IT IS NOW TIME FOR ORAL QUESTIONS. I RECOGNIZE THE LEADER OF HIS MAJESTY'S LOYAL OPPOSITION. [ Applause ] >> THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING, SPEAKER. LAST WEEK WE SAW THE EMERGENCY ROOMS CLOSE IN MINDEN AND THESSALON. THE URGENT CARE CENTRES IN FORT ERIE AND PORT COLBOURNE CLOSED OVERNIGHT PERMANENTLY. WE SAW ANOTHER CODE BLACK, NO AMBULANCES AVAILABLE IN WINDSOR ESSEX. THE PAST WEEKEND, THE CONSERVATIVE STAFFING CRISIS FORCED THE EMERGENCY ROOM IN CARLETON PLACE TO CLOSE OVERNIGHT. IT WAS CLOSED FOR 16 HOURS THIS WEEKEND, SPEAKER, 16 HOURS. THE THIRD CLOSURE SO FAR THIS YEAR. SPEAKER, TO THE PREMIER, HOW MANY MORE ERs LIKE CARLETON PLACE HAVE TO CLOSE THIS SUMMER BECAUSE OF HIS GOVERNMENT'S INACTION? [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: REPLY? THE DEPUTY PREMIER AND MINISTER OF HEALTH. >> THANK YOU, SPEAKER, THE TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT CLOSURES ARE DISTURBING FOR COMMUNITIES. I HAVE TO SAY AS WE CONTINUE TO INVEST IN HEALTHCARE, THE PARTY OPPOSITE, THE NDP CONTINUE TO VOTE AGAINST THOSE INVESTMENTS, WHETHER IT IS 50 NEW EXPANDED RENOVATIONS OF HOSPITALS IN THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO, WHETHER IT IS LEARN AND STAY PROGRAMS THAT ENSURE THAT PARAMEDICS, LAB TECHNICIANS AND NURSES CAN TRAIN IN THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO AND HAVE THEIR TUITION COVERED IF THEY ARE PREPARED TO SERVE IN AN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITY, YOU KNOW, YOU CONTINUE TO DEFEND THE STATUS QUO.
AND WE CONTINUE TO MAKE THE INVESTMENTS THAT ARE GOING TO MAKE GENERATIONAL CHANGES IN THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO. WE'RE DOING THAT WORK. I ONLY WISH THAT THE PARTY OF THE NDP AND THE PARTY OF THE LIBERALS WHEN THEY WERE IN POWER WERE MAKING SIMILAR INVESTMENTS SO THAT WE WERE NOT IN ONTARIO FINDING THE SAME THING THAT IS HAPPENING ACROSS CANADA AND, IN FACT, WORLDWIDE, SHORTAGES OF HEALTHCARE. >> The Speaker: THANK YOU. [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTIONS. >> AND EMERGENCY ROOMS CONTINUE TO CLOSE. THEY CONTINUE TO CLOSE. HOW MANY MORE IS IT GOING TO BE THIS WEEK? THEIR PLAN IS NOT WORKING AND ORDINARY ONTARIANS ARE WORRIED ABOUT WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THEM. NEARLY 400,000 ONTARIANS TOOK ACTION IN THE ONTARIO HEALTH COALITION CITIZENS REFORMED. MEMBERS OPPOSITE DISMISSED IT AS A STUNT.
THIS PAST WEEKEND ACROSS THIS PROVINCE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF ONTARIANS EVERYWHERE TOOK ACTION WITH THE ONTARIO FEDERATION OF LABOUR TO TELL THIS GOVERNMENT THAT ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. SPEAKER, IF THE PREMIER IS TRULY FOR THE PEOPLE, WILL HE ACTUALLY LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE? [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: MINISTER. >> NURSING PROGRAMS THAT ALLOW HOSPITALS TO HAVE DEDICATED STAFF WHO ARE ABLE TO TAKE THOSE PATIENTS AS THE PARAMEDICS COME IN AND ALLOW THE PARAMEDICS TO GO BACK OUT INTO COMMUNITY AND DO WHAT THEY WANT TO DO WHICH IS CONTINUE TO RESPOND TO 9-1-1 CALLS. 9-1-1 MODELS OF CARE, SPEAKER, THAT ENSURE THAT INSTEAD OF THE PARAMEDICS' ONLY CHOICE TO BE ABLE TO TAKE THAT PATIENT TO A PALLIATIVE CARE FACILITY, TO A LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY. >> The Speaker: ORDER. >> INSTEAD OF EXCLUSIVELY AND ONLY TO AN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT.
THESE ARE THE CHANGES THAT WE HAVE BEEN MAKING, THAT WE ARE SEEING ON THE GROUND MAKE A DIFFERENCE. THE NUMBER OF PARAMEDICS WHO HAVE SPOKEN TO ME SAYING THESE PROGRAMS ARE LITERALLY LIFE CHANGING IN OUR COMMUNITY. PLEASE KEEP THEM COMING. TELLS ME THAT THE PROGRAMS ARE WORKING AND I CONTINUE TO REMIND THEM THAT UNFORTUNATELY THE NDP CONTINUE TO VOTE AGAINST THEM. >> The Speaker: FINAL SUPPLEMENTARY. >> WELL, I CAN TELL THE MINISTER THAT IT'S TIME SHE PUT THE PARTISANSHIP ASIDE AND DID THE WORK IT TAKES TO FIX HEALTHCARE BECAUSE THIS IS NOT THE REALITY OUT THERE ACROSS THIS PROVINCE. CODE BLACK. CODE RED. SPEAKER, ONTARIANS ARE SPEAKING OUT BECAUSE THEY KNOW THIS GOVERNMENT IS HEADING DOWN THE WRONG PATH. THEY SAW WHAT HAPPENED IN QUEBEC WHERE CARPAL TUNNEL SURGERIES AT PRIVATE CLINICS COST TAXPAYERS 84% MORE THAN IF THEY HAD BEEN DONE IN THE PUBLIC SYSTEM.
THEY HEAR EXPERTS WHEN THEY SAY THAT FURTHER PRIVATIZATION OF HEALTHCARE WILL LEAD TO EVEN MORE EMERGENCY ROOM CLOSURES AND WORSE OUTCOMES FOR PATIENTS. REAL LEADERSHIP IS LISTENING AND CHANGING YOUR BEHAVIOUR WHEN YOU HAVE MADE A MISTAKE. SO BACK TO THE PREMIER, WILL HE START LISTENING TO ORDINARY ONTARIANS AND STOP WASTING PUBLIC MONEY ON PRIVATIZING CARE? [ Applause ] [ Indiscernible ]. >> The Speaker: MINISTER OF HEALTH. >> YOU KNOW, AS I TALK ABOUT THE SUITE OF SERVICES AND PROGRAMS THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO HOSPITALS ACROSS ONTARIO, I'M GOING TO HIGHLIGHT ONE IN PARTICULAR LED BY THE MINISTER OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES. THE LEARN AND STAY PROGRAM THAT ENSURES THAT PARAMEDICS, LAB TECHS, AND NURSES IN THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO WHO CHOOSE TO STUDY AND STAY IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES HAS HAD AN IMPRESSIVE 4,000 STUDENTS REGISTERED FOR THAT ONE PROGRAM ALONE. YOU KNOW, YOU TALK ABOUT WHY YOU'RE OPPOSED TO THE EXPANSION OF SURGICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC CENTRES IN THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO. CENTRES THAT HAVE OPERATED FOR DECADES BUT HAVE NOT HAD THE INVESTMENT OF PREVIOUS GOVERNMENTS. WE MADE THAT INVESTMENT IN JANUARY IN WINDSOR, IN WATERLOO, KITCHENER WATERLOO, AND IN OTTAWA, AND WE NOW HAVE PEOPLE GETTING THOSE CATARACT SURGERIES AND GETTING BACK INTO COMMUNITIES.
