The House met at 1500.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Good afternoon. We’re going to begin the afternoon’s proceedings with a moment of silence for inner thought and personal reflection.

Prayers/Prières.

Royal assent / Sanction royale

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I beg to inform the House that in the name of Her Majesty the Queen, Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor has been pleased to assent to a certain bill in her office.

The Clerk-at-the-Table (Mr. William Short): The following is the title of the bill to which Her Honour did assent:

An Act to proclaim Food Day Ontario (Food Day Canada in Ontario) / Loi proclamant la Journée des terroirs de l’Ontario (Journée des terroirs du Canada en Ontario).

Report, Financial Accountability Officer

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I also beg to inform the House that the following document has been tabled: a report entitled Spring 2021 Economic and Budget Outlook: Assessing the 2021 Ontario Budget, from the Financial Accountability Officer of Ontario.

Attack in London

Mr. Kaleed Rasheed: I’m seeking unanimous consent that statements may be made respecting the terrorist attack against a Muslim family in London, with five minutes allotted to the official opposition members, five minutes allotted to the independent members as a group, and five minutes allotted to the government members, followed by a moment of silence.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Mississauga East–Cooksville is seeking the unanimous consent of the House that statements be made respecting the terrorist attack against a Muslim family in London, with five minutes allotted to the official opposition members, five minutes allotted to the independent members as a group, and five minutes allotted to the government members, followed by a moment of silence. Agreed? Agreed.

I recognize the leader of Her Majesty’s loyal opposition.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: I wish we didn’t have to be having this moment this afternoon, but it is extremely important that we acknowledge and face what happened in London just the other day. It’s a time, of course, of extreme and unspeakable sadness and a terrible loss for the Afzaal family and for Muslims across our province, who are reeling and traumatized by the heinous act of Islamophobia-fuelled terrorism that took place on Sunday night.

We all mourn the loss of a grandmother, a mother, a father and a daughter who were murdered by a hate-filled, racist terrorist. Our hearts ache for a young child who lies in a hospital bed, Fayez, who faces unimaginable loss and whose wounds will never truly heal.

Speaker, millions of Ontarians are united in grief and solidarity with Muslims across our province. These hate-filled acts of terrorism must stop. No one in our province should ever, ever have to fear walking with their loved ones on a warm spring evening, or fear worshiping or volunteering at their masjid or mosque, or worry about their children being bullied at school because of their faith or the expression of their faith and their clothing, or worry about having their hijab pulled off in a violent act of hate. But we all know that these things are happening every day in this province, and they’ve been happening for far too long.

We know that Muslim Ontarians face hate, harassment, racism, discrimination and, yes, physical violence every day, and that among us live far-right-wing racist fanatics who seek to terrorize members of the Muslim community. This is something we have to admit. We have to acknowledge that those folks live amongst us, and that a very real, familiar fear faces Muslims because of growing Islamophobic white supremacist violence in Ontario.

It’s long past time for governments at all levels to step up and take real action.

On Sunday, we heard a call from the National Council of Canadian Muslims for a national summit to address Islamophobia. That’s long past due, and we here in the official opposition immediately indicated our support for that. But that is not the be-all and end-all of what we need to do.

All governments need to act to address the rising tide of this white supremacist hate and Islamophobia.

Here in Ontario, we had a vehicle that we had hoped was going to help us in that fight. We fought really hard, with community members, to put that vehicle in place, because we saw what was happening in our province, what has been happening for decades. Unfortunately, our government has made that harder—that fight has become more difficult in Ontario—because the Anti-Racism Directorate has been hollowed out and its budget slashed. I think this government actually has a chance to turn that around, and I would hope they would consider doing that in the context of the conversation we’re having right now.

Too often from us politicians, it’s the right words, but actions never follow. Words aren’t enough. It’s time for action. We must eradicate hate at a systemic level, and the violent, organized groups that are spreading it must also be eradicated. Those groups are active right here in our province. We must do this and we can do this, but only with actions. Words are not enough.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Next, I’ll recognize the member for Scarborough–Guildwood.

