Assemblée législative de l'Ontario

The House met at 0900.

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

Prières / Prayers.

Orders of the Day

David Rotenberg

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

Mr. Todd J. McCarthy: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If you seek it, you will find unanimous consent to allow members to make statements in remembrance for the late Mr. David Rotenberg, with five minutes allotted to His Majesty’s loyal opposition, five minutes allotted to the independent members as a group, and five minutes allotted to His Majesty’s government.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Durham is seeking unanimous consent of the House to allow members to make statements in remembrance for the late Mr. David Rotenberg, with five minutes allotted to His Majesty’s loyal opposition, five minutes allotted to the independent members as a group, and five minutes allotted to His Majesty’s government. Agreed? Agreed.

Today we are honoured to remember and pay tribute to a former member of our provincial Legislature, the late Mr. David Rotenberg, who was the MPP for Wilson Heights during the 31st and 32nd Parliaments.

Joining us in the Speaker’s gallery are Mr. Rotenberg’s family and friends—his stepchildren Jacob Freedman and Jonathan Freedman; his niece Reena Greenwald; his nephews Noam Rotenberg and Paul Rotenberg; his great-nephew Zev Rotenberg; his grandchildren Joshua Freedman and Elishua Benchoreen; and his great-grandchildren Ora Aviner, Shoshana Aviner and Tiferet Aviner. Also in the Speaker’s gallery: Phil Gillies, who served as the MPP for Brantford during the 32nd and 33rd Parliaments; Judy Marsales, who served as the MPP for Hamilton West during the 38th Parliament; and David Warner, who was the Speaker during the 35th Parliament.

Welcome to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

The member for Humber River–Black Creek.

Mr. Tom Rakocevic: I’m honoured to rise today to pay tribute to the late Mr. David Rotenberg, who served as the Conservative MPP for the former riding of Wilson Heights—later incorporated into the ridings of York Centre, Willowdale, and Eglinton–Lawrence—from 1977 to 1985. He was appointed the parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs in 1978 and later appointed parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Housing in 1981.

I’d like to welcome and thank Mr. Rotenberg’s wonderful family and friends who are here with us today. I know this list has grown from when it was first envisioned that you would come, and I know that you are all here with pride. I know the Speaker mentioned your names, but it’s an honour to mention your names as well.

We’re joined by his stepchildren Jacob Freedman and Jonathan Freedman; his niece Reena Greenwald; his nephews Noam Rotenberg and Paul Rotenberg; his great-nephew Zev Rotenberg; his grandchildren Joshua Freedman and Elishua Benchoreen; his great-grandchildren Ora Aviner, Shoshana Aviner and Tiferet Aviner; and former MPPs David Warner, Judy Marsales and Phil Gillies. Thank you all for being here.

Born in Toronto in 1930, he never lost his love and affinity for the city, taking great pride in the belief that Toronto is one of the greatest cities of the western world.

At eight years old, Mr. Rotenberg realized his passion for politics during the 1938 municipal election, when he successfully predicted the four controllers who won the nine-way contest in his then ward of Rosedale. I hope he played the lottery.

He went on to study political science and economics at the University of Toronto and graduated with honours in 1952.

Prior to his service in the Legislature of Ontario, Mr. Rotenberg had already garnered a rich career in politics and public service. In 1961, he won his first campaign and was elected to the city of Toronto council, where he served until 1972. Concurrently, he served on the Metro Toronto council and as president of the city of Toronto council from 1970 to 1972.

During his time serving in municipal politics, Mr. Rotenberg fought to make the city much more livable—something we definitely have to do today, as well. He supported the creation of more parks, stricter pollution laws, and faster action on urban renewal and housing programs.

Afterwards, he served as the commissioner for the TTC, from 1975 to 1977, before winning his first provincial election campaign.

Despite a tireless career in politics and community service, Mr. Rotenberg always made time for his family. He spent more time with his family than the average politician during his time in office. After council meetings, it was conventional to go out for dinner on the city. However, Mr. Rotenberg always chose to go home and have dinner with his family and was always home on Friday nights for family night.

Mr. Rotenberg was likewise an involved member of his community. His community service is remarkably extensive and consists of service with the Toronto Jewish Congress, where he served as vice-president and treasurer; the Community Hebrew Academy of Toronto, where he served as president; the Armour Heights Lodge, where he served as president; the Shaarei Shomayim Synagogue, where he served as a board member; and the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, where he served as honorary director. Mr. Rotenberg was named an honorary officer in the Canadian Jewish Congress.

Former Speaker Mr. David Warner had the following to say about Mr. Rotenberg: “David Rotenberg was a serious, hard-working MPP. I appreciated working with him on committee because he was a good listener, highly principled and co-operative.”

Mr. Warner also recalls sharing with us that he agreed to participate in a charity boxing match with him once. He was told his opponent would be another MPP. He thought nothing much of the anticipated match and certainly didn’t think he could get hurt—that was until his opponent turned out to be Mr. Rotenberg. Mr. Warner discovered all too late that Mr. Rotenberg took this event with the same seriousness he applied to his parliamentary duties. There turned out to be no need for a bell to end round 1, and the following days left Mr. Warner feeling quite sore and achy. His only consolation was that the Boys and Girls Club in Regent Park garnered a few extra dollars—certainly, at his expense.

Mr. Rotenberg was truly a loving family man, a man of community service, and a dear friend to many.

Again, I would like to welcome and thank Mr. Rotenberg’s wonderful family and friends who are here with us today to share this.

Mr. Rotenberg lives on in his immortalized words in Hansard and in the many results of the efforts he made throughout his political career. Most of all, he lives on in the lives and memories of his loving and proud family and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Ottawa–Vanier.

M^me Lucille Collard: It is a privilege to stand here and speak a few words of tribute to the life and service of Mr. David Rotenberg, who passed away on January 13, 2022.

Politics was Mr. Rotenberg’s passion from a very young age. Born and raised in Toronto, he was interested and engaged in municipal politics even as a child, impressing others with his knowledge of local electoral races. When he went on to post-secondary studies, he followed his passion to the University of Toronto, where he studied political science and economics.

As a young man, Mr. Rotenberg knew that he wanted to be a politician. He worked hard to achieve that goal, bidding for a city councillor position in two municipal elections before he was 28. He was finally successful in 1960, winning a city councillor seat for the first time and beginning a long career in municipal politics that would see him re-elected four more times.

After an unsuccessful bid for mayor, Mr. Rotenberg took a break from politics for a few years before attempting to jump into the provincial arena in 1975. Although initially unsuccessful, Mr. Rotenberg persevered and earned a seat in this chamber in 1977, as a representative for the riding of Wilson Heights here in Toronto. During his time as an MPP, Mr. Rotenberg served as a parliamentary assistant for many years and was appointed to cabinet in 1985.

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Apart from politics, Mr. Rotenberg was also very active in his community, serving as president of the Community Hebrew Academy of Toronto and vice-president of the Toronto Jewish Congress.

Those who knew Mr. Rotenberg recognized him as a man who was full of heart and care for his constituents, his community and his family.

Family was a priority for Mr. Rotenberg. Despite all the rigorous demands of a political career, he made sure to be home often for dinner with his wife and two daughters, and he often reserved Fridays as family night.

This dedication to his family is demonstrated by the many friends and family who are here today to honour and remember him. I want to thank you all for being here today.

Mr. David Rotenberg lived a life of service to his community and to his province. His life serves as an exemplary model of public service, and for this, he will always be remembered.

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

Ms. Laura Smith: I am truly honoured to stand here today for this tribute to David Rotenberg, the former Progressive Conservative representative of Wilson Heights.

David Rotenberg, sometimes known as the ultimate underdog, knew at six years old that politics was his passion. He had a mind for names and politics, and he attended the University of Toronto, where he graduated with honours in political science and economics.

By the time David was only 28, he had already made two efforts to win a seat at Toronto city council, and, in 1960, he finally won that spot at city hall, where his fashion-forward business suits would become a fixture.

David had an instinctive nature, and he knew how to navigate through obstacles. David’s motto was, “You have to know how to give in on the minor issues in order to win on the major ones.” This was known as the “Rotenberg style.”

David worked on city council, and his work was immense. He served as vice-president of the Canadian National Exhibition, commissioner of the Toronto Transit Commission, and vice-president of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. That’s a handful; I know this, just after sitting in this House for such a short period.

Although David’s work ethic was strong, his passion for politics was only outweighed by his immense love for his family. Cecile, David’s first wife, and his daughters, Meta and Chana, were the loves of his life. When most city council members would commonly go out for dinner—I know the member across talked about that—David always made sure he would go home, even in between meetings at council, and he always made sure he was home for Shabbat dinner.

He spent more time at home than you would expect with his busy schedule, but even with that, it was never enough. When he was asked to run federally, David responded that he’d run on the guarantee that he would lose. David wanted to make sure his girls knew he was home every night.

Often, he would jest that he didn’t have the time to play much bridge—he loved bridge; we know that, up there, don’t we?—or read sufficient light detective novels, but his dedication to his work and family never wavered.

David was constantly multi-tasking. A Globe and Mail reporter once wrote—and this is a mouthful: “In his office, this was the incredible, exhausting scene: he was taking, holding and stacking phone calls. At the same time he was leafing through a mountain of pink telephone-call slips he had to answer.... composing a long, detailed, fact-filled story just solicited by the Globe and Mail, for that night’s edition.... And he was answering a reporter. And he had three department heads or lieutenants walking in right then for urgent business.” He would keep all of this in a careful holding pattern until each matter could be dealt with, and like an air traffic controller, David navigated through all issues.

In 1977, David was elected to the Ontario Legislature. He was an old-school Conservative, and his goals were honest. He wasn’t the type to finger-point when things went wrong. David served as the parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Housing. In 1985, he was appointed Minister without Portfolio for urban affairs. David believed in the profession of a politician, always working constructively and collaboratively, serving under Premier Bill Davis then under Premier Frank Miller. He worked well on both sides of the chamber—including a good working relationship with Bob Rae. He worked to get the best results for the people. And he was mindful of the funds being spent on projects, reminding his colleagues that it was not the government’s money; it was the public’s money.

After politics, David happily went back into the insurance business.

David was always very social. Did I mention he loved bridge?

David also sat on countless charity boards—the member across mentioned a few of them—and extensively contributed his time and efforts to his community with many organizations, including as president of the Armour Heights Lodge of B’nai Brith and as director of the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care.

Unfortunately, Cecile was taken early, and David became a widower far too soon.

But David was given a second chance at love, and in 1996, he married Riva. I was told that it was love at first sight.

As a stepfather and father, David was a tremendous support system to his children. And he was a caring grandfather and great-grandfather to his ever-growing family—and it was growing, as you can see.

David fulfilled his dreams by retiring in Israel, and he continued to surround himself with more extended family. He would never miss a family event or a blessing involved with his synagogue.

David was a “Kohen,” a special lineage within Judaism—a leader, a guide. He felt strongly about his community and was constantly helping others.

Unfortunately, I did not know David personally. To gain access into David Rotenberg the man, I interviewed family members who gave me the essence of David.

One of the things that we should appreciate was the progressive continuum that David felt he was part of. The great Rabbi Tarfon said, “It is not your responsibility to finish the work—but neither are you free to desist from it.” These words depict David’s dedication to the continuum.

David was supportive of the proactive work of this government and the constant common goals of good governance and a commitment to the community. David felt that public service was ever-evolving, and he was content knowing that he had passed the baton to the next generation. I should add that the members from Eglinton–Lawrence and York Centre both feel the sentiment, and they wanted to relay that as well. We are very proud to take that baton or that torch and run with it.

Today, we are fortunate to be surrounded by so many of David’s family members, friends and colleagues in the House—his daughters, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, former MPPs, and Speakers of this chamber. It’s a remarkable gathering that is quite redeeming and reflected in a life well loved and lived.

I want to thank David’s family for sharing him with the community and our province.

May his memory always be a blessing.

Applause.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I want to thank the members for those eloquent tributes.

We give thanks for the life and public service of David Rotenberg.

Orders of the day?

Ms. Andrea Khanjin: Point of order.

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

Ms. Andrea Khanjin: Pursuant to standing order 7(e), I wish to inform the House that tonight’s evening meeting is cancelled.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you for the information.

Orders of the day? The member for Barrie–Innisfil.

Ms. Andrea Khanjin: No further business.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): There being no further business at this time, this House stands in recess until 10:15 a.m.

The House recessed from 0919 to 1015.

Members’ Statements

Non-profit organizations

Mrs. Daisy Wai: Silver bells are ringing, Christmas trees are up, shoppers are busy with presents, but I can’t help but think of our non-profit organizations during this time of the year. We all know that most of them have had a hard time during the past two years. The pandemic has affected them, with challenges in getting volunteers and, most importantly, donations. They were not able to run fundraising galas over the past two years. I have heard from many CEOs of non-profit organizations that they are struggling. It is sad to hear that some of them have to cut their programs, while others cut staff or simply pay less to their staff even though they have to work twice as hard.

This year, in February, we held the Non-Profit Sector Appreciation Week. It will be held again on the week of February 13, 2023. However, our appreciation should not be shown only once a year. May I invite everyone to take action to demonstrate your support? Please donate to a non-profit organization of your choice. Send them a card to show your appreciation. This will go a long way. Now is a good time: Any donation made before December 31 will receive a donation receipt in time for your tax return.

I wish you all a merry Christmas.

Food banks

Miss Monique Taylor: The holiday season is supposed to be a joyful season, but for far too many, it serves as a reminder that they’re struggling to make ends meet, to put food on the table.

We have a lot of great organizations working in Hamilton to support people faced with food insecurity, but the situation is becoming dire.

Hamilton Food Share says an estimated 11,000 house-holds will likely reach out at Christmas alone. This will be the largest number in the program’s history.

