39th Parliament, 1st Session

No. 11

No11

 

Votes and Proceedings

Procès-verbaux

Legislative Assembly
of Ontario

Assemblée législative
de l'Ontario

Monday
March 17, 2008


Daytime Meeting - Sessional Day 11

Lundi
17 mars 2008


Séance de l'après-midi - jour de session 11

1stSession
39th Parliament

1re session
39e législature

Prayers
1:30 P.M.

Prières
13 H 30

The Speaker addressed the House as follows:-

I beg to inform the House that I have laid upon the Table a copy of an Order-in-Council appointing the following Members as Commissioners to the Board of Internal Economy:-

The Speaker, who shall be Chair;

The Honourable Christopher Bentley, appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council from among the members of the Executive Council;

The Honourable Brad Duguid, appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council from among the members of the Executive Council;

The Honourable Monique Smith, appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council from among the members of the Executive Council;

Wayne Arthurs, MPP, appointed by the Caucus of the Government;

Robert Runciman, MPP, appointed by the Caucus of the Official Opposition;

Gilles Bisson, MPP, appointed by the Caucus of the New Democratic Party. (Sessional Paper No. 19) (Tabled January 18, 2008).

The Speaker addressed the House as follows:-

I beg to inform the House that during the adjournment, the following reports were tabled:-

On January 21, 2008, the 2007 Annual Report of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth (Sessional Paper No. 20).

On January 21, 2008, the Office of Child and Family Service Advocacy report entitled "We are your Sons and Daughters", Child Advocate's Report on the Quality of Care of 3 Children's Aid Societies (Sessional Paper No. 22).

On February 14, 2008, the Integrity Commissioner report pursuant to Section 30 of the Member's Integrity Act, 1994, concerning the request of the Member for Welland regarding the Member for Algoma–Manitoulin, Michael A. Brown (Sessional Paper No. 52).

On February 26, 2008, the Ombudsman Ontario report entitled "A Test of Wills: Investigation into Legal Aid Ontario's Role in the Funding of the Criminal Defence of Richard Wills" (Sessional Paper No. 61).

Reports by Committees

Rapports des Comités

Mr. Hoy from the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs presented the Committee's Report on Pre-budget Consultation 2008 and moved the adoption of its recommendations (Sessional Paper No. 81).

M. Hoy du Comité permanent des finances et des affaires économiques présente le rapport du comité concernant les consultations prébudgétaires pour 2008 et propose l'adoption de ses recommandations (document parlementaire no 81).

Mr. Hoy moved, that the debate be adjourned.

M. Hoy propose que le débat soit ajourné.

The motion having been put, was carried on the following division:-

La motion, mise aux voix, est adoptée par le vote suivant:-

Ayes - 63     Nays - 32

Pour - 63     Contre - 32

Mr. Sterling from the Standing Committee on Public Accounts presented the Committee's Report on Hydro One Inc. – Acquisition of Goods and Services and moved the adoption of its recommendations (Sessional Paper No. 78).

M. Sterling du Comité permanent des comptes publics présente le rapport du comité concernant Hydro One Inc. - Acquisition de biens et services et propose l'adoption de ses recommandations (document parlementaire no 78).

On motion by Mr. Sterling,

Ordered, That the debate be adjourned.

Sur la motion de M. Sterling,

Il est ordonné que le débat soit ajourné.

  

Mr. Sterling from the Standing Committee on Public Accounts presented the Committee's Report on Ontario Realty Corporation – Real Estate and Accommodation Services and moved the adoption of its recommendations (Sessional Paper No. 79).

M. Sterling du Comité permanent des comptes publics présente le rapport du comité concernant la Société immobilière de l'Ontario - Services de gestion des immobilisations et des locaux et propose l'adoption de ses recommandations (document parlementaire no 79).

On motion by Mr. Sterling,

Ordered, That the debate be adjourned.

Sur la motion de M. Sterling,

Il est ordonné que le débat soit ajourné.