Ms. Mitzie Hunter: I’m saddened to rise today to speak to this issue. Our nation continues to process the brutal reality that another incomprehensible act of hate-filled violence has taken place in one of our cities. This act of premeditated murder of four people—three women and a man—has snatched away three generations of a family and orphaned a nine-year-old boy.

While this brutal act of violence does not reflect the core values and beliefs that we aspire to in our province and our country that we call home, it is a devastating reminder that hate and intolerance live here too. As we mourn the deaths of this much-loved family and reflect on the scenes of members of our communities praying under guard, it is important that we grapple with the ugly truth that life for some people in this province is characterized by worry and fear.

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We must not let this act of terror shake our confidence in each other and rob us of our sense of community. The teachings of the Quran emphasize that the way to fight hate is through love. In the wake of this attack, it is important that Canadians come together in solidarity to offer unconditional support to our Muslim brothers and sisters. This is evidenced by the many vigils that are taking place across our province—feelings of grief, disbelief and outrage. People are shaken, and they need to be affirmed that they have a place in this province.

Together, as Canadians, we must take action to make our country safe for everyone. Ontario must redouble our efforts in standing against Islamophobia, anti-Islamic and anti-Muslim sentiments. We must actively condemn in the strongest possible terms any violence, hatred and discrimination against people and reaffirm our common humanity.

We are a diverse and inclusive province. Let’s continue to walk in love and peace.

Applause.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Next, the member for Guelph.

Mr. Mike Schreiner: Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to speak today. This week, along with people all across Canada and Ontario, I’m grieving for the loss of the members of the Afzaal family, who were targeted by a white supremacist terrorist in London. It is sickening that they were attacked because of their Islamic faith. It is sickening that four lives—a mother, a father, a grandmother, a teenage daughter—were lost due to hate and that a young boy was left orphaned and injured.

My heart goes out to the family. My heart goes out to the Muslim community. My heart goes out to the city of London.

But we need more than thoughts and prayers—even though I know all of us are sending our thoughts and prayers. We need to stand up as a community, as a province, and as people against Islamophobia and hate. We need to show that there is no place for it in this province through actions, not just words.

So I say to my colleagues from all parties and I say to my fellow citizens across this province, it is our responsibility to speak out and stand up against the rising levels of hate and white supremacy we’re seeing in our province and in our country.

I said this in London on Tuesday night, and I want to put it on the record today: People who look like me have a special responsibility to speak out against white supremacy. So I support the calls for a national anti-Islamophobia strategy.

Speaker, I don’t have all the answers of what we need to do in Ontario, but I can tell you, we need to increase funding for education and awareness events, like the Muslim Society of Guelph’s Building Bridges Across Communities event. I would say we need to create—and I thought this was why we were coming back today—a task force in Ontario with all parties to talk about how we fight Islamophobia in this province.

That’s what we owe the family. That’s what we owe the Muslim community.

Applause.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I recognize the member for Mississauga East–Cooksville.

Mr. Kaleed Rasheed: Salaam aleekum. Speaker, earlier this week, the world was shocked to hear the news that an innocent family was brutally murdered in a senseless and heartbreaking act of domestic terrorism. The family was targeted for being Muslim.

As a Muslim, as a father and husband, I can think of no greater horror than to be assaulted with deadly and hateful force while simply walking down the street with my family in my own community.

Speaker, I pray for the souls of the deceased—for Salman Afzaal; his wife, Madiha Salman; their daughter, Yumna Afzaal; and Salman’s mother, Talat Afzaal—that they be at peace. I pray for the only survivor of the attack, Madiha and Salman’s nine-year-old son, Fayez, who remains in the hospital. When I think about that boy who had his entire world stolen from him by one act of complete disregard for the sanctity of human life, I feel a deep sorrow because I know that there is nothing anyone can do to bring his family back.

Speaker, pray that our police will do everything in their power to bring the criminal responsible to justice. This hateful act must be called out for what it is: an act of domestic terrorism driven by Islamophobic hatred and ignorance. It has no place in our society, and it needs to stop.