>> The Speaker: RESPONSE. >> STATUS QUO DOESN'T WORK. WE'RE MAKING THE INVESTMENTS. >> The Speaker: ORDER. THE NEXT QUESTION, ONCE AGAIN THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION. >> THANK YOU, SPEAKER. THIS QUESTION IS FOR THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION. PEOPLE IN TORONTO ARE WAITING AND WAITING AND WAITING FOR THE EGLINTON CROSSTOWN LRT TO FINALLY GO INTO SERVICE. SMALL BUSINESSES HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BADLY BY THE PROJECT WHICH HAS GONE COMPLETELY OFF THE RAILS. THE CANADIAN FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES SAY, AND I'M GOING TO QUOTE THIS, THEY ARE FED UP WITH THE PROJECT'S FREQUENT DELAYS, SHIFTING TIME LINES, LEGAL COSTS AND A LEGAL CHALLENGE THAT CAN HALT CONSTRUCTION. SPEAKER, TO THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION, WHEN WILL THE EGLINTON CROSSTOWN FINALLY OPEN? >> The Speaker: RESPONSE, THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION. >> THANK YOU, Mr. SPEAKER. AS I HAVE SAID BEFORE, I WANT TO ASSURE ONTARIANS THAT THE EGLINTON CROSSTOWN CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES TO MAKE PROGRESS.
CURRENTLY, THE PROJECT IS 98% COMPLETE. BUT AS I HAVE SAID BEFORE, Mr. SPEAKER, POLITICIANS SHOULD NOT INTERFERE IN THE TIMING AND THE OPENING OF TRANSIT PROJECTS. WHEN THAT HAPPENS, WE SEE THAT TRANSIT RIDERS ARE LEFT STRANDED. THE OTTAWA LRT IS A PRIME EXAMPLE OF THAT, Mr. SPEAKER. BUT, YOU KNOW, Mr. SPEAKER THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION STANDS IN THIS HOUSE AND ASKS ABOUT WHY WE CAN'T GET THE EGLINTON CROSSTOWN BUILT. HER OWN PARTY, IT HAD THE CHANCE TO VOTE IN SUPPORT OF IT TEN YEARS AGO DECLINED TO DO SO, Mr. SPEAKER. THE NDP CONTINUES TO VOTE AGAINST TRANSIT. THEY VOTE AGAINST SUBWAY EXPANSION. THEY VOTE AGAINST NEW LRTS FOR THE CITY OF HAMILTON AND THEY VOTE AGAINST BUILDING TRANSIT FASTER, Mr. SPEAKER. OUR GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO DELIVER FOR THE PEOPLE OF ONTARIO DESPITE WHAT THE NDP SAY AND THEIR OPPOSITION TO EVERYTHING WE DO.
>> The Speaker: ORDER. SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION. >> DELAY, AFTER DELAY AFTER DELAY. ALL WHILE PEOPLE ARE LEFT WAITING FOR TRANSIT, TRANSIT THAT FEELS LIKE IT'S NEVER GOING TO ARRIVE. LOCAL BUSINESSES — >> The Speaker: ORDER. >> — TAKING FINANCIAL HITS OR WORSE EVEN CLOSING UP SHOP. >> The Speaker: ORDER. >> DELAYS HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE UTTER MISMANAGEMENT OF THIS PROJECT. AND INSTEAD OF TAKING RESPONSIBILITY, THIS MINISTER IS EMBROILED IN A FINGER POINTING BATTLE BETWEEN THE PRIVATE CONTRACTORS, METROLINX, THE TTC AND EVEN HER OWN MINISTRY.
THE TORONTO SUN REPORTED THIS MORNING THAT THEY CAN'T EVEN GET ANSWERS ON JUST HOW BAD THINGS ARE. SPEAKER INSTEAD OF BLAMING EVERYBODY ELSE CAN THE MINISTER SPECIFY WHAT DIRECT ACTION SHE HAS TAKEN TO FIX THIS MESS? >> The Speaker: THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION. >> YOU KNOW, Mr. SPEAKER, LAST WEEK IN THIS HOUSE, THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION SAID TO ALL OF US THAT SHE WILL CONTINUE TO VOTE AGAINST PUBLIC TRANSIT. SHE SAYS THAT SHE WILL NOT SUPPORT THINGS THAT ARE BAD FOR ONTARIO. SO LET'S TALK ABOUT WHAT THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION THINKS IS BAD FOR ONTARIO. SHE THINKS THAT THE ONTARIO LINE WHICH WILL TAKE 28,000 CARS OFF THE ROAD EVERY SINGLE DAY.
>> The Speaker: ORDER. >> THAT'S BAD FOR ONTARIO. SHE SAYS THAT THE LARGEST TRANSIT EXPANSION ANYWHERE IN NORTH AMERICA THAT WILL DELIVER A NEW THREE-STOP SUBWAY EXTENSION FOR THE PEOPLE OF SCARBOROUGH AND EGLINTON CROSSTOWN WEST EXTENSION AND A YONGE NORTH SUBWAY EXTENSION AS WELL AS A NEW LRT FOR THE CITY OF HAMILTON, ACCORDING TO THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION, THAT'S BAD FOR ONTARIO. SHE WILL DO EVERYTHING SHE CAN TO STOP IT. SHE VOTES AGAINST IT EVERY SINGLE TIME. Mr. SPEAKER, A TRANSIT PLAN THAT UNITED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN CANADIAN HISTORY FOUR LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT. >> The Speaker: THANK YOU. THE FINAL SUPPLEMENTARY. SPEAKER, SHE'S BEEN THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION FOR FOUR YEARS. ALL SHE CAN DO IS PLAY THE BLAME GAME.
400 BUSINESSES HAVE CLOSED BECAUSE OF THIS. WE NEED AFFORDABLE, QUALITY, PUBLIC TRANSIT TO CONNECT US BETWEEN WORK AND HOME, TO LOVED ONES, TO OPPORTUNITY. ONTARIO USED TO BE ABLE TO BUILD TRANSIT PROJECTS ON TIME AND ON BUDGET. NOT UNDER THIS CONSERVATIVE WATCH. ESPECIALLY NOT UNDER THIS MINISTER'S WATCH. BACK TO THE MINISTER WITH RUMOURS SWIRLING AROUND A POTENTIAL CABINET SHUFFLE, DOES THIS MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION STILL THINK SHE'S THE BEST PERSON FOR THE JOB. >> Emily V.: — >> The Speaker: STOP THE CLOCK. I'M GOING TO START CALLING MEMBERS WHO ARE REPEATEDLY INTERJECTING TO ORDER. THE MEMBER FOR OTTAWA CENTRE COME TO ORDER. THE MEMBER FOR WATERLOO, THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION COME TO ORDER.