Food4Kids, a food relief program for children, has been forced to implement a triage system to make sure that the most at-risk children are still getting food because of rising food costs. This program delivers food to roughly 1,400 students across 75 schools in Hamilton every week. Food4Kids is doing a great service to our community, but this year has been hard. Director Cathy Haan shared on 900 CHML earlier this week that they are seeing more requests than they ever have and that they have had to start a wait-list.

Programs like Hamilton Food Share and Food4Kids are filling the gap for this government, but they won’t be able to fill it for too much longer. Community programs cannot be the backbone of the food insecurity crisis. Families are going hungry.

This holiday season, I’m asking the Premier and his government to think of these families, think of these children who are on wait-lists for food, and do something about it.

Love, Scarborough campaign

Mr. Aris Babikian: The Love, Scarborough campaign was launched in January to draw attention to the health inequities in Scarborough and to change the statistics that although Scarborough has 25% of Toronto’s population, its hospitals receive only 1% of donations. Thanks to the support of donors, and spurred by our historic investments in Scarborough’s infrastructure and health care, the campaign has been incredibly successful. As a result, the Scarborough Health Network—SHN—Foundation, has now raised the original $100-million goal to $200 million. To date, over $130 million has been raised. The funds will help meet a number of needs within the SHN, including the redevelopment of its emergency departments, facilities and programs for people with chronic kidney disease; improved mental health care; and the new Northpine diagnostic imaging department at SHN General.

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As a result of the successful fundraising, the SHN Foundation is planning the next phase of the campaign. It will include investment in teaching and research, establishing centres of excellence throughout the SHN, and raising local support towards the redevelopment of the Birchmount Hospital.

Our government announced over $1 billion in support of the Birchmount project in April.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Premier Ford for his ongoing support of SHN and helping us secure a donation of $75 million from the Orlando group.

Mr. Speaker, I stand committed to unequivocally support Birchmount/Grace hospital and SHN to deliver the exceptional and compassionate care they continue to provide to residents of Scarborough–Agincourt.

I urge everyone to join this worthy initiative and help Scarborough residents get the care they deserve.

I would also like to mention the contributions of my colleagues Minister Raymond Cho, MPP Vijay Thanigasalam and MPP David Smith for their hard work on behalf of the residents of Scarborough.

Merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, happy Kwanza, happy Thai Pongal, and happy lunar new year, the year of the rabbit, to all residents of Scarborough.

Mental health and addiction services

MPP Lise Vaugeois: In Thunder Bay, there are 42 methadone and suboxone clinics, an amazingly high number for a population of about 90,000. Because most of these are for-profit, people are kept dependent for years on end on what are meant to be transitional drugs.

OPSEU’s mental health and addictions workers are advocating for increased capacity in publicly funded, publicly run treatment centres, because they offer far better health outcomes and cost savings. They’re also advocating for mobile crisis response teams supported by ongoing operating funds so that communities can count on these crucial services. These workers also recognize that systemic racism leads to high levels of mental distress amongst racialized people, along with their over-incarceration. For this reason, mental health court diversion programs need to be developed, implemented and promoted.

Being homeless and poor causes significant mental and physical harm. Supportive housing with 24-hour staff care needs to be expanded, and OW and ODSP rates must be increased so that people have the help they need to move on to permanent housing.

Finally, in support of the mental and physical well-being of the workers providing these crucial services, Bill 124 must be rescinded.

Christmas tree industry

Mr. Ric Bresee: I’m very pleased today to rise on behalf of the people of Hastings–Lennox and Addington.

As we move closer to the holidays, many of us will be participating in the time-honoured family tradition of hunting for the perfect Christmas tree. As Christmas tree farming is a significant part of the forestry industry in Ontario, I’m so very pleased to encourage people to get out to these farms and enjoy their time collecting the perfect tree.

The Christmas tree industry in Ontario employs thousands of workers in the farming, transportation and retail sectors. Each year, more than one million fresh, farm-grown Christmas trees are purchased here in Ontario, and the same number of seedlings are planted for future harvests.

Ontario Christmas trees are all-natural and biodegradable, and many municipalities mulch them after Christmas.

Our tree farms are carbon sponges and oxygen creators. Each acre of Christmas tree farm produces enough oxygen for 18 people every day. It takes six to eight years for trees to come to maturity. So the math tells us, with over 8,000 acres of Christmas tree farms in this province, Christmas trees provide more than 420 million person-days of oxygen. That’s quite an awesome Christmas gift these trees give us.

In my riding, there’s Skootamatta Tree Farm near Flinton and Carole’s Christmas Tree Farm in Napanee, and across Ontario there are over 400 Christmas tree farms. So I hope everyone gets out and enjoys finding just that right tree for their family.

Please always remember to keep your tree watered and safe from any fire risk.

And while I’m at it, I would like to wish all the members of this House, the legislative and political staff, and everyone watching this broadcast a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Kevin Modeste

Mr. John Vanthof: We all remember the year 2000. Y2K never happened, but something monumental did happen for the NDP. That was the year that Kevin Modeste started working as a constituency assistant for Frances Lankin.

In the year 2008, Kevin started working for the House leader and whip’s office—once again for the NDP—under Peter Kormos. Peter Kormos was an incredibly intelligent man, but he believed in tough love as teaching, and one of the reasons why Kevin is the great expert on House rules and on procedure is Peter Kormos.

It is a bittersweet day for us in the NDP, because this may be Kevin Modeste’s last day sitting in that chair.

There are many people in the precinct who have never been able to stand on this floor but who have had a great impact for the benefit of the people of Ontario. Kevin Modeste is one of those people. On our side, Kevin Modeste has had a greater impact as one person than, I would say, any of us.

On behalf of all our caucus and, I believe, all the people in this precinct, I would like to thank Kevin. He’s one of my closest friends.

It has been an honour to work with you. I hope to work with you in any capacity in the future.

Agnes Macphail

Mr. Rick Byers: Last Saturday evening, I had the pleasure of being in Markdale to attend the first screening of a documentary hosted by the Friends of South Grey Museum called No Bed of Roses. It was a story about the first woman ever elected to the House of Commons and to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, Agnes Macphail.

Agnes Macphail was born in March 1890, and she was raised on a farm in Proton township in Grey county. She graduated in 1910 with a teacher’s certificate. She applied for five positions and was accepted to all five.

Ms. Macphail became active politically, joining the United Farm Women of Ontario. She sought the nomina-tion for the Progressive Party of Canada in the electoral district of Grey Southeast against 10 men and beat them all.

Interjections.

Mr. Rick Byers: Hear, hear.

Then she was elected in 1921, as the first female MP in Canadian history.

In 1943, Agnes Macphail was elected here, to the Legislative Assembly, as one of the first two women elected to the Ontario Legislature. You can see her picture near the east doors of this beautiful building.

Ms. Macphail was eager to see more women in politics. As she explained, “Most women think politics aren’t lady-like. Well, I’m no lady. I’m a human being.”

Agnes Macphail appears on the Canada 150 edition of our $10 note as the first woman other than a sovereign to have a permanent spot on the Canadian currency.

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Speaker, Agnes Macphail broke down the barriers. Thinking of the road she had to travel, as a woman, to be elected in 1921 truly amazes me.

Thank you, Agnes for who you were and for all you did. You are an inspiration to all of us every day.

Government policies

Mr. Ted Hsu: It was said of the Blitz that a rich person driving their fancy car through the streets of London was as damaging as a German bomb. You can understand that. Why would you put your heart and soul into the war effort when a privileged few did not?

When we face a social crisis, when we need team spirit to work together, we’ll find it if people believe that society is just and offers equal opportunity.

We do face multiple crises—unaffordable homes, no family doctor, overcrowded hospitals, labour shortages, rising mortgage payments, mental health and addictions issues, education disruption, international conflicts, and overshadowing it all, climate change.

Now, the Conservatives, having promised over and over to not touch the people’s greenbelt, told by their own task force that it was not needed for housing, have withdrawn greenbelt land for development to benefit their political donors. Instead of getting housing built with as-of-right zoning in the greenbelt, it looks like as-of-donation zoning—it’s the government helping some people profit at the expense of everybody else. The worst thing about this is, it’s not just that it’s bad housing policy or bad environmental policy; it’s the corrosive effect—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order.

Mr. Ted Hsu: —it has on our sense of fairness and our faith that the government is for the people. It’s eroding our willingness to consider shared sacrifices, eroding our willingness to work together. We’ve got to reverse that to tackle today’s greatest challenges.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I gave the member a few extra seconds because he was interrupted while he was presenting his member’s statement.

Plasma collection

Mr. Amarjot Sandhu: A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to meet and chat with Lilet Raffinan, the manager of the only Canadian Blood Services location in Brampton. As I spoke to Lilet, she educated me on the importance of donating plasma and how it can help make all the difference for those in need.

Plasma is a protein-rich liquid that is found in our blood and that is used to help treat a number of illnesses and injuries.

Plasma treatment is currently being used to treat illnesses such as cancer, nervous system disorders, organ transplants, bleeding disorders, and many more.

The plasma that is collected by Canadian Blood Services is used for fractionation, which means that your donated plasma will be manufactured into 50 life-saving medications and will be distributed to 730 hospitals and clinics across the country.

Speaker, the wonderful part of donating plasma is that you can donate your plasma every seven days; and international students, who can only donate their blood after they have been in Canada for at least three years, can donate their plasma after 21 days.

I strongly encourage all of my colleagues and the residents of Ontario to donate their plasma to make all the difference for Canadians in need.

Bowmanville Hospital Foundation

Mr. Todd J. McCarthy: It gives me great pleasure to advise the members of this House that important representatives from the Bowmanville Hospital Foundation are sitting in the members’ gallery today.

The Bowmanville Hospital Foundation is a key stakeholder in my riding of Durham. Through innovative and collaborative partnerships with families, governments, charities and businesses in Durham region, the foundation fosters a culture of community-based philanthropy to reach its campaign and strategic goals of raising funds for its capital costs toward the redevelopment and expansion of the Bowmanville Hospital.

Last month, the Bowmanville Hospital Foundation held its annual gala, delayed after three years. At that gala, over $374,000 was raised to help the foundation support its phase 2 initiative.

Many of the generous donors that have partnered with the Bowmanville Hospital Foundation include the regional municipality of Durham, the municipality of Clarington, the Halminen Family Foundation, the Kemp family, St. Marys Cement, Steve Hennessey and family, Tyler Smith, the Association of Hospital Volunteers-Bowmanville, Edmond and Sylvia Vanhaverbeke, and the Urso family/Canadian Tire, Bowmanville.

On behalf of this chamber, I would like to congratulate and welcome CEO Frank Cerisano and manager of major gifts and planned giving, Ms. Bethany Dainton. They are present in the gallery today. I salute them for their dedication and commitment to the foundation. I also give a shout-out to board chair Peter Hobb and chief development officer Maria Petri, who could not be with us today.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): That concludes our members’ statements for this morning.

Legislative pages

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’m going to ask our legislative pages to assemble.

Sadly, it is now time to say a word of thanks to our legislative pages. Our pages are smart, trustworthy and hard-working. They are indispensable to the effective functioning of the chamber, and we are very fortunate to have had them here.

To our pages: You depart having made many new friends, with a greater understanding of parliamentary democracy and memories that will last a lifetime. Each of you will go home and continue your studies, and no doubt will contribute to your communities, your province and your country in important ways. We expect great things from all of you. Maybe some of you will take your seats in this House as members or work here as staff someday. Who knows? We wish you all well.

Please join me in thanking our legislative pages.

Applause.

Introduction of Visitors

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): We have with us today, in the Speaker’s gallery, staff from the Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs, Cabinet Office, and the Office of International Relations and Protocol. Please join me in warmly welcoming our guests to the Legislature.

Applause.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Arriving today around noon, we will have with us, in the Speaker’s gallery, Mr. Jorge Umaña Vargas, consul general of Costa Rica in Toronto. He will be accompanied by Jessica Fonseca.

I also want to introduce someone today—although he’s not new around the Legislature and he has already been introduced: Kevin Modeste, who has been working with the NDP caucus for 22 years. He must have started as a page to reach that milestone. He is attending, of course, his final question period today as a staff member.

We wish Mr. Modeste well as he moves on from Queen’s Park at the end of this year.

Hon. Michael Parsa: I’d like to introduce Sam Ibrahim, president and CEO of Arrow Group of Companies and co-founder of the Scarborough Shooting Stars.

I’d also like to introduce my good friend Gabby Fanous, who is the vice-president of the Arrow Group of Companies and founder of the Red Owl Boxing club in Brampton.

Speaker, I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank some of my all-star staff who are here today: Marcus Battaglia, Shaida Maleki, and Kimia Zamani. Thank you for everything you do for us.

To Sam Ibrahim: Welcome to Queen’s Park, and I look forward to meeting with you after question period.

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Ms. Doly Begum: I’m very excited to introduce two wonderful young people from Scarborough Southwest and graduates of Birchmount Park Collegiate to the House today: Aqib Abbas and Michael Tucker. They have taken on the initiative for road safety in Scarborough; more specifically, in Scarborough Southwest. Please welcome them to the House.

M^me Dawn Gallagher Murphy: I’d like to welcome, from the Central York Professional Firefighters Association, Jason Beuving, local president, and Andre Bourrie, secretary-treasurer, from my great riding of Newmarket–Aurora. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

I also would like to introduce Dr. David Jacobs, who’s not only a friend but also the president of the Ontario Association of Radiologists.

MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam: It’s my distinct honour to welcome Ms. Tara Bijan, my intern from TMU, who has been a wonderful addition to our constituency office. This is her very first time in the House.

Mr. Dave Smith: He’s not here today, but I know he’s watching, because I asked him to watch this morning—I want to say hello to my father, Ron Smith, and wish him a happy 80th birthday.

