The House met at 0900.

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

Prières / Prayers.

Orders of the Day

Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023 / Loi de 2023 sur l’amélioration des écoles et du rendement des élèves

Resuming the debate adjourned on June 7, 2023, on the motion for third reading of the following bill:

Bill 98, An Act to amend various Acts relating to education and child care / Projet de loi 98, Loi modifiant diverses lois en ce qui concerne l’éducation et la garde d’enfants.

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

Mr. Andrew Dowie: This morning I’d like to share my time with the member for Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke. I’d like to begin my remarks by thanking Ontario’s Minister of Education and the parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Education for putting families first and taking action to prepare our kids for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

The minister is doing an admirable job. I can’t tell you how well he is received in my riding every time he comes. More importantly, the deep work, the updating of the curriculum so that it more closely matches the needs of the labour market—this is what I’ve heard from employers in the Windsor area and across Ontario, that this is something that has been in short supply for many years and getting that linking back is imperative for Ontario’s success.

There is certainly no question that this government is delivering for the hard-working families in Windsor–Tecumseh and across the province. But as my honourable colleagues know all too well, there is only so much that you can accomplish without enacting new legislation.

If passed, Bill 98, the Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023, would legislate reforms under four statutes. This bill includes several critically important reforms. We’re debating them today because parents and taxpayers deserve greater transparency and accountability and young people deserve better academic support and outcomes.

Our legislation is increasing accountability by giving parents new tools to navigate and understand the education system, while establishing basic qualifications for directors of education. Additionally, the minister will now be able to establish key priorities to ensure students have the skills and the knowledge that they need, especially in areas such as reading, writing and math.

In recent weeks a number of organizations have provided this chamber with written submissions regarding Bill 98. In my role as parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, I am very familiar with the excellent work of Skills Ontario helping to drive our prosperity in the province. This is what Skills Ontario had to say about Bill 98:

“Empowering the minister to establish policies and procedures for the training of board members, directors of education, supervisory officers and superintendents is crucial for maintaining a high standard of governance and leadership in our education system.

“The provision in Bill 98 that allows the minister to require school boards to make their reports available to the public in an appropriate manner is a commendable step toward promoting transparency and accountability.”

Speaker, that sounds like outright support to me.

I’d like to take a few minutes to do a deeper dive and really discuss some of the improvements that our bill will make to governance and leadership within school boards. I know it’s not unique to any given area, but disputes among school board trustees are costly and time-consuming. They erode public confidence and deflect attention away from their primary duties of promoting student achievement. I find these trustee disputes to be frustrating and almost always irrelevant to promoting the education that our students need.

The Ontario Federation of Homes and Schools Association says it “welcomes the announcement of the ‘Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act’ by the government of Ontario. OFHSA is encouraged that the proposed legislation puts students first and echoes the concerns of association members.”

Speaker, the big-picture situation is that approximately 700 trustees provide governance over a high-profile, high-impact $27-billion education system. And like my past colleagues in municipal government, the trustees that we elect come from diverse backgrounds, which means that we don’t have a consistent set of skills, training, or even a standard code of conduct.

I actually want to highlight the great work of the member for London West during her time as a trustee with the Thames Valley District School Board. Back in 2009, she and several other members of a governance review committee submitted a report to the then education minister that called for the minister to establish a minimum code of conduct for trustees. Elected trustees perform an incredibly valuable service to parents and taxpayers by holding school boards accountable and ensuring that tax dollars are well spent. As an elected official, I’m always learning, even now that I’m in year 9. Trustees can always benefit from new knowledge and skills to perform their duties and to ensure that conduct is held to provincial standards.

Speaker, the vast majority of trustees are diligent public servants who care about education and the families they represent. In the last couple of weeks, I’ve had the chance to meet so many of my local school board trustees from all boards. It’s been an incredible experience getting to hear what they have to say and the recommendations for improvement. But in recent years, the media has reported numerous incidents of trustees who have treated parents and fellow trustees less than respectfully and have even said some things that have been completely unacceptable.

A few bad apples, Speaker, can spoil the public’s perception of the deeply important job that trustees perform every day. And this has been the case for a very long time.

The Ontario Ombudsman, Paul Dubé, says, “I commend Bill 98’s goal of strengthening school board oversight for the benefit of Ontario’s public education system. Robust codes of conduct and integrity commissioner processes play a vital role in ensuring public confidence in elected school board officials.”

If passed, the Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act would tackle this problem head-on. Our legislation would amend the Education Act to require mandatory standardized training for trustees, as prescribed by the minister, create a standardized code of conduct binding on all trustees and set clear expectations of how trustees should discharge their duties. Our legislation would establish a clear and impartial process for resolving trustee code of conduct complaints that requires boards to use the services of an integrity commissioner who must be drawn from a provincial roster approved by the minister. That integrity commissioner, Speaker, would be empowered to conduct investigations, dismiss complaints made in bad faith and determine whether the code of conduct has been breached.

The integrity commissioner would be further empowered to impose binding sanctions, including new and existing sanctions when a breach is found, including the suspension of honoraria up to a prescribed amount or the suspension of trustee privileges. Additionally, the integrity commissioner would be empowered to recommend to the board that a trustee be barred from attending one or more board meetings and any other reasonable or appropriate sanction based on local circumstances.

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Our government understands that everyone makes mistakes, Speaker. I can tell you that during my municipal career, I frequently sought the guidance of the integrity commissioner for my municipality on a number of issues. They are a trusted counsel, they give great advice, and I know that this role is one that the school boards can drive a lot of value from.

My colleagues can rest assured that the school board, or the member whose conduct was the subject of the complaint, would be allowed to appeal the integrity commissioner decision and/or any imposed sanctions to a panel of integrity commissioners. Our legislation would also ensure that there are appropriate transition provisions to limit disruptions and maintain fairness for ongoing disputes, all the while respecting freedom of speech.

I’m pleased to add, Speaker, that the governance and leadership reforms contained within the Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act goes beyond standardizing codes of conduct for trustees. Our legislation would ensure that every director of education has the skills and competencies necessary to discharge their role. They’re the chief executive of the school board and they must deliver on provincial priorities by establishing minimum qualification requirements that must be met to be selected for the position.

Managing a school board is an important responsibility, Speaker. It makes sense to ensure that directors of education are qualified with particular credentials to perform that job, because accountability starts at the top. Good governance and strong board leadership are essential for positive student outcomes. That’s why we must pass the Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act. The stakes could not be higher.

The province is facing a major shortage of skilled labour at a time that 40% of jobs in Canada are at high risk of getting disrupted by technology. This is something we need to address immediately. We need to get public education firing on all cylinders, and we can’t afford to allow the education system to get sidetracked.

In the meantime, I’m proud to say that our government is delivering the largest tutoring program in Ontario’s history, funding substantial student mental health supports, building new schools after a decade of school closures, including many in my own riding, and modernizing the curriculum to better prepare our young people for the jobs of tomorrow. We’re getting the job done.

I’ll pass the remainder of the time to the member for Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke.

The Deputy Speaker (Ms. Donna Skelly): Further debate?

Mr. John Yakabuski: I want to thank the member from Windsor–Tecumseh for sharing his time with me, and I want to thank the Honourable Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. From the moment he got here, even before he was the minister, he has been focused on one thing: making Ontario better. And in the education system, for him, it was ensuring that everything we did as a government had one goal in mind and that is to prepare our students in a better way for the future and what the future is going to bring.

We know we live in a tremendously changing world. I can remember when I was in school; I’m sure there are some teachers that try to forget. Having said that, it was mandatory to attend, so from time to time, I did show up. But I was also around when our children went through the school system, and now our grandchildren.

What I saw when I came here in 2003 was I saw the former Liberal government dissatisfied with the data that was coming from our schools with regard to student achievement. That a fair assessment. But what did they do? You see, here’s the difference, Speaker: On this side of the House, we take our direction from the parents of children when it comes to our education system. The people who have their children in the system are the best evaluators of the system itself. They understand what their children need and they understand if the system isn’t delivering it.

So when we got here in 2003, do you know what the Liberal Party’s and the Liberal government’s answer was to lower-than-desired test scores in our school system? You would think that if your problem is lower-than-desired test scores—do you know what you’re going to do? You’re going to say, “We need to do something to increase those test scores, so we’ve got to look at what we’re doing, what we’re delivering, and how we’re delivering it to those students.” In fact, they did do that, but their answer wasn’t to enrich and strengthen the curriculum so that our test scores were more in line with other jurisdictions. Do you know what the Liberals’ answer was? It was—they got their direction from the leaders of the teachers’ union. I say that because our daughter is a teacher and two of our daughters-in-law are teachers, but you know where the direction comes from: It comes from those people at the top of the scale, the leadership. And the direction from them was, “Well, water down the curriculum, make it easier and then the test scores will go up.”

Well, they did. If you determine that the race that used to be a mile was 5,280 feet and you say quietly, “We’re going to make a mile 4,740 feet,” do you know what? Those people who are running the mile are going to say, “Man, I’ll tell you, those times are good.” But you are not running the same mile.

When we got here, we realized something had to change. I’m going to tell you, in spite of the rhetoric coming from the other side, the attacks coming from the other side, Minister Lecce has stood there like a strong oak tree, focused on what we are going to deliver for the people of Ontario and their children: a better education system that prepares them for the world of tomorrow. The students who are in that system today—it’s not just about today. We know it’s about tomorrow.

Ladies and gentlemen, you talk about that oak tree standing stiff in the wind and not bending, not breaking, and then what happens? The minister gets faced with something that nobody saw coming, this COVID-19 pandemic that threw everything into chaos. But what did we do? We managed our school system. We took the children out of school when it was absolutely necessary, but as soon as possible to the benefit of them and to our system and everybody’s mental health and everything else, we’ve got them back in the class. When the medical people agreed that it was safe to do so, we got them back in the class.

Now we are faced with new challenges. Part of that is student achievement. Again, it has to be addressed. I talk to parents and I also talk to teachers and they say themselves that they can’t believe what’s going on sometimes in our school system. They really can’t believe that what we are doing today is challenging. We have wonderful students. We have 12 grandchildren. Obviously, I’m going to speak highly of them. But look at this group of pages here. You want to talk about the cream of the crop? The folks who come here, the young children who come here—not young children; I guess they’re middle children—come here to serve us as pages.

One of my brothers—my youngest brother, Konrad—was born in 1965. He was a page here in 1978. But the cream of crop is those children who come here as pages. I absolutely guarantee you—and I haven’t asked a single one of them this question—they want to be challenged in life. Because they want to make sure that when the stuff hits the fan, as they say, they are able to face it. We need to make sure that our school system is focusing on those needs. This focus on STEM in the school system today that Minister Lecce said is absolutely vital if we’re going to prepare the students for tomorrow: That’s what we are focusing on.

Now he is looking at other issues in our school system. One of the issues is governance and consistency. If you don’t have consistency, you’ve got a problem, because it’s like what’s good for the goose is not good for the gander. You know the old saying, “What’s good for the goose is good for the gander”? Well, we just have the situation in Ontario where we don’t have consistency; Minister Lecce is going to take care of it.

I see his parliamentary assistant here today as well. I know that MPP Barnes is maybe not listening closely to me, but she’s certainty listening to this entire debate, and she’s listening to parents across this province and what they want to see. Because if you’re a parent, what do you care about most? What do you care about most? As a parent and a grandparent, I know what you care about most: You care about your children. So what are you going to do? You’re going to do everything you can to do the best—you want their lives to be better. I know that my father wanted my life to be better than his. It wasn’t hard for mine to be better; I didn’t have to go fight a world war. But I also want my children’s life to be better than mine, and I want our grandchildren’s to be better yet. What do we do to make sure that happens? We make sure we start out with the right basis, with the foundation.

We talk about what’s important in this world and what’s important for us to deliver as a government, you know that right off the top it’s going to be health care. If you don’t have your health, you’ve got nothing. I don’t care if you’re a gazillionaire, if you haven’t got your health, you haven’t got anything. But what comes next is our education system, because our education system—I’ll be gone some day. Some people will be happy. I’ll be gone some day; every one of us in here will be gone some day. But the world is going to carry on, and we’ve got to make sure that the people who we have in charge of that world have been prepared in the best way possible, and a successful, challenging, top-notch education system is the way to go. We have the minister to do it.

On that, I would say, I move that the question be put.

The Deputy Speaker (Ms. Donna Skelly): Minister Yakabuski has moved that the question be now put. I am satisfied that there has been sufficient debate to allow this question to be put to the House. Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? I heard a no.

All those in favour of the motion that the question be now put, please say “aye.”

All those opposed to the motion that the question be now put, please say “nay.”

In my opinion, the ayes have it.

A recorded vote being required, this vote will be deferred until after question period today.

Vote deferred.

House sittings

The Deputy Speaker (Ms. Donna Skelly): I recognize the Minister of Infrastructure.