  

Mr. Sterling from the Standing Committee on Public Accounts presented the Committee's Report on Community Colleges – Acquisition of Goods and Services and moved the adoption of its recommendations (Sessional Paper No. 77).

M. Sterling du Comité permanent des comptes publics présente le rapport du comité concernant les collèges communautaires - Acquisition de biens et services et propose l'adoption de ses recommandations (document parlementaire no 77).

On motion by Mr. Sterling,

Ordered, That the debate be adjourned.

Sur la motion de M. Sterling,

Il est ordonné que le débat soit ajourné.

  

Mr. Sterling from the Standing Committee on Public Accounts presented the Committee's Report on School Boards – Acquisition of Goods and Services and moved the adoption of its recommendations (Sessional Paper No. 80).

M. Sterling du Comité permanent des comptes publics présente le rapport du comité concernant les conseils scolaires - Acquisition de biens et services et propose l'adoption de ses recommandations (document parlementaire no 80).

On motion by Mr. Sterling,

Ordered, That the debate be adjourned.

Sur la motion de M. Sterling,

Il est ordonné que le débat soit ajourné.

  

The Speaker addressed the House as follows:-

Pursuant to Standing Order 62(c), the Supplementary Estimates (2007-2008) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; Ministry of Community and Social Services; Ministry of Education; Ministry of Finance; Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal; Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities; and Ministry of Transportation before the Standing Committee on Estimates are reported back to the House, as they were not selected by the Committee for consideration, and are deemed to be received and concurred in.

Accordingly, the Supplementary Estimates (2007-2008) of the following ministries, not having been selected for consideration, were deemed to be received and concurred in:-

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

(SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES ONLY)

105

107

Agri-Food Sector including Business Risk Management

Better Public Health and Environment

$

275,000,000

9,000,000

MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SERVICES

(SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES ONLY)

702

Adults' Services

$

20,000,000

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

(SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES ONLY)

1002

Elementary and Secondary Education

$

130,160,000

MINISTRY OF FINANCE

(SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES ONLY)

1203

Economic, Fiscal, and Financial Policy

$

737,140,000

MINISTRY OF PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE RENEWAL

(SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES ONLY)

4001

Infrastructure and Growth Management Planning/Ministry Administration

$

1,360,000,000

MINISTRY OF TRAINING, COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

(SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES ONLY)

3003

Employment Ontario

$

40,000,000

MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION

(SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES ONLY)

2702

Policy and Planning

$

173,000,000

  

Introduction of Bills

Dépôt des Projets de Loi

The following Bills were introduced and read the first time:-

Les projets de loi suivants sont présentés et lus une première fois:-

Bill 31, An Act to promote the purchase of Canadian mass transit vehicles. Mr. Bisson.

Projet de loi 31, Loi favorisant l'achat de véhicules de transport en commun canadiens. M. Bisson.

Bill 32, An Act to prevent the disposal of waste at Site 41 in the Township of Tiny. Mr. Dunlop

Projet de loi 32, Loi visant à empêcher l'élimination de déchets sur le lieu 41 dans le canton de Tiny. M. Dunlop.

Bill 33, An Act to amend the Children's Law Reform Act. Mr. Craitor.

Projet de loi 33, Loi modifiant la Loi portant réforme du droit de l'enfance. M. Craitor.

Bill 34, An Act to require merchandise that is manufactured in Ontario to be identified as such. Mr. Levac.

Projet de loi 34, Loi exigeant que les marchandises fabriquées en Ontario soient identifiées comme telles. M. Levac. 

