Legislative Assembly of Ontario

No. 46

N^o 46

Tuesday,
October 20, 1998

Mardi
20 octobre 1998

NOTE / REMARQUE:

An asterisk (*) appearing after the title of a Bill indicates the recommendation of the Lieutenant Governor, pursuant to Standing Order 56, has been received.

Un astérisque (*) se trouvant à la fin du titre d'un projet de loi indique que la recommandation de la Lieutenante-gouverneure a été reçue, conformément à l'article 56 du Règlement.

Third Readings

Troisièmes Lectures

1.

Bill 5, An Act to amend the Highway Traffic Act with respect to the suspension of drivers' licences. Mr. B. Grimmett.

2.

Bill 8, An Act proclaiming Irish Heritage Day. Mr. J. O'Toole.

Projet de loi 8, Loi proclamant le Jour du patrimoine irlandais. M. J. O'Toole.

3.

Bill 22, An Act to Prevent Unionization with respect to Community Participation under the Ontario Works Act, 1997. Hon. J. Ecker. (Time allocated on June 4, 1998).

Projet de loi 22, Loi visant à empêcher la syndicalisation en ce qui concerne la participation communautaire visée par la Loi de 1997 sur le programme Ontario au travail. L'hon. J. Ecker. (Allocation de temps le 4 juin 1998).

4.

Bill 35, An Act to create jobs and protect consumers by promoting low-cost energy through competition, to protect the environment, to provide for pensions and to make related amendments to certain Acts. Hon. J. Wilson.* NOT REPRINTED. (Time allocated on June 24, 1998).

Projet de loi 35, Loi visant à créer des emplois et à protéger les consommateurs en favorisant le bas prix de l'énergie au moyen de la concurrence, protégeant l'environnement, traitant de pensions et apportant des modifications connexes à certaines lois. L'hon. J. Wilson.* NON RÉIMPRIMÉ. (Allocation de temps le 24 juin 1998).

5.

Bill 59, An Act to amend the Highway Traffic Act with respect to the suspension of drivers' licenses. Mr. B. Grimmett.

Projet de loi 59, Loi modifiant le code de la route en ce qui concerne les suspensions de permis de conduire. M. B. Grimmett.

6.

Bill 166, An Act to protect Persons from Liability in respect of Voluntary Emergency Medical or First Aid Services. Mr. S. Gilchrist.

Projet de loi 166, Loi visant à exonérer les personnes de la responsabilité concernant des services médicaux ou des premiers soins fournis bénévolement en cas d'urgence. M. S. Gilchrist.

Government Business

Affaires Émanant du
Gouvernement

7.

Second Reading Bill 1, An Act to perpetuate an Ancient Parliamentary Right. Hon. M. Harris. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 1, Loi visant à perpétuer un ancien droit parlementaire. L'hon. M. Harris. IMPRIMÉ.

8.

Second Reading Bill 48, An Act to Improve Court Services for Families by Facilitating Expansion of the Family Court and to make other amendments to the Courts of Justice Act. Hon. C. Harnick. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 48, Loi visant à améliorer les services fournis aux familles par les tribunaux en facilitant l'expansion de la Cour de la famille et apportant d'autres modifications à la Loi sur les tribunaux judiciaires. L'hon. C. Harnick. IMPRIMÉ.

9.

Resuming the adjourned debate on the motion for Second Reading Bill 55, An Act to revise the Trades Qualification and Apprenticeship Act. Hon. D. Johnson. PRINTED. (Time allocated on October 14, 1998).

Suite du débat ajourné sur la motion portant deuxième lecture du projet de loi 55, Loi révisant la Loi sur la qualification professionnelle et l'apprentissage des gens de métier. L'hon. D. Johnson. IMPRIMÉ. (Allocation de temps le 14 octobre 1998).

10.

Second Reading Bill 56, An Act to establish the Greater Toronto Services Board and the Greater Toronto Transit Authority and to amend the Toronto Area Transit Operating Authority Act. Hon. A. Leach. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 56, Loi visant à créer la Commission des services du grand Toronto et la Régie des transports en commun du grand Toronto et à modifier la Loi sur la Régie des transports en commun de la région de Toronto. L'hon. A. Leach. IMPRIMÉ.

11.

Second Reading Bill 57, An Act to amend the Liquor Licence Act in respect of brew on premise facilities. Hon. D. Tsubouchi. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 57, Loi modifiant la Loi sur les permis d'alcool en ce qui concerne les centres de brassage libre-service. IMPRIMÉ.

12.

Resuming the Adjourned Debate on the motion for Second Reading Bill 61, An Act to extend the deadlines for appealing property assessments and for giving certain notices relating to taxes and charges on properties with gross leases. Hon. E. Eves. PRINTED. (Time used: 3 hrs.).