Mr. Chris Glover: I’d like to welcome the volunteers from my last campaign to the House: Jenna Scheske, Karen Langill, Tara Bijan, Emily Yan, Heather Vickers-Wong, Andrew Yang, and Rosemary Fleming.

I’d also like to take this moment to introduce two other people, who are not able to be here in person today—my parents are both celebrating their birthdays next week. My mother, Gwen Glover, will be turning 86, and my father, Len Glover, will be turning 90. I wonder if everybody could give them a round of applause.

Applause.

Ms. Mary-Margaret McMahon: I’d like to introduce two strong and sensational city-builders who are in the chamber for the first time: the ever-lovely Diane Blake and Liane Brossard. I extend a warm welcome to them.

Mr. Michael Mantha: Today’s page captain is Havana Thibodeau, and her parents, Richard Thibodeau and Betsabel Bello Thibo-deau, are joining us here in the gallery. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Mr. Graham McGregor: We have some folks here today from the Brampton Rotary Club. Please join me in welcoming president Uche Okugo and president-elect Badar Shamim.

Mr. Mike Schreiner: I’d like to welcome members of the following groups: Grand(m)others Act To Save The Planet, Stop Sprawl HamOnt, Wellington Water Watchers, Greenbelt West Coalition, and Stop Sprawl Halton. They gathered on the front lawn this morning to defend the greenbelt.

M^me France Gélinas: I’d like to recognize Ema MacAulay, our page from Sudbury. Her dad, Kevin MacAulay, is here today. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Hon. Jill Dunlop: I have the pleasure of introducing a few guests today.

From my amazing team at the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, I have Doug Brewer, Tay Rubman, Matt Frola and Stefanie Mojsovski.

I would also like to introduce and welcome President Mohamed Lachemi from Toronto Metropolitan University. President Lachemi and Matt Baker are joining us today for royal assent of Bill 26, which officially changes the name from Ryerson to Toronto Metropolitan University.

Mohamed, thank you so much for your leadership in moving the university forward.

MPP Lise Vaugeois: I would like to welcome OPSEU’s mental health and addiction workers who are watching Queen’s Park from north Toronto, where they are meeting today.

We can’t see you here in front of us right now, but I want you to know that we do see you. We see the work that you do, and we appreciate it very much. We know how valuable it is.

Mr. John Yakabuski: Today I want to wish our grandson Leopold Gianni Michele Colucci, who lives in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, a happy eighth birthday. And tomorrow our son Zachary will be 44. Happy birthday.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I would ask the members to keep their introductions brief and to avoid political statements.

The member for Toronto Centre.

MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam: I would like to join the Minister of Colleges and Universities in welcoming Mohamed Lachemi, president of Toronto Metropolitan University, and his associate Matt Baker. If you feel inclined to give them a second standing ovation, I’m sure that would be welcome as well.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): We’ve got a lot on the agenda today. I would ask members to keep their introductions brief.

We’ll continue, if there are no objections, with introduction of guests.

Mr. Nolan Quinn: My daughter is not here today, but it is her 10th birthday and she’s watching in her class, Ms. Vandermeer’s class, at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Ingleside, in my riding.

Mr. John Vanthof: I’d like to introduce a few residents of Timiskaming–Cochrane: Terra and Jamie Dabner and their son Krew, the family of our page Kennedy Dabner.

Ms. Natalie Pierre: I’d like to introduce my EA, Navita Sukhdeo, and her daughter Elliana Ali. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Mr. Rudy Cuzzetto: Today I would like to welcome, from Mississauga–Lakeshore, Bill and Muriel Chudiak.

Ms. Effie J. Triantafilopoulos: I’d like to welcome students from W.H. Morden school in Oakville. They will be performing in a choir and instrumental performance by the grand staircase just after noon.

I hope you’ll enjoy your visit to Queen’s Park.

I encourage everyone here to come and listen to the wonderful singing and music from the Oakville students.

Ms. Bhutila Karpoche: I, too, would like to give a very warm welcome to Mohamed Lachemi, president of the now official Toronto Metropolitan University.

Mohamed, thank you for your leadership. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Hon. Charmaine A. Williams: I’m happy to introduce members from Brampton’s oldest Rotary Club, established June 12, 1940: club president, Uche Okugo, and members Matthew Samatas, Badar Shamim, Vijay Kotamarti and Mike Shrestha. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: Please join me in welcoming and recognizing the 2022-23 class of government of Ontario interns. Today we have with us interns from the Ontario Internship Program, the Indigenous Internship Program and the Black Alliance Internship Program. Please join me in wishing them all the best.

Mr. Stéphane Sarrazin: I would like to introduce my lovely spouse, Chantal, who is with us today.

Ms. Mary-Margaret McMahon: This is not so much an introduction as a very sad farewell to the ever-amazing Sergeant-at-Arms, Jackie, who Queen’s Park has been very lucky to have over these years. She’s a trailblazer, as the first woman Sergeant-at-Arms. I’m very sad to see her go. Those are colossal shoes to fill.

Hon. Doug Downey: I want to introduce Rose Cataldi, my EA, who keeps me organized every day, to her first Queen’s Park live.

And happy 83rd birthday to my father tomorrow.

Mr. Stephen Crawford: I want to give a warm welcome to my father, Bill Crawford, who’s up in the gallery. He’s here with MIRANET, the city-wide network of ratepayer and residents’ associations of Mississauga. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

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Mr. Sheref Sabawy: I would like to take the opportunity to welcome President Mohamed Lachemi of Toronto Metropolitan University, from my riding of Mississauga–Erin Mills, and my dear friend Badar Shamim. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

And I’m taking the opportunity today to say to everyone, from my family to your family, merry Christmas and happy holidays.

Ms. Christine Hogarth: I just want to give a shout-out to the volunteers who are stuffing Christmas cards in my office right now.

Adrienne, thank you for all your volunteer work.

Question Period

Health care

Mr. Peter Tabuns: If I can take a second before we begin the last question period of 2022, I’d like to wish members on both sides of the House and all Ontarians a safe and happy holiday season with those they hold dear.

On behalf of the official opposition, I’d like to also extend my thanks and best wishes to the wonderful staff of the Legislative Assembly for their incredible work on behalf of the people of this province.

To the amazing cohort of pages, I thank you for your service these past few weeks. I really hope you enjoyed the experience.

A special farewell to our outgoing Sergeant-at-Arms, Jackie. Thank you for your service and your commitment to MPPs and the legislative staff. May the next chapter bring you the best that life has to offer.

And last but not least, although a number have already said this, it remains to be said: a huge thank you from the NDP caucus to Kevin Modeste. Kevin has served our caucus in many capacities over many years. His service to us and to the Legislature as a whole has been outstanding. We’ll miss him greatly, but we’re delighted he’ll be able to spend more time with his wife and two daughters. That’s exactly how it should be. Thank you, Kevin.

Speaker, thank you for your indulgence.

My question is to the Premier.

Yesterday, the Premier said the government is throwing everything they can at the health care system, but it’s clear that whatever the Premier is doing is not working. Hospitals are overcrowded, staff are burnt out, and patients are waiting longer than they ever have in our ERs.

To the Premier: Why didn’t this government do more to prevent the current crisis in our health care system?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.

Hon. Sylvia Jones: Thank you for the member opposite’s question, because it allows us to once again highlight all of the investments that we have been making.

You talk about the challenges that are happening in our hospitals and emergency rooms today. Imagine if we had continued on the path that the Liberals had started us on. Imagine if we hadn’t actually invested and ensured that more physicians, more nurses, more PSWs were trained, hired and actually working in our system.

As recently as this morning, we were able to highlight another addition that will ensure that more people are protected—by allowing pharmacists to actually not only dispense but give Paxlovid. It means that those individuals who are at a higher risk of having symptoms that lead to an emergency department or a hospital now can get that prescription dealt with and filled in a pharmacy.

These are the things we are doing that are making a difference and ensuring that our emergency departments and our hospitals are protected.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary question.

Mr. Peter Tabuns: The House will remember it was only a few short years ago that the Premier promised Ontarians that he would end hallway medicine.

Today, not only has hallway medicine officially returned to Ontario, but somehow this government has made the situation worse than it has ever been.

Has the Premier forgotten his promise to Ontarians?

Hon. Sylvia Jones: Again, I will say that the individuals who are choosing to work in our health care system are incredible. They have done such amazing work in, frankly, what is a very challenging virus season.

But imagine if we didn’t have 49 different communities with 911 models of care that allow community paramedicine and paramedics to divert people who choose to willingly go to pathways other than an emergency room. Imagine if we didn’t have Ornge ambulance, having virtual medical doctor trials in northern hospitals.

We have made lots of investments that have made a difference in communities. We will continue to make those investments because we understand that as our population increases, they not only need homes; they need hospitals, and they need health care workers. We are doing that work.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Final supplementary.

Mr. Peter Tabuns: Speaker, there’s no question that nurses and health care workers are giving a heroic effort to do what they can.

But our health care system is in crisis, and this minister and this Premier are sitting on their hands.

Families can’t find a hospital to deliver their baby, local ERs are closing, staff are having their wages suppressed, and for what? For this government to save a few dollars? You know that is shameful.

The government is sitting on billions of dollars of unallocated funds that could be spent on meaningful investments in health care right now. Will this government commit to doing that today?

Hon. Sylvia Jones: As we embrace the innovations that our health care providers and our hospital leaders are doing to ensure that they get that service up and ensure that they have sufficient staff, we have members of your own party suggesting that it is the wrong pathway. We are doing the work. We will continue to make those investments.

We’ve seen, in one program alone, the Emergency Department Locum Program—temporary summer locum program has been extended, and, as a result, has provided funding for over 230,000 hours of emergency department coverage in 2022.

We have, for the first time in decades, ensured that we’re going to have two medical schools, one in Brampton and one in Scarborough.

We have ensured that residency programs are increased so that individuals who want to practise in the province of Ontario have that opportunity, because we embrace them here in Ontario.

Government accountability

Mr. Jeff Burch: Speaker, through you to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing: The minister has failed to show any objective criteria or evidence to explain how he chose which properties to remove from the greenbelt. We’ve looked at each of the 15 areas proposed for removal from the greenbelt, trying to understand what criteria the minister may have used. In every single one, we found a strong political or donor tie to the PC Party. Can the minister explain this disturbing pattern?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The government House leader.

Hon. Paul Calandra: Mr. Speaker, I think the minister has actually been very clear on that. The lands chosen, of course, are lands that are either serviced or close to areas that are serviced, and in areas that require housing.

It is no surprise to anybody in the chamber that the NDP are against this. They are against people who build homes because they’re against people owning homes. As the associate minister pointed out, the NDP will never say the words “home ownership.” It’s just not something that they can grasp. This is the same group of people who voted against building long-term care in communities—60,000 new long-term-care beds for 60,000 seniors to get new homes. They voted against it. They voted against the policies that have brought to Ontario the highest number of purpose-built rentals in over 30 years—the highest number. Because of the policies of this Premier, they voted against it. Now, not surprisingly, they are voting against the absolute dream that everybody has when they come to this country or grow up in this country: home ownership. They’re against it.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary question.

Mr. Jeff Burch: Speaker, Flato Developments is associated with at least two of the areas being removed from the greenbelt; TACC Construction, owned by the powerful De Gasperis family, is associated with at least four. When Bill 39 passes and the government removes the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve from the greenbelt, the minister will transfer nearly two thirds of a billion dollars’ worth of public wealth to this powerful family of landowners and PC donors.

Why is the minister favouring these particular landowners and developers over others?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The Associate Minister of Housing.

Hon. Michael Parsa: I thank my honourable colleague for the question.

Mr. Speaker, it’s only the NDP that don’t seem to understand that we’re in a housing crisis in the province of Ontario, and we don’t know why they don’t, because Ontarians told us this in the last election; they told us this in the last municipal election. Every single person who was running for office was told that housing is a big issue, but somehow it’s not a big issue to the NDP. In fact, they’ll oppose housing all along the way.

Through the one initiative—the outgoing mayor, the incoming mayor, the current mayor have said, “We need homes.” Over 50,000 homes are going to be created as a result of this one initiative, because of the great work of this Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Once again, we’ll be very clear: As the NDP continue to say no to housing, this side of the House—with the members in the middle, who continue to shrink them on the other side—will continue to fight for Ontarians for housing.

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The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The final supplementary.

Mr. Jeff Burch: Speaker, in her 2021 report on land use planning, the Ontario Auditor General noted how the minister favoured certain developers over others when deciding who should or should not get a minister’s zoning order. Seven developers received multiple MZOs; the two who received the most were Flato Developments and TACC Construction—the same developers that the minister has favoured with multiple removals from the greenbelt. The Auditor General warned, “Such a pattern opens up the MZO process to criticisms of conflict of interest.”

Given the minister’s pattern of preferential treatment for Flato and the De Gasperis family, why shouldn’t the public suspect a conflict of interest with his greenbelt decisions?

Hon. Michael Parsa: Again, I thank my colleague for the question.

We’ve been very clear: Unlike the previous government, supported by the NDP along the way, we’re not in the business of pitting people against one another. We’re in the business of working in collaboration with everyone to make sure we build homes. Housing is a priority for us.

Mr. Speaker, you don’t have to take my word for it. I’ll read a quote from an accredited economist. Dr. Gillezeau, who, by the way, is the policy adviser to the future leader of the NDP, had this to say in response to comments on Bill 23: “It’s disappointing but not surprising to see municipalities come out so hard against one of the most effective pieces to lower prices in Ontario’s housing legislation.” He said that the changes introduced to development charges under Bill 23 are excellent policy and should have meaningful price effects.

We agree with experts. We need more housing built—

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

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Stop the clock.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order. Order.

Start the clock.

The next question.

Mental health and addiction services

MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam: My question is to the Premier.

Encampments are growing across Ontario, mental health for Ontarians is worsening, and this government has no plan.