Canada is the land of promise and the envy of the world. For most Canadians, including my own grandfather, the Canadian dream is something always worth fighting for. Generations of newcomers to Canada have given up everything they had for a chance to make this land their home, for a better world and a better future for their kids and grandkids.

Millions of people call Canada and Ontario home and see it as a safe place to raise their families and thrive together with their neighbours of all backgrounds, faiths and walks of life. Our diversity has always been our greatest strength, and it is in times like these that we must call for unity, co-operation and healing.

No one is born with hate in their heart. This is a learned behaviour, and it happens in households, schoolyards, as well as workplaces. Discrimination is a seed that is planted when you think you are telling a simple joke or making what you think is a funny comment about some small difference in another person. Discrimination can start with something as simple as judging someone for what they are wearing, their skin colour, age, gender, language or religion. It starts small, but it grows and spreads, and we can see the tragic results in this week’s attack.

Speaker, I’m incredibly proud of the Muslim community in Ontario for demonstrating astonishing strength and resilience as these attacks on our very right to exist and live freely and safely continue to happen all around us.

But we shouldn’t have to be so strong, and little nine-year-old Fayez Afzaal should not have to bear the sadness of living out his life in the shadow of this horrific tragedy.

I call upon everyone to condemn this attack and all acts of hatred and intolerance against any minority group in our society. We must stand together now and call out all forms of racism, discrimination and bigotry.

As our community mourns, I pray we find strength and resilience to support one another through this difficult time.

Thank you, Speaker. God bless the Afzaal family.

Applause.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you very much.

I’ll now ask the House to rise to observe a moment’s silence in memory of the Muslim family who lost their lives so tragically in the terrorist attack in London.

The House observed a moment’s silence.

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The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you very much. Members may take their seats.

I’ve been informed the Leader of the Opposition has a point of order.

Ms. Andrea Horwath: Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to move a motion regarding the immediate passage of Bill 248, the COVID-19 Public Inquiry Act, to make sure that Ontarians get the answers and accountability they deserve and that we take the steps necessary to protect us from future pandemics.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The Leader of the Opposition is seeking the unanimous consent of the House to move a motion regarding the immediate passage of Bill 248, the COVID-19 Public Inquiry Act. Agreed? I heard some noes.

I understand the member for Scarborough–Guildwood has a point of order.

Ms. Mitzie Hunter: A point of order, Speaker: I seek unanimous consent to move a motion without notice condemning all forms of Islamophobia and reaffirming the Legislature’s support for the Anti-Racism Directorate, and that the question be put immediately.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Scarborough–Guildwood is seeking the unanimous consent of the House that she be allowed to move a motion without notice regarding condemning acts of violence and terrorism against people of the Muslim faith and all forms of Islamophobia, and for the House to reaffirm its support for the Anti-Racism Directorate. Agreed? I heard a no.

The member for London West on a point of order.

Ms. Peggy Sattler: I seek unanimous consent to bring forward a motion to pass Bill 239, the official opposition’s paid sick days bill, so we can follow the science table advice to protect Ontario workers from COVID-19 and make sure no one has to make the difficult choice between staying home when sick and being able to pay the bills.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Ms. Sattler is seeking unanimous consent of the House to bring forward a motion to pass Bill 239, the official opposition’s paid sick days bill. Agreed? I heard a no.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Brampton Centre has a point of order.

Ms. Sara Singh: Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to move a motion regarding the immediate passage of Bill 13, the Time to Care Act, to help protect seniors in our long-term-care homes from COVID-19.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Brampton Centre is seeking unanimous consent of the House to move a motion regarding the immediate passage of Bill 13, the Time to Care Act. Agreed? I heard a no.

Ms. Suze Morrison: Point of order.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Toronto Centre has a point of order.