Suite du débat ajourné sur la motion portant deuxième lecture du projet de loi 61, Loi prolongeant les délais prévus pour interjeter appel des évaluations foncières et pour donner certains avis concernant les impôts prélevés et les redevances imposées sur des biens à bail à loyer brut. L'hon. E. Eves. IMPRIMÉ. (Durée du débat: 3 h).

13.

Resuming the Adjourned Debate on the motion for Second Reading Bill 68, An Act to incorporate Legal Aid Ontario and to create the framework for the provision of legal aid services in Ontario, to amend the Legal Aid Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts. Hon. C. Harnick. PRINTED. (Time used: 5 hrs. 49 mins.)

Suite du débat ajourné sur la motion portant deuxième lecture du projet de loi 68, Loi constituant en personne morale Aide juridique Ontario, établissant le cadre de la prestation des services d'aide juridique en Ontario, modifiant la Loi sur l'aide juridique et apportant des modifications corrélatives à d'autres lois. L'hon. C. Harnick. IMPRIMÉ. (Durée du débat: 5 h 49)

14.

Second Reading Bill 70, An Act to engage the private sector in improving transportation infrastructure, reducing traffic congestion, creating jobs, and stimulating economic activity through the sale of Highway 407. Hon. R. Sampson.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 70, Loi visant à intéresser le secteur privé à améliorer l'infrastructure des transports, réduire la circulation engorgée, créer des emplois et stimuler l'activité économique par la vente de l'autoroute 407. L'hon. R. Sampson.

Private Members' Business

Affaires Émanant des Députés

15.

Committee of the Whole House:

Bill 50, An Act to promote patients' rights and to increase accountability in Ontario's health care system. Mrs. M. Boyd. PRINTED.

Projet de loi 50, Loi visant à promouvoir les droits des patients et à accroître l'obligation de rendre des comptes dans le système de soins de santé de l'Ontario. M^me M. Boyd. IMPRIMÉ.

Second Reading Bill 2, An Act to amend the Medicine Act, 1991. Mr. M. Kwinter. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 2, Loi modifiant la Loi de 1991 sur les médecins. M. M. Kwinter. IMPRIMÉ.

17.

Second Reading Bill 3, An Act to promote Full Financial Accountability of Labour Unions and Employees Associations to their Members. Mr. S. Gilchrist. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 3, Loi visant à promouvoir la responsabilité financière complète des syndicats et des associations d'employés envers leurs membres. M. S. Gilchrist. IMPRIMÉ.

18.

Second Reading Bill 7, An Act to amend the City of Toronto Act, 1997. Ms. F. Lankin. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 7, Loi modifiant la Loi de 1997 sur la cité de Toronto. M^me F. Lankin. IMPRIMÉ.

19.

Second Reading Bill 10, An Act to amend the Public Transportation and Highway Improvement Act to name Highway 416 Veterans' Memorial Parkway. Mr. J. Baird. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 10, Loi modifiant la Loi sur l'aménagement des voies publiques et des transports en commun pour nommer la voie publique 416 Promenade commémorative des anciens combattants. M. J. Baird. IMPRIMÉ.

20.

Second Reading Bill 11, An Act to revise the Endangered Species Act and to protect Threatened and Vulnerable Species. Mr. B. Wildman. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 11, Loi révisant la Loi sur les espèces en voie de disparition et visant à protéger les espèces vulnérables et les espèces menacées. M. B. Wildman. IMPRIMÉ.

21.

Second Reading Bill 13, An Act to Crack Down on Illegal Waste Dumping by amending the Environmental Protection Act, the Ontario Water Resources Act and the Pesticides Act. Mr. B. Wildman. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 13, Loi réprimant sévèrement la mise en décharge illégale de déchets en modifiant la Loi sur la protection de l'environnement, la Loi sur les ressources en eau de l'Ontario et la Loi sur les pesticides. M. B. Wildman. IMPRIMÉ.

22.

Second Reading Bill 14, An Act to amend the Municipal Act to name Civic Holiday as Simcoe Day. Mr. S. Gilchrist. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 14, Loi modifiant la Loi sur les municipalités en vue de désigner le Congé civique sous le nom de fête de Simcoe. M. S. Gilchrist. IMPRIMÉ.

23.

Second Reading Bill 19, An Act to make Parents Responsible for the Wrongful Acts of their Children. Mr. A. McLean. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 19, Loi visant à rendre les parents responsables des actes illégitimes de leurs enfants. M. A. McLean. IMPRIMÉ.

24.

Second Reading Bill 24, An Act to amend the Education Act and the Income Tax Act to provide a tax credit for private sector investment in classroom technology. Mr. J. Hastings. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 24, Loi modifiant la Loi sur l'éducation et la Loi de l'impôt sur le revenu pour créer un crédit d'impôt pour les investissements du secteur privé dans la technologie employée dans les salles de classe. M. J. Hastings. IMPRIMÉ.

25.