Hon. Kinga Surma: On a point of order, Madam Speaker: Pursuant to standing order 7, I wish to inform the House that tonight’s evening meeting is cancelled.

The Deputy Speaker (Ms. Donna Skelly): Orders of the day.

2253697 Ontario Inc. Act, 2023

Ms. Ghamari moved second reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr18, An Act to revive 2253697 Ontario Inc.

The Deputy Speaker (Ms. Donna Skelly): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

Second reading agreed to.

2253697 Ontario Inc. Act, 2023

Ms. Ghamari moved third reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr18, An Act to revive 2253697 Ontario Inc.

The Deputy Speaker (Ms. Donna Skelly): Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

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

Third reading agreed to.

The Deputy Speaker (Ms. Donna Skelly): Orders of the day. I recognize the member for Barrie–Innisfil.

Ms. Andrea Khanjin: No further business.

The Deputy Speaker (Ms. Donna Skelly): There being no further business, the House stands in recess until 1015.

The House recessed from 925 to 1015.

Members’ Statements

Events in Oakville

Mr. Stephen Crawford: Good morning, Speaker, on our last day of the Legislature before the summer session.

In between Toronto and Hamilton, Oakville is a hidden gem, rich in history, vibrant with natural beauty and bursting with adventure. As summer approaches, I rise in this House to highlight some exciting events taking place in my community over the summer:

Every Friday is jazz night in the summer, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Towne Square in downtown Oakville.

This Sunday, June 11, the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton annual spring concert is being held at the Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre.

After four long years, the Annual Mayor’s Picnic is back, taking place on Sunday, June 11, from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Lakeside Park. It will be an afternoon filled with lots of fun family things to do, including face-painting, children’s games, balloons and, new this year, a model train set-up.

The 2023 Oakville Film Festival is running from June 21 to 27. Celebrating a decade of diverse cinema, the festival has showcased hundreds of films of all genres, appealing to a wide range of audiences.

Canada Day returns to Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park on July 1. Enjoy an evening of free performances, family fun and, of course, fireworks.

And be sure to mark your calendars for the last weekend in July, July 28 to 30, as Oakville’s largest outdoor event comes back with the annual Oakville Family Ribfest at beautiful Sheridan College.

Speaker, I invite everyone to bring their families for a staycation in beautiful Oakville this summer. I wish everyone all the best for a great summer.

Education funding

Ms. Teresa J. Armstrong: As the school year comes to a close, I’d like to reflect on a recurring issue my office has heard from parents, teachers and school board staff. That issue? Staffing and resource shortages in our schools.

Recently, my office heard from a mom whose child is struggling with a bullying issue at school. Jacob is a first-grader and is facing problems with another first grader. The mother has tried various avenues for resolution, but the crux of the issue appears to be lack of support in the classroom and a systemic EA shortage. Jacob is hurt, physically and emotionally. He is confused and afraid. I can’t speak for the other child in this case, but I would assume he also feels forgotten and in need of support.

I have also heard from representatives of our local school board, and they have identified the same issues with staffing shortages. The Thames Valley District School Board reported a $5.4-million increase in expenses for special education for the coming year, leaving them with a $3.4-million deficit for special education expenses alone, and there are other deficits across the board for operating costs.

The independent Financial Accountability Officer recently revealed that the government withheld $844 million earmarked for education at a time when school boards are facing significant funding deficits. The government needs to provide proper funding now and ensure appropriate staff levels at schools across the province so children like Jacob are not left behind.

Crown attorneys

Ms. Jess Dixon: When it comes to members’ statements, I generally wait for the spirit to move me about what I’m going to talk about. Yesterday, I was in estimates and the Attorney General was speaking about bail vetters and intensive bail supervision, and it had me thinking about being a crown attorney, being a crown prosecutor. To be honest, it made me feel rather sad and maudlin.

When I was a crown, I viewed it very much as almost a calling, an honour. I thought we haven’t had a shout-out for crown attorneys in this chamber recently. When it comes to the legal profession and the profession of being a crown, there really is nobody else that deserves it to the extent that crown attorneys do.

I’ve described crowns as being the first responders of the legal world. When we talk about fire, police or paramedics, there’s a lot of conversation about the trauma they see—PTSD—but the crowns don’t get that. Crowns have to see terrible images. They have to deal with human suffering every single day. They deal with it in a very personal and direct fashion. They are some of the hardest-working people I know.

It’s a job that never ends, I say. With doctors, at least nobody expects you to operate at home on your kitchen table at 2 o’clock in the morning. But with crowns, they do. Increasingly, in today’s justice system, we’re the ones who are having to explain to people why justice doesn’t look the way they thought, why being a victim doesn’t feel the way they thought, and the pressure that puts on us is incredible.

So I want to thank all of the crown prosecutors out there who are doing an incredible job.

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Health care

Ms. Bhutila Karpoche: Minden’s local hospital closed on June 1 due to a staffing shortage and despite overwhelming opposition from the local community. Minden is far from alone. Lanark county, Guelph, Hamilton, Perth, Grand River, Windsor, Alexandria, Wingham, Thessalon, Kemptville, Seaforth, Ottawa, Bowmanville, Clinton, Orangeville, Carleton Place, Essex county, Kingston, Waterloo, Credit Valley, Smiths Falls, London, Chesley, Fort Erie, Port Colborne—all communities that have seen either no ambulances available or the closure of hospital services in the last year due to staffing shortages.

The staffing crisis continues in our health care system, and the government still refuses to repeal Bill 124 that suppresses the wages of health care workers. At the same time, staffing agencies like Canadian Health Labs are convincing hundreds of health care workers to leave their workplaces by offering them double the salaries they normally earn. The company made $154 million from just 500 nurses and PSWs they hired out of our public health systems. Their plan is to hire as many as 5,000 people. These agencies take health care workers out from the public system and sell them back at huge profits.

This is the systemic destruction of our public health care system, and we the public end up paying way more for declining services. I can only think this is happening due to the Conservative agenda to undermine the public health care system, because no one can be so incompetent to not see the damage these policies are creating.

Ontario Engineering Project Awards

Mr. Andrew Dowie: Last month, I had the sincere privilege of joining the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies, who hosted the Ontario Engineering Project Awards, which was the 20th holding of that event. I’m very proud to recognize a winner from my riding of Windsor–Tecumseh: the sewer and coastal flood protection master plan. It was certainly a privilege to join Stacey McGuire, Ryan Langlois and Laura Herlehy of Dillon Consulting and the city of Windsor as they accepted the award.

Also recognized were:

—BBA’s Great Adventure onboarding program;

—Tulloch Engineering’s Hockey Night in Huntsville;

—Dillon’s Collins Creek wildlife mitigation project;

—Lea Consulting’s water management plan by site 46X-0176/BO;

—Hatch’s process gas project and particulate emissions project, Sudbury smelter—this one was led by my former classmate from the University of Ottawa, Benoit Paillé;

—Entuitive for its Port Lands bridges project;

—Eramosa Engineering for its mine remediation cloud SCADA integration;

—J.L. Richards for its Manotick watermain link, phase 1, and North Island watermain link;

—Hatch for the Kingston Third Crossing;

—Eramosa Engineering’s electrical power studies and arc flash models for multiple waste water facilities;

—McIntosh Perry for the Ducks Unlimited project inspections for 250 sites in Ontario;

—R.V. Anderson for Central Bridge replacement and additional works;

—R.J. Burnside for the Godey water supply project; and

—AECOM Canada for the Ontario Line immersive sound studio.

To all my engineering colleagues who are awardees this year: Thank you. You’ve made our profession proud.

Member for Toronto–St. Paul’s

MPP Jill Andrew: Good morning, Speaker. It feels really good to be here in the Legislature today.

My mother has been hospitalized for almost two months, and I’ve been able to be right by her side—I promised I wouldn’t cry—as her primary caregiver, thanks to the support of the leader of the official opposition and my Ontario NDP colleagues. Thank you.

I want to thank my staff for their support, as well as other staff who have reached out. I want to thank other members, including government members who also shared their concern. I won’t ever forget it.

Over the last several weeks, my mother has been cared for by dozens of hard-working doctors, specialists, nurses, OTs, PTs and PSWs. I can’t thank them enough. Only about 10 days ago, after hundreds of vials of bloodwork, tests, consultations and two biopsies, we got a diagnosis: neurosarcoidosis, a rare autoimmune-related multi-systemic disease that involves inflammation of the brain, spinal cord, meninges, cranial and peripheral nerves. It attacks the central nervous system. This disease has no cure, but remission might be possible. I have seen it ravage my mother’s body and brain and mind and strip her of her independence, but she is a fighter.

Thank you to the Speaker for giving me a few extra moments.

The treatment for this disease is incredibly difficult on the body with its own laundry list of complications, some of which can be life-threatening.

I want to thank countless constituents in my community of St. Paul’s across party lines for their love and support, phone calls and text messages.

I especially want to show gratitude to our local faith leaders and many congregation members at St. Michael and All Angels, St. Matthew’s, Holy Blossom, Verity Centre for Better Living, previous pastors from MCC Toronto, and right here at the Legislature, Charlie the chaplain, for their consistent shoulder and faith when I’ve had none.

To my chosen family, family members, dear former caucus members and education colleagues and friends, my mom’s friends, thank you.

To my partner, Aisha, thank you for being my rock.

Speaker, to all of the members in the House: I don’t know what our future holds, but my mom and I are so lucky to have experienced all this compassion during this unbearable time, and I cannot thank you all enough.

Rosy Rhubarb Festival

Mr. Rob Flack: Obviously, our hearts and our best wishes go out to the member from St. Paul’s, to her and her family, and we wish her all the very best.

It’s a pleasure to rise and share a wonderful local event in my riding with the Legislature this morning. Speaker, the Rosy Rhubarb Festival begins this weekend in the lovely town of Shedden, Ontario.

The Rosy Rhubarb Festival was founded over 25 years ago to promote the small-town community of Shedden and raise money for a new community centre. The festival is always held on the second weekend of June, when the rhubarb ripens and is ready to become tasty treats for all to enjoy. To date, the festival has raised over $1.2 million to help support local community initiatives, including a local community centre. These funds have been used to construct a picnic pavilion, purchase playground equipment, and build a new library in the village.

It is enjoyable to see Shedden come together for some good old-fashioned country fun at the start of every summer. Vendors, artisans, food trucks and businesses fill the fairgrounds. All have fun. Rhubarb baking contests, country music, dancing, face painting, petting zoos and a Sunday car show are all part of the festivities. However, the best part is obviously tasting the renowned rhubarb pies and rhubarb sauce with ice cream.

I invite all members of this House, along with your families, to attend the festival this weekend and enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of southwestern Ontario.

Critical minerals recycling

Mr. Ted Hsu: Critical metals, like cobalt, lithium and nickel, go into batteries. Rare earths like dysprosium, neodymium and praseodymium go into electric vehicle motors and wind turbines. Recycling these critical materials is a strategy which would give Ontario workers a shortcut into the value chain between the mine and EV.

Right now, rare earths mining and processing is led by China, which also dominates in other critical minerals such as graphite. Australia and South America are leading sources of lithium. Indonesia leads in nickel, but much of this is controlled by Chinese companies, as well.

In the future, for economic, environmental and security reasons, a circular economy must develop for critical materials.

Today, production of critical metals and rare earths involves value-added work in chemical processing, and it is performed offshore. However, Ontario is amongst the global leaders in technology to recycle critical metals and minerals.

To maximize the economic benefit to you and me of EV and battery production in Ontario—production for which the federal and Ontario governments have agreed to pay dearly—I believe we must be a first mover and leader in the cyclic economy for critical materials. This means supporting the ecosystem around critical minerals processing and recycling before other regions in North America begin to dominate.

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Riding of Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston

Mr. John Jordan: Speaker, as the 43rd Parliament rises for the summer, I’d like to acknowledge my fellow MPPs on both sides of the House for your continued dedication to your constituents and connecting with them over the summer months.

As we look forward to a season full of family gatherings, graduations, vacations and day trips to some of the most beautiful destinations in Ontario, I invite you to visit my riding of Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston. From hiking the trails to taking in live music at one of the world-famous festivals, there is something for all ages.

Enjoy cultural events like the Spirit of the Drum Pow-Wow this Saturday and Sunday in Smiths Falls. Experience one of our festivals, like the world-renowned Stewart Park Festival in Perth, Puppets Up! in Almonte, the Sydenham Lakes and Trails Festival and the Blue Skies Music Festival in Clarendon, just to name a few. Families will enjoy our many fairs in Lombardy, Carleton Place, Pakenham, Mississippi Mills, Smiths Falls, Perth and many others.

Experience canoeing or kayaking along the natural waterways in Lanark and Frontenac counties and take in the pristine, protected wilderness, or travel the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Rideau Canal, which passes through Perth, Smiths Falls and many other towns from Ottawa to Kingston.

