Legislative Assembly of Ontario

The House met at 1300.

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

Prayers.

Introduction of Bills

Employment Standards Amendment Act (Infectious Disease Emergencies), 2020 / Loi de 2020 modifiant la Loi sur les normes d’emploi (situations d’urgence liées à une maladie infectieuse)

Mr. Ford, on behalf of Mr. McNaughton, moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 186, An Act to amend the Employment Standards Act, 2000 / Projet de loi 186, Loi modifiant la Loi de 2000 sur les normes d’emploi.

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

First reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Would the Premier wish to explain his bill?

Hon. Doug Ford: No, Mr. Speaker. I’ll address this in my ministerial statement.

Municipal Emergency Act, 2020 / Loi de 2020 sur les situations d’urgence touchant les municipalités

Mr. Ford, on behalf of Mr. Clark, moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 187, An Act to amend the Municipal Act, 2001 and the City of Toronto Act, 2006 / Projet de loi 187, Loi modifiant la Loi de 2001 sur les municipalités et la Loi de 2006 sur la cité de Toronto.

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

First reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Would the Premier care to give a brief explanation of his bill?

Hon. Doug Ford: No, Mr. Speaker. I’ll address this in my ministerial statement.

Statements by the Ministry and Responses

COVID-19

Hon. Doug Ford: Before I begin my remarks, I want to take a moment to thank all the hard-working nurses, doctors, personal support workers and health care workers on the front lines. They’re working day and night to fight COVID-19 and keep people healthy and safe in this province.

We have thousands of retired nurses and nurse practitioners stepping up to work the phones at Telehealth Ontario. We went from 400 lines to over 2,000, thanks to these volunteers and our telecom partners.

On behalf of the people of Ontario, we thank our front-line workers, Mr. Speaker. They’re the real heroes.

Over the past few days, I’ve heard countless stories about people and businesses doing their part to help their neighbours out during difficult times: like Kyle, who posted a sign in his building offering help to anyone who needs it; like Yashoda, a student at Western University, who is offering to help health care workers with child care; and like Mohamad Fakih, of Paramount Fine Foods—what a great owner, a great business person—who is donating to a different food bank every single day.

All these acts of kindness represent the best of the Ontario spirit. They are the true heroes, Mr. Speaker. Everyone in Ontario is pitching in and helping out in their own way. And we’re going to make sure our front-line health care workers have everything they need to stop this virus in its tracks.

I also want to thank all of the parties for coming together today to take the necessary steps to protect the public from COVID-19 and support Ontario families. Mr. Speaker, this isn’t about coming from the blue party, the red party, the orange party or the green party; this is about coming together as a united group, representing all the people of Ontario and doing what’s best to make sure we protect their health and to make sure we protect the economy.

The emergency session today is unprecedented in Ontario. We have just tabled our job protection legislation. During these extraordinary times, we need to look out for one another. We need to look out for the shift workers and factory workers, for those who may not be able to work from home because they’re making sure groceries are on our shelves and prescriptions are being filled at the pharmacies.

We need to look out for families, as schools and daycares close to slow the spread of this virus. No one—I repeat, no one—should have to worry about losing their job because they’re putting their own health first or because they’re putting their family first.

That’s exactly what this legislation will do, Mr. Speaker. It provides job-protected leave for workers who have COVID-19 symptoms, or who have been asked to self-isolate for the recommended 14 days, without the need of a doctor’s note.

Also, Mr. Speaker, we know that parents are worried as well. We know that in these tough times, parents only want the best for their kids. We made sure that parents can also take a job-protected leave to take care of their children during school and daycare closures.

When we need to look out for each other, everyone is doing their part, including the business community. I spoke with the CEOs of some of Ontario’s largest retail, grocery, hardware and business communities. Their chief concern was the health and safety of their employees. They’re doing everything they can to protect their health and well-being, and we will support them in that any way we can. Many are already stepping up in a big way to help slow the spread of this virus by reducing store hours, providing customer pickup options and enhancing cleaning measures. I ask them to help us out in getting more supplies to the front lines—face masks, gloves and hand sanitizer. I also call on them to heed the advice of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health to promote social distancing in their stores.

Mr. Speaker, they’re working with us around the clock to get more groceries and household essentials on the shelves. Our supply chains are strong, and they assured me goods and supplies are still coming across the border. As I mentioned, I had a great discussion with Ambassador Lighthizer the other night, along with the Deputy Prime Minister. They both have assured the people of Ontario and the rest of Canada that goods will continue to flow to make sure we’re able to stock the shelves of retail stores.

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That is why we’re introducing legislation today to ensure groceries and household essentials can get to the store shelves quickly. We’re allowing 24/7 deliveries, so stores can restock the basics and ensure that people can buy what they need.

I want to thank the Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development and the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for working quickly and diligently to prepare this important piece of legislation. I invite all parties to join us in supporting this bill to protect Ontario workers and families during this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, we are facing an unprecedented moment in our history. I’ve asked the Lieutenant Governor to recall this House for an emergency session because COVID-19 constitutes a danger of major proportions to all Ontarians. The situation is changing hour by hour, minute by minute, and we must change with it. We must be prepared to act rapidly and decisively. The spread of COVID-19 must be stopped in its tracks in order not to overwhelm our health care system. It’s already having a serious impact on our health care system and our economy, and that is why we’re all here today.

Mr. Speaker, let me be crystal clear: Our number one priority must be the health and well-being of each and every person in Ontario. Right now, the people of Ontario are counting on us to do the right thing, and they need to know that we have their backs. Again, Mr. Speaker, no matter what party we’re from, we all have their backs.

Now is the time to put politics aside, roll up our sleeves and work together as one united front. No matter our political stripe, we must all be Team Ontario and Team Canada. We’re in this together, Mr. Speaker. The reality is there are some rough waters ahead, but if we come together, as I’ve seen people across our province come together in recent days, we will get through this and we will get through this stronger than ever before.