In June of this year, the Big City Mayors’ Caucus called on the Premier to personally host an emergency meeting to address the homelessness, mental health and addictions crisis facing cities across Ontario. That was six months ago.

Why has the Premier not personally set up a date for the emergency meeting with the Big City Mayors’ Caucus to come up with an immediate and funded plan to address the mental health and addictions crisis in Ontario?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): To reply, the Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.

Hon. Michael A. Tibollo: Thank you for that question. But I don’t know where the member has been for the last three years.

There is the Roadmap to Wellness, which is a plan that was developed by this government, backed by a $3.8-billion investment—$525 million in annualized funding—to deal specifically with mental health in the province of Ontario. So we have a plan, and we have been standing behind the plan and developing, over the lifespan, supports for children and youth, for adults, for people with addictions; building treatment and recovery strategies and continuums of care to ensure that anyone gets the support where and when they need it. Not only have we done it in southern Ontario but, recently, a $90-million investment brought us—56% of which is invested in northern Ontario, which is 400 new treatment beds and 7,000 new treatment spots.

So I don’t know where the member has been, but we’ve been active in ensuring that we build a system for all Ontarians—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you. The supplementary question. The member for Waterloo.

Ms. Catherine Fife: Back to the minister: I started off this session by telling the heartbreaking story of Kaitlyn Roth, who died by suicide. She was a bright, successful, beautiful young woman. Her transition from child to adult in the mental health system went tragically wrong.

I’ve been in contact with the Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. I’m grateful that he has met with the family, and I believe that he listened to their pain.

Quite simply, Mike and Fiona Roth don’t want any other parent to experience this tragedy, because it was preventable.

Can the minister please share what the government is doing to ensure that mental health care is there when someone has the courage to ask for help and that that care and support is appropriate?

Hon. Michael A. Tibollo: I thank the member opposite for that question.

We’ve had discussions about the needs of our children and youth—ensuring that we build systems that give youth the supports where and when they need them. We’ve invested heavily, as a government, in developing, at this point, 12 plus eight—there will be 22 in total, with an additional eight being slated to be developed—youth wellness hubs that are providing care, both primary care to children and youth, providing them the opportunity to get supports for eating disorders.

Under the previous government, we spent more money shipping kids to the United States for help rather than investing in our province to ensure that every child has those opportunities for help when it comes to things like suicide and other issues that affect our youth.

It’s a tragedy when we lose even one child. But we are making the investments to ensure that the supports are there that are age-appropriate and that ensure the kids get the supports where they need them, whether it be in Indigenous communities, rural communities or in our urban centres. We are making that difference, as a government, because our Premier and our government believe in—

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

Manufacturing jobs

Ms. Laurie Scott: My question is for the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

Many entrepreneurs and workers choose to plant their roots in my riding of Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock for many reasons. With a high quality of life and ample opportunities, there’s no shortage of reasons why it’s one of the best places to operate and grow a business.

With the billions of dollars in investments that the government has been attracting across the province, my constituents want to know that they are also getting a fair deal and that the government is there to help their businesses stay competitive.

Can the minister explain what our government is doing to support businesses—namely, manufacturers—in my riding?

Hon. Victor Fedeli: Ontario cities are the most competitive places to invest and grow. One reason for their success is our government lowering the cost of doing business by $7 billion annually. That has resulted in record investments being made.

TS Manufacturing in Lindsay invested $5 million and added 25 jobs and upskilled jobs. We invested $750,000 to help support this local company by supplying cutting-edge sawmill and mining equipment.

Colonial Log and Timber in Lindsay invested $1.3 million to double their log and timber framing manufacturing, with the help of $195,000 from our government. They’re creating jobs and gaining a competitive edge accessing new global markets.

All of this is because Ontario is open for business.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The supplementary question?

Ms. Laurie Scott: I want to thank the minister for all his great work. He can come to my riding anytime.

It’s great to hear that the people in Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock have not been forgotten by the government.

It’s also great to see that after years of Liberal and NDP governments making business costly and expensive in Ontario, investments and small business start-ups have roared back to life under this government.

Speaker, to keep this momentum going, we need to ensure that entrepreneurs have everything they need to be successful and to remain competitive on the world stage.

I want to ask the minister to elaborate on what our government is doing to support entrepreneurs who are looking to start and grow their businesses.

Hon. Victor Fedeli: After years of the Liberal and NDP war on business, our government is now supporting entrepreneurs with everything they need to succeed. We are assisting entrepreneurs with support from a broad network of regional innovation and small business centres.

The Kawartha Lakes small business centre received $400,000, in addition to the almost $80,000 for their Summer Company and their Starter Company Plus programs for young entrepreneurs.

And close to 30 area businesses received $72,000 in Digital Transformation Grants to put their businesses online.

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Our government eliminated the red tape, unaffordable hydro rates and taxes that the Liberals and NDP piled onto small businesses.

This is exactly what small businesses needed to ignite their entrepreneurial flames.

Mental health and addiction services

Miss Monique Taylor: My question is for the Premier.

Mental health care is not getting any better in our communities. Just last week, it was announced that Hamilton city council had to cut staffing for mental health and addictions programming because this government froze those budgets. The wait-lists for treatment in Hamilton are staggering, ranging from six months to multiple years, and this move will only worsen this.

I did not realize that cutting program capacity was a part of the government’s Roadmap to Wellness.

So I’m asking, will the Premier commit to re-funding programs so people in my community can get the services they need when they need them?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.

Hon. Michael A. Tibollo: I’m surprised—we are investing $525 million in new annualized funding each and every year in the province of Ontario to provide the supports to everyone across the province of Ontario, including Hamilton.

Mr. Speaker, I’m always surprised when I hear the opposition speaking about the lack of investments by our government. When we came here, we came as a government with all kinds of shortages as a result of previous government decisions, whether it was the Liberals deciding to spend $10 million for 127 people to get eating disorder help in the United States, or the NDP cutting 15% of the mental health beds in the province of Ontario—under their leadership, 9,645 hospital beds shut down. They created a doctor shortage by capping medical school enrolment. They said no to more acute mental health care and cut $53 million from Ontario’s psychiatric hospitals. And they voted no over and over again every time we’ve tried to make investments to improve the situation in the province. So I don’t understand why it is—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thank you. The supplementary question. The member for London North Centre.

Mr. Terence Kernaghan: Speaker, through you: Clearly, the associate minister and this government are standing behind a plan that is coming up short.

The CMHA indicates that a quarter of Ontarians are seeking mental health support; that’s one in four.

Jordan Thomas of the London Centre for Trauma Therapy said, “We’ve seen ... a lot of depression, a lot of hopelessness, a lack of vitality, a loss of ... optimism about the future.”

Will this government increase funding and expand OHIP coverage so Ontarians get the mental health care that they need?

Hon. Michael A. Tibollo: I reiterate: We started with a huge deficit when we first came into government.

This is the first government that actually created a portfolio so that there is someone who has their eye on investments that are made across the government.

Mr. Speaker, our investments are being made in each and every aspect, and when you start with so many issues that have to be addressed—we’re addressing eating disorders. We’re addressing virtual care supports that came up as a result of a two-and-a-half-year pandemic. We’re investing in the Far North and providing land-based healing to Indigenous communities to ensure that they get the appropriate care where and when they need it. We’re investing in withdrawal management, which is something that’s direly needed everywhere across the province. We’ve opened up addiction treatment beds—7,000 treatment spots have been opened under this government, in addition to what is already here.

Mr. Speaker, we have a plan. We have a Roadmap to Wellness that ensures that investments are being made where and when they’re needed so that people get the support—

Interjections.

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

The member for Toronto–St. Paul’s and the member for Brampton North will come to order.

The next question.

Winter highway maintenance

Mr. Kevin Holland: My question is for the Minister of Transportation. Winter storms have a significant impact on the people and the economy of the north. We’re just at the start of this winter season, and we’ve already seen the impact a major snowfall can have on our roads. Road safety is an important concern for northern and Indigenous communities, especially during the winter months.

A few weeks ago, I was pleased to have my motion passed in this House, calling for improved standards for clearing snow on Highways 11 and 17. Can the Minister of Transportation please explain what our government is doing to act on that motion to make roads in northern Ontario safer during the winter months?

Hon. Caroline Mulroney: Thank you to the member for Thunder Bay–Atikokan for his great question, and also for introducing his motion, which reminds us that there’s always more we can do to make our roads in the north safer.

It’s no secret that the winter months can be challenging for drivers, especially those in northern Ontario. We heard loud and clear from northern Ontarians and members on both sides of this House about the need to improve northern road safety, and we acted.

Our government is the first to create a new level of service that requires Highways 11 and 17 in the north to be cleared within 12 hours after a winter storm. That is four hours faster than the previous standard. Ontario has a nation-leading standard in place when it comes to winter maintenance and we are ensuring that it stays that way.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The supplementary question.

Mr. Kevin Holland: Thank you to the minister for her response. Just last week, though, sections of the TransCanada Highway in the north were forced to close for several hours due to poor driving conditions and collisions. Residents in northern and Indigenous communities deserve certainty that they have access to a highway network that will be safe, and more importantly, open following a winter storm.

Speaker, can the Minister of Transportation please tell us what further actions our government is undertaking to help prevent northern highway closures during winter months?

Hon. Caroline Mulroney: Thank you again to the member for his question. All of us in this House share a common goal, and that is keeping Ontario’s roads safe for everyone. We have over 1,100 pieces of winter maintenance equipment ready to be deployed within 30 minutes following a storm.

In northern Ontario specifically, our government is installing an additional 14 road weather information stations, including eight along Highways 11 and 17, to help our contractors prepare and respond faster to winter weather events.

As part of our five-year plan to improve the rest area network, we have also completed six major rehabilitations of rest stops across the north, including at the Manitoba border. There will always be exceptional circumstances following a winter storm, but our government is taking action to ensure that our northern highways remain open and safe following every winter weather event.

Children and youth mental health services

Ms. Bhutila Karpoche: A mother from my community wrote to me recently. Her daughter was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder. In October of last year, they got a referral for SickKids. Over a year later, they are still waiting for that appointment.

They are far from alone. Tens of thousands of kids are on wait-lists for mental health services that can take up to two and a half years.

Speaker, my question is to the Premier. How long will the children of this province have to wait before they can get the health care service that they need?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.

Hon. Michael A. Tibollo: Thank you for that question. Once again, it’s extremely important that we remember that we do have a Roadmap to Wellness that looks at the lifespan and the delivery of services that are age-appropriate for each and every individual in the province of Ontario. We know that children and youth need accessible and reliable services if they’re going to grow into healthy adults. That particular situation is unfortunate, and it is something that I have my eye on, to ensure that the system is built.

The $3.8 billion over 10 years is looking at investing in the different periods of time during the lifespan to ensure that the supports are there. Since 2019, $130 million has gone to children and youth mental health services. The road map slates another $170 million to be spent over the next three years.

Of the $194 million that we invested during the pandemic-related emergency funding, additional funds were put into children and youth supports and our Step Up Step Down programs. We’ve invested for youth wellness camps. We’ve invested in One Stop Talk virtual walk-in supports, as well as—

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

Supplementary question? The member for Ottawa West–Nepean.

Ms. Chandra Pasma: One of my constituents—I’ll call her Elle—is 15 and suffers from an eating disorder. Like many in Ontario, she doesn’t have a family doctor, but she has been referred to the eating disorder clinic at CHEO.

However, the clinic is overwhelmed and unable to find her a spot. She doesn’t eat for days, but she’s not sick enough to be admitted to an overcrowded hospital. Her father worries she needs to be dying before anyone will help her.

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Elle and her parents are desperate for help. Will this government finally act to ensure that mental and physical health care is available for children like Elle when they need it?

Hon. Michael A. Tibollo: Once again, thank you for that question. Eating disorders are something that are very pronounced that we’ve noticed over the pandemic, and it’s something we need to look at. This is something that we believe is as a result of isolation, the school disruption and social media exposure. These are things that are impacting on children and youth.

In December 2021, $8.1 million went to support specialized care for children and youth with these eating disorders. We opened seven beds at CHEO, five at SickKids, two at McMaster Children’s Hospital. This is in addition to $11.1 million annualized for eating disorder services: 20 treatment spaces in underserved communities like Sudbury, North Bay and Sault Ste. Marie; 10 new pediatric beds in North York and Southlake; 16 new spaces in Peterborough and Kingston.

In November 2021, we invested another $5.8 million in SickKids hospital, easing access to treatment by expanding their outpatient eating disorder program.

Mr. Speaker, our government is taking this issue very seriously. Our children are our future and we need to invest to ensure that children get the support they need, where and when they need it in the province.

Land use planning

Ms. Mary-Margaret McMahon: My question is to the Premier. First I’d like to thank the Premier for this lovely gesture of the inaugural speeches that the new members received. That’s a point I’m giving you, but now I’m going to have to take away that point in my question.

I may sound like a broken record here, but I need to, because I’m hearing from all my residents, and actually, all your residents, about—what? The greenbelt. Because the government has misread the room on the greenbelt. You really have. The greenbelt is full of—

Interjection.

Ms. Mary-Margaret McMahon: Thank you very much—wetlands and watersheds—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order. Stop the clock. The member for Hamilton Mountain will come to order. The member for Kitchener–Conestoga will come to order.

Mr. Mike Harris: This time, it was me.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): It was.

Restart the clock. The member for Beaches–East York has the floor.

Ms. Mary-Margaret McMahon: Thank you very much.

We know the greenbelt is full of wetlands and watersheds, areas that protect our province from devastating flooding by absorbing stormwater. As we see more and more natural disasters come our way as a result of climate change—we know what’s going on in Brazil right now; we know what has gone on out west, out east—we should be trying to conserve these areas for all Ontarians. If we pave over them, it puts people at financial and physical risk. The average basement flood is $43,000.

