Legislative Assembly of Ontario

The House met at 1300.

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

Prayers.

Introduction of Visitors

Mr. Chris Glover: I’d like to welcome Sarah Rahimi and Ava Harness from the Ryerson film festival. They’re shooting a documentary in the House today.

Report, Financial Accountability Officer / Report, Chief Electoral Officer

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I beg to inform the House that during the adjournment the following documents were tabled: a report entitled Economic and Budget Outlook, Fall 2018 from the Financial Accountability Office of Ontario; and Election Returns with Statistics from the Records for the 2015, 2016 and 2017 By-Elections and the 2018 General Election from the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer of Ontario.

Notice of reasoned amendment

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I also beg to inform the House that, pursuant to standing order 71(b), the member for Waterloo has notified the Clerk of her intention to file notice of a reasoned amendment to the motion for second reading of Bill 66, An Act to restore Ontario’s competitiveness by amending or appealing certain Acts. The order for second reading of Bill 66 may therefore not be called today.

It is now time for members’ statements.

Members’ Statements

Government’s record

M^me France Gélinas: I thought I would share my Christmas wish list with you. I’d like to have a safer pedestrian crosswalk on Highway 144 in Dowling. The Ministry of Transportation promised to change this dangerous crosswalk before the end of 2018. Therefore, there are only two weeks left.

I also wish that the drivers who got their vehicle damaged last summer on Highway 17 just west of Sudbury would receive compensation. I’ve hand-delivered five different letters to three different ministers, but so far the Ministry of Transportation continues to blame the contractors who continue to blame the ministry. This has to end.

I also wish for an interprovincial agreement to cover hospital emergency transfers while travelling in Canada. You see, Speaker, Dean and Erla Wenborne received a $12,000 bill for an air ambulance transfer from one hospital to another for life-saving emergency medical care. I wish the government would help my constituents and fix this loophole once and for all.

I wish that the government would value our midwives by supporting their college and respecting the Human Rights Tribunal’s pay equity decision.

I wish they would respect physicians, who have been without a contract for the last five years.

I wish that HSN would be funded so that they would have enough money to keep the full breast cancer clinic open.

I wish that all the boil-water advisories would not be needed in northern Ontario, including in Foleyet and Gogama, so they would have water to drink.

I have many more wishes, but let me wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year, Speaker. Joyeux Noël et bonne année.

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

Labour dispute

Ms. Goldie Ghamari: I’m truly honoured to rise today in this emergency reconvening of the Legislature to deal with the impending strike by the Power Workers’ Union.

OPG spokesperson Neal Kelly has indicated that a strike by 6,000 workers at Ontario Power Generation means workers could start a days-long process of shutting down nuclear power plants before potentially launching a strike on January 4, 2019. A strike by the OPG would put the reliability of the entire provincial electricity system at risk.

The Independent Electricity System Operator has said that the shutdown of OPG’s nuclear and hydroelectric facilities could occur in approximately three weeks. At that point, Ontario would not have the generation needed to meet consumer demand, and customers would begin losing power. The IESO will take every action available to delay and mitigate the impact; however, these actions will not be enough to prevent significant losses of power.

In my riding of Carleton, I’ve already seen the devastating impact left due to prolonged lack of power. Back when the tornado hit Dunrobin and the Ottawa area, we lost electricity and people across my riding were adversely affected. That included seniors’ homes, affordable housing and subsidized housing, people living on life support, isolated and vulnerable families—and sump pumps wouldn’t work either.

With sub-zero temperatures in the dead of winter, Carleton’s residents need electricity. It’s not a luxury; it is a necessity of life. Without it, people are at risk of disease and, God forbid, death.

Child care

Ms. Doly Begum: I rise today to ask this government one simple question: Should the care of our children, our babies, the ones whom we have a sacred duty to care for and protect, be more about the provider’s ability to make more money than about the quality of care we’re obligated to provide?

What this government calls the Restoring Ontario’s Competitiveness Act includes a loosening of critical protections for our children in return for the vague sales pitch of making Ontario more competitive.

Are our memories that short or our hearts that cold?

