government invested some nine months of negotiations, 120 meetings, with Ontario's doctors. It went on at considerable length. I'm proud to say that at the end of the

day, we received the unanimous endorsement of the Ontario Medical Association. In fact, I have a copy of the last page of the agreement. It says, "The undersigned representatives of the parties

hereby agree to unanimously recommend acceptance of this agreement to their respective principals."

Everybody thought it was a good deal. Notwithstanding that, obviously we did not receive ratification. Concerns were expressed, and we have specifically

addressed those concerns.

Now, on behalf of the people we all represent and work for -- and I mean doctors and government alike -- it's time to move forward.

Mr Hampton: Premier, let me quote another self-described expert, who said, "We need caring hands and talented minds to improve medicare. The

Harris-Eves government demoralized and mismanaged our health care professionals."

That was Dalton McGuinty again. But now we have a health minister who, instead of bringing peace and stability, has attacked, intimidated and bullied volunteer

hospital boards. He engages in cheap political attacks on physicians. He attacks other front-line health care workers, and even whistle-blowers like Cyndy DeGiusti at Sick Kids.

Premier, Ontario is short 786 doctors. Some 143 Ontario communities are underserviced. One in six doctors is ready to retire. Yet your Minister of Health

engages in cheap political attacks on doctors.

Isn't it time to perhaps think about getting rid of your Minister of Health and bringing in someone who is prepared to work co-operatively with all the people

who care about health care in Ontario?

Hon Mr McGuinty: It may be the inclination of the NDP to turn tail and run when it comes to overcoming those hurdles and impediments that

stand in the way of change that is absolutely essential. But we're not going to do that. We intend to move forward with the transformation of health care. We intend to bring better access to

doctors for Ontario patients. We intend to improve the quality of care we deliver to all Ontarians. We intend to put our health care system on a much more sustainable footing. We intend to do all

of those things and we will keep going in that direction.

We have responded to doctors' concerns. They put out a number of concerns -- in fact, six were listed by the Ontario Medical Association. We have gone out of

our way to address those concerns in a very thoughtful and responsible way. Now what we want to do is work with Ontario doctors to implement the change that Ontarians are counting on all of us to

deliver.

Mr Hampton: Premier, before and during the election you told the people of Ontario to choose change. Today, I'm telling you to choose change.

The problem isn't with primary health care reform. That is acknowledged everywhere across Canada. It's been acknowledged by virtually everyone in Ontario for the last 15 years. The problem is, you

have a health minister who thinks that the only way to solve a problem is to engage in cheap political tricks, to release polling information that is torqued and inaccurate and use it to vilify and

attack doctors, to trick doctors, to engage in processes that don't build consensus, that don't build agreement.

The president said that your tactics will hinder primary care reform. I'm asking you the question: Isn't it time to change the Minister of Health and change

the cheap tactics that you've been engaging in? Isn't it time to change that, rather than attacking the doctors, the hospital association and everyone else in the health care system?

Hon Mr McGuinty: Once again, we hear from the champion of the status quo in Ontario. We don't embrace that status quo, and we are moving

ahead. Again, I want to quote from Roy Romanow, who said -- he's talking about our plan -- "This is a fundamental transformational change and it is something that all the evidence in my report

indicates should be implemented." He goes on to say, "I think the government is on the right track. I believe that the government of Ontario has the support of the public."

This is the right thing to do. We look forward to moving ahead with this change. We are not going to stand by and allow ourselves to become immersed and sunk

into the status quo. We know that moving ahead is not an easy thing to do. We know that the member opposite would turn tail and run at the first hint of difficulty, at the first hint of a challenge

when it comes to bringing about this change. We are moving forward with this change. We're doing it in a manner that demonstrates respect for our doctors, we're doing it in a manner that indicates

that we responded to their concerns, and we're doing it in a manner that indicates that we resolve to move ahead on behalf of the people of Ontario.

FABRY DISEASE

Mrs Elizabeth Witmer (Kitchener-Waterloo): My question is for the Minister of Health. As the minister is well aware, in the House today we

have with us patients who suffer from Fabry disease, their family and their friends. They're here to plead with you, minister, as they have since last fall, one year ago, to provide permanent

funding for the life-saving enzyme replacement treatment for disease that was approved by Health Canada, a treatment that has improved their quality of life. For over six month you've failed to

respond to their requests. Finally, when Donna Strauss and her late husband, John, came to this Legislature, you did promise that you would provide coverage. You further promised Donna Strauss in a

handwritten note that you would provide coverage. However, here we are one year later: still no action. In fact, you even failed to respond to a request from Donna for a meeting.

I ask you today, Minister: Demonstrate compassion and end the anxiety for these patients and their families. Keep your promise and guarantee that you will

provide this life-saving treatment that is available in 40 other countries in this world, including wealthy countries like the United States and Australia, and poor countries like Romania. Do the

right thing: End the anxiety, please.

Hon George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): The honourable member will know that the very same process to which her party

while in government committed the province of Ontario -- that's the Common Drug Review -- is the process that this drug has been going through. Today's press conference follows on the heels of a

Common Drug Review analysis of the products from the standpoint of their efficacy, and the Common Drug Review did not offer a favourable point of view.

This is advice that provinces across the land are taking into consideration. Here in Ontario, we'll have the drug quality therapeutics committee review the

work of the Common Drug Review, and I continue to keep a watching brief on the progress with respect to this issue.

I acknowledge that for those individuals it is a very significant concern but, at the same time, processes established by that member's party while in

government commit Ontario to participating with other provinces in a national review of products such as this one. It has undergone that and it now will be up to the people at the Drug Quality and

Therapeutics Committee to review this product further.

Mrs Witmer: This minister continues to hide behind those two reviews. He knows full well they are not the appropriate committees to review

this type of treatment. This is a treatment that applies only to a few people. As you know, it's for catastrophic drug treatment. This isn't like the other drugs that are consumed by thousands and

thousands of people throughout this country.

I ask you today to do the right thing, and if you won't listen to me, listen to Julie Strauss, who was here in the media studio today. She said:

"For the last 18 years, I have watched my father struggle every day, and this past summer he died at the age of 50 from Fabry disease.

"I am well aware that there is a treatment for" Fabry's disease "because my father had been receiving it for two years, and thankfully [it] made the last two

years ... the best two years....

"Because this disease personally affects me, I really hope that if I ever need this treatment, it will be available for me.

"The only thing I have left to say today is, if my father was given the chance to be on enzyme replacement therapy earlier in life, would he still be with us

today?"

I ask the minister, will you today commit to meeting with Julie, who is here in the gallery, her mother, her brother and the other patients, and talk to them

about making a commitment and following through and making sure that people like Julie don't have to --

The Speaker (Hon Alvin Curling): Thank you. Minister?

Hon Mr Smitherman: It seems that the honourable member, in her desire to suggest that no one has compassion that measures hers, misses a key

point: She was the longest-serving health minister in a previous government and, from time to time, members are forced to be in a situation where processes that are established to work out very

complex scientific matters must be utilized and adhered to, and that's what we're in the process of doing.

I've taken the opportunity over the course of my time as Minister of Health to spend a lot of time on this issue, to meet people, including John and Donna

Strauss, and to meet others who are involved in this, including the manufacturers of these various products. We're in very close contact with them. That would be acknowledged through a variety of

people within my ministry and the minister's office.

I'm happy to commit to a meeting, but what I cannot commit to the honourable member is jumping over processes that have been established for this very purpose.

She didn't do it when she was the Minister of Health and I find it interesting that she's now counselling that I do the exact opposite of the way she conducted herself during her days as Minister

of Health.

CORONER'S INQUEST

Ms Shelley Martel (Nickel Belt): I have a question to the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services. In September 2002,

21-year-old Martha Murray died in her home near Hamilton. Martha suffered from a potassium deficiency known as hypokalemia. She had also recently been diagnosed as bipolar and was prescribed

lithium to deal with that condition. Unbeknownst to both Martha and her parents, a specialist's report in her file warned that she should not take lithium because of her potassium disorder, as that

could cause cardiac arrest. And that's what happened in September 2002.

But in March 2003, the local coroner reported Martha's death as undetermined. Then, in November 2003, the paediatric death review committee of the chief

coroner's office reported, "Martha's use of prescribed lithium, especially in the setting of hypokalemia, would put her at risk for a cardiac event." Then in July 2004, the investigation statement

signed by the chief coroner's office declared Martha's death a natural one.