Mr. Speaker, I wish everyone a safe, happy and healthy summer, and if you’re thinking about a day trip or a multi-day adventure, remember: There is much to do and see in Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston.

Durham businesses

Mr. Todd J. McCarthy: It is my pleasure to inform this House that in my riding of Durham, the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and thriving. I’ve had the pleasure to attend some grand openings and reopenings for small businesses over the past few months.

In Port Perry, I had the opportunity to meet with Stacey Burns and her team for the grand reopening of Ocala Winery.

In Bowmanville, I proudly joined Amanda Green in cutting the red ribbon to open her dream business, Exquisite Lashing Co. Amanda acknowledges our government’s cutting of red tape and regulations helped make her business dream a reality.

One block west of my office in downtown Bowmanville, Carmela and George Mangos just opened Sugar Dust Sweets and Cafe, delighting their customers with elegant cakes, sweet treats and delicious lunches.

Earlier this month, one of the youngest franchisees for Firehouse Subs, Jasmine Nellis, opened her second franchise in west Courtice, to a sellout crowd.

Like many successful entrepreneurs across Ontario, my constituents are expanding their businesses and creating jobs, because our government is getting it done by reducing red tape and regulation, and creating an environment for growth and prosperity.

On behalf of all members of this House, I want to congratulate all the small businesses of Durham. Keep up the great work. Let’s grow together. Let’s make Ontario strong.

Introduction of Visitors

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’m pleased to inform the House that we have with us in the Speaker’s gallery today a delegation of members from the Standing Committee of Selection from the Parliament of Ghana. They are accompanied by Mr. Hakeem Balogun, who is the consul general of Ghana in Toronto. Please join me in warmly welcoming our guests from Ghana.

Applause.

Hon. Paul Calandra: I noticed in the gallery one of my interns, Adshayah, is here. Also, Spencer Fair from my office—he says it’s his mom, but I think it’s his sister: Valerie Fair is with us as well.

MPP Jill Andrew: I would like to thank Milan Viswanathan, who is one of our pages, from St. Paul’s, for doing a wonderful job. I understand his mom and grandfather, Karen and Ashok Gautam, are in the audience today in the members’ gallery. It’s very, very nice to see the two of you.

I also want to say hello to Ross Dixon and Joanna Dixon and their son, Silas, who is a wonderful young man, who has also been a page. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Hon. Lisa M. Thompson: First of all, to Jack Sullivan, who is moving on, I say thank you very much. It’s been an amazing journey.

Secondly, I’d like to welcome to the House the OMAFRA interns: William Hollis as well as Faiq Farooq.

I believe my nephew, Jack McMillan, is in the House somewhere as well.

Hon. Graydon Smith: I just wanted to welcome two of my very dearest friends, who have been so for a very long time, Jamie and Joanne McCormick. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Hon. Raymond Sung Joon Cho: I’m very happy to introduce Elaine, a marvellous volunteer from my riding of Scarborough North. It is her first time here today at the Legislature. Welcome to Queen’s Park, Elaine.

Hon. Doug Downey: I want to welcome Gulshan Bakshi, a retired CAF veteran air officer, and his daughter, Aananya Bakshi, our page captain for today, sitting to your right.

Hon. Michael S. Kerzner: I’m delighted to welcome, from York Centre, Lisa Fruitman, a person who has followed in her own parents’ footsteps as a great innovator and advocate, especially for Reena; together with Colin Ruskin; Stan Greenspan; and Rabbi Sean Gorman. Welcome to the Ontario Legislature.

Mr. Andrew Dowie: I’m delighted to introduce to the House today two of my dedicated constituency staff, up to Toronto for the first time: Jada Malott and Brianna Robinson. Welcome to the House.

Ms. Natalie Pierre: I’d like to welcome my EA from MCU, Navita Sukhdeo, who is here today in the members’ gallery with her daughter, Eliyanna Ali, and also my EA from my constit office, Caroline Raskin, who is here today with her husband, Steve Raskin.

Ms. Laura Smith: It is my great pleasure to welcome Thornhill resident and cofounder of the Indigenous Action Committee and most excellent guitar player, Mr. Matthew Bergman.

Mr. Mike Harris: I just wanted to give a warm welcome—she’s always watching us every day—to Barbara Stevens. Thank you for tuning in through this entire session. It’s great to have you as a phenomenal supporter in the riding of Kitchener–Conestoga.

Mr. Stephen Crawford: I would like to welcome two amazing ladies from my constituency office, Barbara Greene and Yesenia Morillo. I’d also like to wish a very happy birthday to Yesenia’s daughter Mia, who is watching from home today and graduating from school. All the best.

Hon. Stan Cho: I have my amazing team visiting from the MTO. We’ve got Michael Thomas, Greg MacNeil, Nicholas Tibollo, Matthew McIntosh, Barbara Stevenson, Ashley Seo, Tony Manful and, although he’s not in the Legislature, David Lu. And from my constituency office, we’ve got Vanessa Clarke, Rosanna Ma and Jess Lee. Welcome to the Legislature.

Hon. Michael Parsa: I’d like to introduce L’Arche Daybreak to Queen’s Park today: executive director Trish Glennon; regional director Jeff Gilbreath; and core members and my very dear friends, Amanda Winnington-lngram, Kim Lageer, Darryl Dickson. Welcome to Queen’s Park. Thanks very much for being here.

Ms. Patrice Barnes: It’s all about timing. I just want to mention that all of the staff are here today from the Ministry of Education, the engine that keeps us running. I want to thank you for all you do, and welcome.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I believe that concludes our introduction of visitors for this morning.

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Todd Decker

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I’m pleased to recognize the government House leader.

Hon. Paul Calandra: Speaker, if you seek it, you’ll find unanimous consent to allow members to make statements in tribute to the outstanding service of Mr. Todd Decker, the eighth Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, with five minutes allotted today 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 government House leader is seeking the unanimous consent of the House to allow members to make statements in tribute to the outstanding service of Mr. Todd Decker, the eighth Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, 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.

I’m pleased to recognize the member for Timiskaming–Cochrane.

Mr. John Vanthof: Speaker, it’s an incredible honour for me to be able to stand today, on behalf of the official opposition, and I believe on behalf of all people in the Legislature, to pay tribute to Mr. Todd Decker, the eighth Clerk to sit in that chair.

I have a little bit of history: When he finished university, he was hired as a committee Clerk, and he started as a co-op student here.

I’ve got to say that sitting here in the last while and serving on some committees with Todd, there’s no one more deserving of the accolades he’s getting today and no one more uncomfortable with them. I can guarantee you that.

Some of us might remember a cartoon in the Bugs Bunny series—this has a point—where the sheepdog and the wolf would clock in and beat each other up all day and then go home, right? And that’s what we do. And the only thing missing in that cartoon is where the sheepdog and the wolf go up to this table and ask what the rules are. The person at the table watches it go on and his face never changes. Todd fits that to a T.

In his career, and certainly in the 12 years that I’ve been here, for everyone here, despite our political differences, who was the one person we trusted to give us the square deal on how we could do it or what we couldn’t do? Who was the head of the ship? Mr. Todd Decker.

It’s incredible to be elected here. One of the things that we all share as elected representatives is we all like to be heard. We have egos. We like to talk. There are only a few people here who actually have a lot of control, maybe ultimate control of this place, and don’t have an ego. Their true role is to make sure that our democratic process runs as it should. Todd Decker is the ultimate example of that—the ultimate, ultimate example of that.

I have also had the incredible honour of sitting here on a few Thursday afternoons. You know what? This place isn’t always exciting. It can be, and it might be incredibly exciting in a few minutes, but it isn’t always exciting. And it’s always amazed me that all at the Clerks’ table, but particularly Todd, can listen and his face just stays as—he never shows a side but he never shows that he’s disinterested. But I’ve got to admit, there have been a couple times where Todd and I have both been fighting to keep our eyes open. Now, he did a much better job of it than I did because once I opened my eyes and he was looking right at me.

I don’t know if I share this with everyone: I don’t come from a political background. When I was first elected, I was as far over there as you could get—and there’s no bad seat in this House. I want to make everyone aware: There’s no such thing as a bad seat in this House. And I actually wondered—I didn’t know anything about how parliamentary democracy worked—what these people were doing and what happened behind the dais. I didn’t have the knowledge or the respect, but now I do.

I’d like anyone listening to this—the people here at the Clerks’ table, behind the dais, on the dais, they’re what make our Parliament work, our democracy work. And once again, there is no better representative of that in this country than Mr. Todd Decker. On our behalf, thank you very much, sir.

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

M^me Lucille Collard: Todd Decker has been the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario for 26 years, but with the Assembly for 39 years. His career has been truly unique and remarkable. His job is like no other job, but there is a short description of the role of the Clerk on the assembly website. It says that “The Clerk is the chief permanent officer of the Legislative Assembly.” I guess it’s permanent until he retires, that is.

It goes on to say, “An expert in parliamentary rules and procedures, the Clerk advises the Speaker and members of provincial Parliament on questions of procedure and interpretation of the rules and practices of the House.” So the Clerk is like the ChatGPT of the Legislature, but with a soul. Ask him anything, no matter how obscure, and Todd will respond comprehensively and with computational speed.

“In order to communicate easily with the Speaker, the Clerk sits at a long table in front of the Speaker’s chair.” That table is like the central nerve of this House, counting down the minutes we’re allowed to speak. And it should be noted that during the many hours Mr. Decker has been sitting at that table, he has done admirably at keeping a poker face, despite the buffooneries that sometimes happen in here. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have a sense of humour; just ask his colleagues.

“He is also responsible for keeping track of the votes in the Chamber”—no interpretation or no wiggle room here. It carries, or it doesn’t.

“After a provincial election, the Clerk swears in the newly elected members of provincial Parliament.” Having been elected in a by-election during the pandemic, Todd Decker was my only official host when I started. I can never thank him enough for being so supportive at a very confusing time.

The Clerk “is also responsible for the administration of Legislative Assembly services that support Ontario’s MPPs.” And supporting Ontario’s MPPs, he has done extensively. What it really includes, I would tell you, but I don’t think I or anyone else really knows.

All said, it’s undeniable that Todd Decker has gone above and beyond the call of duty to shape this place into what it is today and create a sense of belonging for all of us. He will be remembered for his exceptional professionalism, dedication and expertise. We will miss his positive demeanour and remarkable personality.

I got a call from John Fraser this morning, so I do have to add this sentence. He says, “Todd has been of great service to this assembly. I want to thank him personally for his support and for the thankless task of helping me understand the standing orders.”

All the best, Todd, from all of us.

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

Mr. Mike Schreiner: It’s a true honour to rise today to pay tribute to Ontario’s eighth legislative Clerk-in-chief, Todd Decker, for his service to the members of the Ontario Legislative Assembly and the people of Ontario, and for the leadership, Todd, you have provided for everybody who works in this building.

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Prior to being appointed Clerk-in-chief in 2016, Todd served in this building for 32 years, totalling 39 years of service to the people of Ontario. He has earned our trust and our respect with his wisdom, his integrity, his non-partisan guidance and his famous poker face.

Todd has had to navigate this Legislature through extraordinary times during much of his tenure, not only during the pandemic emergency, where he played an essential role in ensuring the functioning of the parliamentary democracy in this province and the business here in the House, but also in managing an unprecedented number of independent members of the Legislature.

My election as Ontario’s first Green MPP in 2018 resulted in the first time that there was a fourth party elected to this Legislature since 1951 and, with the results that the Liberals experienced in that election, the most independent members in the Legislature since the 1940s. Let’s just say the standing orders were not written for such an unprecedented number of independent MPPs. I’ll admit that I spent much of the summer of 2018 in Todd’s office, not only learning how this place works, but also working with him to ensure the rights and privileges of independent members in this House.

Todd, I’ll be forever grateful for the wisdom, guidance and time that you took, and the patience you had to work with a team of newbies who had no idea how this place worked, and to work with us to ensure that we had the opportunity to have full participatory rights in this House. That legacy will endure. Todd, our democracy is stronger because of your service, and the people of Ontario and all members of this Legislature owe you a debt of gratitude—

Applause.

Mr. Mike Schreiner: Yes, go ahead. I’ll finish there.

Applause.

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

I recognize the government House leader and Minister of Legislative Affairs.

Hon. Paul Calandra: It is truly an honour to be able to rise on behalf of our caucus to pay tribute to Todd and the extraordinary work that he has done. I think the opposition House leader is quite correct that he is probably the most uncomfortable person in the chamber today. My office mentioned to me earlier in the week that Todd was fabricating a sickness so that he could not be here today. I had actually reached out to the Minister of Natural Resources to ask for one of those tracking devices so that we could find him, and we’ll probably have to leave it on him for a couple of years so that we can find him and call him back in.