Mr. Speaker, our government is taking every step possible to slow the spread of COVID-19 and flatten the curve. On Tuesday, I declared a provincial state of emergency. This decision was not made lightly, but it was made after careful thought and deliberation and based on the advice of the Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health. This measure allows us to use every power available to help our front-line health care workers combat COVID-19.

Our first order enforced the Chief Medical Officer of Health’s recommendation to prohibit organized public gatherings of over 50 people and immediately closed libraries, schools, daycares, bars, restaurants, theatres and concert venues, while keeping essential services like grocery stores, pharmacies and public transit open and operating. Because by practising social distancing and asking people to stay home, when possible, we can keep this virus at bay.

Mr. Speaker, our government is also directing an initial investment of $300 million to the front lines of our health care system, as the first part of a larger emergency relief package. The surge funding will help: add more hospital beds; add 25 more COVID-19 assessment centres, increasing capacity to 5,000 a day; purchase masks, gloves and other protective equipment for staff; help hospitals procure respirators, ventilators and other critical supplies; provide 24/7 screening support for long-term-care homes to protect seniors; and provide dedicated supports for rural, remote, northern, and Indigenous communities. No expense will be spared. We will consider every option to support those Ontarians in need during this crisis.

The last thing families should worry about during this uncertain time is whether they can make rent. We’re taking action this week to protect tenants. We are temporarily suspending eviction notices. We want to make sure Ontarians can stay in their homes and put their health and the health of others first.

To make life easier for people, our government is also suspending all renewals for drivers’ licences, vehicle registrations and health cards. We want people to focus on their health and well-being.

Mr. Speaker, we will remain vigilant, and we will be prepared to act for any scenario. Above all, we will always—always—put the people of Ontario first. So let’s be prudent, let’s stay focused and let’s stick together.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Responses?

Ms. Andrea Horwath: As I rise to speak today, I am proud that Ontarians are rising to the challenge of these tough times. I want to extend our deepest gratitude and esteem to our province’s public health staff and front-line health care workers for their bravery, their generosity of spirit and their tireless work in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Every day, in communities across Ontario, they’re assessing and testing thousands of people, caring for folks who are ill and holding the line against the spread of COVID-19 in our province.

I also want to thank Ontarians for stepping up and taking this crisis seriously. From handwashing and social distancing to proactively following public health officials’ advice to only buying what they need, Ontarians are coming together and taking care of one another.

I know that all of our thoughts are with the folks battling COVID-19 in Ontario, throughout Canada and across the globe. We wish them all a speedy recovery. We wish them the best in the days and months and weeks to come.

We also extend our deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones to this pandemic. We wish all of you comfort and peace during this very difficult time.

Speaker, I know that the magnitude of the moment before us is not lost on anyone. We know that Ontarians are counting on all of us to get this right. They’re counting on us to give them the job protections that they need and make sure they’re able to stay home when they’re sick, without needing a doctor’s note. That’s why New Democrats will support this bill and provide the consent needed for it to pass today.

But while Ontarians are relieved by the legislation we’re considering here today and relieved by the federal government’s support package, they’re also telling us that, in the face of the incredible instability that they are contending with, these measures must be the first steps, not the only steps.

I know that a lot of people are worried about how they’re going to hold on. To the people who don’t know how they will pay the rent or mortgage this month; to all of those continuing to support the vulnerable and waiting for help to come, be it gloves and masks or donations and funding; to the small businesses worried that they might not be able to keep their heads above water; to the folks in First Nations communities who are left to wonder why no one seems to have a plan to protect them; to the seniors and their worried loved ones; to the grocery stores staff, as the Premier mentioned; to the pharmacists; health care workers; ServiceOntario employees; transit workers; to the few who continue to get up and go to work every single day so that the many can stay home: I see you. We all see you. You have our gratitude and our promise to keep working as well so you have the direct financial supports and the resources and protections that you need to get through this.

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As always, Speaker, Ontarians are showing us the way forward. I think of Mita Hans and Valentina Harper, who started the local “caremongering” groups that have gone viral through social media. Thanks to the vision of just a few Ontarians, tens of thousands of Canadians are now working together to build community and help the most vulnerable during this pandemic. It is this compassionate leadership that binds Ontario and Ontarians together, that gives us hope and reminds us of the immense power that we have to do good, even in these troubling times—especially in these troubling times.

Speaker, I know that each of us in this House feels the eyes of Ontarians and the eyes of history on us at this moment. We know there will come a time when folks will reflect on what we do here today and in the coming days and weeks of this crisis. I know that we all want to meet the magnitude of this challenge that we face, that we all want to be worthy of the people of this great province. We can do this. We can meet the challenge head on. We can protect our communities, safeguard our economy, lead the world in fighting COVID-19 now and put everything in place to guarantee that Ontario will bounce back together in the months to come.

Thank you, Speaker. I look forward to the rest of the proceedings today.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Responses?

Mr. John Fraser: I’d like to start by thanking the Premier, the Leader of the Opposition and, in advance, the leader of the Green Party for their remarks, and every front-line worker out there in Ontario who’s taking risks—calculated risks, but taking risks—to make sure their neighbours get what they need. I want to thank all of our colleagues who can’t be here today because they’re in their communities with their staff, offering assistance and information to people that they need. That’s probably one of our most important jobs as an MPP.

I would also like to thank everyone who’s doing their part to help us get this done today, this important piece of legislation—in particular, the staff of the assembly. So many of you are here today so we can get this important business done. Thank you. As well, thank you to all the public servants in Ontario who worked around the clock to put this legislation forward and who are also working on other measures that will need to be dealt with in the coming days. Ontario has the greatest public servants in Canada, and we are so lucky to have them right now.

A couple weeks ago, I stood in this Legislature and I said that we’re a family. Like all families, we have differences and, like all families, we must put our differences aside to focus on what matters most right now. I very much appreciate the government’s focus on the important task at hand and understanding that we all need to work together.