How can this government forget the criminal negligence that caused the death of two-year-old Eva in an overcrowded child care in Vaughan? What about nine-month-old Aspen Moore, who died in an unregulated Markham home daycare, or the precious four-month-old baby that the Toronto Star reported died in 2014 in unlicensed care in northwest Toronto?

Today, I want to remind this government of some of these stories that we must keep in mind before plowing through child care regulations. What this government is proposing scraps what little oversight there was in unlicensed and unregulated child care, with zero consultation and no research or evidence to support their changes.

We must ask ourselves, is this what “open for business” looks like? How can we risk the lives of the most vulnerable, our children, the most innocent residents in Ontario, under the false claim of competitiveness?

Labour dispute

Mr. Kaleed Rasheed: Yesterday, I was honoured to attend the Senior Tamils Society of Peel’s annual Christmas, Diwali and new year’s fundraising dinner.

The opposition believes that we should turn off the lights this holiday and leave millions in the dark with no lights or lit trees. Many seniors approached me yesterday, worried that they would be left to freeze in the dark. I assured them that myself and the government will make sure that this does not happen.

I’m proud of the work that the society does for the senior community in helping seniors reduce isolation. We should not isolate these seniors by cutting their hydro. We should provide them with a reliable source of power for heating their homes and keeping them safe.

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Mr. Speaker, the Senior Tamils Society of Peel are a staple for Tamil seniors in our community and do not deserve to be left in the cold this season. They need hydro to help run their programs, especially at this time of the year. Our mission as a government should be to safeguard these seniors and ensure that their homes are safe, warm and lit this holiday season. I hope the opposition will join us in passing legislation quickly to help ensure that Ontarians have the power they need to stay warm and safe this holiday season.

Discrimination

Mr. Gurratan Singh: I rise today to speak out against the federal Liberal government’s public safety report which labels the Sikh community as a current terrorist threat to Canada without providing a single shred of evidence to substantiate this claim. Sikhs across Canada are outraged at why they are included in this report in the very first place. The federal government has to either prove it or remove it. We need a full explanation from the federal government on why Sikhs were included in this report in the very first place, and if no explanation can be provided, the federal government must take immediate steps to remove any mention of the Sikh community from this report and, further, apologize to Sikhs across Canada for maligning their name.

This is not just about the Sikh community. This is about the protection of racialized communities and their civil liberties. It is unjust for a government to brand an entire community as a threat in the absence of evidence, be it Sikh or otherwise. This is something that we must all defiantly stand up against. With the rise of racist attacks in Canada, this kind of language is both dangerous and wrong. It has real consequences to the lives of everyday racialized Canadians. I call on the federal government to act now to remove any unsubstantiated claims against the Sikh community or any other community in this report.

Labour dispute

Ms. Donna Skelly: Our government has made a decision to recall the Legislature due to the looming Power Workers’ Union strike. This strike would lead to a shutdown of nuclear power plants and hydroelectric stations, creating an untenable situation where we would face regular power outages. Unlike the opposition, our government is taking swift action to prevent this from happening. I believe, given the seriousness of this situation, that Ontarians will agree.

I can give this House just a few examples of how the Hamilton area would be impacted by prolonged electricity shortages. Dofasco and US Steel would be facing yet another obstacle on top of the steel and aluminum tariffs that are already creating havoc in the sector. The rapidly growing greenhouse operations in my constituency of Flamborough–Glanbrook need a reliable power source, especially as they continue to expand their exports. Their livelihood depends on a reliable power supply. The holiday season is a critical time for the many farm markets in Flamborough and Glanbrook. A long blackout would cause a hefty dent to their bottom lines at the most critical time of the year for their businesses. The same holds true for dozens of small businesses.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of those constituents and fellow Hamiltonians, I will be supporting this back-to-work legislation, and I urge everyone in this House to do so as well.

Education funding

Ms. Marit Stiles: It saddens me to return to the Legislature today with news that this government is slashing millions of dollars in funding for our schools. After receiving an avalanche of memos on Friday evening outlining multiple cuts, school boards, educators and parents are all trying to cope with how students will be affected.

As it stands, funding for more than a dozen existing programs, including funding for special-needs students, still remains uncertain.