Second Reading Bill 27, An Act to amend the Children's Law Reform Act. Mr. J. Hastings. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 27, Loi modifiant la Loi portant réforme du droit de l'enfance. M. J. Hastings. IMPRIMÉ.

26.

Second Reading Bill 32, An Act to amend the Municipal Act to provide for the restructuring of municipal government in the Greater Hamilton Area. Mr. T. Skarica. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 32, Loi modifiant la Loi sur les municipalités afin de prévoir la restructuration des gouvernements municipaux dans la région du grand Hamilton. M. T. Skarica. IMPRIMÉ.

27.

Second Reading Bill 33, An Act respecting the number of pupils that may be enrolled in a school class. Mr. R. Bartolucci. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 33, Loi concernant le nombre d'élèves pouvant être inscrits dans une classe scolaire. M. R. Bartolucci. IMPRIMÉ.

28.

Second Reading Bill 39, An Act to amend the Vital Statistics Act and the Child and Family Services Act to provide Access to Adoption Information. Mr. A. Cullen. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 39, Loi modifiant la Loi sur les statistiques de l'état civil et la Loi sur les services à l'enfance et à la famille de façon à fournir l'accès aux renseignements en matière d'adoption. M. A. Cullen. IMPRIMÉ.

29.

Second Reading Bill 40, An Act to amend the Municipal Act to permit a restructuring of the Regional Municipality of Hamilton-Wentworth. Mr. D. Agostino. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 40, Loi modifiant la Loi sur les municipalités pour permettre une restructuration de la municipalité régionale de Hamilton-Wentworth. M. D. Agostino. IMPRIMÉ.

30.

Second Reading Bill 41, An Act to amend the City of Toronto Act, 1997. Ms. F. Lankin. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 41, Loi modifiant la Loi de 1997 sur la cité de Toronto. M^me F. Lankin. IMPRIMÉ.

31.

Second Reading Bill 42, An Act to proclaim Terry Fox Day. Mr. J. Ouellette. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 42, Loi proclamant la journée Terry Fox. M. J. Ouellette. IMPRIMÉ.

32.

Second Reading Bill 43, An Act respecting Giovanni Caboto Day. Mr. J. Brown (Scarborough West). PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 43, Loi sur le jour de Giovanni Caboto. M. J. Brown (Scarborough-Ouest). IMPRIMÉ.

33.

Second Reading Bill 45, An Act proclaiming Victims of Violent Crime Week. Mr. J. Baird. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 45, Loi proclamant la Semaine des victimes de crimes de violence. M. J. Baird. IMPRIMÉ.

34.

Second Reading Bill 46, An Act proclaiming Emancipation Day. Mr. J. Brown (Scarborough West). PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 46, Loi proclamant le jour de l'émancipation. M. J. Brown (Scarborough-Ouest). IMPRIMÉ.

35.

Second Reading Bill 47, An Act to amend the Highway Traffic Act to protect children while on school buses. Mr. P. Hoy. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 47, Loi modifiant le Code de la route en vue de protéger les enfants lorsqu'ils sont dans des autobus scolaires. M. P. Hoy. IMPRIMÉ.

36.

Second Reading Bill 49, An Act to amend the Education Act with respect to exceptional pupils to allow the Premier to keep his promise to Gordie Kirwan. Mr. D. McGuinty. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 49, Loi modifiant la Loi sur l'éducation en ce qui concerne les élèves en difficulté pour permettre au premier ministre de tenir la promesse qu'il a faite à Gordie Kirwan. M. D. McGuinty. IMPRIMÉ.

37.

Second Reading Bill 52, An Act to curtail Repeat Offences by Juvenile Delinquents. Mr. J. Brown (Scarborough West). PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 52, Loi visant à inciter les jeunes délinquants à ne pas récidiver. M. J. Brown (Scarborough-Ouest). IMPRIMÉ.

38.

Second Reading Bill 54, An Act to amend the Health Insurance Act to satisfy the criteria for contribution by the Government of Canada set out in the Canada Health Act. Mr. D. Duncan. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 54, Loi modifiant la Loi sur l'assurance-santé pour satisfaire aux critères régissant les contributions du gouvernement du Canada et énoncés dans la Loi canadienne sur la santé. M. D. Duncan. IMPRIMÉ.

39.

Second Reading Bill 58, An Act to amend the Ontario Heritage Act. Mr. S. Gilchrist. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 58, Loi visant à modifier la Loi sur le patrimoine de l'Ontario. M. S. Gilchrist. IMPRIMÉ.

40.

Second Reading Bill 60, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act with respect to expense allowances earned in Ontario by Members of Parliament and Senators. Mr. S. Gilchrist. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 60, Loi modifiant la Loi de l'impôt sur le revenu en ce qui a trait aux indemnités de fonctions gagnées en Ontario par les parlementaires fédéraux. M. S. Gilchrist. IMPRIMÉ.

41.