Minister, this situation demands a coroner's inquest. Will you order one?

Hon Monte Kwinter (Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services): I thank the member for her question. I understand the concern of

the Murray family, and I offer my condolences to them.

You should understand that a minister has never, ever directed the coroner to hold an inquest. The reason for that is quite simple: They are an independent,

arm's-length body. They can't have political interference. But I appreciate the concerns of the family and the member. You should know, as you might know, that the Office of the Chief Coroner is

taking a look at that particular case and will be reporting back in a matter of a couple of weeks.

Ms Martel: Martha's parents, Paul and Maryann Murray, are in the members' gallery today. They've come to Queen's Park to make this difficult

personal tragedy a public one because they've been unable to get satisfactory answers to the questions they've raised. They want to ensure that doctors are aware of the risks of lithium if they

have patients suffering from a potassium deficiency. They want warnings on the pharmacy drug information sheets about the risk of lithium. Most importantly, they want an inquest into the death of

their daughter, because they know her death was not a natural one and they don't want other Ontario families to suffer a similar tragedy.

Minister, under

section 22 of the Coroners Act, you have the authority to order an inquest. I am asking you again, on behalf of this family, will you order

that done today?

Hon Mr Kwinter: I answered the member. I said that in the history of this province a minister has never ordered an inquest, and the reason,

again, is quite simple. The chief coroner's office has to stay above political interference.

Having said that, the chief coroner has agreed to review the case. He will take a look at it. I'm sure that the member knows, as the family knows, it was

unfortunate that the regional coroner, while he had agreed to look at it, died in his sleep before he could respond, and that created a bit of a delay. But I can assure you that the Office of the

Chief Coroner is looking into --

Ms Martel: The chief coroner said it was a natural death.

Hon Mr Kwinter: Again, I can't second-guess the coroner, but in the meantime the chief coroner has agreed to conduct an investigation and will

report back as soon as he's through.

GASOLINE TAX

Mr Wayne Arthurs (Pickering-Ajax-Uxbridge): My question is to the Minister of Transportation. Good news needs to be shared. Last month we kept

yet another promise to our municipal partners. One cent per litre of the gasoline tax was confirmed as available to municipal transit authorities. A further one cent per litre will follow in two

stages.

As the mayor of Pickering, I was a member of a small provincial task force in the early 1990s called the Transit Integration Task Force. That task force

proposed exactly this strategy. I'm pleased now, as a member of this government, that we're delivering on this vision.

In my riding of Pickering-Ajax-Uxbridge, the community will benefit by $1.2 million this year for enhanced public transit. I understand, Minister, that you

were in the neighbouring riding of Oshawa this morning. Can you share with this House the good-news story in Oshawa?

Hon Harinder S. Takhar (Minister of Transportation): First of all, I really want to congratulate all the elected members of the Durham region

for having the foresight and vision to integrate public transit in the Durham region.

This morning I was delighted to be part of an event in Durham where people were able to see the difference that the gas-tax money makes. I was delighted to be

part of an event where we were able to unveil two-way bus service between Oshawa and Whitby. This new bus service will provide better service to the students going to Durham College and to the new

University of Ontario Institute of Technology. This service will also benefit people with disabilities.

Let me quote what the mayor of Whitby said about our gas-tax announcement and today's event. He said, "The gas-tax funding announced by your government was

well received by Whitby council, and has assured the successful launch of this important undertaking."

I will look forward to the supplementary.

Mr Arthurs: That's great news for the people of Durham region, and I'm looking forward to the very same type of announcements in my community.

Could you be more precise in explaining what this means to the city of Oshawa transit system, Minister, and could you provide some update on the status of other municipalities in receiving their

gas tax funding?

Hon Mr Takhar: Let me just quote what the mayor of Oshawa said: "Please extend our thanks.... It was a commitment made, and a commitment kept.

This is a very welcome initiative ... and it enables us to make the improvements that we are rolling out today."

As far as the status is concerned, so far 55 municipalities have signed the agreement and will be receiving their first gas tax payment retroactive to October

of this year. We are expecting that within the next few weeks we will have all agreements signed and the municipalities can start receiving their payments. For the city of Oshawa, this means that

$1.137 million will start flowing to them and start creating the kinds of benefits I talked about before.

CANCER TREATMENT

Mr Joseph N. Tascona (Barrie-Simcoe-Bradford): My question is to the Minister of Health. Your government promised to improve cancer wait times

and survival rates and make prevention a priority. The Ontario cancer action plan, released last Thursday, warns that if the plan isn't adopted, wait times will only grow longer and patients will

once again be forced to seek treatment in the United States. This action plan states that planning for the construction of two three-machine centres, one in Newmarket and the other in Barrie, was

approved and ongoing. The reality is that cancer rates are increasing and there are no cancer centres between Toronto and Sudbury.

Will you commit to prioritizing the Barrie Royal Victoria Hospital and the Newmarket Southlake cancer centres to begin construction for the 2005-06 fiscal

year?

Hon George Smitherman (Minister of Health and Long-Term Care): I was pleased to have the opportunity to be at a press conference last week

with Cancer Care Ontario, which released a three-year plan for cancer that was developed at the request of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Cancer Care Ontario is, of course, our partner

and the organization we rely upon for assistance in the coordination of cancer services.

While I would acknowledge what the honourable member said about the importance of building centres to the north of Toronto, I do think it is important to heed

the advice of Cancer Care Ontario, and that advice was very clear in saying that capital priorities from them include three other centres before Newmarket and Barrie come into play. Two of them I

remember off the top of my head, and by the supplementary I hope to capture the third. One of those was Niagara, and expansion of capacity in Ottawa was also seen as a very significant

priority.

The case in point here, though, is very simple. I have noticed that with a lot of encouragement and strong community support, campaigns are really getting

rolling quite aggressively in both of these communities. I'm supportive of them, and I would agree with the honourable member that an ongoing expansion of our capital capacities, particularly in

this deprived part of our province, is an absolute necessity.

Mr Tascona: My constituents and I have concerns about your failure to commit to beginning construction in the 2005-06 fiscal year, and I want

you to know why. On November 3, 2004, you were questioned by my colleague from Simcoe-Grey about two new cancer centres, one in Barrie, at Royal Victoria Hospital, and one in Newmarket, at the

Southlake Regional Health Centre. Your response: "... both the [cancer] centres in Newmarket and Barrie continue to be important priorities, and we're making considerable progress."

The Ontario cancer action plan, released last Thursday, in the executive

summary, page 17, part B, "Increase Capacity to Meet Predicted Demand, Action Plans,"

states: "Immediate priorities include Peel, Hamilton, Sudbury, Grand River and Durham. Once other planned expansions over the next three years are in place, PCOPs will also be required for Ottawa,

Kingston and one centre north of the greater Toronto area."

We have attempted to find out, to no avail, from Cancer Care Ontario and your ministry which cancer centre that is required north of the greater Toronto area

is being referred to in the cancer care action plan. Which one is it, Minister: Barrie RVH or Newmarket Southlake, and how is this "considerable progress" if only one of the centres is going ahead

and no construction has even started?

Hon Mr Smitherman: I do think the honourable member is doing a considerable amount of injustice to the issue, because he's got the time

sequencing way off, even from his own government's announcement.

On the issue of Cancer Care Ontario's report, I didn't refer to page 17 directly, but certainly, in the front pages, Cancer Care Ontario's indication to the

government of Ontario has been that both of these centres north of Toronto are a priority, and that is the basis that we're operating on.

CHILD CARE

Ms Andrea Horwath (Hamilton East): My question is for the Minister of Children and Youth Services. Minister, last week you promised to reveal

the details of your child care plan, and you came up very short. Ontario parents believed they would finally have a comprehensive program of regulated, non-profit care. But this, of course, was not

to be. Last Thursday, their raised expectations became dashed hopes. All you offered was a small pilot program in just three communities, along with a thin pledge that some day, somewhere, some

child might get regulated care. The Toronto Star, in fact, dismissed it as "another election-style promise."

Minister, you avoided the glare of scrutiny last week by making your announcement outside of the Legislature. Now tell us point-blank, please: How many

provincial dollars will be allocated to not-for-profit regulated child care in this year?