The programs to be cancelled immediately overwhelmingly targeted at-risk youth: tutors in classrooms, Indigenous-focused programs, supports for racialized youth, and physical activity programs for both elementary and secondary students. The Focus on Youth program was set up to provide activities for students in areas that are considered underserved by other agencies and help provide important leadership opportunities outside of the classroom. These programs generally serve our most vulnerable and marginalized youth, and our students deserve to know why this government chose to cut those programs.

What’s more, the timing of this is very concerning. Cutting $25 million to education program grants prior to the completion of the so-called education consultations makes it clear that these consultations were a sham. The government has an agenda. It’s death by a thousand cuts for public education, and it is students that will suffer.

As Maria Rizzo, chair of the Toronto Catholic school board, said, “The government gives us money so we can use it for the kids ... to help them. Anything they take away, they take away from those kids.” Kids deserve more resources this holiday season, not less every day.

Lights at Glenhyrst

Mr. Will Bouma: I am pleased to rise today to speak about a unique and special exhibition that is happening in Brantford. Every year, the Glenhyrst Art Gallery in Brantford puts on a very special exhibit to celebrate the Christmas season. During the month of December, the grounds of the art gallery are transformed by the glow of hundreds of thousands of lights. This year, on November 30, the lights of the seventh annual Brantford Lights at Glenhyrst were switched on. I had the privilege of attending.

People from all over the community can come to take in the many wonderful light displays of this great winter family tradition. Last year, more than 22,000 people either drove through or walked through the display.

Running concurrently to the Brantford Lights at Glenhyrst is the annual Vibrant Palette Student Exhibit, which exhibits more than 200 pieces of art made by local students. Not only are the lights a celebration of the season, but they also act as an invitation to experience the rest of the gallery and the works of art made by Brantford’s young artists.

By making electricity more affordable, our government is making it easier for communities like Brantford to put on light shows and exhibits like this one. We are not only making electricity more affordable for Ontario’s households, but also promoting our province’s vibrant arts and culture.

If you would like to visit and experience the Brantford Lights at Glenhyrst, they are turned on nightly from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. until January 1. Admissions is free, but donations to the Brantford and Salvation Army food banks are greatly appreciated.

Labour dispute

Mr. Rick Nicholls: This past weekend, Rogers Hometown Hockey paid a visit to Chatham-Kent. There were all kinds of events for the community happening around all of the hockey games. It was the 11th stop of 25 for the Rogers team.

The remainder of these wonderful events throughout this province would be cancelled if the Power Workers’ Union strike proceeds. Businesses, community centres and shelters would all have to be shut down for as long as the strike continues. What about the electric systems used to run fuelling stations, home heating and refrigeration? Just imagine the families in my riding and ridings around the province unable to travel this Christmas, stuck in cold houses, with food going bad.

That leads me to my favourite part of the holidays in southwestern Ontario, Mr. Speaker. It is the food and toy drives put on by the Chatham Goodfellows and, of course, the Salvation Army. They provide hearty meals and gift packages for hundreds of families, distributed. I also think of the programs that would be cancelled at the YMCA, and other local programs, such as free skates for families, all cancelled. The less fortunate family could have been any one of us, including the NDP.

I will continue to fight for the safety and prosperity of my constituents. This is why our government for the people is taking action now to secure—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I apologize to the member for Chatham-Kent–Leamington for having to stand up in the middle of his presentation. I couldn’t hear him because of the standing ovation from his colleagues.

That concludes our time for members’ statements.

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Mr. Gilles Bisson: Point of order.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Point of order, the member for Timmins.

Mr. Gilles Bisson: Mr. Speaker, I would seek unanimous consent in order to put forward a motion to create a select committee to be appointed to investigate and report on the practices and processes related to the appointment of the OPP commissioner.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Mr. Bisson is seeking the unanimous consent of the House that a select committee be appointed to investigate and report on the practices and processes related to the appointment of the OPP commissioner. Agreed? I heard some noes.

Interjections.

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

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The Minister of Children, Community and Social Services will come to order.

Introduction of Bills

Labour Relations Amendment Act (Protecting Ontario’s Power Supply), 2018 / Loi de 2018 modifiant la Loi sur les relations de travail (protection de l’approvisionnement de l’Ontario en électricité)

Ms. Scott moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 67, An Act to amend the Labour Relations Act, 1995 / Projet de loi 67, Loi modifiant la Loi de 1995 sur les relations de travail.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? I heard many noes.