Premier, I want you to know that our caucus is here to help. In the coming weeks, there will be a lot of work. Some of that work must be done quickly, so it’s important for all of us to remember that the perfect is often the enemy of the good or the possible. We can’t let fear of failure stop us from doing what we need to do or slow us down. There are times when we all need to be on the same side, times when we need to be there for each other. This is one of those times. I think how we conduct ourselves in this place and in our communities at this time, how well we work together, is more important than ever. It’s not business as usual out there, so it’s not business as usual in here. I look forward to continuing to work together. I know that all of us can meet this challenge together.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Responses?

Mr. Mike Schreiner: Speaker, we’re all in this together. I appreciate my colleagues’ comments. As MPPs, we have a responsibility to work across party lines to support every person in this province. That means making sure we protect and support the most vulnerable in Ontario. As former US VP Hubert Humphrey said, the true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members. That is true every day, but is especially true at this moment in time.

A week ago, most people in Ontario had probably never heard of the phrase “social distancing.” But today it is the defining feature of our lives. So I applaud people for doing their part to keep their distance, but I’m also so inspired by the ways in which people are finding ways to pull together.

I especially want to thank our front-line health care workers and first responders, as well as service providers, retail sales clerks, transit drivers, shelter workers and others who are working on the front lines.

Speaker, we have a moral obligation to care for our fellow Ontarians, to show love and compassion for each other. That extends to members of this House. As someone tweeted to me earlier this week, with the hashtag #QuarantinePartisanship, and I agree, government has an essential role to play in getting us through this crisis. People want us to work together, because it is the only way we will get through it.

I can tell you that I am ready, willing and eager to work with each and every member of this House, from each and every party in this House, to get the job done and to put the people of Ontario first, because that’s what they expect of their leaders in times of crisis.

I want to thank all of you for being here today.

Motions

Order of business

Hon. Paul Calandra: Speaker, I believe you will find that we have unanimous consent to move a motion without notice regarding the members’ seats in the chamber, the immediate passage of two bills, opposition day number 2, the cancellation of committee meetings and the meeting schedule of the House.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Is there unanimous consent for the government House leader to move a motion regarding what he just said? Agreed? Agreed.

Once again, the government House leader.

Hon. Paul Calandra: Speaker, I move that notwithstanding any standing order or special order of the House,

That members present for today’s proceedings be permitted to speak and vote from any member’s desk in the chamber in order to observe recommended social distancing between people at the present time; and

That the order for second reading of Bill 186, An Act to amend the Employment Standards Act, 2000 may be called today, and when that order is called, 45 minutes shall be allotted to the debate on the motion for second reading of the bill, divided equally among the government, official opposition, and independent members as a group, at the end of which time the Speaker shall interrupt and put every question necessary to dispose of this stage of the bill without further debate or amendment; and at such time the bill shall be ordered for third reading; and

The order for third reading of Bill 186 shall then immediately be called and the question shall immediately be put on the motion for third reading of the bill without debate or amendment; and

That the order for second reading of Bill 187, An Act to amend the Municipal Act, 2001 and the City of Toronto Act, 2006 may be called today, and when that order is called, 15 minutes shall be allotted to the debate on the motion for second reading of the bill, divided equally among the government, official opposition, and independent members as a group, at the end of which time the Speaker shall interrupt and put every question necessary to dispose of this stage of the bill without further debate or amendment; and at such time that the bill shall be ordered for third reading; and

The order for third reading of Bill 187 shall then immediately be called, and the question shall immediately be put on the motion for third reading of the bill without debate or amendment; and

That opposition day number 2, standing in the name of Ms. Horwath, designated for Monday, March 23, 2020, be deemed undesignated and that the official opposition retain the four opposition days remaining in this sitting; and

That the order of the House dated March 11, 2020 allocating time for proceedings on Bill 156, An Act to protect Ontario’s farms and farm animals from trespassers and other forms of interference and to prevent contamination of Ontario’s food supply, be rescinded; and

That all standing committees remain adjourned until the government House leader indicates to the Speaker that it is in the public interest for standing committees to meet; and

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That, notwithstanding standing order 101(a), the House shall not meet to consider private members’ public business on Thursday, March 19, 2020; and

That in the case of any division on any proceeding provided for in this motion, the division bells be limited to five minutes; and

That when the House adjourns today, it shall stand adjourned until Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at 4 p.m.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Mr. Calandra has moved that notwithstanding any standing order or special order of the House,

That members present for today’s proceedings—

Interjection: Dispense.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Dispense? Dispense.

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

Motion agreed to.

Orders of the Day

Employment Standards Amendment Act (Infectious Disease Emergencies), 2020 / Loi de 2020 modifiant la Loi sur les normes d’emploi (situations d’urgence liées à une maladie infectieuse)

Mr. McNaughton moved second reading of the following bill:

Bill 186, An Act to amend the Employment Standards Act, 2000 / Projet de loi 186, Loi modifiant la Loi de 2000 sur les normes d’emploi.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I look to the minister to lead off the debate.

Hon. Monte McNaughton: Thank you for the opportunity to speak to this very important legislation here this afternoon. Mr. Speaker, I’m here to talk about how we’re supporting people who must take a leave of absence from work. As we sit here, however, there are hundreds of thousands of people who are on the job. These are dedicated people, and I want to start by acknowledging them.

Speaker, our front-line health professionals deserve our greatest respect and admiration. They are working extremely hard now to ensure our population is getting the care and information we all need.

There are other categories of workers who also deserve our admiration. They are the hard-working men and women who ensure our supply chain is moving. They get necessities such as food, fuel and medicine to where they’re needed. They grow our food, make our masks and assemble the products we use every single day. They are the truckers and train engineers who get our goods to market; workers who move goods in and out of warehouses; purchasing and procurement specialists; equipment technicians; business and financial analysts; maintenance workers; the people who stock our shelves; the cashiers who ring us through—the list goes on and on and on. Thank you.