My question to the Premier: Do you believe that the choice to open up the greenbelt for development puts Ontario at risk for more flooding? If not, please explain.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The response? The Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry.

Hon. Graydon Smith: Thanks for the question. Let me be perfectly clear, as we have been the whole time, talking about this opportunity to build homes for Ontarians: Wetlands are not going anywhere in Ontario. We are going to continue to protect this important part of our province.

We are also going to build 1.5 million homes over 10 years. We are also going to make sure that those homes are protected from flooding and any other natural disasters. We are going to get the job done, Mr. Speaker, both on the home front and on the ecology front, and Ontario is going to be the better for it.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): And the supplementary question.

Ms. Mary-Margaret McMahon: And we know from your own housing task force that we do not need to go into the greenbelt to achieve our 1.5-million homes goal—which I’m happy to work with you on, but not in the greenbelt.

I know all of us here care about farmers. We’ve heard that over and over again: how they feed us every day, how hard they work. Many of us here are connected to farmers and the farming community—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order.

Ms. Mary-Margaret McMahon: I’m really getting under people’s skin today—love it. It’s my Christmas present to y’all.

So my question is, why would we remove Ontario’s only agricultural preserve, Duffins Rouge, if we care so much about farmers and farmland and eating? Will you be able to sleep at night knowing that you bulldozed over our last agriculture preserve?

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’ll ask the members to make comments through the Chair.

Once again, I’ll ask the member for Kitchener–Conestoga to come to order.

The Premier to respond.

Hon. Doug Ford: I want to thank my former colleague from the city of Toronto. We spent a lot of time together, and I have a great deal of respect.

Mr. Speaker, you’ve got to look at the total greenbelt. We’ve added 2,000 acres more. Since I’ve taken office, the greenbelt has expanded. But what I suggest to the member from Beaches–East York: Sit down; speak to your colleagues about why you changed it 17 times. You changed it 17 times.

We need housing. There are people in the gallery, there are people right here who are still renting. They’re renting. We need to build homes. We need to build 1.5 million homes. We have 300,000 people showing up every single year. Are we going put them in cardboard boxes? Are we going put them in mud huts? No. They want a home. They want an affordable home—

Interjection.

Hon. Doug Ford: And Mr. Speaker, that gentleman right there voted 17 times to change the greenbelt and deducted the greenbelt.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Stop the clock. The member for Ottawa South will come to order.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Ottawa South will come to order. The Premier will come to order. The member for Niagara Falls will come to order. The member for Peterborough–Kawartha will come to order. The member for Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke will come to order.

Start the clock. Next question.

Student achievement

Mr. Amarjot Sandhu: My question is for the Minister of Colleges and Universities. Ontario’s colleges are critical in helping to provide our students with career-focused education that addresses our province’s labour needs and drives our economic prosperity. Ontario’s colleges produce graduates who go on to create jobs for others, make lasting contributions to their communities and help to attract new investments and opportunities.

The Minister’s Lifetime Achievement Award and Premier’s Awards for college graduates recognize the tremendous contributions that help to make our province successful. Can the Minister of Colleges and Universities speak about the well-deserved recognition of the recent recipients of the lifetime achievement award?

Hon. Jill Dunlop: Thank you to the member from Brampton West for his question. I had the honour of presenting the Minister’s Lifetime Achievement Award to two outstanding leaders who continue to make a lasting difference in Ontario’s public colleges. The 2022 recipients are Anne Sado, the former president of George Brown College—Anne was also the first female president of a college—and MaryLynn West-Moynes, former president and CEO of Georgian College, and also my former boss, so I know first-hand the amazing leadership that MaryLynn provides to Georgian College.

These two exceptional women deserve recognition for their hard work, dedication and contributions on advancing Ontario’s colleges. By acting as ambassadors of the college system, they have made a lasting mark on post-secondary education in our province. It was truly an honour to present them with the lifetime achievement awards.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The supplementary question.

Mr. Amarjot Sandhu: Thank you to the minister for the response. A quality education isn’t just a means to a good job, but to a great quality of life. And when our post-secondary institutions like our colleges succeed, we all succeed. Making higher education our top priority is critical to securing the economic success of our province as we move forward.

But while it is a positive that our government acknowledges the great work of our college system, we should also take the opportunity to recognize the great people and students who are in our college campuses. Can the Minister of Colleges and Universities elaborate on some of the worthy recipients of this year’s Premier’s Awards for college graduates?

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Hon. Jill Dunlop: Thank you again to the member for the question.

The remarkable and inspiring graduates of Ontario’s world-class colleges show how our colleges are preparing students with the skills, the knowledge and experience they need to have rewarding careers, supporting the workforce of today and tomorrow.

The Premier’s Awards for Ontario College Graduates recognize individuals who have not only demonstrated outstanding achievement within their college experience but who have also made significant social and economic contributions to their communities and beyond. Their incredible achievements—from developing career-training programs for young Black professionals to adding Canada’s Indigenous communities to Google Maps and Google Earth—are helping to strengthen our economy and make very real and tangible differences in the lives of Ontarians. The recipients of the Premier’s Awards for Ontario College Graduates are perfect examples of the potential our college students have and why we should all have confidence in every student’s future.

Speaker, college students are making a lasting impact, and we are so proud of what these incredible young Ontarians are accomplishing.

Indigenous protected and conserved areas

Mr. Peter Tabuns: Speaker, my question is to the Premier.

Recently, Grassy Narrows honoured the 20th anniversary of their visionary efforts to protect their homeland from industrial logging and mining. And yet, the Toronto Star reported that this government has granted thousands of gold mining claims and proposes to allow clear-cut logging on the area that Grassy Narrows is protecting.

To the Premier: When will this government stop the attacks on Grassy Narrows and start respecting the Grassy Narrows Indigenous protected area?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs.

Hon. Greg Rickford: I had a chance to sit with the chief of Grassy Narrows not that long ago, and we spoke about the opportunities in their communities—building much-needed infrastructure; having a shared vision for economic prosperity; coming to terms with a harsh reality that this government was the first to act on, by indexing the pensions from the mercury.

We don’t need to stand here and feel badly about the work that we do with Grassy Narrows. We continue to work with that community to ensure that they have the same opportunities that other Indigenous communities in the surrounding area have and want in forestry and mining and in their interests of protecting their land.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary question.

Mr. Peter Tabuns: Again to the Premier: Grassy Narrows has been clear that they need to protect their land so they can heal their people from the mercury poisoning legacy. Instead, this government continues to give out mining claims to gold prospectors in Grassy Narrows’ backyard, causing more fear and anxiety in a First Nation that has already suffered too much.

Grassy Narrows deserves safety and deserves a clear answer. Will the government finally withdraw Grassy Narrows territory from mining and logging? Yes or no?

Hon. Greg Rickford: Mr. Speaker, what this government will continue to do is strike an important balance, not just for Grassy Narrows, but for the Indigenous communities that surround the city of Kenora, with respect to economic opportunities in the mining sector and the forest sector.

Grassy Narrows is in dire need of community-level infrastructure. We work very closely with them, and I’ve asked the chief—we’ve sat down together to ensure those shared priorities come about. In that community, there is a critical need for places and spaces for young people to go, and this is the kind of thing that we’re working on.

The Indigenous communities that share Treaty 3 land with Grassy Narrows are excited about opportunities both in mining, forestry, and local infrastructure—so that prosperity is a shared value and a shared opportunity, once and for all, in the Kenora district.

Education

Ms. Donna Skelly: My question is for the Minister of Education.

Recently released EQAO results confirm what parents already know: Children excel when they are in class and are able to participate in school life. Keeping our children in the classroom, as our government has done, is critical. We know that the disruptions of the past few years resulted in learning loss, particularly among our youngest students.

Through you, Speaker, to the Minister of Education: How is our government helping our youngest students recover from disruption to in-class learning?

Hon. Stephen Lecce: I want to thank the member for Flamborough–Glanbrook for this question.

I think the first principle of ensuring children catch up is that kids remain in class.

I’m so pleased that 73% of CUPE members endorsed our deal that will provide stability for families, for children, and for education workers in the province of Ontario.

Part of our plan to catch up is very much based on the principle that literacy and numeracy are foundational skills to ensure we increase graduation rates and create better links to better-paying jobs. That is our mission as a government—ensuring young people remain aspirational and bold, and that they’re able to achieve their full potential. That’s why we launched the largest tutoring program in Canada.

In addition to that, we also recognize that reading is an important skill set. We saw that the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Right to Read report suggests the former Liberal government’s curriculum was outdated and didn’t follow the evidence, the science of reading. We reformed our language curriculum, and we’re ensuring that every child in kindergarten through to grade 2 gets a screening assessment, so that we improve their reading and we give them the support they need to succeed in our economy.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The supplementary question. The member for Burlington.

Ms. Natalie Pierre: Studies from leading health experts reveal that mental health issues can start early in our young learners, particularly from the age of 15 onward. According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, these students are more likely to experience mental health illness and substance-use disorders than any other group.

We know that mental health education can empower students with the knowledge, skills and tools they need to assist in navigating their own mental health, often saving lives.

Speaker, through you to the Minister of Education: How will our government commit to supporting mental health education in schools?

Hon. Stephen Lecce: First off, I want to recognize the courage of the member from Burlington and her leadership in this Legislature, ensuring students are better off.

Since 2017-18, from the former Liberal government—we increased funding in mental health in a significant way. They were spending about $16 million to $18 million per year; we’re now spending $90 million, a 400% increase in expenditure to improve outcomes for children. This year, there is $10 million more.

We increased mandated learning for the first time in Canada in mental health, from kindergarten all the way to grade 8. We were the first jurisdiction in the country to do that.

We also recognize that there’s a role for public health nurses—a critical role within our schools. It’s why we nearly doubled them, providing mental health support.

I want to assure the member from Burlington that we will move forward with her motion to strengthen mental health promotion, save lives, and improve the lives of all children in this province.

Student safety

Ms. Doly Begum: Speaker, over the past few months, we have had numerous tragic and terrifying incidents in high schools, including a number of incidents in schools across Scarborough.

Students are experiencing immense difficulty, especially after the two and half years of virtual learning. With the lack of extracurricular activities, students, families and teachers are all worried. They’re scared. They’re worried about these students’ mental health; I know the minister just spoke about it. These students are dealing with trauma and anxiety.

We’ve even had stabbings and shootings in our schools, resulting in multiple deaths in Scarborough.

These students don’t want to hear about the Roadmap to Wellness or the numbers—those are great, but we need real action in these schools. They want to know what resources are in place for our youth in schools and in our communities to ensure their safety and well-being.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The Minister of Education.

Hon. Stephen Lecce: I want to thank the member opposite for the question.

I think we all, in this Legislature, are deeply concerned about the violence taking place near or at schools in this province and, frankly, across the country. We share the resolve to confront the violence with investment, with staffing and support for our schools, for our children and for our staff.

In addition to increasing funding—a roughly 420% increase in supports—we also have targeted community-based organizations.

The Pinball Clemons Foundation, for example, is being supported to help racialized children with sport and after-school programs.

We’ve also ensured the Canadian Tamil Academy supports intergenerational trauma with mental health supports—and the Muslim Association of Canada, with new targeted supports for students and for staff dealing with mental health and bullying.

We’ve doubled the Black graduation program, an amazing program that helps ensure higher success rates for racialized children.

We have funded the Child Development Institute to support children with behavioural issues—and we’ve massively increased Kids Help Phone.

The member from Burlington has introduced a motion to call on the government to do more; I assure the member that we will, in the interest of saving lives, protecting children, and preventing violence in our schools.

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Children’s mental health services

Ms. Peggy Sattler: Again to the Premier: My office is working with three families facing similar struggles. Each of them has a child who is self-harming and has made multiple suicide attempts and is violent at home. These families have been told that their children’s needs are too complex for community program options, but they can’t get in-patient care. One family has been waiting months to hear about a placement in Hamilton or Niagara. The second family is waiting to go on a wait-list, if a residential treatment option can be found. The third child was placed in a group home and is now using and living on the street.

Will this government commit to providing appropriate treatment options in London for children with some of the highest mental health needs?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.

Hon. Michael A. Tibollo: Thank you for that question.

In fact, to complement the investments that are being made in education that are looking to assist children while they’re in school, our government has also invested in community-based supports and services, with a 5% increase across the board for children and youth services. We’ve looked specifically at adding additional youth wellness hubs to provide those supports to individuals, and these supports are reducing the amount of times that people need to go to emergency rooms, which means that the ones who need the more acute care will have access to that.

And we’ve invested—one of the leading causes of issues for young people—and I don’t know those specific cases—is eating disorders. Those eating disorders lead to other complications, whether it be an addiction—so we’ve created the capacity, and we are continuing to create capacity to ensure that the gaps are filled and that young people have the treatment options available to them where and when they reside.

Public transit

Mr. Aris Babikian: With winter upon us, more people will depend on our public transit systems for safe and reliable travel.

Public transit is a vital service for individuals and families in many regions of our province. While we know that our government has made significant transit investments, many of my constituents are looking for assurance that our government will continue to support our transit system during this period of economic uncertainty.

Can the Associate Minister of Transportation please explain what our government is doing to support our transit agencies as we ensure their continued operation?

Hon. Stan Cho: That member works really hard for the people of Scarborough, and I thank him for that question.

I’m very happy to inform that member that yesterday we announced that we are allocating up to $505 million so that municipalities can keep local transit systems alive and deliver safe, reliable transit services to the hard-working riders across this province, including those in Scarborough. We heard from our municipal partners, and we are stepping up to the plate once again with historic funding delivered through phase 4 of the Safe Restart Agreement. For instance, nearly $348 million is now being given to the city of Toronto to support the TTC. This is on top of the $1.2 billion we’ve already committed to the city and the TTC through prior Safe Restart funding.