Hon Marie Bountrogianni (Minister of Children and Youth Services, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration ): It is with great pleasure and

pride that I say today that our Best Start plan will help children from zero to six years across the province. It'll provide healthier development, early learning and child care and good parenting

programs across that age range.

The demonstration sites that the honourable member mentions are for the full hub, which will be over the next few years. The actual JK and SK wraparound

programs will start immediately. The planning is starting now. We'll see the first spaces in the fall, where the communities who are able to provide the spaces because of capital foundations --

those will be provided in the fall. With others, construction will begin by the fall. By 2007-08, phase one will be completed, where we will have wraparound for a significant number of children

across the province.

This is one quote from the president of the Elementary Teachers' Federation, Emily Noble: "Ontario children and their parents will benefit significantly from

the Best Start plan.... Teachers welcome the government's intention to bring early childhood education into the public school system."

Ms Horwath: The issue is that the minister's plan has a timetable that is so slow that a child born today will be old enough to be babysitting

the next generation of children by the time the program actually kicks in, in full swing.

Have you actually set the rates, Minister, for parental subsidies? No. Have you allocated any new provincial money? No. Have you committed to a not-for-profit

system? No. Did you do what you promised to do? No.

You promised 330,000 regulated child care spaces. How many will actually be available in September 2005, and how many kids are actually going to be left

behind?

Hon Mrs Bountrogianni: Not only are we fulfilling our election promise, we're surpassing it with the assistance of the federal government. We

are making it more affordable for up to 84% of families in this province. We are cancelling the RESP and the RRSP criteria for subsidy, allowing more lower-middle-class parents as well as

upper-working-class parents to be able to take advantage of this program.

The other thing that we'll be doing is connecting early childhood programs with other services. Parents have told us from across the province that they want

one-stop shopping, one hub. This will take a few years, we do admit. We're going to do it right. We're going to do it across the province. And I'm not going to take any lectures from that member,

who does not have the best interests of her community at heart when she attacks what I'm trying to do for her community.

SMALL BUSINESS

Ms Laurel C. Broten (Etobicoke-Lakeshore): My question is for the Minister of Finance. As I meet with local businesses in Etobicoke-Lakeshore,

the Etobicoke Chamber of Commerce and BIAs in my riding, I encounter consistent concerns with respect to the unfair burden of taxes on small businesses in my community.

In particular, there are three areas of concern that are expressed: first, the disproportionately high levels of property tax rates paid by businesses in

Etobicoke compared to the property tax rates paid by similar businesses in other parts of the GTA; second, the migration of businesses to the greater GTA as a result of substantially higher levels

of education tax; and third, the lack of a small-business retail tax class which specifically addresses the reality of small businesses.

As Etobicoke-Lakeshore continues to work hard on its revitalization, the inequitable tax situation suffered by small businesses in my community is hindering

our progress. What is our government doing to help address these concerns?

Hon Greg Sorbara (Minister of Finance): I appreciate the question from my friend from Etobicoke-Lakeshore, particularly because she represents

an area of the city and the GTA and the province which has its own unique and marvellous business community. I've visited some of those businesses and I understand her concern about the property

tax burden. I should say to you that a number of things are taking place that allow more flexibility and moderation of those tax burdens.

The first is that we have given municipalities flexibility to either speed up or moderate the movement toward current value assessment. I made that

announcement several months ago in the Legislature, and the impact of that will be good news in Etobicoke-Lakeshore.

The second and perhaps more important initiative is giving municipalities the ability to put into place a graduated tax rate system for small businesses. That

also might be of help to a great area of the province.

Ms Broten: The success of urban centres in Toronto is tantamount to the health and vibrancy of our entire city. As you know, Minister, small

businesses are an important sector of our economy and the hearts of each of our communities. While it's hopeful that the CVA will address this disproportionate tax issue, the transformation will

take certainly many years, perhaps as long as 20 years. Recognizing that municipalities set their business property tax rates, how are we working with the municipalities to ensure success for the

businesses in Etobicoke-Lakeshore?

Hon Mr Sorbara: Obviously it's the municipality, and in this case the city of Toronto, which ultimately sets the tax rates. My friend points

out an important element of the system that our government inherited, and that is this slow-moving process toward market value assessment. We have taken some steps to ensure that the process

becomes fairer. In particular, we have invited municipalities to speak to us directly about the possibility of having a unique class among the various classes of property which would include small

business.

The point here is that the small businesses in Etobicoke-Lakeshore and right across the province are one of the very important engines, and we are concerned

about the burden of property tax that they confront.

ONTARIO FILM INDUSTRY

Mrs Julia Munro (York North): My question is for the Minister of Culture. Minister, everyone in Ontario knows we have a crisis in our film

industry. The industry has been hard-hit over the last several years, and you have failed to keep your election promise to increase tax credits to 33%. The landscape in the last few months has

begun to shift even more dramatically, yet last week the Chair of Management Board said you would only help the film industry sometime in the four years of your mandate.

Minister, Ontario's film industry cannot wait. People are losing their jobs today. Businesses are leaving Ontario today for the US or other provinces. What is

your strategy to preserve our film industry right now for the next six to 12 months?

Hon Madeleine Meilleur (Minister of Culture, minister responsible for francophone affairs): I want to thank the member of the opposite party

for her question. As you know, our government understands how important Ontario film and television tax credits are both for the industry and for the province's economy. More than 20,000 direct

jobs and 32,000 indirect jobs in the film and television industry have been supported by tax credits during a difficult period for all cultural industry.

Our government continues to develop policy that supports our international competitiveness. This includes changes to the Ontario film and television tax credit

that increase its value. The enhanced tax credits will result in seven to eight million new dollars invested in the film and TV sector. One announcement allows producers to claim development and

labour costs. They can also claim budgets which include a federal contribution. So we are doing what is necessary, recognizing the importance of tax credits in the film industry.

Mrs Munro: Minister, I don't think you understand the importance of this issue. There are 20,000 people, but these are 20,000 people who stand

to lose their jobs. We're talking about real people facing a crisis. Personally, I know set designers, caterers, hairdressers and stuntmen who earn their living in this industry. Do you have any

idea of the amount of talent and expertise that we risk losing in this province?

Just as a simple, straightforward example, Wayne Ford is the owner of Mar-Lyn Lumber in Ajax, a small business that employs 10 people. Mar-Lyn is one of the

largest suppliers of construction materials for movie sets in the Toronto area, working with about 85% of all productions. Wayne and his employees do good work, yet Wayne is certain he is likely to

go out of business with the current crisis in the film industry. With Christmas a month away, what message should I give to Wayne, his employees and their families, and to the thousands of skilled

and talented people in this province about what your government will do to save jobs now in the film industry?

Hon Mrs Meilleur: As I said in my first answer, our government understands the importance of the film industry in Ontario. In the last budget,

we improved the tax credit, and we will continue to work with the industry because it is important and we want to make sure the film industry continues to flourish here in Ontario.

PUBLIC TELEVISION /

TÉLÉVISION PUBLIQUE

Mr Rosario Marchese (Trinity-Spadina): My question is to the Minister of Culture again.

Minister, when you considered the privatization of TVO a while back, the people of this province fought back and fought hard to keep it in public hands. They

told you they value the high-quality educational programming TVOntario provides. Now we learn that you are ready to cut nearly, I hear, $2 million from their budget. It is impossible for TVO to

continue its fundraising efforts and conduct normal operations when threats of cuts hang over their head. Can you put the minds of the people of Ontario at ease and let them know that you are not

making cuts to this valuable public service?

Hon Madeleine Meilleur (Minister of Culture, minister responsible for francophone affairs): Thank you for the question. We know that TVO and

TFO are very, very important for the community and they offer quality services. We are working with TVO and TFO to continue their good service in Ontario.

I will ask that the next question would be directed to the minister responsible for TFO/TVO, the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities.

Mr Marchese: We understand that the programming that's delivered is important. That wasn't the question. It's a different type of question,

and I will ask you again, Madam Minister.

Nous entendons que TFO recevra bientôt des coupures de millions de dollars. La communauté francophone est déjà mal servie par les

émissions distinguées comme Panorama. Madame la ministre, pourquoi votre gouvernement est-il prêt à offrir la communauté francophone en sacrifice?