Second Reading Bill 64, An Act respecting Accountability for Ministerial Travel. Mr. R. Bartolucci. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 64, Loi concernant l'obligation de rendre compte des voyages ministériels. M. R. Bartolucci. IMPRIMÉ.

42.

Second Reading Bill 65, An Act to increase teacher representation at the Ontario College of Teachers and to make other amendments to the Ontario College of Teachers Act, 1996. Mr. B. Wildman. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 65, Loi visant à accroître la représentation des enseignants au sein de l'Ordre des enseignantes et des enseignants de l'Ontario et apportant d'autres modifications à la Loi de 1996 sur l'Ordre des enseignantes et des enseignants de l'Ontario. M. B. Wildman. IMPRIMÉ.

43.

Second Reading Bill 67, An Act to proclaim German Pioneers Day. Mr. W. Wettlaufer. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 67, Loi proclamant le Jour des pionniers allemands. M. W. Wettlaufer. IMPRIMÉ.

Notices

Avis

Government Notices of Motion

Avis de Motions du Gouvernement

32.

Motion relating to evening meeting period on October 19, 20, 21 and 22, 1998. Carried October 19, 1998.

Private Members' Notices of Motion

Avis de Motions Émanant des Députés

2.

Mr. Ouellette - Resolution - That, in the opinion of this House, given the importance of the air quality to individual health and,

Whereas the sulphur content of gasoline in Canada has one of the highest average levels of sulphur in gasoline among OECD countries and these levels are projected to rise by 2001 and,

Whereas studies have shown that reducing the level of sulphur in gasoline to 40 parts per million may reduce hydrocarbon emissions by 36 percent and,

Whereas nitrous oxide emissions may be reduced by 62 percent and,

Whereas carbon monoxide emissions may be reduced by 34 percent and,

Whereas the Government of Canada should be urged to amend the Canadian Environmental Protection Act as it relates to the regulation of sulphur content in gasoline so as to reduce the allowable sulphur limits in gasoline so that:

The sulphur content of gasoline not exceed 80 parts per million and;

That nationally the average level of sulphur in gasoline not exceed 40 parts per million. April 30, 1998.

5.

Mr. Wildman - Resolution - That, in the opinion of this House, the Government of Ontario should promptly table a report detailing all steps it has taken to comply with the conditions contained in the decision released by the Environmental Assessment Board on April 20, 1994 (Class Environmental Assessment for Timber Management on Crown Lands in Ontario) and, in particular, any steps taken to implement Condition 77 (Negotiations with Aboriginal Groups); and immediately table the 1997-8 annual report required by Condition 82 of the decision, containing the information listed in Appendix 20 of the decision. May 11, 1998.

6.

Mr. Agostino - Resolution - That in the opinion of this House the Government of Ontario should conduct a public inquiry into the July, 1997 fire at the Plastimet plant in Hamilton. May 11, 1998.

7.

Mrs. Johns - Resolution - Whereas geographic areas in the Province of Ontario have been designated as "underserviced" by the Ministry of Health as a result of their shortage of physicians; and

Whereas rural and northern communities in Ontario have not attracted sufficient graduating physicians to meet the needs of their citizens; and

Whereas graduating physicians must have special skills and a commitment to rural and northern communities in order to provide services to these communities;

Be it resolved, that in the opinion of this House, the government through the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Health implement the following:

1. Partial rebates of tuition fees of Ontario trained doctors who provide physician services in underserviced areas.

2. Provide continual training and education to complement the new physician's skills and,

3. Augment the telemedicine centres so rural and northern physicians are connected to other physicians both in Ontario and Internationally. May 14, 1998.

Mr. Hastings - Resolution - That, in the opinion of this House, the Ontario government should assist full-time, post-secondary students with the purchase of computer equipment by crediting the Provincial Sales Tax on such purchases to a limit of $500, thus assisting students with their academic advancement which ultimately leads to a better trained and competitive workforce. May 25, 1998.

10.

Mr. Hastings - Resolution - That in the opinion of this House, as the importance of information and technology becomes more apparent in our ever changing society, the Ontario Government should assist individuals with access to all information through the internet, by crediting the Provincial Sales Tax, to a limit of $25, on the purchase of modems which access the information super highway so that the public can become more knowledgeable about the world around them. May 26, 1998.

12.

Mr. Wildman - Resolution - This House urges the Government of Ontario to take steps to ensure that April 4, the date on which Martin Luther King, Junior was assassinated in 1968, is observed as Anti-Racism Day in Ontario. May 27, 1998.

13.