All those in favour of the motion will please say “aye.”

All those opposed will please say “nay.”

In my opinion the ayes have it.

Mr. Gilles Bisson: On division.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Carried on division.

First reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I would ask the minister if she would care to give a brief explanation of her bill.

Hon. Laurie Scott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our government has prepared legislation that, if passed, would prohibit and stop any strikes or lockouts between OPG and PWU for the current round of bargaining and send all matters in dispute to a mediator-arbitrator for a fair dispute resolution process.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you. Introduction of bills? Motions? I recognize the government House leader.

Hon. Todd Smith: Speaker, I seek unanimous consent that the order for second and third reading of Bill 67, An Act to amend the Labour Relations Act, 1995 be immediately called consecutively and that the question on second and third reading be put without debate or amendment.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The government House leader is seeking unanimous consent of the House that the order for second and third reading of Bill 67, An Act to amend the Labour Relations Act, 1995 be immediately called consecutively and that the question on second and third reading be put without debate or amendment. Agreed? I heard many noes.

Petitions

Services for persons with disabilities

Miss Monique Taylor: I’d like to thank the many parents who are actually suffering throughout this province and have put together this petition from Carolyn Bishop. It reads:

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas in the absence of adequate services, parents of autistic adults experience significant stress in their efforts to provide the necessary care;

“Whereas there is a lack of respite crisis beds available for autism;

“Whereas there are approximately 15,000 adults with developmental disabilities waiting to be placed in residential facilities;

“Whereas the all-party Select Committee on Developmental Services, including ministers now serving in the Ford government, called for the elimination of all wait-lists in 2014;

“Whereas in the absence of adequate residential space, autistic adults in crisis situations are often placed in unsuitable facilities such as hospitals treating people with mental health issues;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to direct the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services to provide the necessary funding to ensure all people with autism receive the support they need to avoid such” a crisis.

I agree with this more than 100%, Mr. Speaker. I will affix my name to it and give it to Joana to bring to the Clerk.

Injured workers

Ms. Mitzie Hunter: I have here a petition, “Workers’ Comp is a Right.”

“Petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas about 200,000 to 300,000 people in Ontario are injured on the job every year;

“Whereas over a century ago, workers in Ontario who were injured on the job gave up the right to sue their employers, in exchange for a system that would provide them with just compensation;

“Whereas decades of cost-cutting have pushed injured workers into poverty and onto publicly funded social assistance programs, and have gradually curtailed the rights of injured workers;

“Whereas injured workers have the right to quality and timely medical care, compensation for lost wages, and protection from discrimination;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to change the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act to accomplish the following for injured workers in Ontario:

“Eliminate the practice of ‘deeming’ or ‘determining,’ which bases compensation on phantom jobs that injured workers do not actually have;

“Ensure that the WSIB prioritizes and respects the medical opinions of the health care providers who treat the injured worker directly;

“Prevent compensation from being reduced or denied based on ‘pre-existing conditions’ that never affected the worker’s ability to function prior to the work injury.”

I will sign this petition and give it to team leader Darlene.

Electricity supply

Mr. Will Bouma: “To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas roughly one in five Ontarians relies on electricity to heat their home in the winter; and

“Whereas communities around the province are known to have festivals of lights and lighting displays to raise money for charity; and

“Whereas the World Junior Hockey Championships are in British Columbia this year, and Ontarians would like to cheer on Team Canada;

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

“The members of provincial Parliament immediately pass legislation to end the uncertainty at Ontario Power Generation and ensure that Ontarians have electricity through the holidays.”

I wholeheartedly support this petition, have signed my name on the bottom, and will give it to Hillary.