Motions

Motions

With unanimous consent, the following motion was moved without notice:-

On motion by Mr. Bryant,

Sur la motion de M. Bryant,

Ordered, That notwithstanding Standing Order 96(d), the following change be made to the ballot list of private members' public business:-

Mr. Hardeman and Mr. Yakabuski exchange places in order of precedence such that Mr. Hardeman assumes ballot item 37 and Mr. Yakabuski assumes ballot item 17;

Mr. Ramsay and Mr. Mauro exchange places in order of precedence such that Mr. Ramsay assumes ballot item 65 and Mr. Mauro assumes ballot item 9;

Ms. Aggelonitis and Ms. Broten exchange places in order of precedence such that Ms. Aggelonitis assumes ballot item 12 and Ms. Broten assumes ballot item 5, and

That, notwithstanding Standing Order 96(g), the requirement for notice be waived with respect to ballot items 5 through 8.

The Speaker addressed the House as follows:-

Before we proceed to Question period, I would briefly like to say a word about the conduct of business in the House. During the December sitting period, I had the opportunity to scrutinize the proceedings perhaps more carefully than I have in the past and from a more central vantage point. I observed at least occasional confusion about some of our procedures and I thought it would help to clarify them from time to time.

Question Period provides an opportunity for all Members of the Legislature to ask questions on matters of government policy. It is a time honoured procedure used in parliament to allow the legislative branch to hold the executive to account. I would ask that Members keep this in mind when their colleagues are asking and answering questions and afford them the respect that they, that we all, deserve.

The use of moderate language and limited interjections is advised. If I can't hear the question or the answer, it is likely that you can't either, that means it is too noisy in this place and I will find it necessary to interrupt and restore order.

While I know that it is not a practice that comes naturally to most of us, speaking in the third person can go a long way towards improving the atmosphere in here. If honourable members speak through the Chair rather than directly to each other it has the effect of reducing the likelihood of personal attacks during heated exchanges. Finger pointing and direct confrontational language never fail to diminish the dignity of this chamber.

In keeping with the practice established by Speakers before me, I will be mindful of the clock, specifically the time taken up with each individual question and answer. When 10 seconds remains in the allotted time, I will call for the question or answer to be completed as the case may be. This should not be seen as an opportunity to turn away from the Chair in an attempt to eke out extra time, but rather as a warning that it is time to wrap up.

With respect to introduction of bills, I believe there may be some misconception about what is permitted in the statement that can be made coincident with that proceeding. At the introduction and first reading stage, the sponsor of the bill is permitted to make a brief statement of purpose. This is the statement that indicates 'what' it is the bill does, it should not go into further explanation about why it is being introduced, the impact it will potentially have or how the party across the way should have introduced it themselves. The bill is being presented to the House for the first time, and as a courtesy, the sponsor is identifying its purpose. It is not intended to be debate. It is intended to be brief. It seems to me that the general purpose of most bills can easily be explained in 30 seconds or less. Anything more than that is likely better suited to a Members statement or the eventual debate on the bill itself.

These are but two of the areas in which I believe there is room for improved performance in this place. I hope that all honourable Members will continue to keep the principles of acceptable parliamentary conduct in mind as we carry out the business of the House over this spring sitting.

Petitions

Pétitions

Petition relating to safety improvements to Highway 12 through the village of Greenbank (Sessional Paper No. P-3) Mr. O'Toole.

Petition relating to Family Health Teams (Sessional Paper No. P-19) Mr. Ruprecht.

Petition relating to requesting the TTC to allocate proper funding to build washrooms at their subway stations (Sessional Paper No. P-21) Mr. Berardinetti.

Petitions relating to Construction of an Ambulatory Surgery Centre to serve the Mississauga Halton area (Sessional Paper No. P-23) Mr. Delaney and Mrs. Mangat.

Petition relating to protecting the David Dunlap Observatory in Richmond Hill (Sessional Paper No. P-37) Mr. Moridi.

Petition relating to preventing the commercial application of non-essential herbicides in Northern Ontario (Sessional Paper No. P-47) Mr. Bisson.

Petitions relating to the Lord's prayer (Sessional Paper No. P-48) Mr. Ouellette, Mr. Murdoch and Mr. Wilson.