THE MEMBER FOR BRAMPTON NORTH COME TO ORDER. THE MEMBER FOR KITCHENER-CONESTOGA COME TO ORDER. START THE CLOCK. THE RESPONSE. MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION. >> THANK YOU, Mr. SPEAKER. TO THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION, WE HAVE LEARNED A LOT OF THE LESSONS FROM THE EGLINTON CROSSTOWN WHICH IS WHY WE BROUGHT IN THE BUILDING TRANSIT FASTER ACT. WE KNOW THAT BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS ACROSS EGLINTON WERE DEAN DEEPLY AFFECTED BY THE IMPACT OF THE CONSTRUCTION.
Mr. SPEAKER, THIS IS SUPPORTED BY PEOPLE ACROSS ONTARIO TO INTRODUCE THIS LEGISLATION TO GET SHOVELS IN THE GROUND FASTER TO DELIVER ON OUR PRIORITY TRANSIT PROJECTS WHICH, OF COURSE, SHE VOTED AGAINST FASTER THAN EVER BEFORE. Mr. SPEAKER, I SAY TO THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION IF SHE WANTS TRANSIT SHE SHOULD VOTE IN FAVOUR OF IT. THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION NEEDS TO DO IS PICK A LANE. [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: ORDER. THE NEXT QUESTION, THE MEMBER FOR HUMBER RIVER-BLACK CREEK. >> THANK YOU, SPEAKER. ONTARIANS PAY SOME OF THE HIGHEST CELL PHONE AND INTERNET BILLS ON EARTH. PLACES AROUND THE WORLD SPEND TEN TIMES LESS FOR WHAT WE'RE GETTING.
IF THEY CAN DO IT, WHY CAN'T WE? THIS MORNING — >> The Speaker: ORDER. >> — I JOINED OUR ONTARIO NDP LEADER AND NDP MPP COLLEAGUE TO DISCUSS A CONSULTATION PLAN AND A SET OF HEARINGS ACROSS THE PROVINCE TO HEAR FROM CONSUMERS, TELECOM EXPERTS, CONSUMER PROTECTION ADVOCATES AND THE INDUSTRY ITSELF TO DISCUSS A WAY FORWARD AND A PLAN TO DELIVER MORE ACCESSIBLE TELECOMS AT BETTER PRICES. DOES THIS GOVERNMENT AGREE THAT TELECOM COMPANIES ARE GOUGING ONTARIANS? WHAT ARE THEY WILLING TO DO ABOUT IT? >> The Speaker: ORDER. REPLY, THE PREMIER. >> Mr. SPEAKER, WE'RE PUTTING MORE MONEY INTO ONTARIANS POCKETS. THEY VOTED AGAINST EVERY SINGLE ITEM PUT FORWARD. THEY VOTED AGAINST THE 10 CENTS PER LITRE GAS TAX, WE SCRAPPED THE LICENCE PLATE STICKERS FOR 8 MILLION PEOPLE, AN AVERAGE OF $240 PER FAMILY. WE DROPPED THE TOTALS ON THE 412, 418, SAVING THE FOLKS MILLIONS OF DOLLARS.
THEY VOTED AGAINST THAT. WE INCREASED ODSP BY 5% TIED TO INFLATION, VOTED AGAINST THAT. WE CUT THE INCOME TAX TO 1.1 MILLION LOW INCOME WORKERS. THEY VOTED AGAINST THAT. WE INCREASED MINIMUM WAGE. THEY VOTED AGAINST THAT. WE EXTENDED 10% TUITION CUT. THEY VOTED AGAINST THAT. LOW INCOME SENIORS WILL PROVIDE A MAXIMUM INCREASE OF A THOUSAND DOLLARS PER PERSON. Mr. SPEAKER, THE NDP CAMPAIGNED ON MAKING GAS MORE EXPENSIVE. WE HAVE THE CARBON TAX KING OVER THERE FROM OTTAWA CENTRE THAT WANTS THE HIGHEST CARBON TAX IN THE ENTIRE WORLD. YOU'RE PROUD OF IT. IT'S ABSOLUTELY UNBELIEVABLE. YOU'RE PROUD OF IT. >> The Speaker: STOP THE CLOCK. >> The Speaker: ORDER. I WILL REMIND MEMBERS TO MAKE THEIR COMMENTS THROUGH THE CHAIR. RESTART THE CLOCK. THE SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTIONS. >> THE PREMIER SURE HATES MONDAY MORNINGS. SOMEONE GIVE HIM A HUG. >> IF THERE'S ONE THING THAT THIS GOVERNMENT IS GREAT AT, IT'S AT OVERPROMISING AND UNDERDELIVERING.
AND WHAT WE HAVE SEEN IS THAT THIS GOVERNMENT HAS HELD BACK NEARLY 90% OF THEIR BUDGETED INVESTMENT ON BROUGHT BACK INFRASTRUCTURE GOING BACK YEARS. SO MY QUESTION IS SIMPLE, WHY WON'T THEY MAKE BROADBAND ACCESS A PRIORITY AND WHY ARE THEY UNDERSPENDING IN BRINGING ACCESS TO ONTARIANS BECAUSE ACCESS TO INTERNET AND CELL PHONES AND TELECOMS ISN'T JUST A LUXURY ANYMORE. IT IS A NECESSITY FOR ALL OF US. >> The Speaker: ORDER. ORDER. [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: ORDER. THE RESPONSE, THE MINISTER OF INFRASTRUCTURE.
>> Mr. SPEAKER, I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW A $4 BILLION INVESTMENT, THE LARGEST IN CANADIAN AND PROVINCIAL HISTORY IS NOT MAKING ACCESS TO HIGH SPEED INTERNET A PRIORITY. [ Applause ] >> Mr. SPEAKER, PRIOR TO COVID THERE WERE 700,000 PREMISES THAT DID NOT HAVE CONNECTIONS TO HIGH SPEED INTERNET. WE ARE NOW WORKING ON MAKING SURE THAT WE CONNECT THE REMAINING 40 TO 60,000 PREMISES. NOW, I WOULD SAY THAT THAT IS VERY GOOD PROGRESS, Mr. SPEAKER. WE HAVE NOT SEEN ANY SUPPORT FROM THE MEMBERS OPPOSITE.