Thank you to the workers who keep our lights on, who keep our homes warm and our goods cold; to the people who keep the water flowing; to the police officers who keep us safe; to the service sector employees still serving; to the IT workers who allow the most privileged among us to work from home; to the people answering our questions by phone, keeping us informed; to the transit workers taking our front-line personnel to work and getting them home at night. You are the unheralded backbone of Ontario. You are the reason why things are working so well now. You go about your jobs without much fanfare. I’m so happy today to stand and say that we respect you. We appreciate your hard work. Truly, from the bottom of my heart, from the bottom of all of our hearts, thank you.

I was raised, Mr. Speaker, in a home where we were taught to speak directly to issues. And the issue here, when you boil it right down, is fear. We’re in a very scary situation. There is so much that is unknown. People wonder, “How is the COVID-19 global pandemic going to impact our community, our economy—my family?” “Am I going to have a job when this is over?” “Is my business going to survive?” The hard truth right now is this: We don’t have all the answers to all of the questions.

Our Premier has said our government will be guided by science and our strong desire to do the right thing for the people. That is why our government is acting quickly and proactively to protect you and your loved ones. That includes introducing the first stage of our COVID-19 emergency relief package containing more than $300 million, supporting the fight against this disease. It includes shutting down schools for an additional two weeks after March break.

Our government took the necessary steps to declare a state of emergency. This is a decision, as the Premier said, that wasn’t made lightly. Now, today, we’re taking action to protect jobs, to allow families to take care of each other during this time of a global health pandemic, because we know no one should lose their job for following the best medical advice. If you’re a mother, a father, a daughter or a son and you need to care for a loved one, you are not going to get fired for doing that. If you’re self-isolating or have been placed in quarantine, your employer cannot ask you for a sick note.

Our health system needs relief during this time. It doesn’t need the additional burden of people requesting sick notes. If people are doing the right thing by self-isolating, we support that decision. These measures will be retroactive until January 25, 2020, the date that the first presumptive COVID-19 case was confirmed in Ontario.

I come from a small family business background. My formative years were spent helping customers get what they needed at our family’s small-town hardware and building supply store. I loaded trucks with lumber, drywall, conduit and other important materials. I got to meet the hard-working men and women of this province face to face, shoulder to shoulder. These are blue-collar workers, farmers, truckers, builders—the people who built this province up.

I lived a few hundred metres from the store, and that was handy because we got calls often in the middle of the night, calls from people who needed something really quickly—a water pump, a part to fix a leak, equipment to help an animal in distress. Our job was to be there, because our customers were our neighbours. Today, Speaker, I feel like our government is answering a call in the middle of the night.

Today we are introducing the Employment Standards Amendment Act (Infectious Disease Emergencies), 2020, to provide job-protected leave to employees in isolation or quarantine due to COVID-19. The act provides job protection for employees unable to work for the following reasons:

—because they are under medical investigation, supervision or treatment for COVID-19;

—because they are acting in accordance with an order under the Health Protection and Promotion Act;

—because they are in isolation or quarantine in accordance with public health information or direction;

—because the employer directs a worker not to work due to a concern that COVID-19 could be spread in the workplace;

—because a worker needs to provide care to a person for a reason related to COVID-19, for a school or daycare closure, for example.

Finally, the act provides job protection for workers who are prevented from returning to Ontario due to travel restrictions. The measures outlined in this legislation will be in place until this disease is defeated.

As legislators, we must act rather than stand by. People are looking for help. They are clearly worried. So today, we are taking action. We are the first jurisdiction in Canada to bring in legislative protections for workers impacted by COVID-19.

Speaker, I can tell you this: In southwestern Ontario, where I come from, we have gone through challenging times before—serious economic challenges, thousands of jobs lost—and we bounced back. Ontario workers have been challenged, and they have bounced back. Canadians have been challenged, and we’ve bounced back. We don’t know everything, but we know we’re in for more uncertainty and consequences as a result of this worldwide pandemic. We know the people of Ontario will rise again to meet this challenge. Today, we’re here to tell them we’re going to offer a helping hand.

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

Ms. Andrea Horwath: As I rise to speak to this emergency legislation, Speaker, I know that all of us in this House are thankful and incredibly proud that in these difficult times, these unprecedented times, Ontarians are coming together and taking care of one another.

We can’t thank our public health staff and front-line health care workers enough for the courage and selflessness that they have displayed during the COVID-19 crisis. They’re at work, caring for those who are ill, assessing and testing thousands of people each day, and working incredibly hard to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our province.

Our thoughts are with patients who are battling the novel coronavirus in Ontario, throughout Canada and across the globe. We wish them all a speedy and complete recovery.

We also extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of folks who have lost their lives in Ontario. I unfortunately heard that there was another loss of life just today. We wish the families and friends of these folks comfort and peace during this very, very difficult time.

Speaker, I also want to take a moment to acknowledge the tremendous solidarity and generosity of spirit that people in communities across our province have been showing. From taking simple but vital measures like hand-washing and social distancing seriously, to proactively following the advice of public health officials, to refusing to panic-buy despite how worrying the situation is, Ontarians are taking the necessary steps to protect all of our families, friends and communities.

Un grand merci à toutes et à tous pour prendre des mesures afin de protéger votre famille et votre communauté.

As I rise to speak to this legislation, Speaker, I know that all of us in this House understand the gravity of the crisis before us. We know that Ontarians are counting on us to get this right, and I know that we all want to pass emergency legislation that will meet the magnitude of the challenge we face—legislation that is worthy of the people of this great province. This is why we in the official opposition NDP have been vocal and clear about how critical it is that the government have concrete plans for things like hospitals and public services, workers, families, businesses and the most vulnerable—plans that are widely and effectively shared with all Ontarians.

Whether they live in cities or suburbs, in rural or remote towns, or in Indigenous communities, people right across this province have been lying awake at night. People are uneasy. They’re worried about keeping their children healthy and safe. They’re anxiously anticipating the return of friends and family who are abroad. They’re fearful for their loved ones who are elderly or have compromised immune systems.