Petition relating to Hydro One Inc. and Schmidt Flowers Ltd. (Sessional Paper No. P-49) Mr. Hampton.

Petition relating to the practice of competitive bidding for home care services (Sessional Paper No. P-50) Mme Gélinas.

Petition relating to GO Transit services (Sessional Paper No. P-51) Mr. Chudleigh.

  


Orders of the Day

Ordre du Jour

Debate was resumed on the Amendment to the Motion for an Address in Reply to the Speech of His Honour the Lieutenant Governor at the Opening of the Session.

Le débat reprend sur l'amendement à la motion portant l'Adresse en réponse au discourse prononcé par Son Honneur le lieutenant gouverneur à l'ouverture de la session.

After some time, pursuant to Standing Order 9, the motion for the adjournment of the debate was deemed to have been made and carried.

Après quelque temps, conformément à l'article 9 du Règlement, la motion d'ajournement du débat est réputée avoir été proposée et adoptée.

  

The House then adjourned at 6:00 p.m.

À 18 h, la chambre a ensuite ajourné ses travaux.

  

le président

Steve  Peters

Speaker

  

Sessional Papers Presented Pursuant to Standing Order 39(a)

Documents Parlementaires Déposés Conformément à l'Article 39 a) du Règlement

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 / Loi de 2005 sur l'accessibilité pour les personnes handicapées de l'Ontario, Annual Report, 2007 (No. 76) (Tabled March 17, 2008).

Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario, Annual Report 2006-2007 (No. 63) (Tabled February 29, 2008).

Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario / Commission des alcools et des jeux de l'Ontario, Annual Report 2006-2007 (No. 47) (Tabled February 13, 2008).

Algonquin Forestry Authority, Thirty-Second Annual Report 2006-2007 (No. 74) (Tabled March 10, 2008).

Amendment to certificate re intended appointments originally tabled on December 20, 2007 (No. 21) (Tabled January 21, 2008).

Amendment to certificate re intended appointments originally tabled on February 29, 2008 (No. 67) (Tabled March 7, 2008).

Board of Funeral Services, Annual Report 2006 (No. 56) (Tabled February 22, 2008).

Canola, Fund for Producers of, Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2007 (No. 72) (Tabled March 7, 2008).

Certificate pursuant to Standing Order 106(e)(1) re intended appointments dated December 20, 2007 (No. 16) (Tabled December 20, 2007).

Certificate pursuant to Standing Order 106(e)(1) re intended appointments dated January 18, 2008 (No. 23) (Tabled January 18, 2008).

Certificate pursuant to Standing Order 106(e)(1) re intended appointments dated February 1, 2008 (No. 24) (Tabled February 1, 2008).

Certificate pursuant to Standing Order 106(e)(1) re intended appointments dated February 8, 2008 (No. 42) (Tabled February 8, 2008).

Certificate pursuant to Standing Order 106(e)(1) re intended appointments dated February 15, 2008 (No. 53) (Tabled February 15, 2008).

Certificate pursuant to Standing Order 106(e)(1) re intended appointments dated February 29, 2008 (No. 62) (Tabled February 29, 2008).

Certificate pursuant to Standing Order 106(e)(1) re intended appointments dated March 7, 2008 (No. 73) (Tabled March 7, 2008).

College Compensation and Appointments Council / Conseil de la rémunération et des nominations dans les collèges, Annual Report on key achievements for April 1, 2006 to March 31, 2007 (No. 43) (Tabled February 11, 2008).

Consent and Capacity Board / Commission du consentement et de la capacité, Annual Report 2005-2006 (No. 64) (Tabled March 3, 2008).

Consent and Capacity Board / Commission du consentement et de la capacité, Annual Report 2006-2007 (No. 65) (Tabled March 3, 2008).

Criminal Injuries Compensation Board / Commission d'indemnisation des victimes d'actes criminels, 32nd Annual Report, April 1, 2005 to March 31, 2006 (No. 57) (Tabled February 22, 2008).