L'hon. M me Meilleur: Je suis consciente de l'importance que TFO joue dans la communauté francophone. Ils offrent des services

de qualité, et nous travaillons à continuer avec TFO à produire ces programmes de qualité.

Alors, ce que nous cherchons présentement c'est d'autres partenaires, et nous savons qu'il y a d'autres provinces qui sont intéressées à

acheter les bons services de TFO et de TVO.

COMMUNITY USE OF SCHOOLS

Mr Bill Mauro (Thunder Bay-Atikokan): My question is for the Minister of Tourism and Recreation. All of the members in this Legislature

understand how important it is for the government of Ontario to promote physical activity amongst its young people. However, for many low-income families, it is difficult for children to access

recreation facilities due to cost. Minister, can you tell me what you are doing to break down cost barriers for young kids in my riding?

Hon James J. Bradley (Minister of Tourism and Recreation): The member for Thunder Bay-Atikokan makes an excellent point: It's difficult for

young people in our province who come from modest means to access facilities and participate in physical activity programming due to fiscal barriers. That is why my ministry has initiated, along

with the Ministry of Education, the community use of schools program to lower the cost to non-profit organizations and to increase the utilization of the facilities, and the communities in action

fund to assist community groups in the formulation of recreational programs for lower-income children.

On Wednesday of last week, I had the privilege of announcing two such grants in Thunder Bay. I visited the Thunder Bay Boys and Girls Club to present a cheque

of $10,488 to increase physical activity and sport participation rates in Thunder Bay. In addition, along with Ian Sutherland of the Lakehead District School Board, I made the announcement of a

community use of schools agreement, which will see the Lakehead school board receive $132,000. With the signing of this agreement, the Lakehead board will eliminate all fees for non-profit

organizations and increase the number of hours that schools are open by 3,000 hours.

The Speaker (Hon Alvin Curling): Supplementary.

Mr Michael Gravelle (Thunder Bay-Superior North): That is absolutely wonderful for the young people and the students of Thunder Bay.

I understand as well, Minister, that you made another very significant announcement when you were in Thunder Bay regarding another aspect of your portfolio,

that being tourism, which of course is of very great importance to the north. Can you tell the Legislature a little bit about the northern Ontario tourism marketing strategy and some of the

projects your ministry is working on and supporting in that regard?

Hon Mr Bradley: As the member from Thunder Bay-Superior North would know, tourism is an extremely important part of the northern economy. The

northern Ontario tourism marketing strategy will allow us to work with our government and private sector partners to raise awareness of northern tourism destinations right across Ontario, Canadian

and international markets by helping to develop tourism packages and products. The strategy will also aim to increase tourist traffic by some 15%, tourism spending by 20%, and 3,000 more jobs in

northern Ontario we hope to be able to create.

Our government, through the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corp, is contributing $585,000 to produce a 2005 Outdoor Adventure Guide, a francophone

Outdoor Adventure Guide and training materials for the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce to assist them in identifying new tourism products.

The northern Ontario tourism marketing strategy is part of this government's $5-million commitment to tourism in northern Ontario.

PETITIONS

EYE EXAMINATIONS

Mr Cameron Jackson (Burlington): This is a petition to the Legislative Assembly.

"Whereas the 2004 provincial budget was not clear on whether adult optometry patients who have or who are at risk for medical conditions, such as diabetes,

glaucoma, macular degeneration and clinically significant cataracts would continue to be covered through the Ontario health insurance plan; and

"Whereas Ontario's optometrists strongly feel that Ontario seniors, those under 20 and those with chronic sight-threatening diseases must continue to receive

primary eye care services directly from Ontario's optometrists; and

"Whereas forcing patients to be referred to optometrists through their family physicians ignores the years of specialized training optometrists undertake to

detect, diagnose and treat eye conditions; and

"Whereas almost 140 communities across the province have already been designated as underserviced for family practitioners and the government's approach will

only exacerbate the problem unnecessarily;

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

"That the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care immediately clarify that the eye examination services they provide to patients at risk for medical conditions

will continue to be covered by OHIP and the coverage for these services" will not depend "on a patient being referred to an optometrist by a family physician."

This has several thousand signatures, and it has my signature as well.

IMMIGRANTS' SKILLS

Mr Shafiq Qaadri (Etobicoke North): I have a petition here addressed to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario regarding access to trades and

professions in Ontario.

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

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

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

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

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

have and want to use;

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

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

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

gain fair, timely and cost-effective access to certification and other measures that" --

Interjection: Sign it.

Mr Qaadri: -- "facilitate the entry, or re-entry, of skilled workers and professionals trained outside Canada into the Canadian

workforce."

As per the suggestion of the MPP for Durham, I am pleased to sign it.

The Speaker (Hon Alvin Curling): Petitions? The member from Oxford.

ABORTION

Mr John O'Toole (Durham): Thank you --

Mr Ernie Hardeman (Oxford): Do you represent Oxford now?

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in Parliament assembled:

"We, the undersigned citizens of Ontario, draw the attention of the House to the following:

"That Ontarians are being asked to consider alternate forms of health care delivery due to escalating costs; and

"That 65% of Ontarians surveyed in October 2002 objected to the public funding of abortion on demand; and

"That almost all abortions are done for `socio-economic' reasons in Canada; and

"That the Canada Health Act imposes no duty on provinces to fund any services other than those which are medically necessary; and

"That there are no legal impediments preventing provinces from" delisting "abortion.

"Therefore, your petitioners call on the Parliament of Ontario to enact legislation which will de-insure induced abortion."

HOSPITAL FUNDING

Mrs Maria Van Bommel (Lambton-Kent-Middlesex): "To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas the funding formula used by the Ministry of Health provided only a 1% increase for Four Counties Health Services in Newbury; and

"Whereas Four Counties Health Services has a projected deficit of $1.7 million; and

"Whereas the plan to balance the budget of Four Counties Health Services by 2006 recommends the closing of all beds at the hospital; and...

"Whereas the continuing viability and operation is of critical importance to the quality of life of all citizens in the hospital's catchment area;

"Therefore we, the undersigned, request a review of the budget/funding and consultation with the hospital board/administration/community to reflect the needs

of our rural hospital and community."

I will sign this petition.

STUDENT SAFETY

Mr Jim Flaherty (Whitby-Ajax): "To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas the Ministry of Education has failed to ensure that students are protected from individuals whose past behaviours have directly harmed children;

and

"Whereas the Ministry of Education has chosen to ignore the children's aid society's recommendation that certain individuals not work with children; and

"Whereas the introduction of a `volunteer' into the school system must not be solely at the discretion of the principal; and

"Whereas the Liberal government promised to make sure schools are safe so students can concentrate on learning; and

"Whereas the Liberal government promised to ensure that school boards provide strong local accountability and decision-making;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly to amend the Education Act to place restrictions on the eligibility of persons who act as volunteers in

schools, and to include as a formal requirement that volunteers be subject to the approval of the school board and parent council."

I've signed my name.

ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK

Mr Dave Levac (Brant): This is a petition written to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

"Whereas there is no established province-wide standard to deal with anaphylactic shock in Ontario schools; and

"Whereas there is no specific comment regarding anaphylactic shock in the Education Act; and

"Whereas anaphylactic shock is a serious concern that can result in life-or-death situations; and

"Whereas all students in Ontario have the right to be safe and feel safe in their school community; and

"Whereas all parents of anaphylactic students need to know that safety standards exist in all schools in Ontario;

"Therefore

be it resolved that we, the undersigned, demand that the McGuinty government support the passing of Bill 3,

An Act to protect anaphylactic students,

which requires that every school principal in Ontario establish a school anaphylactic plan."

I sign my name to this petition and give it to Adam.