WE WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE MAKE THOSE INVESTMENTS BUT WE PAY OUR INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS WHEN THEY FULFIL THEIR PROJECT TIME LINES AND WHEN THEY MEET THEIR MILESTONES FOR CONSTRUCTION, Mr. SPEAKER. BUT THE $4 BILLION IS THERE. WE WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYONE IS CONNECTED AND NO ONE IS LEFT BEHIND. [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: THE NEXT QUESTION, THE MEMBER FOR CAMBRIDGE. >> HEY. THANK YOU, Mr. SPEAKER. MY QUESTION IS FOR THE MINISTER OF FINANCE. MUCH LIKE THE REST OF THE WORLD ONTARIO CONTINUES TO FACE ECONOMIC CHALLENGES. INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, WORKERS, BUSINESSES ARE ALL TROUBLED BY THE RISING COST OF LIVING AS PRICES GO UP ON EVERYTHING FROM GROCERIES TO GAS. >> YEAH. >> THERE ARE HOUSEHOLD AND BUSINESS BUDGETS ARE FEELING ONGOING FINANCIAL PRESSURE. THAT IS WHY OUR GOVERNMENT MUST IMPLEMENT A RESPONSIBLE PLAN THAT SUPPORTS BUSINESSES, FAMILIES, WORKERS ACROSS THE PROVINCE.
SPEAKER, CAN THE MINISTER EXPLAIN HOW OUR GOVERNMENT IS CONTINUING TO SUPPORT PEOPLE, BUSINESSES DURING THESE UNCERTAIN ECONOMIC TIMES. >> The Speaker: RESPONSE FROM THE GOVERNMENT. MINISTER OF FINANCE. >> THANK YOU, Mr. SPEAKER, AND THANK YOU TO THE MEMBER FROM CAMBRIDGE FOR THAT VERY INSIGHTFUL QUESTION. Mr. SPEAKER, OUR GOVERNMENT HAS A RESPONSIBLE PLAN TO ENSURE THAT ALL OF ONTARIO REMAINS ON A STRONG AND STEADY ECONOMIC GROWTH CHANNEL. OUR PLAN IS A COMMITMENT TO SUPPORT FAMILIES, TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS, TO SUPPORT WORKERS IN THIS GREAT PROVINCE AS WELL AS OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS.
WE HAVE LAID A STRONG FISCAL FOUNDATION, Mr. SPEAKER, WHICH WILL CONTINUE TO BUILD ONTARIO INTO THE FUTURE AS INFLATION WAS RISING, AS THE PREMIER SAID. WE TOOK ACTION EARLY TO HELP THE HARDWORKING FAMILIES OF ONTARIO. WE ELIMINATED LICENCE PLATE RENEWAL FEES AS WELL AS STICKERS AND REFUNDED TWO YEARS OF PASSES FOR ELIGIBLE VEHICLE OWNERS. WE EXTENDED THE CURRENT GAS TAX TILL DECEMBER 31ST, Mr. SPEAKER. THAT IS WHAT THE PEOPLE OF ONTARIO EXPECT AND DESERVE FROM THIS GOVERNMENT. >> The Speaker: SUPPLEMENTARY. >> THANK YOU, Mr. SPEAKER. IT'S ENCOURAGING TO HEAR THAT OUR GOVERNMENT IS CONTINUING TO MOVE FORWARD WITH MEASURES THAT WILL SUPPORT BUSINESSES AND PEOPLE IN ONTARIO.
THIS LEGISLATURE RECENTLY PASSED BILL 85, BUILDING A STRONGER ONTARIO ACT WHICH IN ADVANCE OF OUR GOVERNMENT'S ECONOMIC PLANS TO A STRONGER AND RESILIENT ECONOMY FOR TODAY AND IN THE FUTURE. HOWEVER, THE PEOPLE OF ONTARIO EXPECT OUR GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THROUGH ON OUR COMMITMENTS TO LOWER COSTS, BUILD KEY INFRASTRUCTURE, BUILD PROJECTS FASTER AND ATTRACT MORE JOBS AND INVESTMENTS. BUT MOST OF ALL, THE PEOPLE OF ONTARIO WANT OUR GOVERNMENT TO FOCUS ON ISSUES THAT WILL HELP MAKE EVERY DAY LIFE MORE AFFORDABLE AND THEY DESERVE NOTHING LESS. SPEAKER, CAN THE MINISTER PLEASE ELABORATE ON ACTIONS THAT OUR GOVERNMENT IS TAKING TO MAKE LIFE MORE AFFORDABLE FOR THE PEOPLE OF ONTARIO? >> The Speaker: QUESTION? THE MINISTER OF FINANCE. >> THANK YOU, Mr. SPEAKER. THANK YOU AGAIN TO THE MEMBER FOR THAT QUESTION. YOU KNOW, Mr. SPEAKER WE'RE MAKING TRANSIT AFFORDABLE BY ELIMINATING DOUBLE FARES FOR TRANSIT SERVICES IN THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE AREA WHEN COMMUTERS USE GO TRANSIT SERVICES AS THE PREMIER MENTIONED.
WE TOOK OFF TOLLS FROM THE 412 AND 418. IT DOESN'T STOP THERE, Mr. SPEAKER. FREEZING TUITIONS ACROSS THE PROVINCE BY LOWERING TUITIONS BY 10%, NEGOTIATING THE BEST CHILDCARE DEAL IN CANADA, SAVING FAMILIES AN AVERAGE OF $12,000 PER YEAR, Mr. SPEAKER, FOR LOW INCOME SENIORS WHEN CERTAIN TIMES ARE EVEN MORE CHALLENGING. WE TEMPORARILY DOUBLED THE ANNUAL INCOME SYSTEM PAYMENTS FOR ELIGIBLE SENIORS UNTIL DECEMBER 2023 EXPANDING THE GAINS PROGRAM FOR UP TO 50% OF AN INCREASE IN RECIPIENTS AND ADJUSTED FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER FOR BENEFITS TO INFLATION, Mr. SPEAKER. OUR TRACK RECORD SPEAKS FOR ITSELF. WE'RE COMMITTED TO KEEPING COSTS DOWN FOR THE PEOPLE OF THIS PROVINCE. >> The Speaker: THANK YOU VERY MUCH, THE NEXT QUESTION, THE MEMBER FOR KIIWETINOONG. >> MIIGWETCH, SPEAKER. MY QUESTION IS TO THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION, LAST WEEK LAMBTON KENT SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD WROTE TO THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION ABOUT THE 63% CUTS TO THEIR INDIGENOUS EDUCATION FUNDING.
SPEAKER, IT'S WRONG TO CUT FUNDING DURING INDIGENOUS HISTORY MONTH. SCHOOL BOARDS ACROSS ONTARIO NEED RESOURCES FOR CURRICULUM ON RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS, ON TREATIES, ON INDIGENOUS HISTORY YOU KNOW AS WELL AS LAND-BASED LEARNING. BUT I DON'T KNOW WHAT'S WRONG WITH OUR HISTORY. SPEAKER, HOW IS THE BOARD SUPPOSED TO IMPLEMENT THEIR INDIGENOUS EDUCATION PROGRAMMING WITH 63% CUTS IN FUNDING FOR NEXT YEAR? [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: REPLY. MINISTER OF EDUCATION. >> Mr. SPEAKER, WE ARE VERY COMMITTED TO ENSURING CANADIANS LEARN ABOUT THEIR INDIGENOUS HISTORY, ABOUT INDIGENOUS HISTORY IN THE PROVINCE AND COUNTRY. IT'S WHY FUNDING WITHIN THE SCHOOL BOARD ALLOCATION IS UP. OVERALL IT'S AT $120 MILLION. IT IS THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF FUNDING IN ONTARIO HISTORY. NOW, BEYOND THE MONEY, BEYOND THE MONEY, I WILL NOTE THAT THE MEMBER OPPOSITE RIGHTLY SPEAKS ABOUT OUR CURRICULUM, THE MANDATORY LEARNING STUDENTS COULD BE BETTER INFORMED ABOUT OUR PAST.