Mr. Tilson - Resolution - That, in the opinion of this House,

Whereas the Federal government has abrogated its responsibility to the people of Canada by making changes to the Canada Transportation Act that make it easier for CP and CN to abandon a rail line without considering whether this is in the "public interest", and

Whereas CP has begun the formal process to abandon the rail line that runs from Streetsville north to Orangeville, and

Whereas the Provincial government has attempted to counter this abrogation of responsibility of the Federal government by passing the Shortline Railways Act and Labour Relations and Employment Statute Law Amendment Act, 1995 thereby removing many of the barriers and allowing private operators to purchase these short lines at a profit,

Therefore, The provincial government should work with the Federal Government and the municipal governments of Dufferin County and the Region of Peel, along with the manufacturers association to form a partnership that would negotiate the purchase and ongoing operation of the rail line located between Streetsville and Orangeville, since this partnership would ensure the fair distribution of the rail line asset that would ensure the future viability of our community, as well as ensuring that Dufferin County and the Region of Peel would have an asset that could be used to encourage future manufacturers to locate in our community. May 28, 1998.

16.

Mr. Hastings - Resolution - Be it resolved that in the opinion of this House that: the secondary school curriculum, that is currently being developed, should include a mandatory CPR training program for the grade nine students of this province so that they have an opportunity to take part in a program that helps to build self-esteem, teaches responsibility, and most importantly will save lives. June 10, 1998.

18.

Mr. Hastings - Resolution - That, in the opinion of this House, the Ontario Government should exempt charter bus/train operators from the 8 per cent Retail Sales Tax for any three-day charter holiday within Ontario in order to stimulate tourism of this category and increase the number of potential jobs in the significant service sector of the economy. June 25, 1998.

19.

Mr. Hastings - Resolution - That, in the opinion of this House, with the arrival of so many newcomers to Canada during the past few decades and for the benefit of our young people as future leaders and for the overall strengthening of Canadian Confederation as formulated in the Calgary Declaration, the Government of Ontario should include in its Secondary School curriculum reforms a program of Canadian history from our colonial origins to the start of the 21^st century, stressing historical developments, trends and concepts starting in grades 9 & 10, not the later grades as currently proposed. June 25, 1998.

22.

Mr. Hudak - Resolution - That, in the opinion of this House, Whereas the Ontario government has shown the leadership to address access to health care in underserviced communities through the Rural and Northern Health Care Framework, the $70/hour sessional fees for emergency room physicians, and enhanced incentives for recruitment and retention of health professionals and,

Whereas the government's Bill 127 has legally recognized the important role and enabled greater participation of highly skilled nurse practitioners as part of a multi-disciplinary health care team,

The government should act to further improve and expand the Underserviced Area Program including the integration of nurse practitioners into primary care practises to make underserviced areas more attractive to physicians and other health care professionals. October 6, 1998.

23.

Mr. Duncan - Resolution - That, in the opinion of this House, since persons with disabilities in Ontario face systemic barriers in access to employment, services, goods, facilities and accommodation; and since all Ontarians will benefit from the removal of these barriers, thereby enabling these persons to enjoy equal opportunity and full participation in the life of the province; and since Premier Harris promised in writing during the last election in the letter from Michael D. Harris to the Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee dated May 24, 1995 to:

a) enact an Ontarians with Disabilities Act within its current term of office; and

b) work together with members of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee, amongst others, in the development of such legislation.

and since this House unanimously passed a resolution on May 16, 1996 calling on the Ontario Government to keep this promise, therefore the Ontarians with Disabilities Act should embody the following principles:

1. The purpose of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act should be to effectively ensure to persons with disabilities in Ontario the equal opportunity to fully and meaningfully participate in all aspects of life in Ontario based on their individual merit, by removing existing barriers confronting them and by preventing the creation of new barriers. It should seek to achieve a barrier-free Ontario for persons with disabilities within as short a time as is reasonably possible, with implementation to begin immediately upon proclamation;

2. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act's requirements should supersede all other legislation, regulations or policies which either conflict with it, or which provide lesser protections and entitlements to persons with disabilities;

3. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should require government entities, public premises, companies and organizations to be made fully accessible to all persons with disabilities through the removal of existing barriers and the prevention of the creation of new barriers, within strict time frames to be prescribed in the legislation or regulations;

4. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should require the providers of goods, services and facilities to the public to ensure that their goods, services and facilities are fully usable by persons with disabilities, and that they are designed to reasonably accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities. Included among services, goods and facilities, among other things, are all aspects of education including primary, secondary and post-secondary education, as well as providers of transportation and communication facilities (to the extent that Ontario can regulate these) and public sector providers of information to the public e.g. governments. Providers of these goods, services and facilities should be required to devise and implement detailed plans to remove existing barriers within legislated timetables;

5. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should require public and private sector employers to take proactive steps to achieve barrier-free workplaces within prescribed time limits. Among other things, employers should be required to identify existing barriers which impede persons with disabilities, and then to devise and implement plans for the removal of these barriers, and for the prevention of new barriers in the workplace;

6. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should provide for a prompt and effective process for enforcement. It should not simply incorporate the existing procedures for filing discrimination complaints with the Ontario Human Rights Commission, as these are too slow and cumbersome, and yield inadequate remedies;