Far too many Ontarians were already feeling stretched paper-thin as their incomes have failed year after year to keep up with the skyrocketing costs of living. Now, many folks who were already struggling to make it from paycheque to paycheque are seeing their incomes dramatically reduced or completely eliminated by the circumstances of this pandemic. Full-time and part-time workers, those working in the gig economy, small and medium-sized businesses, and community-based organizations and their staff are all particularly at risk. Businesses and organizations need help to pay their bills and their staff, especially as they’re forced to shut their doors. Folks need help to pay their rent or their mortgage, their utility bills, and to put food on the table, especially if their incomes are at risk.

As the COVID-19 pandemic has escalated over the last few days, people in communities across the province have been reaching out to share their stories and ask for the help that they deserve. Whether they’re front-line health care workers who need child care so they can focus on saving lives, families forced to contend with price-gouging as they buy essentials like milk and bread, or young people fearful of the consequences of missing their student loan payments, Ontarians need the government to step up and provide them with direct financial support, because while people are relieved by the measures we are considering here today—they’re good measures; that’s why we’re going to be supporting them—and of course they are pleased with the federal government’s support package, they’re also telling us loud and clear that, in the face of the global COVID-19 pandemic and the incredible instability that they are already facing, these measures must be the first step, not the only step.

Ontarians are rightfully concerned that federal relief funding has taken too long to arrive. It’s too slow to reach them and it’s simply not enough money to see them through the crisis. This is how we make sure no Ontario families are missing meals, unable to pay the rent or make their mortgage payments. It’s how we stand with the small businesses that hold our communities together and stop them from going under. It’s how we protect the most vulnerable amongst us and empower the charities and community organizations that help support them.

Speaker, we know that for years Ontarians have been facing a hallway medicine crisis that has left our hospitals and our entire public health care system hanging by a thread. As the threat of COVID-19 has grown, experts, health care workers and patients alike have been warning that this pandemic could snap that thread completely, with dire consequences to our entire province.

Ça ne peut plus continuer comme ça.

We all hope to be able to prevent the spread of COVID-19, to flatten the curve; and everyone in our province, from the child who is staying inside to play to the front-line nurse who’s working long hours, is playing their part. But in the event that COVID-19 sends large numbers of people to already overcrowded hospitals, the people of Ontario need to know what this government has planned for that scenario.

Similarly, we know that crises like the one we are now facing always take the biggest toll on the most vulnerable amongst us. Not only are seniors and folks receiving home care or in long-term care more vulnerable to COVID-19, they’re also made more isolated and vulnerable as Ontarians practise social distancing to try to halt the spread of the virus.

For those who are homeless or living in shelters, COVID-19 is especially dangerous, as these folks have limited options to avoid contracting the virus, or to contain the spread if they get sick. Shelter organizations and others that work on the front lines of communities across Ontario have reached out, sharing with us that they are having difficulties making ends meet, that donations are way down, that they have been forced to shoulder up-front costs due to COVID-19, and that their staff and volunteers are being put at risk because they don’t have access to protective supplies.

In good times, front-line organizations like this help make our communities stronger and more livable. In times of crisis, they also provide critical public health services. We should be supporting their work, not allowing it to get even harder.

Speaker, it’s also clear that many First Nations communities are especially vulnerable to COVID-19. A few months ago I had the opportunity to travel to Attawapiskat with the member for Kiiwetinoong and the member for Mushkegowuk–James Bay. As we travelled through the community to an event at the local school, a man named Andrew spoke about the lack of safe running water and the dire shortage of livable housing in that community—a community of over 2,000 people with only a few hundred homes available, many of which are crumbling or infested with black mould.

This is unconscionable in the best of times, but as we face a pandemic where self-isolation is critical to maintaining public health, decent housing could be the difference between life and death, especially for Indigenous elders and knowledge keepers, who are also critical to the survival of Indigenous language and culture.

No matter what the corner of this province they call home, Ontarians know that we are all in this together, communicating proactively so families, businesses and organizations across the province know what to do, what to expect and what comes next. What comes next is how the government shows that they know this, too. It is how we address people’s concerns and how we prevent panic.

That’s why, as the official opposition, we are supportive of steps that the government has taken to bring us here today. This is why we will continue to support what we believe are good steps, and will continue to flag gaps and concerns. And we will continue to propose to the government productive solutions on behalf of Ontarians. That is also why we called for new financial supports to be included in this legislation, to protect families during this pandemic. The people of this province are doing their part, Speaker. We must ensure that they are protected from losing pay, EI or OW during this time.

We must guarantee that no one will be punished for missing a rent or a mortgage payment. I also want to thank the government for taking care of the evictions issue; it was an extremely important move.

We need to provide financial support for folks who aren’t covered by EI, especially those working in the gig economy. Again, some of these things have been announced by the federal government, but we’re concerned that people are not going to have enough money to pay the bills.

We have to stand with the small and medium-sized businesses that are the backbone of our economy, and provide them with immediate financial support, so they can continue to pay their bills, pay their workers, and stay in business. We need to step up and help vulnerable Ontarians like seniors and those receiving OW and ODSP so they can access the groceries and medications that they need, which will enable them to self-isolate.

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As always, the people of this great province are leading the way. At the same time as folks have reached out to share their concerns, their fears and worries, people in communities across Ontario have sprung into action. I think of my own hometown, where Hamilton rock band the Arkells are offering free online music lessons to help kids cope with social distancing, and where Lisa, a local midwife, is leading a team of volunteers that help front-line health care workers reach folks who live on the street. I think of Seher, a young woman who built community in her condo building by leaving toiletries and butter tarts on her elderly neighbour’s doorstep. I think of Mandy, an Indigenous community support worker who left no stone unturned, called every social service agency in her phone and checked every store until she was able to find a young mother in her community the baby formula that she was desperately needing. It’s acts of kindness and selflessness like these acts that bind our communities together, that remind us all of the immense power that we have to do good, even in these troubling times—especially in these troubling times.