Indigenous affairs

Ms. Bhutila Karpoche: I rise on behalf of my constituents of Parkdale–High Park, who know that reconciliation is not optional and we need to stop cuts to Indigenous programs.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas Ontario is situated on the traditional territory of Indigenous peoples, many who have been on this land for at least 12,000 years;

“Whereas in 2015 the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada released its final report: ‘Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future’ which made 94 recommendations or ‘Calls to Action’ for the government of Canada” and Ontario;

“Whereas reconciliation must be at the centre of all government decision-making;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to act to:

“—continue reconciliation work in Ontario by implementing the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission;

“—reinstate the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation;

“—work with First Nations leaders to sign co-operative government-to-government accords;

“—support TRC education and community development...;

“—support Indigenous communities across” this province.

I fully support this petition and will be affixing my signature to it as well.

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Electricity supply

Mr. Dave Smith: “To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas roughly one in five Ontarians relies on electricity to heat their home in the winter; and

“Whereas communities around the province are known to have festivals of lights and lighting displays to raise money for charity; and

“Whereas the World Junior Hockey Championships are in British Columbia this year, and Ontarians would like to cheer on Team Canada;

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

“That members of provincial Parliament immediately pass legislation to end the uncertainty at Ontario Power Generation and ensure that Ontarians have electricity through the holidays.”

I’ll sign my name to this petition and give it to Marium.

Midwifery

M^me France Gélinas: I’d like to present this petition that comes from all over Ontario. We were able to collect 30,000 names in the last four days. It reads as follows:

“Fairness for Midwives....

“Whereas the work of the College of Midwives of Ontario (CMO) includes ensuring that all registered midwives operate at a professional standard and competency level;

“Whereas midwifery is a critical health care service for hundreds of thousands of Ontarian families;

“Whereas midwives offer an attentive, patient-centred, holistic approach that thousands of families value and choose;

“Whereas midwives remain underpaid, underappreciated and in high demand by hundreds of thousands of women who want to choose their services;

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

“Immediately reinstate the annual operational grants to the College of Midwives of Ontario until their membership grows sufficiently to be self-sustaining.”

I fully support this petition, will affix my name to it and ask Joana to bring it to the Clerk.

Independent officers of the Legislature

Mr. Mike Schreiner: A petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Child Advocate, Environmental Commissioner, and the French Language Services Commissioner are independent officers of the Legislature who provide indispensable services to the people of Ontario;

“Whereas these independent officers are essential to provide oversight, hold government accountable and offer protections for the people of this province;

“Whereas each of these officers’ work has led to reforms that have been of great benefit to people;

“Whereas budgetary and investigative independence is essential for these positions to be effective and accountable to the public;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to reinstate the Child Advocate, Environmental Commissioner and the French Language Services Commissioner as stand-alone independent offices with all their prior duties intact.”

I will sign this petition. I support it, and I will ask Jonathan to take it to the table.

Toronto Transit Commission

Ms. Marit Stiles: It gives me great pleasure to present this petition on behalf of my constituent Rhekia Fahssi.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the TTC has owned, operated and maintained Toronto’s public transit system since 1921; and

“Whereas the people of Toronto have paid for the TTC at the fare box and through their property taxes; and

“Whereas uploading the subway will mean higher fares, reduced service and less say for transit riders; and

“Whereas the TTC is accountable to the people of Toronto because elected Toronto city councillors sit on its board;

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

“Reject legislation that uploads any aspect of the TTC to the province of Ontario, and reject the privatization or contracting out of any part of the TTC;

“Match the city of Toronto’s financial contribution to the TTC so transit riders can have improved service and affordable fares.”

I support this petition. I will affix my signature and hand it off to our usher Joana to table it with the Clerks.

Long-term care

Ms. Catherine Fife: This is entitled, “Conduct a Full Inquiry into Seniors Care in the Province of Ontario.”

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas upwards of 30,000 Ontarians are on the wait-list for long-term care...; and

“Whereas wait times for people who urgently need long-term care and are waiting in hospital have increased by 270% since the” former “government came into office; and

“Whereas the number of homicides in long-term care being investigated by the coroner are increasing each year; and

“Whereas, over a period of 12 years, the government has consistently ignored recommendations regarding long-term care from provincial oversight bodies such as the Ontario Ombudsman and the Auditor General; and

“Whereas Ontario legislation does not require a minimum staff-to-resident ratio in long-term-care homes, resulting in insufficient staffing and inability for LTC homes to comply with ministry regulations;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to act in the best interest of Ontarians and conduct a full public inquiry into seniors’ care with particular attention to the safety of residents and staff; quality of care; funding levels; staffing levels and practices; capacity, availability and accessibility in all regions; the impact of for-profit privatization on care; regulations, enforcement and inspections; and government action and inaction on previous recommendations to improve the long-term-care system.”