7. As part of its enforcement process, the Ontarians with Disabilities Act should provide for a process of regulation-making to define with clarity the steps required for compliance with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act. It should be open for such regulations to be made on an industry-by-industry basis, or sector-by-sector basis. This should include a requirement that input be obtained from affected groups such as persons with disabilities before such regulations are enacted. It should also provide persons with disabilities with the opportunity to apply to have regulations made in specific sectors of the economy;

8. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should also mandate the Government of Ontario to provide education and other information resources to companies, individuals and groups who seek to comply with the requirements of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act;

9. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should also require the Government of Ontario to take affirmative steps to promote the development and distribution in Ontario of new adaptive technologies and services for persons with disabilities;

10. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should require the provincial and municipal governments to make it a strict condition of funding any program, or of purchasing any services, goods or facilities, that they be designed to be fully accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities. Any grant or contract which does not so provide is void and unenforceable by the grant-recipient or contractor with the government in question;

11. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act must be more than mere window dressing. It should contribute meaningfully to the improvement of the position of persons with disabilities in Ontario. It must have real force and effect. October 13, 1998.

24.

Mr. Christopherson - Resolution - That, in the opinion of this House, the Harris government be urged to acknowledge the downloading of services and expenditures to Hamilton and Hamilton- Wentworth is not revenue neutral and has in fact created an unacceptable crisis in local property tax increases; and

That, in the opinion of this House, the Harris government be urged to acknowledge that:

. Mike Harris and the Conservative Party of Ontario promised the citizens of Ontario fair and equitable taxation in the Common Sense Revolution, and property tax is an unfair and regressive form of taxation.

. Mike Harris promised - in bold letters - on page five of the Common Sense Revolution "We will work closely with municipalities to ensure that any actions we take will not result in increases to local property taxes".

. Mike Harris also promised that the province's exchange of services and expenditures would be revenue neutral.

. The Harris downloading has short-changed the citizens of Hamilton and Hamilton- Wentworth by $36.3 million per year forcing dramatic property tax hikes.

. The Harris government's own figures confirm this $36.3 million shortfall.

. The eight year phase in of the Harris government's Business Education Tax has discriminated against Hamilton and Hamilton-Wentworth by putting an additional $17 million dollar burden onto local taxpayers.

. The Province reneged on its original commitment to a three year Small Business Rebate Program, and will now only fund the program for one year.

. Many of our citizens may lose their homes, businesses and jobs as a result of the drastic property tax increases foisted on local taxpayers by the Mike Harris government.

. Any future downturn in the economy could potentially bankrupt the municipalities who must now bear the brunt of increased social service costs and responsibilities.

. City and regional councillors are being unfairly blamed and forced to explain these huge Harris tax hikes; and

That, in the opinion of this House, the Harris government be urged to immediately pay back to Hamilton and Hamilton-Wentworth the $36.3 million they have shortchanged our community; and

That, in the opinion of this House, the Harris government be urged to eliminate the $17 million dollar cost of their Business Education Tax by revoking the eight year phase in period and moving immediately to the provincial average, as well as reinstating their original three year commitment to the Small Business Rebate Program. October 19, 1998.

Special Debates

Opposition Day

Débats spéciaux

Jour de l'opposition

2.

Mr. Hampton - Whereas the tax scheme instituted by the Harris Conservatives provides real benefits only to individuals with the highest incomes, while forcing cuts to health care, schools, environmental protection and other vital services; and

Whereas 25 percent of the money from the tax scheme goes to the top 6 percent of individual taxpayers in Ontario; and

Whereas rebuilding public services will only be possible when this tax scheme for the wealthy is repealed;

Therefore this House urges an immediate reinvestment in health care, education, environmental protection and other services in our communities, financed by reversing the tax scheme for the top 6 percent of individual taxpayers. The Premier of Ontario. To be debated today.

Private Members' Business to be Debated

Affaires Émanant des Députés Devant Être Débattues

(Precedence in accordance with Standing Order 95(d).)

(Ordre de priorité conforme à l'article 95(d) du Règlement.)

Ballot Item Number 27 - To be debated October 22, 1998.

Mr. Christopherson - Resolution - That, in the opinion of this House, the Harris government be urged to acknowledge the downloading of services and expenditures to Hamilton and Hamilton-Wentworth is not revenue neutral and has in fact created an unacceptable crisis in local property tax increases; and

That, in the opinion of this House, the Harris government be urged to acknowledge that:

. Mike Harris and the Conservative Party of Ontario promised the citizens of Ontario fair and equitable taxation in the Common Sense Revolution, and property tax is an unfair and regressive form of taxation.

. Mike Harris promised - in bold letters - on page five of the Common Sense Revolution "We will work closely with municipalities to ensure that any actions we take will not result in increases to local property taxes".

. Mike Harris also promised that the province's exchange of services and expenditures would be revenue neutral.

. The Harris downloading has short-changed the citizens of Hamilton and Hamilton-Wentworth by $36.3 million per year forcing dramatic property tax hikes.