Ms. Suze Morrison: I seek unanimous consent to bring forward a motion to pass Bill 244, the No COVID-19 Evictions Act, so that we can better protect Ontario tenants from losing their housing during a pandemic.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Toronto Centre is seeking the unanimous consent of the House to bring forward a motion to pass Bill 244, the No COVID-19 Evictions Act. Agreed? I heard some noes.

The member for Davenport has a point of order, I gather.

Ms. Marit Stiles: Point of order, Speaker: I seek unanimous consent to immediately pass private member’s motion 137, calling on the Ford government to implement a back-to-school plan with improved funding for classroom caps, better ventilation and a safe-return committee made up of experts, parents, students, education workers and boards.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Davenport is seeking the unanimous support of the House to immediately pass private member’s motion 137, calling on the government to implement a back-to-school plan with improved funding. Agreed? I heard some noes.

Ms. Catherine Fife: Point of order.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Waterloo has a point of order.

Ms. Catherine Fife: Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to immediately pass private member’s motion 136, calling on the Ford government to provide financial assistance for small businesses not eligible for other supports during this pandemic.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Waterloo is seeking the unanimous consent of the House to immediately pass private member’s motion 136, calling on the government to provide financial assistance for small businesses not eligible for other supports during the pandemic. Agreed? I heard some noes.

Introduction of Bills

Protecting Elections and Defending Democracy Act, 2021 / Loi de 2021 visant à protéger les élections et à défendre la démocratie

Mr. Downey moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 307, An Act to amend the Election Finances Act / Projet de loi 307, Loi modifiant la Loi sur le financement des élections.

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

There’s going to be a requirement for a recorded vote and a division, with 30 minutes for the members to vote. I’m going to ask the Clerks to please prepare the lobbies.

The division bells rang from 1528 to 1558.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The vote on the motion for introduction and first reading of An Act to amend the Election Finances Act has taken place.

The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Todd Decker): The ayes are 66; the nays are 17.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I declare the motion carried.

First reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Would the Attorney General care to briefly explain his bill?

Hon. Doug Downey: The Protecting Elections and Defending Democracy Act, 2021, is a bill that builds on the important safeguards passed by this Legislature to defend the essential voice of Ontarians in their own elections through the Protecting Ontario Elections Act.

We have consistently stated in this House that individual voters should be the ones determining the outcome of Ontario elections, not American-style political action committees or unaccountable pop-ups.

Speaker, the Protecting Elections and Defending Democracy Act would restore responsible guardrails to ensure wealthy elites, special interest groups and corporations won’t drown out the voice of individuals.

Interjections.

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

Petitions

Government policies

Ms. Catherine Fife: This petition is entitled “Stop Ford’s Power Grab.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Premier’s use of the ‘notwithstanding’ clause is a power grab, and a desperate attempt to muzzle families of long-term-care residents, parents of children with autism, teachers and school communities, working people, environmental advocates, and front-line health care workers; and

“Whereas the Premier’s priorities are all wrong—he should be focused on long-term care, our children’s schools and our struggling hospitals; and

“Whereas people have the right to criticize the Premier’s big cuts and bad choices;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to stop the government’s attempt to muzzle and silence people.”

I firmly agree.

Government policies

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Davenport.

Ms. Marit Stiles: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and can I first say, happy Portugal Day. Feliz Dia de Portugal.

I am reading a petition presented to me by Sadie Berger. It reads as follows:

“Stop Ford’s Power Grab.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Premier’s use of the ‘notwithstanding’ clause is a power grab, and a desperate attempt to muzzle families of long-term-care residents, parents of children with autism, teachers and school communities, working people, environmental advocates, and front-line health care workers; and

“Whereas the Premier’s priorities are all wrong—he should be focused on long-term care, our children’s schools and our struggling hospitals; and

“Whereas people have the right to criticize the Premier’s big cuts and bad choices;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to stop the government’s attempt to muzzle and silence people.”

I am very happy to support this petition. I’m going to affix my signature and table it with the Clerks.

Government policies

Ms. Suze Morrison: I have a petition today entitled “Stop Ford’s Power Grab.” It reads:

“Call on the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to Not Silence Critics by Using the ‘Notwithstanding’ Clause.