CHILDREN'S HEALTH SERVICES

Mr Garfield Dunlop (Simcoe North): I have this petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas there are approximately 23,000 children and youth in Simcoe county and York region who have special needs; and

"Whereas approximately 6,000 of these children have multiple special needs that require a range of core rehabilitation services; and

"Whereas children with multiple special needs (and their families) throughout the province access ongoing rehabilitation services that are critical for their

development at children's treatment centres in their area; and

"Whereas there is no children's treatment centre in Simcoe county or York region. For families that can travel, the closest services are in Toronto; and

"Whereas Simcoe county and York region is the only area left in the entire province that does not have access to children's treatment centre services in their

own area; and

"Whereas the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care provided funding to the Simcoe York District Health Council for implementation planning for an integrated

children's rehabilitation services system in December 2001; and

"Whereas the implementation plan was submitted to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care in December 2002; and

"Whereas the proposal was reviewed and approved by the appropriate ministries in 2003, and in August the Ministry of Health advised the Simcoe county and York

region district health council that the funding had been committed and would be available shortly;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislature of Ontario to release the funding for the children's treatment centre in Simcoe county and York region so that

core rehabilitation services can be delivered to the children and youth in Simcoe county and York region."

I'm pleased to sign my name to that.

GO TRANSIT SERVICE

Mr Bob Delaney (Mississauga West): I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from a group of commuters in Mississauga, and it

reads as follows:

"Whereas the city of Mississauga has, within a generation, grown from a linked collection of suburban and farming communities into Canada's sixth-largest city,

and tens of thousands of people daily need to commute into and out of Mississauga in order to do business, educate themselves and their families and enjoy culture and recreation; and

"Whereas gridlock on all roads leading into and out of Mississauga makes peak period road commuting impractical, and commuter rail service on the Milton GO

line is restricted to morning and afternoon service into and out of Toronto; and

"Whereas residents of western Mississauga need to commute to commute, driving along traffic-clogged roads to get to overflowing parking lots at the Meadowvale,

Streetsville and Erindale GO train stations;

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

"That the government of Ontario, through the Ministry of Transportation and highways, instruct GO Transit to allocate sufficient resources from its 2004-05

capital budget to proceed immediately with the acquisition of land and construction of a new GO train station, called Lisgar, at Tenth Line and the rail tracks, to alleviate the parking congestion

and provide better access to GO train service on the Milton line for residents of western Mississauga."

I am one of those residents. I'm pleased to sign this petition and to ask Evan to carry it for me.

ONTARIO DRUG BENEFIT PROGRAM

Mr John O'Toole (Durham): It's a pleasure to present this petition on behalf of the riding of Durham.

"To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas Ontario's seniors have worked long and hard to build the outstanding quality of life the citizens of Ontario enjoy today; and

"Whereas seniors' drug benefits enable older persons to lead healthier lives and avoid more complex care in hospitals and nursing homes; and

"Whereas, in addition to their taxes, many seniors already contribute toward their prescription drugs through deductibles and dispensing fees; and

"Whereas the vast majority of seniors face increasing costs on fixed pensions and cannot afford to see their incomes eroded further;

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

"That the Legislative Assembly of Ontario not eliminate or reduce the provincial drug benefits provided to seniors."

My constituents are concerned about this; therefore, I sign it and support it.

ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK

Mr Bob Delaney (Mississauga West ): I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. It reads:

"Whereas there is no established province-wide standard to deal with anaphylactic shock in Ontario schools; and

"Whereas there is no specific comment regarding anaphylactic shock in the Education Act; and

"Whereas anaphylactic shock is a serious concern that can result in life-or-death situations; and

"Whereas all students in Ontario have the right to be safe and feel safe in their school community; and

"Whereas all parents of anaphylactic students need to know that safety standards exist in all schools in Ontario;

"Therefore

be it resolved that we, the undersigned," petition the Ontario government to support the passage "of Bill 3,

An Act to protect anaphylactic

students, which requires that every school principal in Ontario establish a school anaphylactic plan."

I'm pleased to sign this and ask Ellen to carry it for me.

CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES

Mr Gerry Martiniuk (Cambridge): I have a petition signed by thousands of good Cambrian citizens that reads:

"To: Legislative Assembly of Ontario

"Re: support for chiropractic services in Ontario health insurance plan:

"Whereas,

"Elimination of OHIP coverage will mean that many of the 1.2 million patients who use chiropractic will no longer be able to access the health care they

need;

"Those with reduced ability to pay -- including seniors, low-income families and the working poor -- will be forced to seek care in already overburdened family

physician offices and emergency departments;

"Elimination of OHIP coverage is expected to save $93 million in expenditures on chiropractic treatment at a cost to government of over $200 million in other

health care costs; and

"There was no consultation with the public on the decision to delist chiropractic services;

"We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to reverse the decision announced in the May 18, 2004, provincial budget and maintain OHIP

coverage for chiropractic services, in the best interests of the public, patients, the health care system, government and the province."

I'm pleased to sign this petition.

LANDFILL

Mr Garfield Dunlop (Simcoe North): "To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

"Whereas the county of Simcoe proposes to construct a landfill at site 41 in the township of Tiny; and

"Whereas the county of Simcoe has received, over a period of time, the necessary approvals from the Ministry of the Environment to design and construct a

landfill at site 41; and

"Whereas, as part of the landfill planning process, peer reviews of site 41 identified over 200 recommendations for improvements to the design, most of which

are related to potential groundwater contamination; and

"Whereas the Minister of the Environment has on numerous occasions stated her passion for clean and safe water and the need for water source protection;

and

"Whereas the Minister of the Environment has indicated her intention to introduce legislation on water source protection, which is a final and key

recommendation to be implemented under Justice Dennis O'Connor's report on the Walkerton inquiry; and

"Whereas the Minister of the Environment has announced expert panels that will make recommendations to the minister on water source protection legislation;

and

"Whereas the Ministry of the Environment will now be responsible for policing nutrient management; and

"Whereas the citizens of Ontario will be expecting a standing committee of the Legislature to hold province-wide public hearings on water source protection

legislation;

"We, the undersigned, call upon the government of Ontario and the Ministry of the Environment to immediately place a moratorium on the development of site 41

until the water source protection legislation is implemented in Ontario. We believe the legislation will definitely affect the design of site 41 and the nearby water sources."

I am pleased to sign my name to that.

WATER QUALITY

Mr Ernie Hardeman (Oxford): I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

"Whereas the riding of Oxford is made up of many small communities, which have little or no access to municipal water service and are home to churches, halls

and other public buildings that must be on private wells; and

"Whereas these buildings are now required to abide by regulation 170 of the Safe Drinking Water Act, which calls for expensive and unnecessary reports and

tests if the buildings are to be used; and

"Whereas the government of Ontario maintains it will institute all recommendations of the O'Connor report, including number 84 that recommends provincial

funding when approved systems are not economically viable for the owner; and

"Whereas the Minister of the Environment agrees the regulation is flawed;

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

"That the Minister of the Environment put enforcement of regulation 170 on hold until either a provincial funding program is put in place to assist rural

public buildings and the organizations they house meet the regulation, or a change to the regulation is made to make it more reasonable and appropriate."

I affix my signature to this petition, as I agree with it.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

BUDGET MEASURES ACT (FALL), 2004 /

LOI DE 2004 SUR LES MESURES

BUDGÉTAIRES (AUTOMNE)

Mr Sorbara moved second reading of the following bill:

Bill 149,

An Act to implement 2004 Budget measures, enact the Northern Ontario Grow Bonds Corporation Act, 2004 and amend various Acts / Projet de loi

149, Loi mettant en oeuvre certaines mesures énoncées dans le Budget de 2004, édictant la Loi de 2004 sur la Société d'émission d'obligations de développement du

Nord de l'Ontario et modifiant diverses lois.

The Deputy Speaker (Mr Bruce Crozier): Mr Sorbara?

Hon Greg Sorbara (Minister of Finance): It's a pleasure and an honour for me to be speaking on this bill. I just would inform you now that the

time allotted for the opening speeches will be shared with my parliamentary assistant, the member from Eglinton-Lawrence, who will make all the salient points. I'm really just here to introduce

him, and I hope you'll bear with me.

You will recall that I provided this House with a

summary of this act through ministers' statements when the bill was introduced a few days ago in the

Legislature. I am going to just highlight some of the points I made at that time.

Mr Garfield Dunlop (Simcoe North): Maybe you should try reading it sometime.

Hon Mr Sorbara: Did you hear a cry from the Simcoe area? We'll just ignore that.

Mr Dunlop: Read the bill.

Hon Mr Sorbara: My friend says, "Read the bill." I'm quite familiar with the contents of the bill, and I hope that one day the members

opposite will concentrate on the content. I'm going to try to ignore them now but I know that my friend from, I think, Simcoe-Grey is rather jumpy today, so it will be a test.