Discriminatory Business Practices Act, Director's 2006-2007 Annual Report (No. 46) (Tabled February 13, 2008).

Environmental Review Tribunal / Tribunal de l'environnement, Annual Report, April 1, 2006 to March 31, 2007 (No. 18) (Tabled January 2, 2008).

Fire Safety Commission / Commission de la sécurité-incendie, Annual Report 2006-2007 (No. 69) (Tabled March 7, 2008).

Forest Management, Annual Report 2004-2005 (No. 14) (Tabled December 20, 2007).

Grain, Corn and Soybeans, Funds for Producers of, Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2007 (No. 70) (Tabled March 7, 2008).

Greater Toronto Transit Authority, Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2007 (No. 75) (Tabled March 13, 2008).

Hydro One, 2004 Annual Report (No. 35) (Tabled February 8, 2008).

Hydro One, 2005 Annual Report (No. 36) (Tabled February 8, 2008).

Hydro One, 2006 Annual Report (No. 37) (Tabled February 8, 2008).

Independent Electricity System Operator, 2004 Annual Report (No. 29) (Tabled February 8, 2008).

Independent Electricity System Operator, 2006 Annual Report (No. 32) (Tabled February 8, 2008).

Independent Electricity System Operator (Ontario), 2005 Year in Review Report (No. 30) (Tabled February 8, 2008).

Independent Electricity System Operator (Ontario), 2005 Financial Statements Report (No. 31) (Tabled February 8, 2008).

Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee / Comité consultatif sur les nominations à la magistrature, Annual Report for the period from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2005 (No. 59) (Tabled February 22, 2008).

Licence Appeal Tribunal / Tribunal d'appel en matière de permis, Annual Report 2006-2007 (No. 50) (Tabled February 13, 2008).

Livestock, Fund for Producers of, Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2007 (No. 68) (Tabled March 7, 2008).

Normal Farm Practices Protection Board, Annual Report, April 1, 2006 to March 31, 2007 (No. 41) (Tabled February 8, 2008).

Professional Engineers of Ontario, Annual Review 2006 (No. 58) (Tabled February 22, 2008).

Oil, Gas, Salt Resources Trust, Annual Report 2006 (No. 25) (Tabled February 4, 2008).

Ontario Aggregate Resources Corporation, Annual Report 2006 (No. 26) (Tabled February 4, 2008).

Ontario Clean Water Agency / Agence ontarienne des eaux, Annual Report 2006 (No. 17) (Tabled December 20, 2007).

Ontario Film Review Board / Commission de contrôle cinématographique de l'Ontario, Annual Report 2006-2007 (No. 54) (Tabled February 20, 2008).

Ontario Health Quality Council / Conseil ontarien de la qualité des services de santé, Annual Report and Financial Statements 2006-2007 (No. 27) (Tabled February 4, 2008).

Ontario Judicial Council / Conseil de la magistrature de l'Ontario, Eleventh Annual Report 2005-2006 (No. 60) (Tabled February 22, 2008).

Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council, Annual Report 2006 and 2007 Business Plan (No. 44) (Tabled February 13, 2008).

Ontario Northland Transportation Commission / Commission de transport Ontario Northland, Annual Report 2003 (No. 66) (Tabled March 5, 2008).

Ontario Power Authority, 2005 Annual Report (No. 33) (Tabled February 8, 2008).

Ontario Power Authority, 2006 Annual Report (No. 34) (Tabled February 8, 2008).

Ontario Power Generation, 2004 Annual Report (No. 38) (Tabled February 8, 2008).

Ontario Power Generation, 2005 Annual Report (No. 39) (Tabled February 8, 2008).

Ontario Power Generation, 2006 Annual Report (No. 40) (Tabled February 8, 2008).

Ontario Racing Commission, Annual and Statistical Report 2006-2007 (No. 51) (Tabled February 13, 2008).

Real Estate Council of Ontario, Annual Report 2006-2007 (No. 48) (Tabled February 13, 2008).