“Whereas families of long-term-care residents, parents of children with autism, teachers and school communities, working people, environmental advocates, and front-line health care workers have a right to free speech;

“Whereas invoking the ‘notwithstanding’ clause to overturn a court decision to protect our freedom of expression is wrong;

“Whereas the government should not override these essential rights;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly as follows:

“To demand the Premier respect Ontario’s right to free speech and expression and not use the ‘notwithstanding’ clause to overturn court decisions.”

I fully endorse this petition, will affix my signature to it and provide it to the table.

Fish and wildlife management

Mr. Mike Harris: I have a petition here that I’ve read into the Legislature a few times, and I’m very excited to be able to read it in again, especially because the Minister of Natural Resources is here today—sorry; I think I’m not supposed to say that, but I’m going to say it anyway.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the ban on hunting and trapping in sections of Ontario to protect the eastern hybrid wolf was put in place without regard for the overall ecosystem;

“Whereas this ban has adversely affected the ability of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), hunters and trappers to properly manage animal populations and Ontario’s ecosystem;

“Whereas this ban is no longer needed and is in fact causing more damage to Ontario’s ecosystem and increasing unnecessary encounters between wildlife and Ontarians;

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

“That the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry immediately lift the ban on hunting and trapping set in place to protect the eastern hybrid wolf.”

I fully support this petition once again, Mr. Speaker, and affix my signature.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I will remind the members that when you present a petition, it’s not appropriate to add editorial comment or additional political statements. And you don’t even have to read the full petition if you want to abbreviate it, because sometimes we don’t have enough time to get through them all.

Petitions?

Government policies

Ms. Jennifer K. French: I am glad to read into the record a petition called Doug “Ford’s Power Grab.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Premier’s use of the ‘notwithstanding’ clause is a power grab and a desperate attempt to muzzle families of long-term-care residents, parents of children with autism, teachers and school communities, working people, environmental advocates, and front-line health care workers; and

“Whereas the Premier’s priorities are all wrong—he should be focused on long-term care, our children’s schools and our struggling hospitals; and

“Whereas people have the right to criticize the Premier’s big cuts and bad choices;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to stop the government’s attempt to muzzle and silence people.”

I am pleased to affix my signature alongside those of my constituents.

Government policies

Ms. Sara Singh: I’m happy to present this petition titled Doug “Ford’s Power Grab.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario”—

Hon. John Yakabuski: Oh, I’ve heard of that one.

Ms. Sara Singh: You might want to listen to it, then.

“Whereas the Premier’s use of the ‘notwithstanding’ clause is a power grab and a desperate attempt to muzzle families of long-term-care residents, parents of children with autism, teachers and school communities, working people, environmental advocates, and front-line health care workers; and

“Whereas the Premier’s priorities are all wrong—he should be focused on long-term care, our children’s schools and our struggling hospitals; and

“Whereas people have the right to criticize the Premier’s big cuts and bad choices;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to stop the government’s attempt to muzzle and silence people.”

I’m happy to affix my name and send this off with the page to the table.

Government policies

Mrs. Jennifer (Jennie) Stevens: I’m happy to present this petition to the House.

“Stop” Doug “Ford’s power grab.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Premier’s use of the ‘notwithstanding’ clause is a power grab and a desperate attempt to muzzle families of long-term-care residents, parents of children with autism, teachers and school communities, working people, environmental advocates, and front-line health care workers; and

“Whereas the Premier’s priorities are all wrong—he should be focused on long-term care, our children’s schools and our struggling hospitals; and

“Whereas people have the right to criticize the Premier’s big cuts and bad choices;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to stop the government’s attempt to muzzle and silence people.”

I’m happy to affix my name and send it to the Clerks’ table.

Land use planning

Ms. Mitzie Hunter: I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

“Stop Highway 413; Invest in Our Schools.