It’s funny; I was a staff member here in the 1990s, and in 2003, when the people retired that particular government, I was a young guy. When I came back in 2018, I came back to this place old, fat and grey, and Todd looked exactly the same. So immediately, we started off on the wrong foot, because he was looking so good and I thought, “What the heck? What happened?”

He has been an extraordinary public servant. It is truly hard to explain in five minutes—and I know we all feel the same way—just how important the job of the Clerk is. But what an incredible job he has done. All members should know and will know how forceful and fierce he is about this place: the pride that he has in this place, the pride that he has in all of the members and the extent to which he goes to not only protect the institution and the people who work for him, but us as members. It is truly unbelievable.

I’m told that when he signed the Bible that the Clerks sign, he signed it as the ninth Clerk, out of respect for somebody who took the job on an interim basis. That’s really just the type of person that he is.

Now, I know that certainly since I’ve been House leader, that spirit of co-operation has been so good that the job has been just so much easier for him, because we get along so much better, and I know that he is grateful for that. But colleagues, I do want to really zone in—and the leader of the Green Party talked about it—on what Parliament decided during COVID, that we would continue on as a Parliament and that we had to do the work of the opposition holding us accountable and the government moving forward. When that request was made—and, colleagues, this was literally the only Parliament in North America that decided not to stand down, all of us. That was Todd and his team, and it was remarkable. People from all over North America were asking, “How the heck did you guys continue to do this, on both sides?” Everybody—their work, his work, his leadership are what made it possible for us to continue on doing the job. So we can talk about the hours spent in debating how we got it done, but literally it got done because of Todd and his team.

It is also the work—one of the hardest jobs, I think, of a Clerk is when they look at who the next person will be and they get to decide who the Deputy Clerk is going to be, and Todd started right from the beginning looking at where he would be, when he would bring his time to an end as our Clerk, who would be the person that he could prepare to take on that job. That is probably one of the most difficult decisions a Clerk would have to make, and he did it right from the beginning. I really can’t thank him enough for just the extraordinary work that he has done.

Yesterday was another extraordinary day, probably one of the first times in Commonwealth history that four Clerks were seated around one table, one learning from the other.

As we started to talk about the process, all of us, all of the members, on what we would do with this building, how we would fix it and renovate it to make sure that it was respectful and really pay tribute—it was Todd who helped us design what it is, how we could ensure that members were protected in that process. Everything that we brought forward and everything that Parliament voted on unanimously was because of the extraordinary work and advice of the Clerk. Knowing full well that he would not be here in the chair when the time came, he never relented at any given point. He was fierce in defending us, fierce in defending this Legislature and all of the members in it.

What he doesn’t know—I know, because I truly fear that he’s just going to run out and be gone, because he just really, truly hates accolades. You could never be a politician, because we—not me. But we know how much John loves to get accolades, right? It’s just a quiet, reserved respect for the chair, so much so that I was literally terrified to even ask him a question for the first year that I took over as House leader. So I was always with Trevor, and one of my staff said to me, “Why don’t you ever ask Todd a question?” I said, “I’m afraid of him,” not because he gave me any reason to be afraid, but he was literally able to not—you say you don’t show emotion. It is hard, because there are some things sometimes, once in a while, that make you want to have facial expressions, and he has not done that.

Just the last thing, as I close: When we get elected, we all fight to get in a picture with the Clerk. It’s the one thing that will be on our walls—all of us, forever—and it’s the one thing that we will brag about and we will talk about. It is not only the person; it is also the office, and that is one thing that, Todd, you have done very, very well. You have always upheld the dignity of the office in a way that we are all grateful for. So congratulations, and thank you for everything that you’ve done on all of our behalf.

Applause.

Interjections: Speech, speech.

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The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Is anyone going to request unanimous consent?

We have with us in the Speaker’s Gallery some very special guests: Todd Decker’s wife, Zina; his daughter, Natalie, and son-in-law, Andrew; and Clerk’s office staff past and present, Grace, Lucie, Nadège, Gabriela, Peter, Julia and Meghan. We’re delighted to have you here as well.

I want to thank the members for those eloquent tributes, and on behalf of the office of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, I thank you, Mr. Decker. It seems strange to be addressing the back of your head. Thank you for your devoted service to the people of Ontario and their Legislative Assembly. Farewell, dear and faithful friend.

Applause.

Mike Civil

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): I also want to take this opportunity, on behalf of all members in the House, to acknowledge the exemplary work that our temporary Sergeant-at-Arms has done since the retirement of Jackie Gordon almost six months ago. Mike Civil has been filling the role of Sergeant-at-Arms since January 1, with full responsibility for all the security, administrative and ceremonial functions of the Sergeant-at-Arms.

I have personally appreciated Mike’s steady hand over the last half a year and the leadership he’s provided to the Sergeant-at-Arms and precinct properties division of the Legislative Assembly.

As of June 19, Mike will reassume his role as director of the Legislative Protective Service, which he has been instrumental in building up over the past several years. I know his advice, support and the depth of experience that he has will be essential to our new incoming Sergeant-at-Arms and to the ongoing success of the Legislative Protective Service.

I want to ask all members to join me in thanking Mike Civil for his dedicated service to the assembly.

Applause.

Question Period

Government’s record

Ms. Marit Stiles: Speaker, it looks as though this will be the last question period for a while, and so I’d like to do a bit of a review of this government’s priorities.

This government has really delivered, if you’re a wealthy developer with insider connections. We saw this government prioritize carving up protected greenbelt lands for the benefit of deep-pocketed friends of the Premier and his party, lands that help Ontario mitigate the effects of climate change, lands of ecological significance and crucial farmland.

Speaker, to the Premier: Will he prioritize our environment and stop carving up the greenbelt for his insider friends?

Hon. Doug Ford: Before I respond to the opposition: John, the wolf was Ralph and the sheepdog was Sam. I just figured you’re Ralph; I’m Sam. I’m protecting the herd, and you keep trying to go after the herd.

And to the Clerk, there are many attributes, but one of the most important things is that you’re an Etobicoke boy, so thank you.

I think I ran half my time out, but—the supplementary question.

Mr. Speaker, let’s look at our accomplishments just over the last year, just since January: We reached a record-low unemployment, the lowest since 1989. That’s 34-year record unemployment. We landed a historic Volkswagen deal to build the largest manufacturing plant in the history of Canada. We—I’ll go to supplementary.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary.

Ms. Marit Stiles: Speaker, on to another one of this government’s priorities: emergency room closures. Emergency room closures are happening right across this province, some of them permanently. Help used to be right around the corner; now more people are finding themselves driving farther and farther for emergency or urgent care because this government decided to funnel money toward private corporations instead of fixing the staffing crisis.

The NDP proposed a solution to turn the lights back on in the public operating rooms that we already have and get Ontarians the surgeries they’ve been waiting for. The Conservatives voted no.

Speaker, back to the Premier: Will he finally prioritize patients over insiders and make health care public once again?

Hon. Doug Ford: As I was saying, Mr. Speaker, we landed the largest deal in the auto sector. We are the EV capital of the world—not just North America; of the world—with six of the largest car manufacturers right here producing automobiles and batteries.

Mr. Speaker, we expanded GO service to Niagara, bringing the total to 21 round trips per week.

Talking about health care, there’s no government in the entire country that has invested more in health care than we have: $81 billion. We’re building 50 new sites or upgrading 50 new sites to a tune of $50 billion. We had more nurses registered last year than in the history of this country, 12,000 of them—12,000. We added 3,100 beds. We’re going to be adding another 3,000 beds—more than, again, any time in the history of this province. We’re investing in our doctors and new doctors coming online with two medical schools—

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Response.

Hon. Doug Ford: Did you just—

Interjection: Tell us more, Premier.

Hon. Doug Ford: Okay—two medical schools, more undergrads and grads than ever before.

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

Ms. Marit Stiles: Speaker, this government’s status quo is closed emergency rooms. We have more nurses leaving Ontario than they could recruit. We have not a family doctor in sight; 2.2 million Ontarians don’t have a family doctor.

Speaker, investing in health care or education or housing—instead of doing those things, the government is prioritizing giving $650 million to an Austrian corporate conglomerate to build a luxury spa on top of a public park. While small-town emergency rooms are being shuttered, the company behind this elite luxury spa is being given hundreds of millions of dollars and a 95-year lease.

Speaker, back to the Premier: Will he cancel his $650-million private spa and instead invest that money in communities that desperately need it?

Hon. Doug Ford: Since we took office, Mr. Speaker—let’s just go back 15 years ago, when the NDP and Liberals were running this province. They chased 300,000 jobs out of the province. Let’s move forward five years: There’s 670,000 more people working today than there was five years ago; there’s 380,000 jobs available, in every single sector across Ontario. We are an economic powerhouse in North America. We’ve created the conditions and the climate for people to come here, open up a business. As a matter of fact, Mr. Speaker, last year alone, 85,000 new businesses opened right here in Ontario. We cut $8 billion of burden off the backs of companies.

As the Liberals and NDP chase these companies out of the country, out of the province, we’re attracting companies from all over the world to invest right here in Ontario, the best place to live, work and raise a family.

Government’s record

Ms. Marit Stiles: I will say, I think this sounds to me like a government that has actually lost its way. I understand why the Premier—

Interjections.

Ms. Marit Stiles: The Premier can’t answer the questions.

Interjections.

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The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Order. Order. I have to be able to hear the member who has the floor; in this case, the Leader of the Opposition.

Restart the clock. The Leader of the Opposition has the floor.

Ms. Marit Stiles: Speaker, thank you. It’s a government with the wrong priorities; it’s a government that’s become far too comfortable on the government gravy train.

Ontarians across the province are writing, they’re calling, they’re rallying because they see a government that’s out of touch. So I’d like to ask the Premier some more questions about his priorities, because after five years of this government’s transit policies, the Eglinton Crosstown project is completely off the rails, years behind schedule, way over budget—not so unlike the Ottawa LRT fiasco—all while people are waiting and businesses are shutting down.

Speaker, to the Premier: Will he prioritize getting the Eglinton Crosstown back on track so Ontarians aren’t left waiting any longer?

Hon. Doug Ford: Thank you for the question. Actually, the facts are we’re building the largest transit project in North America—$30 billion with four new lines, getting people out of their cars into transit. There’s nowhere in North America that’s doing four subway lines. But thank you for that question.

In housing, we have a housing crisis. Last year, there were 27,427 housing starts in this province. That’s up 16% from the previous record year. Purpose-built rental starts across the province are up 143%—more than double than last year. Housing starts in Toronto are up 178% from last year. Housing starts in Brampton are up 65% from last year. Multi-unit construction in Ontario has increased 7.6% since February—the largest increase in the country. We saw a 25% increase in condo permits—also the largest in the country.

Mr. Speaker, let’s talk about education. This year, education spending is at an all-time high of $34.7 billion. Education—

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

Ms. Marit Stiles: Once again, it’s like this Premier is not existing on the same planet that the rest of us are. I don’t know where this comes from. My God. This is a government that doesn’t even have a deadline for the Eglinton Crosstown. Housing starts are down, not up.

I want to talk again about the government’s priorities—

Interjections.

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

The Leader of the Opposition legitimately has the floor. She has every right to ask questions. This is question period. I have to be able to hear her. If the government side continues to interject loudly, I will start calling you out by name.

Restart the clock. Leader of the Opposition.

Ms. Marit Stiles: I know why they don’t like it, but let’s get back to reality—back to this government’s priorities.

Speaker, the Conservatives like to say that they’ve prioritized workers, but when push comes to shove, they let workers down every time. Exhibit A: They took away the three measly paid sick days that people fought for at the start of the pandemic. Exhibit B: They took away the constitutional rights of education workers. Exhibit C: The Conservative members from Windsor won’t lift a finger to help the striking workers at the Windsor Salt mine, out of work now for 111 days, where the company is bringing in scab labour. The list goes on and on, Speaker.

Back to the Premier: Will he prioritize workers and pass the NDP’s anti-scab legislation?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Members will please take their seats.

Premier.

Hon. Doug Ford: Can I get an extension of about an hour to show all of our accomplishments?

Mr. Speaker, let’s go back to transit for just one second before I get to education. Over $70 billion is being spent on transit, $23 billion on roads, building the 413 and the Bradford Bypass, widening Highway 3 down to our great friends in Windsor. Let me tell you about Windsor. They’ve never seen more love from any government than they’ve seen from us, no matter if it’s a new hospital, Stellantis, job creation, Highway 3, schools—they’ve seen the love, and I felt it when I went down there.

Let’s just go back to education. As I said, education spending is at an all-time high of $34.7 billion. Education funding has seen a 27% increase since 2018. While the Liberals closed—remember those days, Mr. Speaker? They closed 600 schools. We’re investing $15 billion to build new schools and child care spaces, including an additional $600 million in this year’s budget. We’ve invested $30 million more to double the math coaches across Ontario—

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

Final supplementary.