I'M PROUD THAT THIS COMING SEPTEMBER, THAT THIS COMING SEPTEMBER, EVERY CHILD IN GRADES ONE TO THREE WILL FINALLY LEARN ABOUT RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL KNOWLEDGE. WE ARE MANDATING IT IN THE CURRICULUM EFFECTIVE THIS COMING SEPTEMBER. THAT'S A POSITIVE STEP FORWARD. INDIGENOUS LEADERS CALLED ON THE FORMER GOVERNMENT TO GET IT DONE. THEY DIDN'T. WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK WITH MEMBERS OPPOSITE TO GET IT RIGHT AND STRENGTHEN INDIGENOUS LEARNING ACROSS ONTARIO. >> The Speaker: SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION. THE MEMBER FOR OTTAWA WEST━NEPEAN. >> THE RECORD-BREAKING SPENDING KEEPS TRANSLATING INTO CUTS ON THE GROUND. IT'S THE OPPOSITE OF MAGIC. THE LAMBTON KENT DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD ISN'T JUST LOSING INDIGENOUS FUNDING.
THIS IS ON TOP OF THE FACT THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS ONLY FUNDING ONE-QUARTER OF THE ACTUAL COST OF SPECIAL EDUCATION FOR LAMBTON KENT. IN ALL PARTS OF THE PROVINCE, KIDS NEED MORE SUPPORT, NOT LESS. WHY IS THIS GOVERNMENT FORCING SCHOOL BOARDS LIKE LAMBTON KENT TO IMPLEMENT CUTS AND TAKE SUPPORTS AWAY? >> The Speaker: MINISTER OF EDUCATION. >> Mr. SPEAKER, THE GOVERNMENT IS INCREASING INVESTMENTS BY 590 MILLION MORE DOLLARS FOR THE COMING SEPTEMBER. OUR SPECIAL EDUCATION GRANT IS UP ACROSS THE BOARD OVER $3.2 BILLION. IT IS DRAMATICALLY HIGHER THAN WHEN THE FORMER LIBERALS WERE IN PLACE. WE HIRED OVER 3,200EAs. I APPRECIATE THE INCONVENIENT TRUTH ASSOCIATED WITH FUNDING, STAFFING AND SUPPORT FOR SCHOOL BOARDS.
WE ARE INCREASING THE SUPPORTS ACROSS THE BOARD IN LAMBTON-KENT-MIDDLESEX AND EVERY SINGLE REGION OF ONTARIO. TO SUGGEST OTHERWISE IS PREPOSTEROUS. NO ONE BELIEVES THE NDP. THIS IS A DEFAULT. EVERY YEAR THERE'S A NARRATIVE FROM THE OPPOSITION OF THE SKY IS FALLING. WE'RE INCREASING SUPPORT TO HELP KIDS GET BACK ON TRACK. LOOK AT THE NUMBERS. LOOK AT THE INVESTMENT. 590 MILLION MORE DOLLARS AND ROUGHLY 8,000 ADDITIONAL STAFF EVEN THOUGH Mr. SPEAKER, WE DON'T HAVE ADDITIONAL KIDS IN OUR SCHOOLS. WE WILL CONTINUE TO BE THERE FOR ONTARIO KIDS. >> THANK YOU, SPEAKER. MY QUESTION IS FOR THE MINISTER OF LABOUR, IMMIGRATION, TRAINING AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT.
THE SAD REALITY SPEAKER IS THAT EVERYONE IN OUR PROVINCE UNFORTUNATELY KNOWS SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN NEGATIVELY IMPACTED BY THE ONGOING OPIOID EPIDEMIC. IT'S A DISTRESSING FACT THAT OVER 2,000 INDIVIDUALS DIED LAST YEAR FROM OPIOID-RELATED CAUSES AND ABOUT ONE-THIRD OF THOSE INDIVIDUALS WORKED IN THE VITAL CONSTRUCTION SECTOR. THAT'S WHY OUR GOVERNMENT MUST TAKE ACTION AND ENSURE THAT ONTARIO WORKERS HAVE ACCESS TO LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT LIKE NALOXONE KITS WHEN AND WHERE THEY NEED THEM. OUR GOVERNMENT MUST DO MORE TO PROTECT ONTARIANS WHO ARE STRUGGLING WITH ADDICTIONS IN ORDER TO REDUCE PREVENTABLE WORKPLACE DEATHS. WILL THE MINISTER EXPLAIN WHAT ACTIONS OUR GOVERNMENT IS DOING TO PROTECT OUR WORKERS HERE IN ONTARIO. >> The Speaker: MINISTER OF LABOUR, IMMIGRATION, TRAINING, AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT.
>> THANK YOU, SPEAKER. I WANT TO THANK THE MEMBER FOR HASTINGS-LENNOX AND ADDINGTON FOR THIS VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION. WE'RE WORKING EVERY DAY TO SAVE LIVES. WE'RE EXPANDING THE AVAILABILITY OF NALOXONE KITS THROUGHOUT ONTARIO. IT CAN TEMPORARILY REVERSE THE EFFECTS OF AN OPIOID OVERDOSE. EMPLOYERS ARE NOW REQUIRED TO HAVE A LIFESAVING NALOXONE KIT ON HAND AND WORKERS TRAINED ON HOW TO USE THESE NALOXONE KITS. THROUGH OUR ONTARIO WORKPLACE NALOXONE PROGRAM, WE HAVE NOW DISTRIBUTED MORE THAN 1,000 FREE NALOXONE KITS TO WORKPLACES ACROSS THE PROVINCE. THIS INITIATIVE ENHANCES PUBLIC AWARENESS OF OPIOID ADDICTION, COMBATS THE STIGMA, AND ULTIMATELY SAVES LIVES.
THANK YOU. >> The Speaker: SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION. >> THANK YOU, SPEAKER, AND THANK YOU TO THE MINISTER. IT IS VERY ENCOURAGING TO HEAR THAT NALOXONE KITS HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO MANY WORKPLACES. THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE OPIOID ADDICTION AND THE RISK OF ACCIDENTAL OVERDOSES SIMPLY CANNOT BE UNDERSTATED. FOR THE ONTARIO WORKPLACE NALOXONE PROGRAM TO BE EFFECTIVE, NALOXONE KITS MUST BE AVAILABLE IN WORKPLACES WHERE THERE'S A RISK OF OPIOID OVERDOSE. ADDITIONALLY, PEOPLE MUST BE TRAINED TO KNOW HOW TO ADMINISTER NALOXONE PROPERLY. THAT'S WHY OUR GOVERNMENT MUST IMPLEMENT REQUIREMENTS AND DIRECTIVES FOR EMPLOYERS SO THAT THEY CAN PROVIDE A SAFE WORKPLACE FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES.