Anyway, I'm going to share my time with my colleague, my parliamentary assistant. I hope, when he addresses the House on this bill, you will give him some

leeway to talk at least a little bit about the steps he has been taking over the course, really, of the past 13 months on the auto insurance file. We're very proud of how much progress we've made

on that file, and we are particularly proud of the work he's done on that.

The essence of Bill 149 is to complete the work that was really launched when we presented the budget in this Legislature back on May 18. As you recall, at

that time the budget really represented a four-year plan to do four important things:

The first was to get us on the road to building a stronger economy. The second was to get us on the road to bringing financial health back to the very business

of government. We've started that as well. Third, to make significant investments in key public services like health care: We've done that with historic new levels of funding for hospitals, with

new initiatives to transform our system to improve home care and primary care, and you've heard about that from the Minister of Health for many, many months. The fourth initiative, and in a way

perhaps the most important in the budget, is the investments we've made already in education.

I believe, and I think many commentators on Ontario politics will agree with me, that over the course of the eight and a half years the Conservative Party was

in government, it was really education that suffered the brunt of their anger and of their inability to manage the public agenda properly. I want to be careful of my language here, because I know

you're paying careful attention.

Let me put it another way: By the time we came to power, the education system in Ontario -- primary and secondary -- was in one heck of a mess. For that

reason, among others, we made building new strength in education one of our first priorities, and the budget went a long way to set out the course we would be taking.

Mr Jim Flaherty (Whitby-Ajax): You're going to fix it.

Hon Mr Sorbara: And I tell my friend from Whitby-Ajax, all you have to do, really, is talk to a teacher, talk to a principal, talk to an

administrator, and they'll say, "We know that you haven't turned water into wine, but already our schools are in better shape."

What they appreciate most is that we respect the importance, the dignity and the status of those wonderful men and women who are teachers in this province and

in whose hands every day of the school year we entrust the care and the development of our children. The worst thing about the Tory legacy was the eight-and-a-half-year war on teachers, which will

be the legacy of that government. But I'm not here to talk about that; I'm here to talk about Bill 149, and I'm here to talk about the way in which we are ultimately implementing our budget

plan.

Admittedly, and I said this at the time of the introduction of the bill, it's a very long bill. In a sense, it's a very technical bill, and I'm not sure the

House today wants to hear about all those technicalities. But I think they would be interested in hearing about some of the major thrusts in the bill that take us on the way to a stronger economy

and a healthier province.

I want to start off, if I could --

Mr Flaherty: Taxing is very healthy for the economy.

Hon Mr Sorbara: Well, I hear the member from Whitby-Ajax talking about taxes. In fact, the major tax initiative of this bill is to cut taxes,

to cut corporate taxes, to cut capital taxes and, indeed, over the course of 10 years to eliminate capital tax in the province of Ontario.

Hon Mr Sorbara: But let's get on with some of the important initiatives that will strengthen our economy. I really want to talk about two

initiatives that are worthy of highlight.

Interjections.

The Deputy Speaker: Interjections, yes, but continuous? Three speakers -- I'm having trouble listening. Minister.

Hon Mr Sorbara: The two that I would like to highlight are the steps we're taking in the apprenticeship system -- I think probably these

initiatives, more than anything else, define one of the major elements of our approach to stronger economic growth because they represent investments in young people to help them be trained to be

North America's leaders in workplace training.

I remember the steps that I had the honour of taking way back in 1985 to 1987 in workplace training. At that time, I had the honour of being Minister of Skills

Development, and I am glad to see that now, almost 13 years later, the government is returning to an emphasis on the importance of workplace training. Thousands and thousands of young people will

enter apprenticeship programs as a result of these initiatives. Thousands and thousands of employers will receive payroll assistance to hire new apprentices as a result of these initiatives. So on

the workplace side, this initiative of developing the strength of our workforce deserves special attention.

The other thing that I think is worthy of note here as we begin second reading debate is the investments we're making in the Ontario commercialization

investment fund program. Now, for many people that's a very

long title, and it is; I think I would have given some more thought to perhaps giving it a more easily articulated title. What's

important is what this new fund is going to do. We take advantage of $36 million of taxpayers' money and invest it, along with the private sector, to leverage $120 million in new pools of

investment capital to invest in leading-edge technology businesses. This kind of investment is targeted directly at those new economies, which I believe will be an important part of the new economy

over the next 10 and 20 years in Ontario.

Interjection: You're darned right. The knowledge industry.

Hon Mr Sorbara: So on the one hand, investing in workers and, on the other hand, investing in new and creative ways and in what my friend from

Mississauga West appropriately calls knowledge industries.

I want to point out a couple of more things this bill does that I think are worthy of note today, and which personally, when I presented the budget, gave me a

great deal of satisfaction. The first is an increase of some 25% on the seniors' property tax credit, which has been around in the province for over a decade. I remember during the election

campaign how often I heard from seniors -- in Woodbridge, Maple, Aurora and King -- that the thing they feared most was not having the ability to manage rising costs and not being able to keep

their own home. I'm talking about seniors who have modest means, seniors on fixed incomes, seniors who only have a pension, perhaps from 20 or 30 years' working in the construction industry. Those

voices continued to ring in my ear with clarity as we prepared the budget.

This property tax credit had not been adjusted for over a decade. When we presented the budget, I was very proud to announce a 25% increase. That's an

additional $125 per family and will touch some 350,000 seniors in the province. Some 35,000 seniors will receive the tax credit for the first time. This is real help to people of modest means whose

only interest is to stay within their own home.

The other initiative that I think needs to be highlighted is the fact that this bill creates the northern Ontario grow bonds program. If you'd been travelling

with me through the north in the pre-budget hearings, you would have heard, in community after community in northern Ontario, a plea to become real participants in the growth of this great economy

in this great province.

For eight and a half years the north was shut out of Tory economic policy -- just shut out. You need to go up north and talk to people, and they will tell you

about the fact that virtually nothing happened over the course of eight and a half years during the Tory administration. I was determined that in our budget we would begin to turn that around.

One of the elements that we're using is the grow bonds program, which will provide new capital, investment capital, for entrepreneurs in the north; capital

they do not now have access to, to create the new businesses that will create the new jobs that will bring new economic activity and new vibrancy to the northern economy.

There were a number of other steps that we took in the northern prosperity program that we presented at the time of the budget, but this one, I think, merits

particular attention because it really grows out of the north. This grow bonds program is something that the northern Ontario chambers of commerce had been asking government for for quite some

time. I remember, when we were still in opposition, that they presented to us a framework for a grow bonds program. In the presentation, they gave each of us a seedling pine tree. I asked for

several more because my grandkids love to plant trees. I thought I'd bring them home and have them plant them in the backyard and that would remind me, if we were to win the election, that we

really ought to think carefully about putting this program in place.

I'm very hopeful that the northern Ontario grow bonds program, which is already the subject of a pilot project -- I'm hoping that when we look back at having

passed Bill 149, we'll be able to say that there was a special effort in the bill to ensure that we provide northerners with the same opportunities that those participating in the economy in

southern Ontario have the advantage of.

I'm seeing that time is pressing here, and my colleague from Eglinton-Lawrence is preparing to give his views on Bill 149.

I want to sum up by simply pointing out that Bill 149 is really part of a larger story, but it is an important component in our determination to create greater

transparency in government. In that sense, it's part of the Fiscal Transparency and Accountability Act, which is before this Legislature. It also has a companion in the Audit Act, which has now

passed third reading. The Audit Act increases dramatically the powers of the Auditor General to ensure that we have real value in the money that we spend, whether right here in government or with

various transfer payment agencies. It is part of the budget bill that we presented in May. Together, those acts represent the legislative considerations that implement the budget that we presented

-- my goodness -- almost six months ago.

When I introduced this bill and when I gave this House an update on the economy, I made two points, and I want to restate those points as I conclude my

remarks. We've been in power now, we've been in government, we've had these responsibilities, for some 13 months, and I can say, with absolute confidence and clarity, that already in Ontario our

economy is stronger, and already in Ontario our financial situation is healthier.

We have a long way to go. Passing this bill will help us down that road.