State of the Forest Report 2006 (No. 15) (Tabled December 20, 2007).

Tarion Warranty Corporation, Annual Report 2006 (No. 55) (Tabled February 22, 2008).

Travel Industry Council of Ontario, Annual Report 2007 (No. 45) (Tabled February 13, 2008).

Vintners Quality Alliance Ontario, 2007 Annual Report (No. 49) (Tabled February 13, 2008).

Walkerton Clean Water Centre / Centre de Walkerton pour l'assainissement de l'eau, Annual Report 2006-07 (No. 28) (Tabled February 6, 2008).

Wheat, Fund for Producers of, Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2007 (No. 71) (Tabled March 7, 2008).

  

Responses to Petitions

Réponses aux Pétitions

RESPONSES TO PETITIONS TABLED FEBRUARY 13, 2008:-

Petition relating to announcing the intended construction date for the new Markdale Hospital (Sessional Paper No. P-1):

       (Tabled December 12, 2007) Mr. Murdoch.

Petition relating to funding the treatment of the occult sub-type of macular degeneration (Sessional Paper No. P-4)

       (Tabled December 3, 10, 2007) Mr. Dunlop.

Petition relating to bringing a mobile, health card renewal clinic to the Mount Hope and Binbrook area  (Sessional Paper No. P-10)

       (Tabled December 3, 4, 10, 11, 2007) Mr. Hudak.

Petition relating to hearings on land dispute indicated by the Minister during the visit to Caledonia (Sessional Paper No. P-12)

       (Tabled December 4, 2007) Mr. Barrett.

Petition relating to mail at the Oak Ridge Division of the Penetanguishene Mental Health Centre in Penetanguishene, Ontario (Sessional Paper No. P-13)

       (Tabled December 4, 2007) Mr. Prue.

Petition relating to re-opening the Stevenson Memorial Hospital birth unit (Sessional Paper No. P-14)

       (Tabled December 4, 6, 10, 2007) Mr. Wilson.

Petition relating to Ontario Northland Bus Service (Sessional Paper No. P-15)

       (Tabled December 4, 2007) Mme Gélinas.

Petition relating to Seniors deserving dignity in long-term care homes (Sessional Paper No. P-17)

       (Tabled December 4, 2007) Mme Gélinas.

Petition relating to Canadian Armed Forces Reservists (Sessional Paper No. P-18)

       (Tabled December 5, 2007) Mr. Martiniuk.

Petition relating to Family Health Teams (Sessional Paper No. P-19)

       (Tabled December 5, 12, 13, 2007) Mr. Ruprecht.

Petition relating to Construction of an Ambulatory Surgery Centre to serve the Mississauga Halton area (Sessional Paper No. P-23)

       (Tabled December 5, 10, 12, 2007) Mr. Delaney.

Petition relating to creating more affordable housing units (Sessional Paper No. P-26)

       (Tabled December 6, 2007) Ms. Horwath.

Petition relating to supporting the McGuinty government's efforts to improve access to family doctors (Sessional Paper No. P-28)

       (Tabled December 6, 11, 2007) Mr. Ruprecht.

Petition relating to the NDP's Living Wage Bill (Sessional Paper No. P-29)

       (Tabled December 10, 2007) Mr. Prue.

Petition relating to providing equal funding for Employment Insurance benefits and job training (Sessional Paper No. P-31)

       (Tabled December 10, 13, 2007) Mr. Colle.

Petition relating to physicians in small Ontario communities (Sessional Paper No. P-33)

       (Tabled December 10, 2007) Ms. Scott.

Petition relating to long term care beds of the seniors of Tillsonburg and Ontario (Sessional Paper No. P-36)

       (Tabled December 11, 2007) Mr. Hardeman.

Petition relating to protecting the David Dunlap Observatory in Richmond Hill (Sessional Paper No. P-37)

       (Tabled December 11, 2007) Mr. Moridi.