SPEAKER, CAN THE MINISTER PLEASE EXPLAIN HOW OUR GOVERNMENT IS SUPPORTING WORKER SAFETY AND PROTECTION THROUGH THE WORKPLACE NALOXONE PROGRAM. >> The Speaker: MINISTER OF LABOUR. >> THANK YOU AGAIN TO THE MEMBER FOR THIS QUESTION. SPEAKER, ONE LIFE LOST TO AN OVERDOSE IS ONE TOO MANY. EVERY ONE OF THESE DEATHS IS PREVENTABLE. OUR WORKPLACE NALOXONE PROGRAM IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND. WE'RE PROVIDING FREE ACCESS TO NALOXONE KITS AND COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING FOR THOSE WORKERS TO USE THOSE NALOXONE KITS.
WORKING WITH OUR MINISTER OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTIONS, WE HAVE A STRATEGY TO GIVE PEOPLE THE SECOND CHANCE THAT THEY DESERVE. WE'RE TAKING AN EDUCATION FIRST APPROACH THAT IS FOCUSED ON GIVING EMPLOYERS THE TOOLS THEY NEED TO DO THEIR PART. SPEAKER, I ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO VISIT ONTARIO.CA/WORKPLACE NALOXONE TO LEARN MORE. THANKS. [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: NEXT QUESTION, THE MEMBER FOR HAMILTON WEST, ANCASTER, DUNDAS. [ Please Stand By ] OUR FARMS, OUR FORESTS AND OUR WETLANDS AT RISK. [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: MEMBERS, MAKE YOUR COMMENTS TO THE CHAIR. TO REPLY, SOBT MINISTER OF HOUSING. >> THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. GOOD MORNING. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE MEMBER OPPOSITE FOR THE QUESTION. SPEAKER, WE ALL KNOW THAT ONTARIO IS EXPECTED TO GROW BY MORE THAN 2 MILLION PEOPLE BY 2031, WITH APPROXIMATELY 1.5 MILLION LIVING JUST IN THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE ALONE.
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT CANADA WILL INCREASE IMMIGRATION BY ANOTHER HALF A MILLION NEWCOMERS BY 2025. WE KNOW ONTARIO'S EXPECTED TO GET A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF NEW CANADIANS, AND SO WE HAVE TO START PLANNING NOW, SO THE NEXT GENERATION OF ONTARIANS HAVE A PLACE TO LIVE. THE DECISIONS WE MADE WILL RESULT IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF AT LEAST 50,000 NEW HOMES AND WILL EXPAND THE GREENBELT BY APPROXIMATELY 2,000 ACRES. SPEAKER, ONTARIO'S POPULATION HAS REACHED A HISTORIC 15 MILLION PEOPLE LAST YEAR. >> The Speaker: RESPONSE. >> AND IT'S EXPECTED THAT THIS GROWTH IS GOING TO CONTINUE. WE ARE GOING TO CONTINUE TO GET 1.5 MILLION HOMES BUILT BY 2031 BECAUSE WE DESPERATELY NEED IT, SPEAKER. THANK YOU. [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION. THE MEMBER FOR UNIVERSITY-ROSEDALE. >> THANK YOU, SPEAKER. MY QUESTION IS TO THE PREMIER. THE CONSERVATIVES WANT TO OPEN UP AN AREA OF LAND AS BIG AS THE SIZE OF TORONTO, ON GREENBELT LANDS AND FARMLANDS EVEN THOUGH EXPERTS HAVE BEEN TELLING YOU LOUD AND CLEAR, EVEN YOUR OWN EXPERTS HAVE BEEN TELLING YOU THAT THERE IS MORE THAN ENOUGH LAND ALREADY AVAILABLE IN AREAS ZONED FOR DEVELOPMENT.
WELL, GET THIS. LAND SPECULATORS ARE READING THE TEA LEAVES AND THEY ARE BUYING UP PROTECTED FARMLAND. >> FARM PRICES HAVE GONE UP BY 20% IN THE LAST YEAR ALONE. NEW FARMERS AND YOUNG FARMERS CAN'T COMPETE WITH THESE LAND SPECULATORS AND THEY'RE WORRIED THEY'RE NEVER GOING TO GET INTO THE HOUSING SECTOR AND FARMING SECTOR. TO STRENGTHEN OUR FARMING SECTOR, CAN THE CONSERVATIVES COMMIT TO NOT OPENING UP ANY MORE GREENBELT LAND TO NEEDLESS DEVELOPMENT? [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: ONCE AGAIN I'LL ASK MEMBERS TO MAKE THEIR COMMENTS THROUGH THE CHAIR. ASSOCIATE MINISTER OF HOUSING. >> THANK YOU, SPEAKER. WE ALL KNOW THAT WE ARE IN A HOUSING SUPPLY CRISIS CONTRARY TO WHAT THE HAMILTON-CENTRE'S REMARKS LAST WEEK WHO SAID THAT THE HOUSING CRISIS WAS MANUFACTURED. SPEAKER, I AM SO PROUD TO BE PART OF A GOVERNMENT THAT'S TAKING A RESPONSIBLE TARGETED APPROACH DELIVER ON ITS PLANS TO BUILD A MILLION AND A HALF HOMES BY 2031. AND THIS PLAN IS JUST PART. >> The Speaker: ORDER.
>> OF OUR COMMITMENT TO MAKE LIFE EASIER AND MUCH MORE AFFORDABLE FOR THE PEOPLE OF ONTARIO. SPEAKER, UNDER THIS PREMIER AND THIS INFRASTRUCTURE MINISTER, WE'RE INVESTING MORE THAN $159 BILLION OVER THE NEXT DECADE TO SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS INCLUDING TRANSIT, HIGHWAYS, SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, LONG-TERM CARE PROJECTS. THIS TRANSPORTATION MINISTER'S BUILDING MUNICIPALITIES IMPROVING LOCAL TRANSIT. THIS LABOUR MINISTER WE'RE DOUBLING OUR ECONOMIC IMMIGRANTS. >> The Speaker: RESPONSE. >> WE'RE ATTRACTING $7 BILLION IN St. THOMAS. SPEAKER, OUR PROVINCE HAS GROWN. WE'RE WELCOMING NEWCOMERS. WE NEED TO BUILD HOUSING AND WE'RE GOING TO GET IT DONE. [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: THANK YOU. THE NEXT QUESTION. THE MEMBER FOR HALDIMAND-NORFOLK. >> THANK YOU, SPEAKER. MY QUESTION'S FOR THE MINISTER OF MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS AND HOUSING. BACK IN 2019, THIS GOVERNMENT DID A GOOD THING BY CREATING PROVINCIALLY SIGNIFICANT EMPLOYMENT ZONES AND IDENTIFYING AREAS HIGH ECONOMIC OUTPUT.