Ms. Marit Stiles: Speaker, it’s shameful there that the Premier would not even address the issues that we’ve raised around working people and working families in this province.

To wrap up: This is the state of Ontario now after five long years under this government’s watch. We’ve got a non-existent climate plan while communities are dealing with the most severe forest fire season we’ve ever experienced. We have emergency rooms closing while this government takes health care workers to court, a broken transit system held hostage by private contractors, and it’s harder than ever before to afford a safe place to live.

Ontario is a place that we are all proud to call home, but this Premier’s wrong priorities are hurting people now and, yes, they are threatening the economic prosperity and future of this province.

Speaker, back to the Premier: When will he change course? Will he change course today?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Stop the clock. The member for Sault Ste. Marie will come to order. The member for Kitchener–Conestoga will come to order. The Associate Minister of Housing will come to order.

Start the clock. The Premier can reply.

Hon. Doug Ford: Again, Mr. Speaker, one word: 670,000 people are putting food on their table, paying a mortgage or buying a home, because we created the climate and the conditions.

My Minister of Economic Development sends me a list every single night of companies coming in from all over the world.

And when people are out at work, do you know what they need? They need child care. They need child care that we partnered up with the federal government for to a tune of $4.69 billion, 28% over last year alone, Mr. Speaker.

Then, when it comes to long-term care, we know that the Liberals and NDP built—what, 617 beds over 15 years? We’re building, through our great Minister of Long-Term Care, over 60,000 new homes for long-term care, 30,000 new ones and 28,000 renovated ones.

Mr. Speaker, I have an opportunity to speak to governors and ambassadors all over the world. They’re saying, “What are you doing in Ontario? You’re on fire. You’re leading the world.” We’re—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Stop the clock. Members will please take their seats. The Leader of the Opposition will come to order. The member for Waterloo will come to order.

Interjection.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery will come to order.

Let’s start the clock again. Next question.

Government contract

Ms. Jennifer K. French: My question is to the Premier. Yesterday during committee hearings, we learned new information about the Ontario Place redevelopment procurement process. Unbelievably, we learned that there was no fairness monitor appointed to verify the integrity of the process.

We also learned that six days before the deadline for bid submissions, the deadline was suddenly extended by three weeks, even though Infrastructure Ontario had already received several bids. One bid that had not yet been received was the bid from Therme, which eventually won the redevelopment rights. So did that deadline extension give Therme an unfair advantage?

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

Hon. Kinga Surma: Thank you to the member opposite. Mr. Speaker, Infrastructure Ontario is an arm’s-length government agency that is responsible for government procurements. They have internal controls to ensure that there is accountability, fairness and competitive processes. They report to a board that also has accountability and transparency measures. And, of course, they work, like any other agency, with the FAO and the AG.

Mr. Speaker, we had a successful call for development where we had a lot of interest because a lot of people are excited about Ontario Place, as are we, and we will bring it back to life, just like we said back in 2019.

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

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Ms. Jennifer K. French: Again to the Premier: This government not only gave Therme a last-minute deadline extension, it’s also giving Therme a $450-million, give or take, parking facility that was not offered to the other Ontario Place bidders. Yesterday, we learned that the government wants to build the relocated Ontario Science Centre on top of this new parking facility. The minister told the CBC she had a business case showing that building a new science centre would be cheaper than making repairs. But yesterday, the minister said she has no idea how much the new parking facility would cost. So, Speaker, it stands to reason she has no idea how much it would cost with a new science centre as the cherry on top.

Will the minister release the business case to the public or admit that she doesn’t have one?

Hon. Kinga Surma: Thank you to the member for the question. First the member says the parking is for Therme; then the member says the parking is for the science centre. Do you know who the parking is for? It is for everyone. It is for all Ontarians—for the moms who have three kids from Scarborough and Brampton, for the people of northern Ontario who visit Toronto and want a wonderful place to go. That is who the parking is for.

Government’s agenda

Mr. Will Bouma: My question is for the Premier. In 2018, the people of Ontario elected our government with a strong desire for change in order to clean up the mess created after 15 years of mismanagement by the previous Liberal government. Wrong choices and wrong decisions by the Liberal government, supported by the NDP, hurt all Ontarians.

Instead of a government that supported our province’s working women and men, elites and activists lectured the people of Ontario, insisting that they knew better. Instead of a government that worked with businesses and entrepreneurs, we witnessed companies leaving our province and, sadly, hundreds of thousands of people losing their jobs. That’s why it is so critical for our government to continue making the right investments to ensure that Ontario remains on a path to prosperity.

Speaker, can the Premier please outline how our government is ensuring that we are getting it done for the people of Ontario by building a stronger province for everyone?

Hon. Doug Ford: I want to thank our all-star member from Brantford–Brant. You’re doing an incredible job. Thank you.

Friends, our government just took a simple approach when we came into office, when the previous government had the largest sub-sovereign debt in the world, the highest hydro rates, and companies were leaving. We remember those days, Mr. Speaker: high unemployment.

We believe in giving back to the people, putting money back in their pockets, no matter if it was getting rid of the tolls on the 412 or 418 or getting rid of the licence sticker fee or dropping the gas tax by 10 cents. Just imagine if there were 10 cents on top of the buck sixty that everyone is paying already. We believe in putting money back into people’s pockets until they can stir the economy. They can go out there and buy a piece of furniture, maybe go out for dinner, maybe go on a trip somewhere in Ontario.

Other than doing what they did for 15 years—taking money out of people’s pockets, chasing companies out of this province. We have cut the burden of businesses by $8 billion to attract more companies to come here, to create more jobs—

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

Mr. Will Bouma: Thank you to the Premier for his response and for his continuing leadership as he works on behalf of all Ontarians. The failure of the previous Liberal government, supported by the NDP, to focus on issues that matter to everyday people resulted in fragmented programs, failed policies, wasted opportunities and an overall disregard for the hard-working people of Ontario.

That is why our government must set clear priorities and focus on solutions that will demonstrate our respect for the people of Ontario. We must manage our resources well and implement measures that will continue to strengthen our economy while building up our workforce and ensuring that life is more convenient and affordable.

Speaker, as we look to the future, can the Premier please elaborate on where the people of Ontario can expect to see further leadership by our government that will help to make Ontario stronger?

Hon. Doug Ford: Again, I want to thank the member from Brantford–Brant. Mr. Speaker, going back, again, five years ago, we basically had a bankrupt province. That’s what it came down to. We had to go in there, focus on lean methodologies, respecting taxpayers. Over the past two and a half years, as I mentioned, through the great leadership of the Minister of Economic Development, we’ve seen $25 billion—a record anywhere in North America—coming into our province. But we need skilled workers. Through the great work of the Minister of Labour, we’re spending $1.4 billion, working with our union partners, to train the future skilled tradespeople who are going to build the cities, who are going to build the towns across the province.

We have more cranes than LA, Chicago, New York, Washington, Boston combined. There’s a reason why people are investing in Ontario; there are reasons why pension funds are investing here—because they know they have a business-friendly government that they haven’t seen in 15 years.

As much as the world is large when it comes to sectors across the world, it’s very small. We’re leading the tech industry in North America. We’re employing—

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

Child care workers

Ms. Teresa J. Armstrong: My question is to the Minister of Education.

A staffing crisis driven by low wages is threatening the accessibility of child care for families. Programs are limiting capacity, and expansion targets are at risk.

The minister was overwhelmingly told by stakeholders in their consultations that they need to properly compensate child care workers. In spite of years of raising these concerns, the province’s contribution to the child care budget remains flat. Staff have described this current wage floor as an insult.

Will the minister implement recommendations from the experts in the field to keep Ontario’s $10-a-day program on track?

Hon. Stephen Lecce: I want to thank the member opposite for the question. As we conclude the session, we can reflect back on this past year as one of progress when it comes to affordability.

Putting party interests aside, this Parliament enacted a bill and a budget that has allowed us to cut child care fees by 50% for the families we represent—$8,000 to $10,000 in savings per year—and we will go further.

Of course, we need qualified ECEs. We need to recruit them and to retain the ones who work with our kids. It’s why in the program we signed with the federal government an additional dollar per hour has been committed per year—a commitment to install a wage floor for the first time and a clear commitment by the government to go even further.

Mr. Speaker, in addition to increasing access to the ECEs, increasing affordable child care options, we’re building 86,000 spaces. This is a monumental step forward for financial relief for the people of Ontario.

We’ll continue to work with the sector, with our workforce and our operators to make life more affordable for families across—

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

Ms. Teresa J. Armstrong: Speaker, the key issue is that we need those child care workers in those child care spaces in order for this program to survive and thrive and expand. We know the wage floor is well below what workers are saying is needed to address this crisis. The minister is stating that he knows that this is an issue and that he plans to increase wages. The question is, how much and when? The Association of Early Childhood Educators Ontario are saying that they are cautiously optimistic, but they worry that it will still be less than what’s needed and will be delayed by the rollout of a broader child care workforce strategy.

Will the minister commit today to increasing ECE wages immediately, instead of waiting for yet another report?

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Members will please take their seats.

Minister of Education.

Hon. Stephen Lecce: After child care fees increased by over 400% under the former Liberal government, our government got to work on a plan to make life affordable. Child care fees went from $46 a day to $23 a day, on average, today, under this Premier’s leadership. We can’t discount how monumental that is, financially, for working people and parents in Ontario. That is one of the most monumental ways this Parliament has made life more affordable. But I accept the premise that we’ve got to do more for our workers. We’ve got to give them a reason to stay and work in a tough sector. We value what they do, which is why we’ve already increased their wages. We’ve committed to going further.

We’ve also committed to expand access to 86,000 spaces by announcing a $213-million start-up grant, where we literally help incentivize the marketplace—more spaces and therefore more workers in the communities that have a disproportionately under-represented amount of child care spaces to their population.

We’re going to get this right. We’re going to work together. We are going to make life affordable for moms and dads across this province.

Transportation infrastructure

Mr. Trevor Jones: My question is for the Minister of Transportation. Like other regions across the province, communities in southwestern Ontario are experiencing population growth and business expansion. But traffic congestion and gridlocked highways through Leamington and Essex are extending travel times for all road users, while delaying vital goods and services from getting to our markets. Urgent action needs to be taken to build the necessary transportation infrastructure to keep our province moving.

Unfortunately, transportation needs in my areas were consistently ignored by the previous NDP-backing-the-Liberals government. The residents of Chatham-Kent–Leamington and people throughout southwestern Ontario deserve better when it comes to our transportation network.

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Speaker, can the minister please explain what our government is doing to address the critical need for expanded transportation infrastructure?

Hon. Caroline Mulroney: Thank you to the member for the question. When our government took office, we committed to the people of this province that we would rebuild Ontario. Unlike the previous Liberal government, who left southwestern Ontario behind, our government is investing in this region. Why, Speaker? It’s because we know that when southwestern Ontario is strong, the entire province is strong.

I was proud to have recently joined the Premier and my colleagues to announce our government is moving forward with the widening of Highway 3. We have awarded the contract to design, build and finance the widening of Highway 3 between Essex and Leamington. This investment will improve road safety and will keep people and goods moving.

Speaker, our government is making historic investments in roads and in highways to tackle gridlock, connect communities and build our economy.

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

Mr. Trevor Jones: Thank you to the minister for her genuine leadership. While recent announcements made by our government will certainly address this long-standing and urgent need, these communities look forward to seeing construction get under way as soon as possible. This Highway 3 expansion will dramatically reduce commute times, increase road safety and improve the movement of people and goods.

But a further expansion of this infrastructure is still urgently needed. We’re seeing tremendous growth in the industrial, agricultural, manufacturing and health care sectors in Windsor and throughout Essex county. Population growth, job creation and other major investments are driving the urgency for an expanded transportation network. This is why our government must continue to invest in this infrastructure, to better support increased opportunities for trade through the busy Detroit-Windsor border.

Speaker, can the minister please elaborate on how our investments in critical highway infrastructure and projects throughout southwestern Ontario will support our economy?

Hon. Caroline Mulroney: Our government understands that in order to build a strong economy, we need the infrastructure to support it, and for the Windsor-Essex region that starts with a strong transportation network. This last year alone, trade between Michigan and Ontario was valued at more than $80.7 billion. That’s why it is vital to keep this corridor moving. When our goods are stuck in gridlock, it only makes things more expensive.

Speaker, not only are we moving forward with the widening of Highway 3; our government will also support the city of Windsor to build a new interchange connecting Highway 401 to the Lauzon Parkway. This critical investment will not only support economic development, but it will also help increase trade opportunities across Ontario’s borders.

GO Transit

Ms. Catherine Fife: My question is to the Premier. The people of Kitchener and Waterloo are getting left behind by this government. I don’t mean figuratively; I mean literally. There is so much demand for GO service on weekends, when GO trains don’t run, that buses are completely packed with people, especially students, and they are being left behind in Brampton. On Tuesday of this week, Waterloo regional council voted to send a letter to the government urging it to address exactly this.