Speaker, improving the transit network isn’t just about laying down track or providing discounts and more options to pay. It requires supporting transit agencies so that hard-working people can get from point A to point B and do it seamlessly.

This is just the beginning. With this funding, we’re making sure that we protect transit. We’re getting it done for commuters in this province.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The supplementary question.

Mr. Aris Babikian: Thank you to the associate minister for his response. It is reassuring for many of my constituents and all Ontarians that our transit network continues to provide reliable and accessible service for those who need it most.

Our government’s recent funding and historic multi-billion dollar transit expansion plan will continue to assist transit riders across our province.

Our transit system must continue to be responsive to our communities’ needs, now and in the future.

Can the Associate Minister of Transportation please explain what ongoing support our government is providing to our transit agencies?

Hon. Stan Cho: The member is right; it’s about supporting communities, and that means more than just creating a spiderweb of transit. It also means continuing to support transit agencies throughout the province. Phase 4 of this funding, on top of the $2 billion that our government has already allocated since 2020 under the federal-provincial Safe Restart Agreement, provides such support. It’s historic funding, frankly, and it kept municipal transit agencies running through the very difficult time that was the pandemic.

These most recent investments will make sure we boost ridership in Scarborough, as well as around the province, to ensure that riders get reliably and safely to wherever it is they need to go.

It’s unfortunate that the NDP and the Liberals voted against our previous Safe Restart funding, and given their track record, they’d probably say no to the recent $505 million.

However, unlike the opposition, we will continue to say yes to building world-class transit, yes to connecting the grid, yes to supporting transit agencies. Speaker, this is the only government that’s going to get it done for commuters in Ontario.

Homelessness

Mr. Chris Glover: To the Premier: Eight thousand Ontarians with mental illness or disabilities are experiencing homelessness. And 216 people experiencing homelessness died on the streets of Toronto last year.

Two nights ago, I was speaking with a young man in front of a shelter. He had been beaten up. He had a broken rib and a broken cheekbone. He had been discharged from the hospital, and he was sleeping on the street in front of a shelter that had just been closed. I phoned shelter services to see if they had a bed, but there was nothing available. All the shelters in Toronto were full.

The Minister of Children, Community and Social Services has been boasting about a 5% increase to ODSP rates, which is actually an inflationary cut.

To the Premier: Are you not ashamed that your government’s destitution-level ODSP rates are leading to homelessness and death for Ontarians with mental illness and disabilities?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.

Hon. Michael A. Tibollo: Thank you for that question. I think that question underscores something that’s significant—that we need to address the social determinants of health if, in fact, we’re going to make a difference and build a system and a continuum of care that’s actually going to make a difference in the lives of everyone who is impacted by mental health or addictions. And that’s something that our government has been doing. We’re taking a whole-of-government approach when it comes to the investments that are being made.

For instance, with the Solicitor General, we’re building mobile crisis intervention teams that are geared to providing supports and services to take individuals to crisis centres instead of taking them to hospitals, to emergency rooms.

With the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, we’re working—he’s doing incredible work, and he’s trying, through the new legislation, to build even more homes for individuals. He has invested $500 million annually for the Homelessness Prevention Program.

I have a quote from the CEO of Habitat for Humanity. He said, “This government’s proposal to exempt affordable housing from development charges will provide certainty to all affordable housing providers and enable us to build more homes.”

Mr. Speaker, we are going to make a difference and build a continuum of care and ensure that people are getting the supports they need where and when they need them.

Mental health and addiction services

Ms. Jennifer K. French: My question is to the Premier.

Times are tough, and coping is hard for anyone. People also struggling with mental health issues are really up against it, with nowhere to turn and dangerous waiting lists.

The Auditor General basically said we were doing a terrible job with youth mental health back in 2018, and now, heading into 2023, we’re terribly beyond capacity and things are really bad.

Ashley is a young woman in my community who has spent too much time asking and waiting for help. She has a question for the Premier. She asks, “At Lakeridge Health, why is the wait time to see a psychiatrist over two years long? Why does it take a trip to the emergency room in active crisis to maybe be seen sooner? It always has to escalate. But all too often, folks in crisis are sent home from the ER and told to wait years.”

So my question is Ashley’s question: Why is the wait time to see a psychiatrist over two years’ long for youth in my community?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.

Hon. Michael A. Tibollo: Thank you for that question, because it’s something—a lot of the questions that are being asked here today are the reason that I’m standing here. I’m in government because of the lack of effort from the previous government and the one before that in making the investments that needed to be made.

Mr. Speaker, this is the first government—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Stop the clock.

Hon. Michael A. Tibollo: This is the first government to—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Start the clock, yes. Sorry.

Hon. Michael A. Tibollo: —this country and maybe the entire—

Interjections.

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The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order.

Hon. Michael A. Tibollo: —the sector to ensure that the supports are there for the people who need the supports where and when they need them.

I won’t take lessons from the NDP, who cut—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Stop the clock.

There is a lot going on at the moment.

Start the clock.

The member for Niagara West, next question.

Infrastructure funding

Mr. Sam Oosterhoff: Niagara region is one of Ontario’s fastest-growing regions. Many new Canadians and new families are moving to our beautiful region, and we also have a rapidly aging population. Combined together, these two factors are obviously placing a great deal of pressure on our local health care facilities. Unfortunately, we saw the former Liberal government cancel not once but twice the new West Lincoln Memorial Hospital.

My question to the Minister of Infrastructure: Could she please provide an update to this House about what critical infrastructure investments are being made in health care in the Niagara region?

Hon. Kinga Surma: Building hospitals is a priority for the people of Ontario.

I want to thank the member from Niagara West for his hard work in helping to build key health care infrastructure in the Niagara region.

In our most recent market update, we are advancing on the construction of our hospitals—which includes the South Niagara Hospital project. Once completed, the South Niagara Hospital will be a full acute-care hospital with a state-of-the-art, 24/7 emergency department with diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical service. This is in addition to expanding the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Grimsby—which, by the way, was the very first hospital that our government announced when we were elected in 2018. I’m very excited that we’re making progress on these two projects.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary?

Mr. Sam Oosterhoff: My thanks to the minister for visiting Niagara West to see the shovels in the ground on this important project as it proceeds.

Addressing the infrastructure needs of our province today is an investment in our future prosperity and in the needs of so many new Canadians.

For too long, communities across this province were neglected by the previous Liberal government, and crucial infrastructure in so many communities fell by the wayside. Key infrastructure requests were delayed, ignored or passed over.

I know that our government is committed to building the infrastructure that is needed in each and every sector and every community of our province.

My question, through you, Speaker: Could the minister provide more information to this House about the investments that are being made in communities across Ontario?

Hon. Kinga Surma: We were elected on a very strong mandate to build key infrastructure across the province of Ontario. Communities like Brampton, Windsor and Durham were previously ignored by the Liberal government—not under our watch.

In Brampton, we’re building a new hospital, which will include a 24/7 emergency department.

In southwestern Ontario, we’re moving forward with the widening of Highway 3 from Essex to Leamington.

And in Durham region, the Grandview children’s treatment centre in Ajax is under construction.

There will be lots more to share in the year 2023.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): That concludes our question period for this morning.

Business of the House / Holiday messages

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I have a number of members who’ve asked to raise points of order. We’ll deal with them one at a time.

First of all, the government House leader.

Hon. Paul Calandra: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Just rising in accordance with standing order 59 just to remind members, of course, that we will be returning on Tuesday, February 21, and, as I always do, I very much look forward to contacting the opposition House leaders and working closely to let them know what business will be coming ahead.

On behalf of the government, I also just want to congratulate and thank Kevin Modeste for his exceptional work here on behalf of you, but on behalf of all of the House. It is a very, very difficult job, a very, very difficult task being in the House leader’s office—even more difficult, I would suggest, being in the opposition House leader’s office, and he has done an exceptionally good job of doing it. To his wife, Shawna, and his daughters, Reya and Riley, congratulations; your dad has done an extraordinarily good job and we congratulate him and wish him all the best in the future.

Also, I just want to, again, Speaker, thank you for what was a wonderful reception last evening. I know that many members had a great time. It was very, very nice to see everybody back after a couple of years’ hiatus.

To all of my colleagues on all sides of the House: Thank you for what was a very, very productive session—more great work on behalf of the people of the province of Ontario by all members on all sides of the House.

And of course, to the wonderful staff here, who have done extraordinary work in keeping this place going—we’ve said it before: not only the only Legislature that continued to sit during COVID in person, a testament to their hard work, but bringing us back strong and working very hard for us. We all thank you very much for your hard work.

Applause.

Hon. Paul Calandra: And finally, just to my great team: Thank you very much. And again, to all members: Merry Christmas, happy new year, happy holidays and be safe. We’ll see you back not so soon.

Emancipation Month reception / Holiday messages

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

Mr. Mike Schreiner: I would like to invite everybody to go to a celebration in room 230. Emancipation Month Canada will be there, celebrating the one-year anniversary of the first bill in Ontario history that was co-sponsored by members of all four parties with seats in the House. I want to give a special shout-out to MPPs Khanjin, Hunter and Lindo for being a part of that, and I hope you can all go in and wish Emancipation Month Canada well today.

I’d also like to take a moment, as well, on behalf of the entire Green caucus, to thank Kevin Modeste. When we came here in 2018, I had no idea how this Legislature worked, and in the spirit of cross-party co-operation, Kevin was an invaluable guide to me and my team in helping us navigate this place.

I also just want to take a moment to thank all the staff, as well. To the table, custodial services, security and everyone else: Thank you for the great work you do.

And a special shout-out to Jackie, who sat right in front of me for the last few years, for the great work you’ve done. I wish you well in your retirement.

Correction of record / Holiday messages

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Ottawa South.

Mr. John Fraser: On a point of order, Speaker, I’d like to correct my record, and I have a few words I’d like to say after that.

On December 6, in my late show—I’d like to correct my record for Hansard.

Hon. Todd Smith: This will be a long one.

Mr. John Fraser: Yes. Sometimes you make mistakes.

For Hansard, the sentence starts, “The review added 21 urban river valleys, and 17 removals were approved, totalling”—I meant to say, “138 acres.”

Then, I made another mistake. I said, “Remember, you guys are opening up”—and I meant to say, “11,000 acres.”

Then another mistake—this is unbelievable, how many mistakes I made in this: “In the 2017 plan, we expanded by 9,000 hectares,” which is actually, I meant to say, “more than 22,000 acres.”

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): And a second point of order?

Mr. John Fraser: I had a chance to say “merry Christmas” yesterday; you were all here, so I’m not going to be a hog and take up too much time. I do love you all. We’re all like one big family. You know that. But there are two special thank-yous, on top of my caucus, who I love most.

Kevin Modeste is a welcoming, smart person here in this Legislature—incredible knowledge, but the best thing about Kevin is he’s got the biggest heart. I’m so glad to have spent some time with Kevin. I didn’t want to have to do it by coming to the opposition lobby, but it was worth it, and I just want to thank him so much and really wish him well.

And yesterday, when I had the opportunity to hold the floor for a bit and talk about us being a family—there’s another part of our family, which is the people who work here: the table, the Sergeant-at-Arms, all the constables, everybody who works in this place. There are some of them who were here before any of us got here, and they’re going to be here after we’re not here anymore, because it goes past any of us. We owe them a great debt for the things that they do every day to keep us informed, to keep us safe, to keep us organized and to keep us in order. I’m very, very thankful for that, and Speaker, you’re their boss, and we’re very thankful for you. Merry Christmas.

Visitors

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Point of order: the Minister of Red Tape Reduction.

Hon. Parm Gill: I just want to take a moment and recognize a few friends who are here with us from India: Bakhvinder Singh, Gurmeet Kaur, Amrit Cheema and Arshdeep Virk. Welcome to the Legislature.

Holiday messages

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Timiskaming–Cochrane.

Mr. John Vanthof: On behalf of the official opposition, I’d also like to take a moment. I’ve spoken about Kevin already. The one thing that no one has said yet is Kevin has got the most amazing sense of humour. Sometimes there are some people in this place who want to make me cry, but he always makes me laugh.

And I would also like to recognize everyone who works here, who works for the people of Ontario. Everyone who works here does something that we couldn’t operate if they weren’t here. Lots of times, we’re here at night and someone comes to clean the office. The people in the cafeteria, once again—I couldn’t survive without the cafeteria. But it’s an incredible place.

So on behalf of the official opposition, I would like to wish everyone joyeux Noël, merry Christmas and, for my Dutch friends, prettige kerstdagen.

Visitor

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The President of the Treasury Board on a point of order.

Hon. Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria: I just wanted to give an introduction to Dr. David Jacobs, who is here today, and thank him for all the incredible work he does as a medical professional and for everyone across this province. Thank you for joining us.

Deferred Votes

Legislative Assembly Amendment Act, 2022 / Loi de 2022 modifiant la Loi sur l’Assemblée législative

Deferred vote on the motion for third reading of the following bill:

Bill 51, An Act to amend the Legislative Assembly Act / Projet de loi 51, Loi modifiant la Loi sur l’Assemblée législative.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Call in the members. This is a five-minute bell.

The division bells rang from 1202 to 1207.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’m going to ask the members to take their seats.

On December 7, 2022, Mr. Calandra moved third reading of Bill 51, An Act to amend the Legislative Assembly Act.

All those in favour of the motion will please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.