THE NANTICOKE INDUSTRIAL PARK IN MY RIDING INCLUDES BOTH STELCO AND IMPERIAL OIL AND WAS INCLUDED IN THIS INITIATIVE, RIGHTFULLY SO. FAST FORWARD TO LAST SPRING IN HALDIMAND WHEN THE MAYOR AT THE TIME DROPPED NEWS ON THE COUNTY HE SUPPORTED A PROPOSED 15,000-HOME COMMUNITIES ON 4,200 ACRES SURROUNDING THE INDUSTRIAL PARK. STELCO MAINTAINS THE PROVINCIAL REZONING OF THE LANDS COULD IMPERIL THE FUTURE OF THE COMPANY'S LAKE ERIE WORKS AND IMPERIAL OIL HAS THE SAME OPINION. HALDIMAND COUNTY NEEDS THESE GOOD PAYING JOBS AND AN INDUSTRIAL PARK IS WHERE THEY SHOULD REMAIN.
SPEAKER, WILL THE MINISTER ENSURE HALDIMAND COUNTY AND THE TENANTS OF THE INDUSTRIAL PARK THAT THIS GOVERNMENT WILL PROTECT THE JOBS OF THE STEEL MILL AND THE REFINERY AS THEY SAID THEY WOULD DO IN 2019? >> The Speaker: TO REPLY, THE ASSOCIATE MINISTER OF HOUSING. >> THANK YOU, SPEAKER. I DO WANT TO THANK THE MEMBER OPPOSITE FOR HER QUESTION AND, SPEAKER, YES, IT'S VERY, VERY IMPORTANT THAT WE HAVE HIGH EMPLOYMENT ZONES. WE HAVE MANY OF THEM RIGHT ACROSS THIS PROVINCE. BUT WHAT WE ALSO HEARD FROM MANY OF THESE EMPLOYERS IS THE DESPERATELY NEEDED HOUSING IN AND AROUND THOSE EMPLOYMENT ZONES SO THAT THEIR EMPLOYEES COULD GET TO WORK MUCH FASTER RATHER THAN SITTING IN COMMUTES FOR HOURS. AND SO WE'RE LISTENING AND WE'RE MAKING SURE THAT THE PEOPLE OF THIS PROVINCE CAN GET TO WORK IN A TIMELY MANNER BY STILL PROTECTING THOSE HIGH EMPLOYMENT ZONES AND GETTING THAT BUILDING, BRINGING IN THIS INVESTMENT AND EVERYBODY HAS A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE, TO WORK AND TO RAISE THEIR FAMILY. THANK YOU, SPEAKER. [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: SUPPLEMENTARY.
>> THANK YOU, SPEAKER. THE IDEA OF PUTTING 40,000 PEOPLE IN ONTARIO'S LARGEST INDUSTRIAL PARK WAS SUPPORTED BY THE FORMER HALDIMAND COUNTY MAYOR WHO UNEXPECTEDLY ENDED UP ON THE BALLOT FOR THE PARTY OF THIS GOVERNMENT LAST JUNE. IT APPEARS SOMETHING INTERESTING DEVELOPED BETWEEN 2019 AND LAST SPRING, BECAUSE NOW WE SEE THIS GOVERNMENT DOING AWAY WITH THE GROWTH PLAN FOR THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE. SURELY WE'RE NOT SO DESPERATE TO BUILD HOUSES THAT WE WOULD SUBJECT NEWCOMERS TO LIFE IN ONTARIO'S LARGEST INDUSTRIAL PARKS. CHAOS ACROSS THE HIGHWAY 6 CORRIDOR AND THE INABILITY TO MEET THE HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF THE CURRENT POPULATION HAS MANY PEOPLE CONCERNED ABOUT ADDING 40,000 PEOPLE TO THE AREA. TWO ELECTIONS HAVE BEEN FOUGHT ON THIS ISSUE AND VOTERS FEEL AN INDUSTRIAL PARK IS NOT THE PLACE FOR A CITY. AS THE M.P.P. FOR HALDIMAND-NORFOLK IT IS MY DUTY TO BRING FORWARD THE PUBLIC'S OPINION, NOT FORM IT FOR THEM. SPEAKER, IF THE CONSULTATION ON THE PROVINCIAL PLANNING STATEMENT CONCLUDES THAT THE PEOPLE OF ONTARIO WANT TO SEE THESE EMPLOYMENT LANDS. >> The Speaker: QUESTION. >> WILL THIS GOVERNMENT UPHOLD THAT PROTECTION INCLUDING THE EMPLOYMENT LANDS AT NANTICOKE? >> The Speaker: THE ASSOCIATE MINISTER OF HOUSING.
>> SPEAKER, AS MENTIONED EARLIER I DO WANT TO THANK THE MEMBER OPPOSITE AGAIN FOR HER QUESTION, BUT AS I MENTIONED EARLIER, IT IS SO IMPORTANT THAT WE WANT, WE HAVE THESE EMPLOYMENT ZONES BUT TWO, THAT PEOPLE CAN ACTUALLY GET TO AND FROM WORK IN A TIMELY FASHION, BY ALLOWING HOUSING BEING BUILT AROUND THOSE EMPLOYMENT ZONES, WE ARE MAKING IT EASIER FOR PEOPLE TO GET TO WORK, EASIER TO RAISE THEIR FAMILIES, EASIER TO STAY WITHIN THEIR OWN COMMUNITIES.
AND I THINK THAT'S EXTREMELY IMPORTANT AND THAT IS ALSO WHY WE'RE TAKING THE PROVINCIAL POLICY STATEMENT TOGETHER AND PUTTING IT TOGETHER WITH A PLACE TO GROW AND MAKING IT WANT PROVINCIAL POLICY STATEMENTS TO MAKE THE WORDING SO MUCH EASIER, MORE EASY TO UNDERSTAND AND EASIER TO FOLLOW FOR ALL MUNICIPALITIES. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: NEXT QUESTION. THE MEMBER FOR CHATHAM-KENT LEAMINGTON. >> THANK YOU, SPEAKER. MY QUESTION IS TO THE MINISTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND FORESTRY. IN AUGUST 2021, MY CONSTITUENTS EXPERIENCED A TERRIFYING LIFE CHANGING EVENT WHEN A GAS EXPLOSION OCCURRED AT THE SITE OF AN OLD ABANDONED WELL. THIS EXPLOSION HAD A DEVASTATING IMPACT ON OUR PEOPLE, OUR BUSINESSES AND OUR COMMUNITIES. THANKFULLY THERE WAS NO LOSS OF LIFE BUT LASTING ECONOMIC DAMAGE REMAINS AS WELL AS LEGITIMATE CONCERNS ABOUT THE POTENTIAL FOR SIMILAR OCCURRENCES THROUGHOUT OTHER COMMUNITIES.