The people of Waterloo region need and deserve two-way, all-day GO service, including on weekends. When can Kitchener expect a weekend train to get to Kitchener on the Kitchener line?

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

Hon. Caroline Mulroney: Speaker, I’m happy to talk about our government’s plan to bring two-way, all-day GO service to Kitchener-Waterloo, but I wonder, if it’s such an important issue for the member opposite, why she voted against our plan.

Mr. Speaker, we’re moving forward with the largest transit expansion plan anywhere in North America, and while we’re building subways and LRTs, we’re also building a strong regional network that is going to bring two-way, all-day service across our entire network, and that is despite the opposition voting against it.

Kitchener-Waterloo is a growing area. That’s why Metrolinx is constantly monitoring service and ridership levels, and that is why, just recently, we announced an increased bus service. While the demand was greater than we even thought, the next day, we added double-decker buses to meet the demand in Kitchener-Waterloo.

Mr. Speaker, we are there to meet the demands of Ontarians. The greater Golden Horseshoe is growing, and we will make sure that our transportation network keeps up and meets that demand.

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

Ms. Catherine Fife: Speaker, New Democrats will always vote against legislation that leaves Kitchener behind.

The level of frustration has reached a tipping point. I was speaking with Justin Fan, a University of Waterloo student, who told the CBC “he wants to use GO Transit regularly, but he gets frustrated when he can’t get on a bus.”

Ian McLean, president and CEO of the KW chamber of commerce, has said that more trains will “deliver, by some estimates, up to 170,000 new jobs, billions in new investment from the private sector.”

Trains are good for business, good for people and good for the environment. Why doesn’t Kitchener-Waterloo deserve a train on the weekend? This is a direct question to the minister: When can they expect it? Because the buses are not getting the people where they need to go.

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Members will please take their seats.

Minister of Transportation.

Hon. Caroline Mulroney: I thank the member opposite for the question. Only recently, we released the preliminary design business case for the Kitchener project. That is going to provide more frequent and reliable service for people between Kitchener and Georgetown, and it’s a great opportunity for us to talk about the other investments that we’re making along the corridor. We’re increasing services as we’re seeing ridership demands increase, which is why, just recently, we announced more trains to Brampton. We announced new bus service to Kitchener.

And with respect to two-way, all-day GO and more frequent service on weekends, we are building towards that. We are working closely with our rail partner CN to make sure that we can deliver the service that we have told Ontarians we will deliver.

Mr. Speaker, we put forward a great plan to get Ontarians home and get Ontarians to work in an easier, more frequent way. But when we do so, the NDP vote against it. The member opposite stands in this House and says she speaks for her constituents. Well, do her constituents know that when we put forward a plan that will actually deliver on the promise of two-way, all-day GO, she votes against it?

Ambulance services

Mr. Stephen Blais: My question is for the Premier. Last year, paramedics in Ottawa set a new record, but it’s not a good one: 1,806 times the Ottawa paramedics hit level zero. There were no paramedics available to respond to calls for more than 73,000 minutes. Paramedics spent 93,000 hours at emergency rooms in off-load delay.

The city is requesting provincial funding to help alleviate the off-load delay problem at Ottawa’s backlogged emergency rooms in our hospitals. Will the government step up and provide the funding Ottawa needs to keep more ambulances on the road?

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

Hon. Sylvia Jones: I will say that not only are we stepping up, but we have stepped up. We had a top-up of funding directly to Ottawa of $2.6 million through the Dedicated Offload Nurses Program. The member opposite knows that I’ve spoken about this program many times because it is something that paramedics and the hospital clinicians see as a real game-changer, ensuring that paramedics can get back out into community and make sure that they have appropriate care within the emergency department.

We’ve done that work. I met with the mayor of Ottawa on Monday, spoke to him again yesterday. I meet regularly and talk regularly to the Ottawa hospitals. We know that they are using effectively the 911 model of care, where paramedics, with the patient’s approval, can take individuals somewhere else other than the emergency department. These are real changes on the ground that are making a difference in the lives of the people of Ontario.

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

Mr. Stephen Blais: What the government is doing isn’t working, because there’s a report going to the city next week calling for more paramedics that are urgently needed.

The off-load delay at the Ottawa Hospital means that paramedics are waiting two and a half hours at the emergency room to get back on the road. For two consecutive years now, the Ottawa Paramedic Service has failed to meet the legislated response time of six minutes for sudden cardiac arrest. Last year, they only hit their legislated requirement 48% of the time.

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Mr. Speaker, imagine watching your loved one die of a heart attack right in front of you because there’s no ambulance available to come.

Will the government do the right thing and get Ottawa the resources it needs to keep paramedics on the road responding to 911 calls?

Hon. Sylvia Jones: The member opposite speaks of the report that’s going to the city next week. I’ve read it, and it talks about the benefits that they have seen as a result of using the Dedicated Offload Nurses Program.

In terms of land ambulance support, of course, we partner, 50-50, with our municipal partners, so every time they add a new ambulance, every time they add a new paramedic, the Ministry of Health and the province of Ontario are there to support with 50% funding, and we will continue to do that because we want to make sure that 911 models of care, Dedicated Offload Nursing Programs, a Learn and Stay program that is available in northern Ontario for paramedics who train—we are covering their tuition and education costs so that they can continue to serve in underserved communities. We’re doing all of this work to ensure that the people of Ottawa and all of Ontario have appropriate care in their community.

Long-term care

Mr. Brian Riddell: My question is for the Minister of Long-Term Care. This spring, the minister announced that the Village of Winston Park, a long-term-care home in Kitchener, had opened a new, recently constructed building that will provide more beds for seniors.

Nevertheless, while this is good news for the local community, Ontario’s broader long-term-care sector is being impacted by a rapidly aging population. Despite numerous calls from experts and advocates, the previous Liberal government failed to acknowledge the critical importance of investing in long-term-care facilities and services. This is why it’s so vital that our government continues to plan ahead to address the care needs for our seniors across our province.

Speaker, can the minister please explain how construction projects like this one will support our seniors in Waterloo and the neighbouring area of Cambridge?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston and parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Long-Term Care.

Mr. John Jordan: Thank you to the member for Cambridge for the question. The expansion of the Village of Winston Park is a game-changing project for the Waterloo and Cambridge area. This state-of-the-art facility now provides 224 safe, modern long-term-care beds along with top-quality care and resources for residents.

Our government is also supporting another 12 projects in Waterloo region, including homes in Cambridge, Wilmot, Woolwich and Kitchener. These are beautiful homes. Together, these projects will provide over 2,400 new and upgraded long-term-care beds built to modern design standards. These investments will also bring many new jobs in the form of construction and health care staff.

This government is investing up to $5 billion for an additional 27,000 new long-term-care staff; that’s something that the Leader of the Opposition might want to put in her review.

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

Mr. Brian Riddell: Thank you to the parliamentary assistant for his response. It is essential that our government continues prioritize the needs of our seniors in providing care and services that are resident-centred. By investing in new long-term-care infrastructure and services, we will be able to build a stronger system that will provide care and support for Ontario seniors and their families.

In considering the current and future needs for seniors, it is clear that we need to build more long-term-care homes in communities across the province.

Speaker, can the parliamentary assistant please provide an update on measures our government is taking to add more beds to Ontario’s long-term-care system?

Mr. John Jordan: Speaker, over the past year, we have seen rising interest rates, increased construction costs, supply chain issues which have slowed construction. But our government is not wasting any time to ensure that seniors get the quality of care and quality of life they deserve.

That is why our government has provided an increase to the construction funding subsidy designed to encourage long-term-care homes across the province to begin building by August 31, this summer. This will and has enabled the continued development of new long-term-care projects. By building new beds, more seniors will be placed in modern, safe and comfortable new homes. This initiative and commitment by this government will result in shovels in the ground for 11,000 long-term-care beds by August 31. This is all part of our government’s historic $6.4-billion plan to develop over 58,000 new and upgraded long-term-care beds so we can meet the needs of our aging population.

Anti-discrimination activities

Mr. Joel Harden: My question is for the Solicitor General. Tomorrow, I will be joining parents, faith leaders, elected officials and community members at a community rally on Broadview Avenue in Ottawa Centre. We are, sadly, having to oppose an anti-transgender, anti-queer hate rally that’s happening at the foot of the street.

This same group of people were on Broadview Avenue 17 months ago. One of them, if you can believe it, Speaker, travelled all the way from British Columbia to display homophobic and transphobic placards outside three public schools. But on that day, hundreds of people came to block the visibility of his placards and tomorrow we are going to do it again.

Speaker, I want to know, will my friends in government join us and call out this hate?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism.

Hon. Michael D. Ford: It’s without question that Ontario is home to a strong and vibrant 2SLGBTQIA community who helped shape our province and made it into the success it is today. With Pride Month well under way, as my colleague stated, I want to take this opportunity to honour their strength, courage and resilience, as well as to celebrate the important contributions they make to our province each and every day.

Mr. Speaker, as the Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, I’ve been working with our 2SLGBTQI community and will continue to work with them and all allies and partners to build a stronger, safer, more inclusive Ontario, where people from all walks of life and all backgrounds can call Ontario home.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Supplementary.

Mr. Joel Harden: I appreciate what my friend in government just said, but my question is really intended for the Solicitor General, because I consider this to be a public safety matter for queer and trans kids in our community and all over Ontario.

As we just heard, this is Pride Month. But sadly, and I’m sure many of us are hearing it, incidents of hate against queer and trans people are on the rise, and some people are fanning the flames. So at home, we’re gathering peacefully but determinedly to show queer and trans youth we are on their side. I’ve heard members from across this House say the same thing.

Speaker, through you, does the government have a public safety message, a guarantee to queer and trans youth in Ottawa Centre and everywhere in this province, that everyone in this House sees them, loves them, values them, and we will not let them be threatened by hate or bigotry ever in the province of Ontario?

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): To respond, the Solicitor General.

Hon. Michael S. Kerzner: I want to thank my friend for the question. Let me be clear: Yes, we condemn all forms of hate. We have zero tolerance for hate-based crime. Everyone should feel safe in their own homes and communities.

But, Mr. Speaker, let me say this: For those who do not wish us well, for those who feel we don’t have a right to live in our communities, to raise our children, to pray, to work, and to love who we want and to live how we choose, we will call them out.

Seniors

M^me Dawn Gallagher Murphy: My question is to the Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. June is Seniors Month in Ontario and I was honoured to have the minister and his parliamentary assistant in my community last Friday to kick off Seniors Month at my seniors’ Community Connections Expo held in Newmarket.

Seniors’ Month is a time to recognize the contribution of seniors in our province and to respect and celebrate the work that seniors have done and what they are doing in our communities. The theme for 2023 is “Working for Seniors.” Our government is making great progress in helping seniors to stay independent, active and socially connected. However, it is vital to the health and well-being of Ontario’s seniors that our government continues to support initiatives that will help to keep our older adults engaged in their communities.

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Speaker, can the minister please explain the importance of Seniors Month and how it helps to properly recognize the contributions of seniors in our communities?

Hon. Raymond Sung Joon Cho: Thank you to the member from Newmarket–Aurora for that important question. I was honoured to attend her seniors’ expo in Newmarket last week. She brought together 17 seniors’ and community groups, close to 100 seniors and senior leaders, who showed how active and involved they are in serving seniors in that part of York region.

As a super senior, I’m calling on everyone to do what the MPP from Newmarket–Aurora did and bring their seniors together. Let’s celebrate Seniors Month like never before.

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

M^me Dawn Gallagher Murphy: Celebrating June as Seniors Month is an important way to recognize the contributions of seniors and highlight the importance of age-friendly communities.

However, the risk of social isolation for seniors is a reality. Repeated research studies show that loneliness and social isolation have detrimental effects on the physical and mental health of seniors. This is an important issue, and that is why it is essential that our government continues to make investments into programs and services that help seniors to remain active and socially connected. Seniors in Ontario deserve our continuing support.

Speaker, can the minister please explain how our government is supporting the quality of life for seniors in Ontario?

Hon. Raymond Sung Joon Cho: Mr. Speaker, fighting social isolation is the best way we can help seniors. For example, I announced over $51,000 for Newmarket’s Seniors Active Living Centre and another $51,000 for Aurora’s Seniors Active Living Centre. This is part of our government’s $20-million investment in more than 280 Seniors Community Grants and almost 300 Seniors Active Living Centres across Ontario.

Thanks to the leadership of this Premier, these investments help seniors stay fit, active, healthy, close to home, connected to their communities and fight social isolation.

Northern Health Travel Grant

MPP Jamie West: My question is to the Premier. Speaker, many constituents in northern Ontario must travel long distances to receive specialized health care. The broken Northern Health Travel Grant system forces patients to cover those travel costs and accommodations up front, and then they have to wait to be reimbursed. For example, Denise and her husband, Stephan, are seniors on a fixed income, and they need to come to Toronto to see Stephan’s neurologist. Denise told me Stephan will get 41 cents a kilometre, but only after the first hundred kilometres.