Ayes

• Anand, Deepak
• Babikian, Aris
• Bailey, Robert
• Barnes, Patrice
• Bethlenfalvy, Peter
• Bouma, Will
• Bresee, Ric
• Byers, Rick
• Calandra, Paul
• Cho, Raymond Sung Joon
• Cho, Stan
• Clark, Steve
• Coe, Lorne
• Crawford, Stephen
• Cuzzetto, Rudy
• Dixon, Jess
• Dowie, Andrew
• Downey, Doug
• Dunlop, Jill
• Fedeli, Victor
• Flack, Rob
• Ford, Doug
• Fullerton, Merrilee
• Gallagher Murphy, Dawn
• Ghamari, Goldie
• Gill, Parm

• Grewal, Hardeep Singh
• Hardeman, Ernie
• Harris, Mike
• Hogarth, Christine
• Holland, Kevin
• Jones, Sylvia
• Jones, Trevor
• Jordan, John
• Ke, Vincent
• Kerzner, Michael S.
• Khanjin, Andrea
• Kusendova-Bashta, Natalia
• Leardi, Anthony
• Lecce, Stephen
• Lumsden, Neil
• Martin, Robin
• McCarthy, Todd J.
• McGregor, Graham
• McNaughton, Monte
• Mulroney, Caroline
• Oosterhoff, Sam
• Pang, Billy
• Parsa, Michael
• Piccini, David
• Pierre, Natalie
• Pirie, George

• Quinn, Nolan
• Rae, Matthew
• Rasheed, Kaleed
• Rickford, Greg
• Riddell, Brian
• Sabawy, Sheref
• Sandhu, Amarjot
• Sarkaria, Prabmeet Singh
• Sarrazin, Stéphane
• Saunderson, Brian
• Scott, Laurie
• Skelly, Donna
• Smith, Dave
• Smith, David
• Smith, Graydon
• Smith, Laura
• Smith, Todd
• Surma, Kinga
• Tangri, Nina
• Tibollo, Michael A.
• Triantafilopoulos, Effie J.
• Wai, Daisy
• Williams, Charmaine A.
• Yakabuski, John

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): All those opposed to the motion will please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.

Nays

• Andrew, Jill
• Armstrong, Teresa J.
• Begum, Doly
• Bell, Jessica
• Bourgouin, Guy
• Bowman, Stephanie
• Brady, Bobbi Ann
• Burch, Jeff
• Collard, Lucille
• Fife, Catherine
• Fraser, John

• French, Jennifer K.
• Gates, Wayne
• Gélinas, France
• Glover, Chris
• Hsu, Ted
• Hunter, Mitzie
• Karpoche, Bhutila
• Kernaghan, Terence
• Mantha, Michael
• McMahon, Mary-Margaret
• Pasma, Chandra

• Rakocevic, Tom
• Sattler, Peggy
• Schreiner, Mike
• Stevens, Jennifer (Jennie)
• Stiles, Marit
• Tabuns, Peter
• Taylor, Monique
• Vanthof, John
• Wong-Tam, Kristyn

The Deputy Clerk (Mr. Trevor Day): The ayes are 76; the nays are 31.

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

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

Third reading agreed to.

Better Municipal Governance Act, 2022 / Loi de 2022 visant à améliorer la gouvernance municipale

Deferred vote on the motion that the question now be put on the motion for third reading of the following bill:

Bill 39, An Act to amend the City of Toronto Act, 2006 and the Municipal Act, 2001 and to enact the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve Repeal Act, 2022 / Projet de loi 39, Loi visant à modifier la Loi de 2006 sur la cité de Toronto et la Loi de 2001 sur les municipalités et à édicter la Loi de 2022 abrogeant la Loi sur la Réserve agricole de Duffins-Rouge.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Call in the members. This will be another five-minute bell.

The division bells rang from 1212 to 1213.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): On December 6, 2022, Mr. Clark moved third reading of Bill 39, An Act to amend the City of Toronto Act, 2006 and the Municipal Act, 2001 and to enact the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve Repeal Act, 2022.

On December 7, 2022, Ms. Khanjin moved that the question be now put.

All those in favour of Ms. Khanjin’s motion, please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.

Ayes

• Anand, Deepak
• Babikian, Aris
• Bailey, Robert
• Barnes, Patrice
• Bethlenfalvy, Peter
• Bouma, Will
• Brady, Bobbi Ann
• Bresee, Ric
• Byers, Rick
• Calandra, Paul
• Cho, Raymond Sung Joon
• Cho, Stan
• Clark, Steve
• Coe, Lorne
• Crawford, Stephen
• Cuzzetto, Rudy
• Dixon, Jess
• Dowie, Andrew
• Downey, Doug
• Dunlop, Jill
• Fedeli, Victor
• Flack, Rob
• Ford, Doug
• Fullerton, Merrilee
• Gallagher Murphy, Dawn
• Ghamari, Goldie

• Gill, Parm
• Grewal, Hardeep Singh
• Hardeman, Ernie
• Harris, Mike
• Hogarth, Christine
• Holland, Kevin
• Jones, Sylvia
• Jones, Trevor
• Jordan, John
• Ke, Vincent
• Kerzner, Michael S.
• Khanjin, Andrea
• Kusendova-Bashta, Natalia
• Leardi, Anthony
• Lecce, Stephen
• Lumsden, Neil
• Martin, Robin
• McCarthy, Todd J.
• McGregor, Graham
• McNaughton, Monte
• Mulroney, Caroline
• Oosterhoff, Sam
• Pang, Billy
• Parsa, Michael
• Piccini, David
• Pierre, Natalie

• Pirie, George
• Quinn, Nolan
• Rae, Matthew
• Rasheed, Kaleed
• Rickford, Greg
• Riddell, Brian
• Sabawy, Sheref
• Sandhu, Amarjot
• Sarkaria, Prabmeet Singh
• Sarrazin, Stéphane
• Saunderson, Brian
• Scott, Laurie
• Skelly, Donna
• Smith, Dave
• Smith, David
• Smith, Graydon
• Smith, Laura
• Smith, Todd
• Surma, Kinga
• Tangri, Nina
• Tibollo, Michael A.
• Triantafilopoulos, Effie J.
• Wai, Daisy
• Williams, Charmaine A.
• Yakabuski, John

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): All those opposed to Ms. Khanjin’s motion will please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.

Nays

• Andrew, Jill
• Armstrong, Teresa J.
• Begum, Doly
• Bell, Jessica
• Bourgouin, Guy
• Bowman, Stephanie
• Burch, Jeff
• Collard, Lucille
• Fife, Catherine
• Fraser, John

• French, Jennifer K.
• Gates, Wayne
• Gélinas, France
• Glover, Chris
• Hsu, Ted
• Hunter, Mitzie
• Karpoche, Bhutila
• Kernaghan, Terence
• Mantha, Michael
• McMahon, Mary-Margaret

• Pasma, Chandra
• Rakocevic, Tom
• Sattler, Peggy
• Schreiner, Mike
• Stevens, Jennifer (Jennie)
• Stiles, Marit
• Tabuns, Peter
• Taylor, Monique
• Vanthof, John
• Wong-Tam, Kristyn

The Deputy Clerk (Mr. Trevor Day): The ayes are 77; the nays are 30.

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

Mr. Clark has moved third reading of Bill 39, An Act to amend the City of Toronto Act, 2006 and the Municipal Act, 2001 and to enact the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve Repeal Act, 2022. 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.

Interjections: Same vote.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Same vote? I heard some noes.

Call in the members. This will be a five-minute bell.

The division bells rang from 1216 to 1217.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): On December 6, 2022, Mr. Clark moved third reading of Bill 39, An Act to amend the City of Toronto Act, 2006 and the Municipal Act, 2001 and to enact the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve Repeal Act, 2022.

All those in favour of the motion will please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.

Ayes

• Anand, Deepak
• Babikian, Aris
• Bailey, Robert
• Barnes, Patrice
• Bethlenfalvy, Peter
• Bouma, Will
• Bresee, Ric
• Byers, Rick
• Calandra, Paul
• Cho, Raymond Sung Joon
• Cho, Stan
• Clark, Steve
• Coe, Lorne
• Crawford, Stephen
• Cuzzetto, Rudy
• Dixon, Jess
• Dowie, Andrew
• Downey, Doug
• Dunlop, Jill
• Fedeli, Victor
• Flack, Rob
• Ford, Doug
• Fullerton, Merrilee
• Gallagher Murphy, Dawn
• Ghamari, Goldie
• Gill, Parm

• Grewal, Hardeep Singh
• Hardeman, Ernie
• Harris, Mike
• Hogarth, Christine
• Holland, Kevin
• Jones, Sylvia
• Jones, Trevor
• Jordan, John
• Ke, Vincent
• Kerzner, Michael S.
• Khanjin, Andrea
• Kusendova-Bashta, Natalia
• Leardi, Anthony
• Lecce, Stephen
• Lumsden, Neil
• Martin, Robin
• McCarthy, Todd J.
• McGregor, Graham
• McNaughton, Monte
• Mulroney, Caroline
• Oosterhoff, Sam
• Pang, Billy
• Parsa, Michael
• Piccini, David
• Pierre, Natalie
• Pirie, George

• Quinn, Nolan
• Rae, Matthew
• Rasheed, Kaleed
• Rickford, Greg
• Riddell, Brian
• Sabawy, Sheref
• Sandhu, Amarjot
• Sarkaria, Prabmeet Singh
• Sarrazin, Stéphane
• Saunderson, Brian
• Scott, Laurie
• Skelly, Donna
• Smith, Dave
• Smith, David
• Smith, Graydon
• Smith, Laura
• Smith, Todd
• Surma, Kinga
• Tangri, Nina
• Tibollo, Michael A.
• Triantafilopoulos, Effie J.
• Wai, Daisy
• Williams, Charmaine A.
• Yakabuski, John

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): All those opposed to the motion will please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.

Nays

• Andrew, Jill
• Armstrong, Teresa J.
• Begum, Doly
• Bell, Jessica
• Bourgouin, Guy
• Bowman, Stephanie
• Brady, Bobbi Ann
• Burch, Jeff
• Collard, Lucille
• Fife, Catherine
• Fraser, John

• French, Jennifer K.
• Gates, Wayne
• Gélinas, France
• Glover, Chris
• Hsu, Ted
• Hunter, Mitzie
• Karpoche, Bhutila
• Kernaghan, Terence
• Mantha, Michael
• McMahon, Mary-Margaret
• Pasma, Chandra

• Rakocevic, Tom
• Sattler, Peggy
• Schreiner, Mike
• Stevens, Jennifer (Jennie)
• Stiles, Marit
• Tabuns, Peter
• Taylor, Monique
• Vanthof, John
• Wong-Tam, Kristyn

The Deputy Clerk (Mr. Trevor Day): The ayes are 76; the nays are 31.

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

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

Third reading agreed to.

Making Northern Ontario Highways Safer Act, 2022 / Loi de 2022 visant à accroître la sécurité des voies publiques dans le nord de l’Ontario

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Next, we have a deferred vote on the motion for second reading of Bill 43, An Act to amend the Public Transportation and Highway Improvement Act to make northern Ontario highways safer.

Call in the members. This is another five-minute bell.

The division bells rang from 1221 to 1222.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): On December 7, 2022, Mr. Bourguoin moved second reading of Bill 43, An Act to amend the Public Transportation and Highway Improvement Act to make northern Ontario highways safer.

All those in favour, please rise and remain standing until recognized by the Clerk.

Ayes

• Andrew, Jill
• Armstrong, Teresa J.
• Begum, Doly
• Bell, Jessica
• Bourgouin, Guy
• Bowman, Stephanie
• Burch, Jeff
• Collard, Lucille
• Fife, Catherine
• Fraser, John

• French, Jennifer K.
• Gates, Wayne
• Gélinas, France
• Glover, Chris
• Hsu, Ted
• Hunter, Mitzie
• Karpoche, Bhutila
• Kernaghan, Terence
• Mantha, Michael
• McMahon, Mary-Margaret

• Pasma, Chandra
• Rakocevic, Tom
• Sattler, Peggy
• Schreiner, Mike
• Stevens, Jennifer (Jennie)
• Stiles, Marit
• Tabuns, Peter
• Taylor, Monique
• Vanthof, John
• Wong-Tam, Kristyn

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): All those opposed to the motion will please rise and remain standing until recognized by the Clerk.

Nays

• Anand, Deepak
• Babikian, Aris
• Bailey, Robert
• Barnes, Patrice
• Bethlenfalvy, Peter
• Bouma, Will
• Bresee, Ric
• Byers, Rick
• Calandra, Paul
• Cho, Raymond Sung Joon
• Cho, Stan
• Clark, Steve
• Coe, Lorne
• Crawford, Stephen
• Cuzzetto, Rudy
• Dixon, Jess
• Dowie, Andrew
• Downey, Doug
• Dunlop, Jill
• Fedeli, Victor
• Flack, Rob
• Ford, Doug
• Fullerton, Merrilee
• Gallagher Murphy, Dawn
• Ghamari, Goldie
• Gill, Parm

• Grewal, Hardeep Singh
• Hardeman, Ernie
• Harris, Mike
• Hogarth, Christine
• Holland, Kevin
• Jones, Sylvia
• Jones, Trevor
• Jordan, John
• Ke, Vincent
• Kerzner, Michael S.
• Khanjin, Andrea
• Kusendova-Bashta, Natalia
• Leardi, Anthony
• Lecce, Stephen
• Lumsden, Neil
• Martin, Robin
• McCarthy, Todd J.
• McGregor, Graham
• McNaughton, Monte
• Mulroney, Caroline
• Oosterhoff, Sam
• Pang, Billy
• Parsa, Michael
• Piccini, David
• Pierre, Natalie
• Pirie, George

• Quinn, Nolan
• Rae, Matthew
• Rasheed, Kaleed
• Rickford, Greg
• Riddell, Brian
• Sabawy, Sheref
• Sandhu, Amarjot
• Sarkaria, Prabmeet Singh
• Sarrazin, Stéphane
• Saunderson, Brian
• Scott, Laurie
• Skelly, Donna
• Smith, Dave
• Smith, David
• Smith, Graydon
• Smith, Laura
• Smith, Todd
• Surma, Kinga
• Tangri, Nina
• Tibollo, Michael A.
• Triantafilopoulos, Effie J.
• Wai, Daisy
• Williams, Charmaine A.
• Yakabuski, John

The Deputy Clerk (Mr. Trevor Day): The ayes are 30; the nays are 76.