Mr Mike Colle (Eglinton-Lawrence): It's a pleasure to follow the Minister of Finance. As he was relating this bill to how it affects ordinary

people, I would also like to continue in that vein. One of the most understandable parts of a complex bill for ordinary Ontarians is the seniors' property tax credit. As the minister said, the

seniors' property tax credit, for the first time in 11 years, has been expanded by 85 million extra dollars; 85 million extra dollars will go in the pockets of seniors -- low-income,

moderate-income seniors. This is for relief in their property taxes. Whether they live in an apartment as tenants, or in a home, they'll be able to access this tax credit.

Members opposite were sneering at the fact that a senior can get a break of $625 on their taxes. But the seniors I know in Eglinton-Lawrence think that $625

off their property tax is a significant amount of money, and they're thankful for every $625 they can get in their pockets.

Interjection.

Mr Colle: Again, the former government basically sneers at this. The members opposite are sneering at that: 625 hard-earned dollars back to

those seniors who have worked all their lives, made sacrifices, sent their kids to school and paid off their mortgages. What we're saying as a government is, "You deserve a little bit of help."

We're giving it to them with these 85 million extra dollars in their property taxes.

It's a credit that means that 33,000 extra Ontario families will be eligible for this tax credit that weren't eligible under the previous government. Again,

33,000 ordinary Ontario families, whether they live in Stratford, Scarborough, Willowdale or Mississauga, are going to get a break. As tenants, because they pay their property taxes through their

rent, or as homeowners, they're going to get this break. That's one part of this bill that the minister is referring to.

The minister also asked me to make a few references to our reforming of auto insurance. I would like to say, again, that some very valuable things have been

done in this province with the leadership of the superintendent of financial services, along with the superintendents of financial services right across Canada, where, for the first time in the

history of this province of Ontario -- I know the Deputy Speaker was in the insurance business at one time. He'll be glad to know that, for the first time in the history of this province, come

January 1, every person buying auto insurance in Ontario will have full disclosure -- the broker will have full disclosure. In other words, the broker will tell the client the number of companies

the broker represents. Whether it's two, three, five, 10 or 15 companies, that will be revealed for the first time in the history of Ontario.

Also, the commission that each broker receives from all the companies they do business with will be listed in a disclosure form to each customer. That's the

first time full disclosure will be done.

Also, all other fees and commissions and financial arrangements between the broker and companies will be made for the first time to the citizens of the

province of Ontario.

Again, Ontario is the leading jurisdiction in disclosure. I know that Jim Hall, the superintendent of insurance for the province of Saskatchewan -- an NDP

government -- has said that Ontario has taken great steps toward this whole new era of disclosure when it comes to financial services.

I know it's being done with the mutual funds area. It's being done in all the financial sectors. Insurance is coming up to the plate with their disclosure and

transparency.

Also, I should mention that when we came to office last year, there were 220,000 Ontarians in the Facility Association. The Facility Association is where the

worst drivers go. If they've had an unfortunate, serious accident or a drunk driving conviction, they go to the Facility Association. The rates are very high. You could pay up to $5,000, $6,000 or

$10,000 a year for insurance. When we came to office last year at this time, there were 220,000 Ontarians in Facility paying very high rates. I can say that the good news is, in the month of

November, that 220,000 is now down to 84,000. So it's a dramatic drop-off in the number of people who are paying these extraordinarily high rates in Facility. Now it has been depopulated from

220,000 to 84,000. That is a dramatic improvement in the number of people who are paying extraordinarily high rates.

I should also mention that for the first time in the province of Ontario, people who inadvertently write an NSF cheque to their insurance company will not be

denied insurance. That's another change we're making to insurance.

Another thing we're also doing, which will come to fruition very quickly, is that we will end credit scoring in the province of Ontario for auto insurance.

Credit scoring means that an insurance company or financial institution can basically deny you insurance because of your lifestyle; in other words, if you're a tenant or if you perhaps had a case

of bankruptcy or if something happened years ago, your financial standing could have an impact on you maybe not being insured, or it could cause you to have higher rates. That's called credit

scoring. We are now, for the first time in Ontario, making credit scoring not allowed. It's no longer going to be allowed to be used. Credit scoring, lifestyle scoring, will no longer be allowed in

Ontario.

So I know, Mr Speaker, that you're very interested in some of those reforms in auto insurance.

I should mention that auto insurance rates had been going up by 43% over the last three years before we came to office. Since we've come to office, the rates

on the street are down 12%, on average. So we are seeing things finally going in the right direction: There's a 12% reduction. Remember, there are over eight million Ontarians who rely on auto

insurance. That's not to say that every single one of those eight million has a reduction. But overall, of those 8.3 million, after three years of skyrocketing rates, we're starting to see the

rates go down.

There's more availability of insurance. As I mentioned many times, there's still a lot more work to do in auto insurance and insurance in general, because for

too many years there were many forces at work in the marketplace that weren't taken care of. We're seeing the market competitive again. We're seeing improvements, but, as I said, there's still work

to be done.

Getting back to this bill, that also deals with the financial plan for this province -- and we do have a plan. I know that the minister, in passing, talked

about the new knowledge-based economy. One of the most fascinating connections between Bill 149 and something that is going on right across the street, under our noses -- if you want to see where

the new economy of Canada, of Ontario and of Toronto is, it is going on on College Street in the city of Toronto. I know the former government was interested in this. We are finishing the --

Interjection.

Mr Colle: Well, you're interested, but we're putting our money where our mouth is. The government talked about things -- we're putting money

into this program called the MARS program. It is across the street on College Street. This budget allocates monies for that kind of cutting-edge technology, which I know the government opposite,

the former government, talked about. We are putting this in the budget with a significant investment in funds for what is called new, knowledge-based economic activity, where you combine the best

brains out of universities and the private sector with cutting-edge research -- and again, along with the private sector.

As I said to you, the members of the Legislature, if you walk across the street, in front of the Toronto General Hospital, you can see the MARS project being

built literally from the ground up. So this budget has an allocation of money for a program that is going to be very helpful to projects like MARS which, again, combines some of the best and

brightest people we have in Ontario with initiatives that the government is doing. That program is called the Ontario commercialization investment funds program. These funds, again, leverage new

pools of private money so you can have scientists, researchers, work together with the private sector and develop the most cutting-edge technology that is of benefit in the medical sciences sector

and other sectors that are of a scientific nature.

As you know, I have mentioned many times before that the economy of Ontario is changing. If you go to Hamilton, the number one employer is the Hamilton Health

Sciences centre. There are well-paying jobs that make us competitive with the rest of the world when we invest in things like the MARS project and the Hamilton Health Sciences centre. That's what

this budget tries to do with its forward-looking approach.

I should mention that the other thing this government is doing is that we've committed to, and started to, eliminate the capital tax. As many of you know, the

capital tax, in essence, is really a tax that has nothing to do with your earned income or how well a company is doing; it's a tax on assets. It's considered a real job-killer, this tax. So we were

encouraged -- I know in the public hearings that we had across the province last year, many deputations were given on the need to eliminate the capital tax. We have started to eliminate this

capital tax, and we're going to do it in a gradual way. The reason we're going to do it in a gradual way is because we're very cognizant of the financial pressures in Ontario and the demands we

have on increased services in our hospital and health sector and our education sector etc. So we are eliminating this capital tax. It will be gone by the year 2012. It is a tax that really served

no benefit. It wasn't a really positive message to send to the business community, so we are eliminating the capital tax with this act. Again, it's going to be phased in.

Also, the minister mentioned the northern grow bonds. The northern grow bonds are really part of a strategy this government has to ensure that the forgotten

parts of Ontario are not neglected any longer. Certainly, Ontario has seen growth and prosperity over the last 10 or 11 years, but there are parts of this province which have not experienced or

shared in that economic prosperity. I know a lot of us who were in Pickle Lake, Attawapiskat and Sioux Lookout saw the fact that this previous government basically neglected northern Ontario. In

this budget, we're saying that you can no longer do that if you're going to be a competitive province. You're going to have to share the wealth of this province with all Ontarians -- not only

northern Ontario, but the fact there are strains and ribbons of Ontarians right across every community who have not prospered from the economic growth in the last number of years. That is the

reason why you hear the Premier and the minister talk about what is sometimes referred to as forgotten federalism.