My question is, will the Premier remove cost-prohibitive barriers like this one that make it difficult for northerners to access proper care through the Northern Health Travel Grant?

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

Hon. Sylvia Jones: There is no doubt that there are unique challenges for patients who are looking to access health care in northern Ontario or having to travel great distances to get those treatments, which is why we’ve invested $48.2 million in the Northern Health Travel Grant, which paid out nearly 150 individuals for those reimbursements.

I will say that I am particularly proud of some changes that we have been able to make recently on the grant, and that ensures that individuals can now apply electronically and get those reimbursements directly into their bank accounts. It means that there is not the unnecessary delay and red tape. It has been very helpful, particularly for individuals who have multiple trips and multiple treatments. That is one example of how we are improving this grant to make sure that people get their money back faster.

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

MPP Jamie West: Back to the Premier: Denise wrote to my office about the Northern Health Travel Grant. She said, “My husband Stephan and I are both seniors on a fixed income. The neurologist has been good about doing visits via OTN”—the Ontario Telemedicine Network—“but he needs to see him in person this week.” Then, at a later date, Stephan will require a procedure and have to stay in Toronto even longer. When Denise and Stephan come for medical care, the Northern Health Travel Grant will give them $100 a night for a hotel. However, the “discounted” hospital-hotel rates are now $250 a night. So although the minister is saying the system works better, the reality is that Stephan and his wife are going to be out $150 at a minimum every night they’re here. That’s unfair for somebody who needs medical attention.

My question is, will the Premier commit to increasing mileage and accommodation compensation so seniors like Stephan aren’t paying out of pocket to access essential medical care?

Hon. Sylvia Jones: Again, I will remind the member opposite that we are improving the system to make sure people get that money into their bank accounts in a more seamless way, particularly when they have to come for multiple treatments or medical procedures. It speaks to why we continue to invest and expand our hospital capacities in the north, in Sudbury, in communities across Ontario. The Premier made reference to it earlier today—over 50 different capital expenditures that are happening in hospitals across Ontario. We want to make sure that if it is appropriate and when it is appropriate, they can get that care closer to home. It is one of the expansions that will happen under Bill 160, as we expand community and surgical diagnostic centres in communities across Ontario.

Amateur sport

Mr. Will Bouma: My question is for the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

As the MPP for Brantford–Brant, I have always been proud to champion participation in sport in the communities that I represent. Sports contributes to better health, community pride and a stronger economy.

However, I am deeply concerned to know that according to Ontario Soccer’s CEO, the province is losing referees at an alarming rate. This decline in numbers is due to the increasing prevalence of abuse toward referees. To address this serious situation, I understand that Ontario Soccer is launching a body camera pilot project for soccer referees. Can the minister please share his response to this initiative being introduced by Ontario Soccer?

Hon. Neil Lumsden: Before I get to that, I’d also like to thank Mr. Decker for his service. Many years from now, my grandkids will point to that picture and say, “There’s Papa, but who’s the other guy?” I’ll simply say, “He’s a guy who made a big difference in my life.” Thank you.

To the member from Brantford–Brant, thank you for what you do in sport and recreation in your community—it doesn’t just stay with youth; it’s all across the board, because that helps our health care down the road.

To answer the question directly: I went, “Really? We have to go to that extent now and put cameras on officials to make sure parents and fans on the perimeter of a field are not harassing officials?” Let’s be clear, Mr. Speaker, these officials aren’t always adults. They’re young people. They’ve decided to go get trained, participate—they don’t necessarily have to play in sport, but they participate when they’re officials. So it’s disgraceful, it’s unnecessary, and we have to stop it.

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

Mr. Will Bouma: Minister, I really appreciate your thoughtful response to this issue.

Speaker, all Ontarians who participate in sport deserve to have a safe and supportive environment. Sadly, we are seeing young girls and boys being discouraged by a few irresponsible spectators who intimidate them with abusive yelling. Any form of harassment is unacceptable, and it must end.

Can the minister please share any insights he has gained from his experiences with sporting organizations and with participants?

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Hon. Neil Lumsden: Again, thanks for the question. This may sound strange—and I have been very fortunate to be on sidelines and behind benches in minor sport for a number of years, and I have some great friends as a result of participating in sport not because of the players and the parents, but because of the officials.

I was asked on April 1 on the football side of things to speak at their conference in Hamilton at Tim Hortons Field. There were 100-plus officials there, and they’re there to learn more and to get better. They’re there to get better, not because they want to become pro officials or umpires or referees, but because they want to make the game better. They want to give something back to their community.

So when we talk about the time they spent—afterwards I talked to their leadership group. I said, “What is the key problem for you now?” He said, “We’re losing people from age, but we’re also losing young people, especially because of the harassment they’re getting on the sidelines.”

Let me be clear, the culture of sport has to change, and we can all effect it in a positive way, because here’s the statement: Without officials, there are no games.

Education funding

Mrs. Lisa Gretzky: My question is to the Premier. Special-education needs within the Greater Essex County District School Board are continuing to grow. An additional 200 students will need special-education supports for the next school year. Their deficit for 2023-24 special-education funding is projected at $10.2 million.

The board has flagged the increasing needs of their special-education programs with the Conservative government multiple times. In December last year, the GECDSB wrote to the Minister of Education calling on the province to address “significant underfunding,” and that the board expects to spend an additional $5.4 million on special education this year.

Speaker, why won’t the Premier adequately fund the special-education programs needed and support the students of Windsor-Essex?

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

Hon. Stephen Lecce: Obviously we are very much concerned about those kids, and it’s why this government, since coming to office in 2018, has increased the special-education envelope of funding by over $540 million more. As a case study of that investment in this year’s presentation of our funding for school boards, that is going to rise again by $124 million more. That’s going to help families in Windsor and Essex and right across the region, and it’s going to help the school boards have the staff in place to meet the needs of those kids.

When it comes to EAs, education assistants, who principally work with those children, we have 3,200 additional EAs hired under our Progressive Conservative government. We’re proud of that, and we’re going to keep going as we’re hiring 2,000 additional front-line educators, focused on literacy and math, to help kids who are most at risk. We are committed to strengthening the training of our teachers and principals, and we are committed to hiring more staff to support the kids in your region and across Ontario.

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

Mrs. Lisa Gretzky: Speaker, I can tell you, as a former trustee, that this government and the government before them have chronically underfunded special education, and that increase the minister just mentioned is less than the rate of inflation. When we’re talking about school boards already behind in having funding for special-education students, it’s those students and their families that are suffering because you will not invest adequately so that their needs are met.

In fact, Speaker, in Lambton-Kent, the province is only funding a quarter of the special-education needs. Toronto District School Board has a $67.6-million shortfall when it comes to special education. As I said, in the Greater Essex County District School Board, their shortfall is projected at $10.2 million. They’ve already said it’s going to cost them $5.4 million for special education this coming school year.

Speaker, students across Ontario with special-education needs, their parents and families deserve a government that is making the necessary investments to see all students thrive. Will the Premier stop shortchanging students with special-education needs and properly fund the special-education programming and supports that all students need to thrive?

Hon. Stephen Lecce: Mr. Speaker, if we’re going to be students of history and look back, let’s look back to the Rae government—where you literally left the province in an economic disaster, and you didn’t even pay the workers of this province; they’re called Rae Days.

So we reflect with great wisdom on the horrid track record of the NDP. We will never go back. We’re going to go forward, and we’re going to continue to build schools. We’re going to continue to modernize education. We’re going to continue to play the challenging function any responsible government will: to demand better for the next generation of this province.

If members opposite are concerned about the interests of public education, then vote today for Bill 98, the Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act. Join this government in standing up for accountability, for the rights of parents and for better outcomes focused on reading, writing and math. We’re going to get back to basics, and we’re going to stand up for Ontario students right across this province.

Women’s employment

M^me Dawn Gallagher Murphy: My question is for the Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity. It is encouraging to hear that our government is continuing to focus on initiatives that are providing women with opportunities for greater economic empowerment.

However, there are still areas of concern that need to be addressed. The number of women employed in technology-related careers as well as in the skilled trades occupations are well below their male counterparts. The reality is that women only currently account for 5% of the skilled trades workforce. With more than 100,000 unfilled skilled trades jobs right now, it is critical that our government does all that we can do to attract more women to pursue these in-demand and rewarding careers.

Speaker, can the associate minister please elaborate on how our government is helping women to develop the skills they need to gain financial security?

Hon. Charmaine A. Williams: Thank you, member from Newmarket–Aurora, for the question and for the last question to close out the session.

I’ve gone across the province and have had a wonderful opportunity of meeting hundreds of women who are getting into the workforce and taking advantage of the programs and investments this government has made to support their flexibility and their training and skill development. This includes promoting a wide range of fields and careers for women and girls, helping entrepreneurs find supports and resources to create more women-led businesses. That’s why we’ve also expanded the Investing in Women’s Futures Program and the Women’s Economic Security Program.

Together, we’ve assisted more than 3,000 women to start their businesses, pursue further training and/or their education. We are getting it done for women in Ontario, because when women succeed, Ontario succeeds.

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

Visitors

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): A number of members have informed me that they have points of order they would like to raise.

We’ll start with the Minister of Education.

Hon. Stephen Lecce: Mr. Speaker, with us today in the gallery are the public servants in the Ministry of Education—my political staff as well—all of whom have been exceptional leaders helping build Bill 98. I want to thank them for their service, but I also want to give a special recognition to Nancy Naylor, the Deputy Minister of Education.

Nancy will be retiring from the Ontario public service after many decades of public service. Nancy has been a true leader, and everyone looks up to Nancy. We are forever grateful for your legacy in Ontario, and we’re proud to celebrate your service today.

Applause.

Council of State Governments East annual meeting

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Sudbury on a point of order.

MPP Jamie West: Yesterday, I had dropped off cards of reminder for the CSG East that will happen on August 20 to 23. I know that we’re excited to get back into our ridings now, but by August, we might miss each other, and I hope that you all come and join the Speaker and I as co-chairs for this event.

Visitor

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

Mr. Anthony Leardi: Mr. Speaker, in the east gallery today, we have the executive director of the Cross-Border Institute of the University of Windsor. She is also a fellow of the internationally renowned Wilson Institute, and she happens to be my younger sister: Marta Leardi.

Member’s birthday

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

Hon. Doug Ford: Well, I have a point all the time to call my colleagues and wish them a happy birthday. Unfortunately, we won’t be in the House, but there’s a special birthday coming up on Sunday, June 11, for a true leader within our caucus, one of the best transportation ministers I’ve ever seen. Happy birthday, Caroline.

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Egyptian Heritage Month

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The member for Mississauga–Erin Mills.

Mr. Sheref Sabawy: As we are coming to adjourn, I would like to wish everyone a very happy and joyful summer. This July marks the fifth year that we celebrate Egyptian Heritage Month in Ontario. I would like to take the opportunity to invite all the members to join us here in July for the many events we’ll be doing. Stay tuned. We will email everybody about the activities. And, as well, there’s a big Egyptian festival, on the 25th and 26th of August, in Celebration Square.

Member for Nepean

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

Ms. Lisa MacLeod: It’s always difficult to follow [inaudible], but here I go. Speaker, as you know, this year has not been one where I’ve been in the House as much as I had been in the previous 17 years. And I just wanted to say thank you to a couple of people who have made my life easier as I’ve been here, that is, to my assistant Ahmed Mawel. Ahmed Mawel is a Somaliland—a new immigrant to Canada. I actually met him while he was driving me in an Uber. He has such a great mind, a great spirit and a great heart. Being around him has been incredible.

And then my former assistant when I was Minister of Social Services, Jacqueline Bishop, has joined me as well. Her leadership, her dedication and her commitment not only to the government but also to her Caribbean community has been something that has really elevated and lifted me up.

Finally, I know it was been said earlier today by my friend Jill Andrew—and Jill, we do hope your mother finds a great ease as she fights this—Charlie Lyons, who was our chaplain here—unofficially, of course, and probably should be. Charlie has been a tremendous inspiration for many of us who have been around his prayer table, whether we’re religious or not.

On that note, I want to wish all colleagues a good summer, a healthy summer, and one that is filled with not only fun—don’t have too much—but also safety.

With that, I want to say thank you, as well, to you, Speaker.

Filipino Heritage Month

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Point of order: member for Scarborough Southwest.

Ms. Doly Begum: I would like to take the opportunity to wish Filipino Canadians across the province and across the country a very happy Filipino Heritage Month.

I also want to take the opportunity to thank members of this House who voted for my bill two years ago. This year, we will be celebrating, for the second time in Ontario, Filipino Heritage Month. On June 12, we will be raising the Filipino flag in front of the Ontario Legislature. Thank you very much, and I’m very happy—

Applause.