We can do this, Speaker. We can stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of this great province, and we can meet this challenge head on. We can support public health and front-line health care workers. We can make sure every Ontarian has the support they need to make it through this crisis. We can protect our communities and safeguard our economy. And we can lead the world in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic now and bouncing back in the weeks, months and years ahead.

All of that could start right here, right now, if we had a bill in front of us that had addressed the issues that I raised to ensure the supports Ontarians need are available. I hope those measures are coming, Speaker. I certainly hope they’re coming. In the interim, we will support these bills because it’s a step in the right direction. Ontarians and the official opposition anxiously await the many, many more steps that we’ve asked for, that we’ve asked the government to take, on the advice, information and questions that people are asking us.

I want to thank you for my opportunity to address this very serious and troubling situation that we face as a province. I look forward to hearing the rest of the debate.

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

Mr. Mike Schreiner: I rise today to speak to Bill 186. I just want to say that, during emergencies, people look to their elected leaders for leadership and swift action. So I will be supporting this bill, because partisanship cannot get in the way of immediate support for workers during a time of tremendous uncertainty and anxiety. This legislation makes it explicit that someone cannot lose their job if they get sick, need to self-isolate or must care for a loved one as a result of COVID-19. We need this legislation so people have basic job security, to give them peace of mind that they will have a job to return to once this is all over.

I’ll have to say that the process for putting this bill together was not ideal. I wish we had had more time for consultation and collaboration. But these are not normal circumstances, so I will give the government side a pass on this and thank them for accepting one of my amendments, which expands the definition of “individual” under the legislation to grant job security to more people, including extended family members, if they need to take time off to care for loved ones.

For weeks, many of us in the House have urged the government to remove mandatory sick notes, and I’m relieved the government is listening. No one will be required to get a sick note during this emergency, and when we get through this, I hope the government will make this permanent.

This bill is an important first step in supporting people, but it is only the tip of the iceberg for what people in this province will need to get through this crisis. So when we return next week, I know we have more work to do. I know the government knows we have more work to do, and I want to share with them some of what people are telling me.

Speaker, small businesses, non-profits and charities are not sure if they have the financial means to survive prolonged closures. While the federal government is providing 10% wage support, this isn’t enough. Denmark is providing 75% wage support. Ontario can do more.

All essential workers in this province need free child care while they battle the virus on the front lines. We cannot ask them to risk their lives to save us if we don’t provide them with the child care they need.

I’m hearing from some food banks that they are running out of food. Without financial stabilization, they won’t be able to feed the most vulnerable. We must assist them.

Shelter workers are telling me that they don’t have enough space to safely house the unhoused. Speaker, we can do more.

People’s utility bills are likely to go up as they spend more time at home, when their incomes are going down. We need to implement a bill holiday or grace period to give them some relief.

We will need an emergency health care fund for infrastructure and income support in Indigenous communities, especially those without running water.

These and so many more measures will be necessary as we grapple with the domino effects of shutting down large parts of our economy to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Speaker, what I want to emphasize right now is the need to provide basic income security. Experts say that we need to get money in people’s pockets as quickly as possible to help them pay the bills and to soften the blow to our economy. Many people cannot afford to stay home, even though we know that is the best way to slow the spread of the virus.

While the federal government has sped up access to employment insurance and has announced an emergency support payment fund, the reality is that many people are telling me that it’s not enough. I’m hearing from contract workers, freelancers, people who are self-employed and those in the arts, entertainment and hospitality industries who are worried they’re going to fall through the cracks. Speaker, we need a response to this pandemic that matches the reality of our modern workforce. Ontario has to fill in the gaps. We need economic measures to ensure that no one falls through the cracks.

The Premier has talked about leaving no stone unturned. He has promised that we will pull out all the stops. Over the coming weeks and months, people will need basic income security. I’m asking the government side to work with the opposition and to work with the federal government on legislation that ensures nobody in this province falls through the cracks. Now is not the time for austerity.

This crisis has also underscored the importance of having a health care system that can respond quickly and comprehensively in an emergency situation. Let’s learn this lesson by giving our health care workers what they need to keep us safe and healthy every day. Speaker, I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work, and I’m looking to the government and my fellow MPPs to join all of us to get the job done.

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

Mr. John Fraser: I’m pleased to be able to speak to Bill 186 today. Again, I’d like to start by thanking the drafters and the public servants who worked on putting forward this piece of legislation that is important to protecting Ontario’s workers and their families. They did this in a very short period of time.

As we heard, this bill provides employees impacted by COVID-19 job security. This includes employees who must be off work because of illness, caring for a sick family member or looking after school-aged children. They will not lose their job.

Cette législation est essentielle pour protéger les employés touchés par la pandémie. Les travailleurs qui doivent s’absenter du travail parce qu’ils sont malades, qui s’occupent d’un membre de la famille malade ou qui s’occupent d’enfants de l’âge scolaire, ils ne vont pas perdre leur emploi.

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Speaker, I believe the threshold of proof in this bill recognizes the exceptional circumstances that we find ourselves in and the need for us to protect each other. Eliminating doctors’ notes is a critical measure in this legislation which removes an obstacle for employees and is an added strain on our health care system. I know the government is looking at that, past the situation that they’re in, and I’m glad to hear that.

I fully support this legislation and thank the government for willingness to collaborate. We know this doesn’t cover income replacement. It’s a critical piece, and the federal government is stepping forward with a broad range of financial measures to help employees and businesses during this time. These are all necessary to help families pay their bills, and for businesses to survive.

I also know that in the coming weeks Ontario will need to take further action to support families, and businesses as well. The job is not done; we all know that. I know that that’s the government’s intent. As I said, there are times we all need to work together to take care of things that are most important to Ontario families, and this is one of those times.