. The Harris government's own figures confirm this $36.3 million shortfall.

. The eight year phase in of the Harris government's Business Education Tax has discriminated against Hamilton and Hamilton-Wentworth by putting an additional $17 million dollar burden onto local taxpayers.

. The Province reneged on its original commitment to a three year Small Business Rebate Program, and will now only fund the program for one year.

. Many of our citizens may lose their homes, businesses and jobs as a result of the drastic property tax increases foisted on local taxpayers by the Mike Harris government.

. Any future downturn in the economy could potentially bankrupt the municipalities who must now bear the brunt of increased social service costs and responsibilities.

. City and regional councillors are being unfairly blamed and forced to explain these huge Harris tax hikes; and

That, in the opinion of this House, the Harris government be urged to immediately pay back to Hamilton and Hamilton-Wentworth the $36.3 million they have shortchanged our community; and

That, in the opinion of this House, the Harris government be urged to eliminate the $17 million dollar cost of their Business Education Tax by revoking the eight year phase in period and moving immediately to the provincial average, as well as reinstating their original three year commitment to the Small Business Rebate Program.

Ballot Item Number 28 - To be debated October 22, 1998.

Mr. Hudak - Resolution - That, in the opinion of this House, Whereas the Ontario government has shown the leadership to address access to health care in underserviced communities through the Rural and Northern Health Care Framework, the $70/hour sessional fees for emergency room physicians, and enhanced incentives for recruitment and retention of health professionals and,

Whereas the government's Bill 127 has legally recognized the important role and enabled greater participation of highly skilled nurse practitioners as part of a multi-disciplinary health care team,

The government should act to further improve and expand the Underserviced Area Program including the integration of nurse practitioners into primary care practises to make underserviced areas more attractive to physicians and other health care professionals.

Ballot Item Number 29 - To be debated October 29, 1998.

Mr. Duncan - Resolution - That, in the opinion of this House, since persons with disabilities in Ontario face systemic barriers in access to employment, services, goods, facilities and accommodation; and since all Ontarians will benefit from the removal of these barriers, thereby enabling these persons to enjoy equal opportunity and full participation in the life of the province; and since Premier Harris promised in writing during the last election in the letter from Michael D. Harris to the Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee dated May 24, 1995 to:

a) enact an Ontarians with Disabilities Act within its current term of office; and

b) work together with members of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee, amongst others, in the development of such legislation.

and since this House unanimously passed a resolution on May 16, 1996 calling on the Ontario Government to keep this promise, therefore the Ontarians with Disabilities Act should embody the following principles:

1. The purpose of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act should be to effectively ensure to persons with disabilities in Ontario the equal opportunity to fully and meaningfully participate in all aspects of life in Ontario based on their individual merit, by removing existing barriers confronting them and by preventing the creation of new barriers. It should seek to achieve a barrier-free Ontario for persons with disabilities within as short a time as is reasonably possible, with implementation to begin immediately upon proclamation;

2. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act's requirements should supersede all other legislation, regulations or policies which either conflict with it, or which provide lesser protections and entitlements to persons with disabilities;

3. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should require government entities, public premises, companies and organizations to be made fully accessible to all persons with disabilities through the removal of existing barriers and the prevention of the creation of new barriers, within strict time frames to be prescribed in the legislation or regulations;

4. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should require the providers of goods, services and facilities to the public to ensure that their goods, services and facilities are fully usable by persons with disabilities, and that they are designed to reasonably accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities. Included among services, goods and facilities, among other things, are all aspects of education including primary, secondary and post-secondary education, as well as providers of transportation and communication facilities (to the extent that Ontario can regulate these) and public sector providers of information to the public e.g. governments. Providers of these goods, services and facilities should be required to devise and implement detailed plans to remove existing barriers within legislated timetables;

5. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should require public and private sector employers to take proactive steps to achieve barrier-free workplaces within prescribed time limits. Among other things, employers should be required to identify existing barriers which impede persons with disabilities, and then to devise and implement plans for the removal of these barriers, and for the prevention of new barriers in the workplace;

6. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should provide for a prompt and effective process for enforcement. It should not simply incorporate the existing procedures for filing discrimination complaints with the Ontario Human Rights Commission, as these are too slow and cumbersome, and yield inadequate remedies;

7. As part of its enforcement process, the Ontarians with Disabilities Act should provide for a process of regulation-making to define with clarity the steps required for compliance with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act. It should be open for such regulations to be made on an industry-by-industry basis, or sector-by-sector basis. This should include a requirement that input be obtained from affected groups such as persons with disabilities before such regulations are enacted. It should also provide persons with disabilities with the opportunity to apply to have regulations made in specific sectors of the economy;

8. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should also mandate the Government of Ontario to provide education and other information resources to companies, individuals and groups who seek to comply with the requirements of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act;

9. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should also require the Government of Ontario to take affirmative steps to promote the development and distribution in Ontario of new adaptive technologies and services for persons with disabilities;

10. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should require the provincial and municipal governments to make it a strict condition of funding any program, or of purchasing any services, goods or facilities, that they be designed to be fully accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities. Any grant or contract which does not so provide is void and unenforceable by the grant-recipient or contractor with the government in question;

11. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act must be more than mere window dressing. It should contribute meaningfully to the improvement of the position of persons with disabilities in Ontario. It must have real force and effect.