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

Second reading negatived.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I recognize the government House leader.

Hon. Paul Calandra: On behalf of His Majesty King Charles III, Her Honour awaits.

Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario entered the chamber of the Legislative Assembly and took her seat upon the throne.

Royal assent / Sanction royale

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): May it please your Honour, the Legislative Assembly of the province has, at its present meetings thereof, passed certain bills to which, in the name of and on behalf of the said Legislative Assembly, I respectfully request Your Honour’s assent.

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The Clerk-at-the-Table (Ms. Valerie Quioc Lim): The following are the titles of the bills to which Your Honour’s assent is prayed:

An Act to amend various Acts in respect of post-secondary education / Loi modifiant diverses lois en ce qui concerne l’éducation postsecondaire.

An Act to implement Budget measures and to enact and amend various statutes / Loi visant à mettre en oeuvre les mesures budgétaires et à édicter et à modifier diverses lois.

An Act to amend the City of Toronto Act, 2006 and the Municipal Act, 2001 and to enact the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve Repeal Act, 2022 / Loi visant à modifier la Loi de 2006 sur la cité de Toronto et la Loi de 2001 sur les municipalités et à édicter la Loi de 2022 abrogeant la Loi sur la Réserve agricole de Duffins-Rouge.

An Act to amend the Legislative Assembly Act / Loi modifiant la Loi sur l’Assemblée législative.

An Act to revive 405456 Ontario Limited.

An Act to revive 1204755 Ontario Limited.

An Act to revive Quadcard Entertainment Ltd.

An Act to revive H.B. Arndt & Associates Ltd.

An Act to revive Nextblock Inc.

An Act to revive Welberne Holding Corp.

The Deputy Clerk (Mr. Trevor Day): In His Majesty’s name, Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor assents to these bills.

Au nom de Sa Majesté, Son Honneur la lieutenante-gouverneure sanctionne ces projets de loi.

Hon. Elizabeth Dowdeswell (Lieutenant Governor): Mr. Speaker, if I may: Every year at this time, I am privileged to wish you well in the holiday season and to thank you for the work that each and every one of you has done during the course of the past year, and this year is no different. But it has been a tough year. It has been a year of pain and suffering for many, members of the House included. It has been a time when we’ve come to recognize that we are also facing at least three global crises—ones that are happening simultaneously. We have a global pandemic that is not yet over, by far. We have an existential climate change crisis that is no longer academic; it is reality, and we face it here in Canada. And we have this unthinkable war; this change, this shift in our geopolitics.

But one of the things that we have also seen are lessons that have been learned during Ontario’s experience during COVID, and that is what gives me hope and optimism. There are lessons about collaboration. There are lessons about how important it is to have the contribution of science and evidence for decision-making. We’ve learned about our interdependencies, globally and among sectors—social and economic sectors—here in this province. And we’ve learned about the inequities that we all face.

Every time I get invited into this chamber, I walk in with a sense of awe, but I also—and maybe it’s particularly this year—feel a heavy weight: the weight of obligation, the weight of opportunity to protect and nurture something that we all hold so precious, and that’s our democracy. We see a fragility in democracies around the world, and Canada is no different. And yet, we are looked to around the world for the strength of our democracy.

“Democracy” is an interesting word. It’s so much more than a vote; it really is about how we choose to live our lives together in community. Everyone has a role to play in democracy, whether it be the media, the judiciary, civil society and all orders of government.

But there’s something so very special about this place. This is a place where the visions and the voices of Ontarians must be heard. This is a place where thoughtful deliberation of issues that matter is held. This is a place where respectful dialogue is the norm. And this is what Ontarians expect.

As you head home to the embrace and warmth of your family and friends, particularly at this time of year, I hope that you will be able to spare some moments for reflection about the very special privilege that each of us has to protect the democracy that we hold dear. I hope you come back with renewed energy to do that.

Meanwhile, I wish you joy, peace and much good health. Thank you. Merci. Meegwetch.

Her Honour was then pleased to retire.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Government House leader?

Hon. Paul Calandra: Mr. Speaker, I think if you seek it you will find unanimous consent to see the clock at 1.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Is there unanimous consent in the House to see the clock at 1? Agreed.

Reports by Committees

Standing Committee on Government Agencies

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I beg to inform the House that today the Clerk received the report on intended appointments dated December 8, 2022, by the Standing Committee on Government Agencies. Pursuant to standing order 110(f)(9), the report is deemed to be adopted by the House.

Report deemed adopted.

Introduction of Bills

Protecting Renters from Illegal Evictions Act, 2022 / Loi de 2022 visant à protéger les locataires contre les expulsions illégales

Ms. Bell moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 58, An Act to amend the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 and other Acts with respect to certain categories of evictions and the provision of legal representation with respect to such evictions / Projet de loi 58, Loi modifiant la Loi de 2006 sur la location à usage d’habitation et d’autres lois en ce qui concerne certaines catégories d’expulsions et la représentation juridique en cas d’expulsions de ce genre.

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 member for University–Rosedale care to briefly explain her bill?

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Ms. Jessica Bell: I’m co-sponsoring this bill with MPP Stevens. The purpose of this bill is to provide tenants, the 1.4 million households in Ontario that rent, better protections against illegal eviction, because everyone in our province deserves to live in a safe and affordable home.

Making Sexual Assault Evidence Kits Available Act, 2022 / Loi de 2022 sur la mise à disposition de trousses médico-légales en cas d’agression sexuelle

Ms. Scott moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 59, An Act to require the Minister of Health to direct public hospitals to have a specified number of sexual assault evidence kits available / Projet de loi 59, Loi exigeant du ministre de la Santé qu’il ordonne aux hôpitaux publics de disposer d’un nombre précis de trousses médico-légales en cas d’agression sexuelle.

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 member for Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock care to briefly explain her bill?

Ms. Laurie Scott: This bill enacts the Making Sexual Assault Evidence Kits Available Act, 2022, which requires the Minister of Health to direct every public hospital to have at least 10 sexual assault evidence kits available in the hospital at all times.

Artgem Granite and Marble Inc. Act, 2022

Mr. Pang moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr12, An Act to revive Artgem Granite and Marble Inc.

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

First reading agreed to.

Motions

House sittings

Hon. Michael Parsa: I move that, at the conclusion of the afternoon orders of the day, the House stand adjourned until 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, February 21, 2023.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The Associate Minister of Housing has moved that, at the conclusion of the afternoon orders of the day, the House stand adjourned until 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, February 21, 2023.

Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? The motion is carried.

Motion agreed to.

Petitions

Land use planning

Ms. Peggy Sattler: I’d like to thank all the residents of London West who signed petitions to protect the greenbelt.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas Bill 23 is the Ford government’s latest attempt to remove protected land from the greenbelt, allowing developers to bulldoze and pave over 7,000 acres of farmland in the greenbelt;

“Whereas Ontario is already losing 319.6 acres of farmland and green space daily to development;

“Whereas the government’s” own “Housing Affordability Task Force found there are plenty of places to build homes without destroying the greenbelt;

“Whereas Ford’s repeated moves to tear up farmland and bulldoze wetlands have never been about housing, but are about making the rich richer;

“Whereas green spaces and farmland are what we rely on to grow our food, support natural habitats and prevent flooding;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to immediately amend Bill 23, stop all plans to further remove protected land from the greenbelt and protect existing farmland in the province by passing the NDP’s Protecting Agricultural Land Act.”

I strongly agree with this petition. I affix my signature and will send it to the table with page Ema.

Social assistance

Miss Monique Taylor: I have a petition to raise social assistance rates and would like to thank once again Dr. Sally Palmer, who has literally sent in thousands of names supporting this petition.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas Ontario’s social assistance rates are well below Canada’s official Market Basket Measure poverty line and woefully inadequate to cover the basic costs of food and rent;

“Whereas individuals on the Ontario Works program receive just $733 per month and individuals on the Ontario Disability Support Program receive just $1,169 per month, only 41% and 65% of the poverty line;

“Whereas the Ontario government has not increased social assistance rates since 2018, and Canada’s inflation rate in January 2022 was 5.1%, the highest rate in 30 years;

“Whereas the government of Canada recognized through the CERB program that a ‘basic income’ of $2,000 per month was the standard support required by individuals who lost their employment during the pandemic;

“We, the undersigned citizens of Ontario, petition the Legislative Assembly to increase social assistance rates to a base of $2,000 per month for those on Ontario Works, and to increase other programs accordingly.”

I wholeheartedly support this petition. I will affix my name to it, and hope for Christmas the government will please do the right thing and double the rates.

Land use planning

Mrs. Jennifer (Jennie) Stevens: It’s a great honour to rise and be able to present this petition on behalf of Melanie Duckett-Wilson from Newmarket Ontario. The petition reads, “To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Ontario government announced a 30-day consultation in November on removing approximately 2,995 hectares across 10 municipalities from the greenbelt, which was created in 2005 to permanently protect agricultural and environmentally sensitive lands; and

“Whereas this government also announced another 14,000 hectares of urbanized land to develop, and the regions of Peel, York, Halton and Hamilton recently had their boundaries expanded under provincial approval; and

“Whereas the greenbelt contributes $9.6 billion in GDP and supports 177,700 full-time jobs (Greenbelt Foundation, 2021); and

“Whereas this government intends to spend over $12 billion on the proposed 413 and Bradford Bypass cutting through more greenbelt knowing there are dozens of endangered species at risk;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario that the proposed ... hectares be returned to the greenbelt and the 2005 legislation be augmented to ensure no such future land rezoning takes place in the greenbelt.”

I would be pleased to affix my name to this and send it with page Alex to the table.

Health care

Ms. Bhutila Karpoche: This petition is titled, “Health Care: Not For Sale.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas Ontarians should get health care based on need—not the size of your wallet;

“Whereas Premier Doug Ford and Health Minister Sylvia Jones say they’re planning to privatize parts of health care;

“Whereas privatization will bleed nurses, doctors and PSWs out of our public hospitals, making the health care crisis worse;

“Whereas privatization always ends with patients getting a bill;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to immediately stop all plans to further privatize Ontario’s health care system, and fix the crisis in health care by:

“—repealing Bill 124 and recruiting, retaining and respecting doctors, nurses and PSWs with better pay and better working conditions;

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“—licensing tens of thousands of internationally educated nurses and other health care professionals already in Ontario, who wait years and pay thousands to have their credentials certified;

“—10 employer-paid sick days;

“—making education and training free or low-cost for nurses, doctors and other health care professionals;

“—incentivizing doctors and nurses to choose to live and work in northern Ontario;

“—funding hospitals to have enough nurses on every shift, on every ward.”

I support this petition and will affix my signature to it.

Optometry services

Ms. Bobbi Ann Brady: Recently, I had a group of optometrists drop off this “Petition to Save Eye Care in Ontario.” 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 pays on average $44.65 for an OHIP-insured visit—the lowest rate in Canada; and

“Whereas optometrists are being forced to pay substantially out of their own pocket to provide over four million services each year to Ontarians 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 have affixed my signature to the petition and will send it with page Serena to the table.

Child care

Ms. Bhutila Karpoche: This petition is entitled “Stand Up for Early Years and Child Care Workers.” It reads, “To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas child care centres across the province are closing rooms and limiting enrolment because they cannot retain staff in their programs; and

“Whereas child care experts and advocates estimate Ontario may need as many as 65,000 new child care workers to meet the expected demand for $10-a-day child care; and

“Whereas without a strategy to recruit and retain child care workers through setting a salary scale, increasing wages, and implementing decent work standards, parents will lose access to affordable child care; and

“Whereas early years and child care workers have long been overlooked in child care policy-making discussions; and

“Whereas the vitally important work of early years and child care workers has been historically undervalued, with low pay, poor working conditions, and high turnover;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to immediately establish an Early Years and Child Care Worker Advisory Commission to develop recommendations on how to support the early years and child care workforce and address staffing shortages, including through a salary scale, increased compensation and improved working conditions.”

I fully support this petition. I have tabled a bill for this and I call on the government to take action.

Season’s greetings

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Before I ask for orders of the day, I have a brief message for the House.

As we leave Queen’s Park to return to our ridings for the holidays, let the light of the season symbolize the hope and promise of good things to come. Amid the darkness of challenges that we have confronted in the past few years, we have found light in our support for one another, the dedication of our front-line workers in all sectors and the promise of the bright future that lies ahead for all of us.

Here at the Legislature, light also symbolizes the work that we do each day. In 2017, the Washington Post adopted the slogan “Democracy Dies in Darkness.” At the seat of Ontario’s Parliament, light reminds us of our commitment to the principles of democracy as we work together on behalf of all Ontarians.

Our work as elected members could not be possible without the dedication of our Legislative Assembly staff, from the cleaners to the Clerks, Hansard to human resources, broadcasters to buyers, protocol to protection services. Thank you all for the work that you do behind the scenes to allow us to do our work in Parliament.

I also want to express thanks to the presiding officer team, the Deputy Speaker and member for Flamborough–Glanbrook, the member for Parkdale–High Park, the member for Ajax and the member for Ottawa–Vanier, who worked to support me in my role as Speaker; and express my appreciation to the members of the Board of Internal Economy, the government House leader as well as the member for Timiskaming–Cochrane. I look forward to working with you in 2023.

To all members on both sides of the House, after a busy start to the 43rd Parliament, I hope you’re all able to rest and reconnect with family and friends as we close out the year.

Merry Christmas, Hanukkah sameach, happy holidays and best wishes in the new year. Thank you very much.

Applause.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Thanks again.

Orders of the day? I recognize the government House leader.

Hon. Paul Calandra: No further business.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): There being no further business, this House stands adjourned until 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, the 21st of February, 2023.

The House adjourned at 1255.