“Whereas the Ontario Liberal Party will stop” the Ford government’s “reward for” their “billionaire friends and invest $8 billion to build and repair our schools instead;

“Whereas an Ontario Liberal government would make killing the sprawl-spreading Highway 413 its first act, and instead use the funds that would pay for it to invest $8 billion over five years to build and repair publicly funded schools in every corner of the province;

“Whereas Ontario Liberals will work relentlessly to improve the lives of the people who call this province home by investing in schools and creating jobs;

“Whereas” the “Conservatives are content to destroy our wetlands, farmland and greenbelt while handing out freebies for their billionaire friends;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to support building schools, not Highway 413.”

I will sign this petition, Speaker.

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Optometry services

Ms. Catherine Fife: “To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Ontario government has underfunded optometric eye care for 30 years; and

“Whereas the government only covers an average of 55% of the cost of an OHIP-insured visit, the lowest rate in Canada; and

“Whereas optometrists must absorb the other 45% for the over four million services delivered annually under OHIP; and

“Whereas optometrists have never been given a formal negotiation process with the government; and

“Whereas the government’s continued neglect resulted in 96% of Ontario optometrists voting to withdraw OHIP services beginning September 1, 2021;

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

“To instruct the Ontario government to immediately commit to legally binding, formal negotiations to ensure any future OHIP-insured optometry services are, at a minimum, funded at the cost of delivery.”

I’m sure they wish we were discussing this today. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’ll say, once again, please don’t add political comments to the presentation of petitions.

Petitions?

Animal protection

Ms. Mitzie Hunter: A petition to the Legislature Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act of January 1, 2020, insists basic standards of care that apply to all animals under the act should be observed at all times, including requirements for ‘adequate and appropriate food, water, medical attention and care’;

“Whereas section 13.1 of the PAWS Act states that ‘every person who owns or has custody or care of an animal shall comply with the standards of care and the administrative requirements with respect to every animal that the person owns or has custody or care of’;

“Whereas Douglas R. Ford and his government legislate that pet grooming is not essential during either provincial lockdown, the latest commencing December 26, 2020, but veterinarian services are, so long as they are provided in a curbside/contactless manner;

“Whereas no proven COVID-19 transmission risks are posed to human beings from animals or from curbside/contactless pet grooming services provided by a licensed and trained pet groomer;

“Whereas pet groomers, prior to COVID-19, regularly used PPE to protect themselves from dirt, bacteria and fur, and are fully prepared to observe curbside/contactless protocol to safely take in, sanitize, groom, sanitize and return animals to pet owners to protect all parties involved;

“We, the undersigned, petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to forthwith deem all pet grooming services as an essential service during all provincial lockdowns in the province of Ontario, and allow curbside/contactless pet grooming without restriction on the quantity of sanitized pets in a facility for the safety, well-being, and care of animals per the PAWS Act of January 1, 2020.”

Speaker, I will sign this petition.

Optometry services

Ms. Suze Morrison: I have a petition entitled “Petition to Save Eye Care in Ontario,” and it was shared by Pierce Family Vision. It reads:

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Ontario government has underfunded optometric eye care for 30 years; and

“Whereas the government only covers an average of 55% of the cost of an OHIP-insured visit, the lowest rate in Canada; and

“Whereas optometrists must absorb the other 45% for the over four million services delivered annually under OHIP; and

“Whereas optometrists have never been given a formal negotiation process with the government; and

“Whereas the government’s continued neglect resulted in 96% of Ontario optometrists voting to withdraw OHIP services beginning September 1, 2021;

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

“To instruct the Ontario government to immediately commit to legally binding, formal negotiations to ensure any future OHIP-insured optometry services are, at a minimum, funded at the cost of delivery.”

I endorse this petition. I will affix my signature to it and provide it to the table.

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

Seeing no more petitions, orders of the day. Government House leader.

Hon. Paul Calandra: I move the adjournment of the House.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Mr. Calandra has moved 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.

This House stands adjourned until Monday, June 14, 2021, at 10:15 a.m.

The House adjourned at 1615.