I want to tell you a quick story. I was on the phone with my daughter, Kïrsten, today. She’s the mother of two of our grandchildren, Vaughan and Fraser. She’s really practical, a great mom. She doesn’t worry about much, but she told me today that she’s worried about the future, that she doesn’t know what’s going to happen. I know many Ontarians are feeling that way, so I was trying to think about what I could say to her. We all feel that way. We’re all connected.

We can’t worry about the things we can’t change. We can’t change the fact that this is coming. We know we can’t do that. We only need to think about the things we can do to change things. We know the personal: wash your hands; don’t touch your face, which is really hard; practice social distancing, which for some of us is even harder; avoid unnecessary travel; stay home if you’re sick and call Telehealth; look out for your neighbours. These are all things that we can do individually, and they’re really, really important for people to do. They are the most critical things each one of us can do. I can’t underscore that enough.

But there are also things that people do in their jobs. We pass legislation. We look at things we can do to protect workers, support businesses, give the resources to workers that they need. Those are things that we can do to change things. But there are people out there who are doing things to change things every day. Whether that’s a PSW who’s going to work every day in a retirement home, or from home to home, or a cleaner who’s working in long-term care, they’re taking risks to change things.

Everybody has a role to play, and it’s amazing how important the people are who we sometimes don’t notice—how important they are now. The reality is, they were always important; we just didn’t notice. Now we are, and that’s why we’re doing this legislation.

There’s a lot more work to be done, and we all know that. I firmly believe, just like Ontarians before us who for hundreds of years got over things, through things, like pandemics, like conflicts and world war, like conflicts inside our borders, that we’ll be able to do this too—as long as we recognize that each one of us has a role to play in ensuring that we’re able to get through this together. That’s why this piece of legislation is the important first step of protecting people’s jobs. We’ll need to do more to support each other.

I want to end by thanking every front-line worker, whether in health care, in public transit, first responders, health care workers, in the grocery store, in the pharmacy, working in restaurants—everybody out there who’s doing their job. We have a lot more work to do to help you, to support you. Today was a good start.

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

Pursuant to the order of the House passed earlier today, I am now required to put the question. Mr. McNaughton has moved second reading of Bill 186, An Act to amend the Employment Standards Act, 2000.

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

Second reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Pursuant to the order of the House passed earlier today, the bill is ordered for third reading.

Employment Standards Amendment Act (Infectious Disease Emergencies), 2020 / Loi de 2020 modifiant la Loi sur les normes d’emploi (situations d’urgence liées à une maladie infectieuse)

Mr. McNaughton moved third reading of the following bill:

Bill 186, An Act to amend the Employment Standards Act, 2000 / Projet de loi 186, Loi modifiant la Loi de 2000 sur les normes d’emploi.

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

Third reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.

Municipal Emergency Act, 2020 / Loi de 2020 sur les situations d’urgence touchant les municipalités

Mr. Calandra, on behalf of Mr. Clark, moved second reading of the following bill:

Bill 187, An Act to amend the Municipal Act, 2001 and the City of Toronto Act, 2006 / Projet de loi 187, Loi modifiant la Loi de 2001 sur les municipalités et la Loi de 2006 sur la cité de Toronto.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I look to the member for Milton to lead off the debate.

Mr. Parm Gill: Mr. Speaker, first and foremost, I want to thank the Premier for introducing this legislation and for his strong leadership throughout this evolving public health situation that we’re facing. It is an honour to participate in this debate and speak to how the Premier and the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing—and our government—are proposing to support municipal decision-making. This unprecedented time has pushed families, businesses and all levels of government into uncharted territory.

We want to ensure that our municipal partners can make efficient decisions that are needed at a local level, should they need to, in a remote setting. These are the decisions that will keep our communities safe, functioning and informed during these challenging times. Currently, a quorum—50% plus one—of municipal councillors need to be physically present at a council meeting to conduct business. But we know that our partners, and many Ontarians, are worried about local decision-making at a time of self-isolation and restricted gatherings. This makes it challenging for councillors to come together in person.

Our government wants to ensure that local decision-making by municipal councils, their committees and boards are not affected by existing requirements to meet in person during emergency situations such as the one we are currently facing. We are proposing to amend the Municipal Act and the City of Toronto Act so that, during emergencies declared by the Premier for all of Ontario, or by a local head of council in a particular municipality, members of councils, committees and boards can choose to participate in both open and closed meetings electronically and be counted for the purposes of quorum.

In other words, they can choose not to meet in person during times of emergency—which is important at this time, given the need for social distancing. This would support operations and help councils make timely decisions to continue to support and keep their residents and businesses safe. Municipalities would have the flexibility to determine how they wish to set up their meetings and what technologies they want to use.

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Our government will be with our municipal partners every step of the way, and our regional offices will continue to offer support through these challenging times so that councils can continue their important work for the people and businesses of this great province. Our collaboration with municipalities is more crucial now than ever, and there is more that we can do to support Ontarians. That’s why we are also proposing temporary measures that would support the 24-hour delivery of goods across our province.

Some municipal noise bylaws are currently in place that would unintentionally prevent the timely delivery of goods. During emergencies, people’s lives and well-being could depend on the delivery of these goods. I think we can all agree that we cannot stand by and allow any delays during these extraordinary circumstances. Our proposed changes will help ensure that important goods, such as food, medication and essential household items, can be delivered as efficiently as possible. This will help keep shelves stocked with necessary food and medications. We know this works; previous trials of this approach have resulted in quicker, more efficient deliveries.

Some municipalities have already responded to this challenge and temporarily changed their noise bylaws to support these exceptional circumstances. The changes proposed by the province would enable the same approach in every municipality across our province. Municipalities would not need to make any changes to their bylaws. Businesses would be able to deliver goods where and when required, without any restrictions of municipal noise bylaws. This will help our supply chain operate quickly during this crisis.

Things are evolving rapidly, Mr. Speaker, both locally and nationally. We are proud to support our municipal partners by ensuring that they have the tools they need to help their residents. Mr. Speaker, It’s important that we continue to work together collaboratively to support our communities. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity.