Birthday of member’s son

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity.

Hon. Charmaine A. Williams: I’ll be really quick. On Saturday, June 10, my firstborn is turning 19, and I just want to wish him a happy birthday, and be safe.

Visitor

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Point of order: member for Scarborough–Agincourt.

Mr. Aris Babikian: I would like to extend a warm welcome on behalf of the residents of Ontario to His Highness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia. He’s visiting Ontario on an official visit, and he was, yesterday, at the Armenian community centre. Many multi-faith groups welcomed him to Ontario. We wish him welcome.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): This is the last one. The member for Niagara West.

Mr. Sam Oosterhoff: Christmas is going to be coming up in December, so I think it’s important that we all acknowledge that that’s coming as well.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): We still have some things to do.

Legislative pages

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

It is now time to say a word of thanks to our legislative pages. Our pages are smart, trustworthy and hard-working. They’re indispensable to the effective functioning of this chamber, and we are indeed 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 now 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. Who knows? Maybe some of you someday will take your seats in this House as members or work here as staff. No matter where your path leads you, we wish you well.

Please join me in thanking this group of legislative pages.

Applause.

Deferred Votes

Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023 / Loi de 2023 sur l’amélioration des écoles et du rendement des élèves

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

Bill 98, An Act to amend various Acts relating to education and child care / Projet de loi 98, Loi modifiant diverses lois en ce qui concerne l’éducation et la garde d’enfants.

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

The division bells rang from 1216 to 1221.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Members will please take their seats.

On June 6, 2023, Mr. Lecce moved third reading of Bill 98, An Act to amend various Acts relating to education and child care.

On June 8, 2023, Mr. Yakabuski moved that the question be now put.

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

Ayes

• Anand, Deepak
• Babikian, Aris
• 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
• Flack, Rob
• Ford, Doug
• Ford, Michael D.
• Gallagher Murphy, Dawn
• Ghamari, Goldie
• Gill, Parm

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

• Quinn, Nolan
• Rae, Matthew
• Rasheed, Kaleed
• Rickford, Greg
• Riddell, Brian
• Romano, Ross
• Sabawy, Sheref
• Sandhu, Amarjot
• Sarkaria, Prabmeet Singh
• Sarrazin, Stéphane
• Scott, Laurie
• Skelly, Donna
• Smith, David
• Smith, Graydon
• Smith, Laura
• Smith, Todd
• Surma, Kinga
• Tangri, Nina
• Thompson, Lisa M.
• 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
• Begum, Doly
• Blais, Stephen
• Burch, Jeff
• Collard, Lucille
• Fife, Catherine
• French, Jennifer K.
• Gates, Wayne
• Gélinas, France
• Glover, Chris

• Gretzky, Lisa
• Harden, Joel
• Hsu, Ted
• Karpoche, Bhutila
• Kernaghan, Terence
• Mamakwa, Sol
• Mantha, Michael
• Pasma, Chandra
• Sattler, Peggy
• Schreiner, Mike

• Shaw, Sandy
• Stevens, Jennifer (Jennie)
• Stiles, Marit
• Tabuns, Peter
• Vanthof, John
• Vaugeois, Lise
• West, Jamie
• Wong-Tam, Kristyn

The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Todd Decker): The ayes are 72; the nays are 28.

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

Mr. Lecce has moved third reading of Bill 98, An Act to amend various Acts relating to education and child care.

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 is a five-minute bell.

The division bells rang from 1225 to 1226.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): On June 6, 2023, Mr. Lecce moved third reading of Bill 98, An Act to amend various Acts relating to education and child care.

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
• Barnes, Patrice
• Bethlenfalvy, Peter
• Blais, Stephen
• Bouma, Will
• Bresee, Ric
• Byers, Rick
• Calandra, Paul
• Cho, Raymond Sung Joon
• Cho, Stan
• Clark, Steve
• Coe, Lorne
• Collard, Lucille
• Crawford, Stephen
• Cuzzetto, Rudy
• Dixon, Jess
• Dowie, Andrew
• Downey, Doug
• Dunlop, Jill
• Flack, Rob
• Ford, Doug
• Ford, Michael D.
• Gallagher Murphy, Dawn
• Ghamari, Goldie

• Gill, Parm
• Grewal, Hardeep Singh
• Hardeman, Ernie
• Harris, Mike
• Hogarth, Christine
• Holland, Kevin
• Hsu, Ted
• Jones, Sylvia
• Jones, Trevor
• Jordan, John
• Kanapathi, Logan
• Kerzner, Michael S.
• Khanjin, Andrea
• Kusendova-Bashta, Natalia
• Leardi, Anthony
• Lecce, Stephen
• Lumsden, Neil
• MacLeod, Lisa
• Martin, Robin
• McCarthy, Todd J.
• McNaughton, Monte
• Mulroney, Caroline
• Oosterhoff, Sam
• Pang, Billy
• Parsa, Michael

• Pierre, Natalie
• Quinn, Nolan
• Rae, Matthew
• Rasheed, Kaleed
• Rickford, Greg
• Riddell, Brian
• Romano, Ross
• Sabawy, Sheref
• Sandhu, Amarjot
• Sarkaria, Prabmeet Singh
• Sarrazin, Stéphane
• Scott, Laurie
• Skelly, Donna
• Smith, David
• Smith, Graydon
• Smith, Laura
• Smith, Todd
• Surma, Kinga
• Tangri, Nina
• Thompson, Lisa M.
• 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
• Begum, Doly
• Burch, Jeff
• Fife, Catherine
• French, Jennifer K.
• Gates, Wayne
• Gélinas, France
• Glover, Chris
• Gretzky, Lisa

• Harden, Joel
• Karpoche, Bhutila
• Kernaghan, Terence
• Mamakwa, Sol
• Mantha, Michael
• Pasma, Chandra
• Sattler, Peggy
• Schreiner, Mike
• Shaw, Sandy

• Stevens, Jennifer (Jennie)
• Stiles, Marit
• Tabuns, Peter
• Vanthof, John
• Vaugeois, Lise
• West, Jamie
• Wong-Tam, Kristyn

The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Todd Decker): The ayes are 75; the nays are 25.

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.

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

Hon. Paul Calandra: Thank you, Speaker. Her Honour awaits.

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

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Royal assent / Sanction royale

Hon. Elizabeth Dowdeswell (Lieutenant Governor): Pray be seated.

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.

The Deputy Clerk (Mr. Trevor Day): The following are the titles of the bills to which Your Honour’s assent is prayed:

An Act to enact two Acts, amend various Acts and revoke various regulations / Loi visant à édicter deux lois, à modifier diverses lois et à abroger divers règlements.

An Act to amend various statutes with respect to housing and development / Loi modifiant diverses lois en ce qui concerne le logement et l’aménagement.

An Act to amend various Acts relating to education and child care / Loi modifiant diverses lois en ce qui concerne l’éducation et la garde d’enfants.

An Act to amend various Acts relating to the justice system, fire protection and prevention and animal welfare / Loi modifiant diverses lois relatives au système judiciaire, à la prévention et à la protection contre l’incendie ainsi qu’au bien-être des animaux.

An Act to provide for the dissolution of The Regional Municipality of Peel / Loi prévoyant la dissolution de la municipalité régionale de Peel.

An Act to revive 2253697 Ontario Inc.

The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Todd Decker): 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, I’d like to add my voice to those of many of you in this House in recognition of the dedicated years of service by our Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Todd Decker.

Applause.

Hon. Elizabeth Dowdeswell (Lieutenant Governor): And I would be remiss if I did not thank each and every one of you for your service in this past session, particularly to wish you well as you enter into summer recess, a time that I know is not a—it is a break of a different kind, but I know you’ll be serving in your constituencies, and I sincerely hope that I’ll have an opportunity to see many of you in person during the summer months, as I too will be taking trips around the province to see the people of this great province.

On behalf of the citizens of the province, may I sincerely thank you and wish each and every one of you a great summer.

Her Honour was then pleased to retire.

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

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

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The government House leader is seeking the unanimous consent of the House to see the clock at 1. Agreed? Agreed.

It is therefore 1 o’clock.

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 June 8, 2023, of 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

Oil, Gas and Salt Resources Amendment Act (Anti-Fracking), 2023 / Loi de 2023 modifiant la Loi sur les ressources en pétrole, en gaz et en sel (anti-fracturation)

Mr. Tabuns moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 130, An Act to amend the Oil, Gas and Salt Resources Act to prohibit hydraulic fracturing and related activities / Projet de loi 130, Loi modifiant la Loi sur les ressources en pétrole, en gaz et en sel en vue d’interdire la fracturation hydraulique et les activités connexes.

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

First reading agreed to.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Would the member for Toronto–Danforth like to briefly explain his bill?

Mr. Peter Tabuns: Along with my colleagues MPP Begum, MPP Bell and MPP Shaw, this bill is meant to prevent the introduction of fracturing for oil and natural gas in Ontario, a preventive step to reduce the increase in temperature of the world around us that we’re experiencing directly with the smoke and flames of forest fires across Canada.

Motions

House sittings / Committee sittings

Hon. Paul Calandra: I move that when the House adjourns today, it stand adjourned until 10:15 a.m. on Monday, September 25, 2023; and

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That the Standing Committee on Social Policy be authorized to meet on Monday, September 11, 2023, and Tuesday, September 12, 2023; and

That the Standing Committee on the Interior be authorized to meet on Monday, September 11, 2023; and

That the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs be authorized to meet on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, and Wednesday, September 13, 2023; and

That the Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy be authorized to meet on Wednesday, September 13, 2023; and

That the Standing Committee on Justice Policy be authorized to meet on Thursday, September 14, 2023.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Mr. Calandra has moved that when the House adjourns today, it stand adjourned until 10:15 a.m. on Monday, September 25, 2023—

Interjection: Dispense.

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

The government House leader.

Hon. Paul Calandra: Just to briefly say that, as you can tell, if the motion passes, we will be returning on the 25th.

In anticipation of the member opposite, the House leader opposite, I can inform the House that, upon our return on September 25, I will be seeking the unanimous consent of all members of the House, including the opposition, to immediately begin night sittings to allow the government the authority to have night sittings so that we can catch up on the few days that we miss, Speaker. Also, you will note that this allows members, of course, to attend the International Plowing Match without having to separately adjourn the House as well. And again, Mr. Speaker, it does allow us to continue the important process of estimates on the schedule, as was already previously established, but this motion confirms that.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): Further debate on the motion that’s before the House? The member for Timiskaming–Cochrane.

Mr. John Vanthof: It’s always an honour to be able to speak. We are in opposition to this motion. I would like to recognize that this motion does allow the committees for estimates to sit; that’s very important.

Starting at a later date, it does eliminate time for question period, and question period is one of the most important parts of our system, so we do rue that. But it is incredibly important to spend time in all our communities, and we recognize that. And—

Interjection.

Mr. John Vanthof: I would just take a moment. It also gives us the opportunity to all, still—because we usually sit a week before the plowing match and then adjourn for the plowing match. But the plowing match is going to be in the time we’re off.

I would just like to give a plug for the 2023 International Plowing Match. And just where this is—I believe it’s in the health minister’s riding. It is in an area called Bowling Green and Laurel—even the names are beautiful—in the municipalities of Amaranth and Grand Valley. And on behalf of the minister and everyone else who’s working so hard on that—I know it takes thousands of volunteers to pull this off—please take the opportunity and see what rural Ontario has to offer.

We are incredibly opposed to this motion, but very supportive of the plowing match.

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

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

All those opposed will please say “nay.”

In my opinion, the ayes have it.

Interjection: On division.

The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): On division.

Motion agreed to.

Petitions

Land use planning

Ms. Effie J. Triantafilopoulos: “To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Millcroft golf course represents more than 60% of the community’s overall green space, is home to many species of wildlife (some endangered), and acts as a flood management system; and

“Whereas there is currently a proposal to rezone the golf course for residential development;

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

“That the Legislative Assembly of Ontario call on the city of Burlington, the region of Halton, and the province of Ontario to work together to preserve the Millcroft golf course lands ... for the people of the community and beyond.”

I wholeheartedly endorse this petition, sign it and pass it on to page Halle.

Orders of the Day

New members of provincial Parliament

Resuming the debate adjourned on September 1, 2022, on the motion to recognize newly elected members of provincial Parliament.

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

Ms. Andrea Khanjin: It’s always a pleasure to stand in this chamber to represent the great constituents of Barrie–Innisfil. I want to take this opportunity to welcome a guest—Laura Weisz is with us today—and also pass a great thank you on behalf of our government to our House leader, who has really guided us through the session. It’s a great pleasure to work with him.

With that, Speaker, as my colleagues celebrate a great House leader, I move adjournment of the House.

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

This House stands adjourned until 10:15 a.m. on Monday, September 25, 2023.

The House adjourned at 1247.