We have to start to appreciate, as Ontarians, that we work very hard, we pay a lot of taxes and we love the rest of this country, but we can no longer be

expected to pay $23 billion more to help other provinces than we get back from the federal government. We're saying that we want to help the other provinces, but if we can't keep some of this money

here in Ontario to invest in northern Ontario, to invest in the poorer neighbourhoods of Toronto or of Chatham-Kent, we won't have the prosperity whereby we can build the wealth to share with the

rest of this great country.

So one of the messages we're trying to give the rest of Canada and our own citizens is that, as Ontarians, we have to be nurturers of this great province's

ability to create and manage wealth. By doing that, we can take care of our sick and our elderly, take care of our urban needs and take care of our housing needs, but we have to be able to keep

some of these resources here in Ontario so the north can prosper and not be left behind like it was by the last government, and so our urban centres can prosper.

We have to have some money left here in Ontario so we can put back into our roads and highways, public transit and child care, but we can't do that by writing

these cheques for $23 billion every year. We want to help the rest of Canada, but we have to also ensure that the engine of Canada is taken care of and nurtured.

This budget attempts to invest direct money into northern Ontario. It helps seniors, it invests in the new economy -- I mentioned the MARS project -- and it

talks about modernizing this government, because the minister has said very unequivocally that the status quo is not an option. I know that Tories want to take us back to the days of Newt Gingrich.

That's a failed policy. That didn't work. All it does is increase your deficits, as they left us with that deficit. That's proof that Newt Gingrich economics don't work.

We're looking at being modern in terms of investing in all Ontarians, and not just having tax cuts by themselves. We're saying you have to invest in people,

you have to invest in universities, you have to invest in our poor, you have to invest in all Ontarians, no matter where they live. As I said, we can't continue to ignore the youth who are going

into university, you can't continue to ignore northern Ontario and you can't continue ignore cities. That's why we put part of the gas tax back into the cities and that's why cities all across this

province are saying that this province is finally listening. That's why our schools -- and if you go to any high school in Ontario and elementary school, they'll tell you that there's a government

paying attention to education for a change and not beating up on educators and students.

So that's what this bill is about. It's about investing in people, their aspirations, their future, and not just business. It's our greatest strength that

we're investing in, and that is Ontario's incredible people, who work so hard. They want Ontario to prosper, and we're going to try to help them with this budget.

The Deputy Speaker: Questions and comments?

Mr Dunlop: I'm pleased to be able to rise now and talk a little bit about Bill 149 and some of the comments that were made by the minister and

his parliamentary assistant. I listen to these comments, and it's almost like a comedy hour, some of the things they're taking credit for. If anything good is happening, they take credit for

it.

For example, the MARS program; we can talk a lot about that. This guy right in front of me broke the sod on it. Mr Flaherty turned the sod with Allan Rock. Now

here we have Mr Colle trying to make it sound as though Dalton McGuinty actually had something to do with it. Nothing. It's just pathetic. It's a comical hour. I'm surprised they sit there and

actually try to take credit for something like that. And we can talk a lot more about that after.

There are so many things in this bill. Again, I think he referred to it as -- what did the minister say here? -- part of a larger story. I wonder where the

story is going to end. I wonder what's going to happen in 2007. That'll be part of the larger story, and I think you already know what's going to happen. I can see people going for cover right now.

It's the end of the Dalton McGuinty government, because they're a one-term wonder, with the type of nonsense we're seeing in this bill.

I'm going to be sharing part of the time with Mr Flaherty, in doing his leadoff, and we'll use the full time. We'll use the full hour, because we think that if

the bill is so important to the government, they would at least find enough speakers to be able to talk to the leadoff for an hour -- if, in fact, it's that important. But because it was part of a

larger story that's probably going to see the destruction of this government, I guess that's why they only want to speak for 30 minutes on this bill. I look forward to further debate on it.

Mr Michael Prue (Beaches-East York): I'm going to do something a little rare in this House. I'm going to actually ask some questions of the

PA. I hope he's listening, because this is a rather arcane bill. It's filled with all kinds of stuff, and he only talked very briefly about some of its sections. I just want to ask him what some of

these things mean to him.

Schedule 9 of the bill is for "an election so that a Canadian subsidiary of a foreign bank can transfer its unused Ontario losses and unused corporate minimum

tax credits to a Canadian branch of the foreign bank." Nobody has spoken about that yet. I can't find out any information. Exactly what does that mean, Mr PA?

There are some other beauties here too. Here's one under the Electricity Act:

Schedule 11, new subsections 94(7) and 94(7.1), and amendments to the

regulation-making authority in subsection 96(1) deal with this cascading effect by providing regulation-making authority for the refund of the transfer tax, where the proceeds of a transfer are

reinvested in a manner prescribed in the regulations. What does that mean? What are you trying to change?

This is the stuff you've given to us. The last one is a really good one. I think this is pretty simple, and you won't even have to run somewhere to find out

what this is. Under

schedule 12, the Employer Health Tax Act, the minister can exclude remuneration for everyone, except this provision does not apply to the parties to the application in Blue Jays

v Ontario. Why are you exempting Blue Jays v Ontario in this bill?

These are three very good questions. I'm going to ask questions instead of making comments. I will be delighted to see what the PA has to respond.

Mrs Liz Sandals (Guelph-Wellington): I am pleased to respond to the comments from my colleagues the Minister of Finance and his parliamentary

assistant, the MPP from Eglinton-Lawrence. As my colleague from Beaches-East York mentioned, tax bills are full of arcane trivia that are for tax lawyers and tax accountants, but what I'd like to

talk about are some items that are of more of general interest.

I'd like to address the apprenticeship training tax credit, because we understand that if the Ontario economy is going to prosper, we need to invest in

apprenticeship programs. According to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, within the next 15 years, 52% of the skilled tradespeople in Ontario are expected to retire. We know that industries are

expecting shortages in the skills trades.

We're addressing that with this budget in two ways. Firstly, we will be providing new funding of $11.7 million annually to expand the number of apprenticeship

placements to 26,000 young people. But as I know from some of my past experiences, it isn't just a matter of expanding the number of apprenticeship placements at community colleges and training

colleges. It's also important for those young people to actually get positions with businesses where they can complete their training. In order to do that, we have set up the apprenticeship

training tax credit to encourage employers to provide the training that the apprentices need.

The tax credit will pay up to $5,000 of an eligible apprentice's salary each year for three years. The maximum credit will be $15,000 over the first 36 months

of an apprenticeship. We know that this is critical if we're going to train our young people.

Mr Cameron Jackson (Burlington): I was fascinated by the comments by the parliamentary assistant, the member from Eglinton-Lawrence, in his

reference to this modest effort at recognizing the costs and the challenges financially that seniors face. It doesn't square it with a government that, on the one hand, is handing out a couple of

pennies to seniors while, on the other, it's grabbing out of their pockets and their bank books and savings hundreds and hundreds, and in some cases thousands, more dollars as a result of the

election of the Dalton McGuinty government.

We can start with hydro as the classic example of a broken promise, where seniors are now facing -- they had protection as consumers, and in particular as

seniors, and that protection has now been taken away by

an act of this parliament by the Liberal government, which will result in double-digit increases in hydro bills for seniors, who will be

experiencing very cold weather this winter.

The education property tax credit, which they cancelled for the most modest of seniors, would have been a $460-a-year rebate for seniors to assist them because

they are house-rich and income-poor. To understand what seniors are going through in this province, the member opposite should know that another $125 is not going to keep them in their home longer.

In fact, for people in Toronto, his seniors in his riding, the average rebate for a senior paying education taxes is in excess of $1,000. That is the kind of meaningful support that seniors need

and deserve, and which seniors got from the previous government. They're not getting it from this government; they're getting $125.

Mr Dunlop: Plus, they're paying the health tax.

Mr Jackson: Plus they're paying a health tax. In nursing homes, for the first time in Ontario's history, we've got people who are bedridden

now paying the health tax in this province. That's what you have done for seniors.

The Deputy Speaker: The member for Eglinton-Lawrence has up to two minutes to reply.

Mr Colle: Just to mention, the briefings are available. It is a substantive bill, so if you want specific questions answered -- I know you

mentioned the Blue Jays; that's a commitment we made to get rid of that loophole where the