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

Ms. Andrea Horwath: I’m honoured to rise to speak to this bill.

No matter where we live in this great province, municipalities are at the heart of local communities. Municipal governments play an essential role in the life of every single Ontarian. They keep us safe. They maintain our roads and public transit. They deliver critical services like clean, safe water, child care, emergency services, public health and so much more. There is no level of government whose work is closer to everyday Ontario families than municipalities.

Strong communities depend on strong municipal governments. It’s our job here at the Legislative Assembly to respect local decision-makers and to support them in the critical work they’re doing every day. Right now during the unprecedented challenges that we’re facing and in the difficult weeks and months ahead, we need to do everything we can to make it easier for municipal governments to serve, care for and lead their communities.

As many of you may know, before my time at Queen’s Park, I had the honour of serving on Hamilton city council for several years. I’ve walked a mile in the shoes of municipal leaders, and I know many people who sit in this chamber have the same experience. I know that having a good partner at Queen’s Park is a critical part of getting through the tough times: a stable partner, a supportive partner, a partner that provides what you need to get the job done for people.

As communities from urban centres to rural townships face the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the grave challenges for local economies, we need to ensure that local leaders are empowered to make the best decisions for their own communities. People need them to do what local leaders are best positioned to do: to hear the concerns on the ground and react quickly, and to provide hope in the face of adversity.

It is municipal leaders who will know what needs to change to help people, local businesses, vulnerable folks and the organizations that support them. It is municipal leaders who will be the ones making sure that their communities not only make it through the COVID-19 pandemic, but thrive once again after this public health crisis has passed.

I just want to say quickly, on the noise bylaw changes, we’re also very supportive of this move as well. It’s a very, very good practical move to ensure that goods of all kinds can be moved around the province around the clock, as is necessary, to meet the needs of the people of Ontario from one part of the province to the other.

That’s why the official opposition is going to be supporting the important measures contained in this bill. We want to enable municipal governments to use the technology available in 2020 to meet, to make decisions and to offer leadership and hope to their communities, as only they can do, being the closest order of government to the people.

I want to thank you for the opportunity. Merci beaucoup. I look forward to hearing the rest of the debate.

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

Ms. Mitzie Hunter: Thank you to my colleagues who are here today. I know all members of the Legislature would have wanted to be here.

We were all duly elected to represent the almost 15 million people in Ontario, and they’re really counting on us. In the weeks since COVID-19 was first detected in Ontario, the virus has upended all of our lives. We’re seeing changes in behaviour—some less than positive, like panic buying—but we’re also seeing a lot of social solidarity. People recognize that flattening the curve of COVID-19 is required. It is an extraordinary challenge, and it will require an extraordinary response. Ontarians are willing to make sacrifices and to help each other, because responding to this pandemic is a team effort. All of us can make a difference if we wash our hands, we do not touch our faces, we cough in our elbow, we practise social distancing and we stay home if we’re sick.

The measures proposed in this bill will help local governments to be more responsive and continue to govern effectively, while doing it safely and responsibly. I support this bill. In fact, one of my colleagues in Ottawa has said this bill should actually be permanent, in terms of giving municipalities the option for electronic meetings. Allowing municipal councils to meet electronically will help them to do their important work while practising social distancing, social isolation and even quarantine. This measure ensures that all levels of government can continue to work together to navigate these uncharted waters and to find safety. Regulations would suspend municipal noise bylaws to allow deliveries to be made around the clock, keeping our supply chain strong. It is essential that we keep those shelves stocked with the goods that we all need to lead healthy lives.

In this time of crisis, I want to say thank you to all of the workers that keep our communities, our small towns and our big cities moving. We need to take public health directives seriously, while also allowing for essential services to continue uninterrupted. I believe that the measures proposed in this bill are necessary at this time.

I’ve heard from local social service providers in my riding about the challenges faced by people on limited income. They need access to basic items, like diapers and food and other household necessities. But the reality is that they do not have the income to stockpile in excess of their immediate needs. So when they go to the store, things need to be on the shelf. They are also sensitive to price increases. We’ve heard today from the member from Guelph that food banks are running dry. I, too, have heard this in my riding of Scarborough–Guildwood. My colleague from Ottawa has also passed on this urgent request. Food banks are running dry.

I’m grateful for the measures that were recently announced by the federal government to flow money directly to people, including those who are impacted who don’t otherwise qualify for support. I look forward to next week’s upcoming fiscal and economic update from the government of Ontario.

As we work together, we must look after the most vulnerable and ensure that people have what they need. The worst of this virus and its impact is still ahead of us, but if we continue to work together as a society to keep everyone safe, healthy and operational, together we will weather this storm.

Speaker, I was elected on August 1, 2013, and it was that year that the ice storm hit Ontario. I remember, as a newly elected MPP, going door to door and seeing its impact on those seniors who live alone and people who live in social housing and in other vulnerable circumstances.

In times of crisis, in times of emergency like what we are facing in Ontario, the best of us has to rise, and that means taking care of each other.

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

Pursuant to the order of the House passed earlier today, I am now required to put the question. Mr. Calandra has moved second reading of Bill 187, An Act to amend the Municipal Act, 2001 and the City of Toronto Act, 2006. Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

Second reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Pursuant to the order of the House passed earlier today, the bill is ordered for third reading.

Municipal Emergency Act, 2020 / Loi de 2020 sur les situations d’urgence touchant les municipalités

Mr. Calandra, on behalf of Mr. Clark, moved third reading of the following bill:

Bill 187, An Act to amend the Municipal Act, 2001 and the City of Toronto Act, 2006 / Projet de loi 187, Loi modifiant la Loi de 2001 sur les municipalités et la Loi de 2006 sur la cité de Toronto.

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

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

Third reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Orders of the day?

Hon. Paul Calandra: Mr. Speaker, I thank all members for their co-operation today. No further business.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): There being no further business, this House stands adjourned until Wednesday, March 25, at 4 p.m. May God bless the people of Ontario.

The House adjourned at 1423.