Ballot Item Number 30 - To be debated October 29, 1998.

Bill 2, An Act to amend the Medicine Act, 1991. Mr. M. Kwinter.

Projet de loi 2, Loi modifiant la Loi de 1991 sur les médecins. M. M. Kwinter.

Bills Referred to Committees

Projets de loi Déférés aux Comités

Standing Committee on Administration of Justice

STANDING COMMITTEE ON GENERAL GOVERNMENT

Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly

Bill 69, An Act to amend the Members' Integrity Act, 1994 and to enact the Lobbyists Registration Act, 1998. Hon. C. Hodgson. (Referred October 19, 1998).

Projet de loi 69, Loi modifiant la Loi de 1994 sur l'intégrité des députés et édictant la Loi de 1998 sur l'enregistrement des lobbyistes. L'hon. C. Hodgson. (Déféré le 19 octobre 1998).

STANDING COMMITTEE ON REGULATIONS AND PRIVATE BILLS

STANDING COMMITTEE ON RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT

Bill 34, An Act to amend the Environmental Protection Act. Mr. J. Carroll. (Referred June 25, 1998).

STANDING COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Bills Referred to Commissioners of Estate Bills

Projets de loi déférés aux commissaires aux projets de loi ayant trait à une succession

Bill Pr14, An Act respecting The Ross Memorial Hospital. Mr. G. Stewart. (Referred May 13, 1998).

Bill Pr20, An Act respecting Peterborough General Hospital. Mr. G. Stewart. (Referred June 24, 1998).

Committee Meetings

Réunions des comités

Today

3:30 p.m.

Room No. 2

and to review the 1998 - 1999 Estimates of the Office of the Premier as follows:

Wednesday, October 21

3:30 p.m.

Room No. 2

The Standing Committee on General Government will meet for the purpose of clause-by-clause consideration of Bill 12, An Act to provide choice and flexibility to Northern Residents in the establishment of service delivery mechanisms that recognize the unique circumstances of Northern Ontario and to allow increased efficiency and accountability in Area-wide Service Delivery; and to consider Bill 38, An Act to revise the law relating to condominium corporations, to amend the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act and to make other related amendments, as follows:

Thursday, October 22

10:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Room No. 151

The Standing Committee on Government Agencies will meet to review intended appointments as follows:

Wednesday, October 21

9:00 a.m.

Room No. 228

Thursday

10:00 a.m. (in closed session)

Room No. 228

Estimates 1998-1999

In Standing Committee on Estimates

Budgets des dépenses 1998-1999

En Comité permanent des Budgets des dépenses

(To be considered in the order shown)

(À être étudiés dans l'ordre ci-dessous)

Time used in consideration of all Estimates 1998-1999 19 hrs. 08 mins.

Time Remaining

Health (Completed June 24, 1998) Municipal Affairs and Housing (Completed October 6, 1998) Education and Training 2 hrs. 48 mins. Office of the Premier 7 hrs. 30 mins.

Intergovernmental Affairs 15 hrs. Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs 7 hrs. 30 mins. Management Board Secretariat 7 hrs. 30 mins. Cabinet Office 7 hrs. 30 mins. Community and Social Services 7 hrs. 30 mins. Transportation 15 hrs.

Questions

Questions

(Questions are to appear on the day after they are received and on every subsequent day in that week and then subsequently only on each Monday until an Answer (other than an Interim Answer) is received. A question first appearing on a Thursday will appear on each day of the following week.)

(Les questions seront publiées le jour suivant leur réception et tous les jours de la semaine. Elles seront ensuite publiées tous les lundis jusqu'à ce qu'une réponse autre qu'une réponse provisoire soit reçue. Une question publiée le jeudi pour la première fois sera publiée tous les jours de la semaine suivante.)

101.

Ms. Martel - Enquiry of the Ministry - Would the Minister of Natural Resources provide copies of internal or published reports, correspondence, memos, briefing notes and/or similar documentation (from the past 4 years) related to (a) the request by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters to increase hunting opportunities in Ontario Provincial parks. This would include the list of parks that the OFAH consider appropriate for hunting (seeking to open or expand hunting) related to and any analysis done by your Ministry on these suggestions; (b) sport hunting in Ontario provincial parks; (c) specifically the continuation or cancellation of sport hunting in Presquile Provincial Parks. October 20, 1998.

Copyright © 1998
Office of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario
Toronto, Ontario, Canada.