I fully support this petition and will give it to Darlene.

School facilities

Ms. Laura Mae Lindo: I have a petition entitled, “Fund Our Schools.”

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas too many children are going to school in buildings without proper heating or cooling, with leaky roofs or stairways overdue for repair;

“Whereas after years of Conservative and Liberal governments neglecting schools, the backlog of needed repairs has reached $16 billion;

“Whereas during the 2018 election, numerous members of the Conservative Party, including the current Minister of Education, pledged to provide adequate, stable funding for Ontario’s schools;

“Whereas less than three weeks into the legislative session, Doug Ford and the Conservative government have already cut $100 million in much-needed school repairs, leaving our children and educators to suffer in classrooms that are unsafe and unhealthy;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to direct the Minister of Education to immediately reverse the decision to cut $100 million in school repair funding, and invest the $16 billion needed to tackle the repair backlog in Ontario’s schools.”

I fully support this petition and will give it to Joana for the Clerks.

Electricity supply

Mr. Deepak Anand: “To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas roughly one in five Ontarians relies on electricity to heat their home in the winter; and

“Whereas communities around the province are known to have festivals of lights and lighting displays to raise money for charity; and

“Whereas allowing electricity service to be interrupted will needlessly endanger Ontarians in long-term-care homes; and

“Whereas the World Junior Hockey Championships are in British Columbia this year, and Ontarians would like to cheer on Team Canada;

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

“That members of provincial Parliament immediately pass legislation to end the uncertainty at Ontario Power Generation and ensure that Ontarians have electricity through the holidays.”

Mr. Speaker, I’m going to sign this petition and give it to Jonathan.

Hospital funding

Mrs. Jennifer (Jennie) Stevens: “To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas on May 4, 2018, the province of Ontario announced a $500,000 planning grant to allow Hotel Dieu Shaver to plan for an expansion of rehabilitation beds in Niagara;

“Whereas the planning grant is a response to the need to address the significant challenges the Hotel Dieu Shaver faces with its current outdated infrastructure and its desire to meet the growing demands for rehabilitation in the Niagara region;

“Whereas the proposed expansion of rehabilitation services will enhance the government’s commitment to reduce hallway medicine and provide a seamless continuum of care as patients are better able to transition home and back into the community;

“We, the undersigned, appeal to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to disburse the funds promised to Hotel Dieu Shaver for their planning grant to plan for an expansion of rehabilitation beds in Niagara.”

I will affix my name to this and I fully support this petition.

Electricity supply

Mr. Stephen Crawford: “To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas roughly one in five Ontarians relies on electricity to heat their home in the winter; and

“Whereas communities around the province are known to have festivals of lights and lighting displays to raise money for charity; and

“Whereas allowing electricity service to be interrupted will needlessly endanger Ontarians in long-term-care homes; and

“Whereas the World Junior Hockey Championships are in British Columbia this year, and Ontarians would like to cheer on Team Canada;

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

“That members of provincial Parliament immediately pass legislation to end the uncertainty at Ontario Power Generation and ensure that Ontarians have electricity through the holidays.”

Mr. Speaker, I’m proud to sign this myself.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): That concludes the time we have available this afternoon for petitions.

Hon. Todd Smith: Point of order.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Point of order: the government House leader.

Hon. Todd Smith: Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to put forward a motion without notice regarding the beginning of second reading debate on Bill 67.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The government House leader is seeking unanimous consent to put forward a motion without notice regarding the beginning of the second reading debate on Bill 67. Agreed? I heard many noes.

Orders of the day? The government House leader.

Hon. Todd Smith: I move adjournment of the House, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The government House leader is moving the adjournment of the House. Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? I heard a no.

All those in favour of the motion will please say “aye.”

All those opposed will please say “nay.”

In my opinion, the ayes have it.

Interjection: On division.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The motion is carried on division.

This House stands adjourned until tomorrow at 9 a.m.

The House adjourned at 1341.