NO COMMUNITY IN ONTARIO SHOULD EVER HAVE TO EXPERIENCE SUCH AN EVENT. THAT IS WHY OUR GOVERNMENT MUST TAKE URGENT ACTION TO ADDRESS THIS SERIOUS ISSUE. SPEAKER, ACCOUNT MINISTER PLEASE EXPLAIN WHAT ACTIONS OUR GOVERNMENT IS TAKING TO ADDRESS THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS THAT LEGACY OIL AND GAS WELLS HAVE IN OUR PROVINCE? [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: MINISTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND FORESTRY. >> THANK YOU, SPEAKER. I JUST WANT TO SAY TO THE GOOD PEOPLE OF WHEATLEY YOU'RE NEVER FAR FROM OUR THOUGHTS, AND WHAT HAPPENED IN 2021 CONTINUES TO SHAPE OUR ACTIONS TODAY. AND I WAS PLEASED TO BE JOINED BY THE MEMBER FROM CHATHAM-KENT LEAMINGTON AND THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION AND THE MEMBER OF ESSEX ON FRIDAY TO MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT THAT'S VERY IMPORTANT TO SOUTHWEST ONTARIO. OVER THE COURSE OF THE NEXT THREE YEARS, OUR GOVERNMENT WILL PROVIDE OVER $26 MILLION TO DEVELOP A PLAN TO ADDRESS LEGACY OIL AND GAS WELLS IN THE PROVINCE. TO START ELIGIBLE MUNICIPALITIES WILL BE ABLE TO APPLY FOR FUNDING FOR SPECIFIC PROJECTS AIMED AT KEEPING THEIR COMMUNITIES SAFE. IN ADDITION THIS FUNDING WILL HELP MUNICIPALITIES ADDRESS RISKS AND CHALLENGES OF OIL AND GAS WELLS, INVEST IN PLUGGING MORE ABANDONED OIL AND GAS WELLS AND CONDUCT MORE SCIENCE AND RESEARCH.
SPEAKER, THIS IS THE FIRST STEP IN A COMMITMENT. >> The Speaker: RESPONSE. >> TO THE PEOPLE OF SOUTHWEST ONTARIO. WE'VE HEARD THEIR CONCERNS AND WE'LL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE RESOURCES TO PROTECT AND BUILD A STRONGER PROVINCE. [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: SUPPLEMENTARY. BACK TO THE MEMBER FOR CHATHAM-KENT LEAMINGTON. >> THE INVESTMENT OUR GOVERNMENT IS MAKING IS A POSITIVE FIRST STEP TOWARD DEVELOPING A STRATEGY TO ADDRESS THE SERIOUS IMPLICATIONS OF ABANDONED OIL AND GAS WELLS. IT'S CLEAR THE EXPLOSION IN WHEATLEY EMPHASIZE THE SERIOUSNESS OF THESE ISSUES. THE POTENTIAL TO RELEASE DANGEROUS GASES PRESENTS A NUMBER OF GENUINE SAFETY RISKS AND CONCERNS. THIS IS WHY IT'S ESSENTIAL OUR GOVERNMENT GAIN AS DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE EXTENT OF THE CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH LEGACY OIL AND GAS WELLS THROUGHOUT THE REST OF ONTARIO. SPEAKER, COULD THE MINISTER PLEASE ELABORATE ON THE SCOPE AND DESIGN OF THE STRATEGY TO EXPRESS — POSED BY LEGACY OIL AND GAS WELLS? [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: MINISTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND FORESTRY. >> THANKS AGAIN, SPEAKER. AND THANKS AGAIN FOR THE MEMBER'S QUESTION.
SPEAKER, IT REALLY MARKS A HISTORIC FIRST STEP IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPREHENSIVE ACTION PLAN TO HELP TACK MANY THE COMPLEX CHALLENGES OF LEGACY OIL AND GAS WELLS IN ONTARIO AND OUR GOVERNMENT IS BUILDING ON OUR STRATEGY, BUILDING ON LESSONS LEARNED AND FEEDBACK FROM MAYORS, FIRE CHIEFS, INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES, INDUSTRY EXPERTS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC. AND AS I MENTIONED ON JUNE 2nd, IN ADDITION TO THE FUNDING THAT OUR GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO ANNOUNCED AN ACTION PLAN THAT WILL HAVE THREE MAIN PRINCIPLES. INCREASING OUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE RISKS OF PLUGGING OIL AND GAS WELLS, TAKING ACTIONS TO REDUCE AND MITIGATE THESE RISKS, AND IMPLEMENTING MEASURES THAT ARE FOCUSED ON PREVENTING PETROLEUM RELATED EMERGENCIES AND ENHANCING OUR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS. WE UNDERSTAND OUR JOB IS NOT DONE, SPEAKER. WHICH IS WHY WE'LL BE HOLDING ADDITIONAL CONSULTATIONS AS WE LOOK TOWARDS THE NEXT STEPS. SPEAKER, WE'RE JUST GETTING STARTED. >> The Speaker: RESPONSE. >> AND THIS SIDE OF THE HOUSE WILL NOT REST UNTIL WE HAVE DELIVERED ON OUR COMMITMENT TO THE GREAT PEOPLE OF SOUTHWEST ONTARIO. >> [ Interjection: ] WE WILL NOT REST. [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: THE NEXT QUESTION. THE MEMBER FOR NIAGARA CENTRE.
>> THANK YOU, SPEAKER. THROUGH YOU TO THE MINISTER OF HEALTH. LAST WEEK WE LEARNED THAT THE AIRDRIE CARES IN PORT COLBORNE AND FORT ERIE ARE HAVING THEIR HOURS REDUCED BY HALF PERMANENTLY. AFTER-HOURS EMERGENCY SURGERIES AT WELLAND HOSPITAL WHERE PORT COLBORNE PATIENTS GO IF THEY CANNOT ACCESS SERVICE IN PORT COLBORNE. DOES THE MINISTER UNDERSTAND THAT REAL PEOPLE DON'T PLAN TO NEED EMERGENCY SURGERY PRIOR TO 10 p.m.? THAT'S WHY IT'S CALLED AN EMERGENCY. AND WILL THE MINISTER STOP BLAMING VOLUNTEERS ON HOSPITAL BOARDS FOR THIS CRISIS AND FINALLY TAKE RESPONSIBILITY? [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: DEPUTY PREMIER AND MINISTER OF HEALTH. >> AS I'VE SAID MANY TIMES, SPEAKER, WHEN HOSPITAL LEADERSHIPS MAKE DECISIONS ABOUT HOW TO BEST SERVE THEIR COMMUNITIES — >> The Speaker: ORDER.
>> IT IS NOT IN OUR INTEREST, AS LOCAL MEMBERS OR GOVERNMENT MEMBERS, TO SECOND-GUESS THOSE LOCALLY DECIDED UPON DECISIONS. HAVING SAID THAT THE INVESTMENTS THAT WE ARE MAKING TO ENSURE THAT WE HAVE, AS AN EXAMPLE, LAST AUGUST DIRECTED THE COLLEGE OF NURSES OF ONTARIO TO QUICKLY ASSESS, REVIEW AND EXPEDITE LICENCES FOR INTERNATIONALLY EDUCATED NURSES MEANS THAT, IN LAST YEAR ALONE, WE HAD OVER 12,000 NEW NURSES LICENSED IN THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO. [ Applause ] OVER HALF, SPEAKER, THAT WERE INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED NURSES. WE'VE DONE THE SAME WITH THE COLLEGE OF NURSES OF THE. >> The Speaker: RESPONSE. >> COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS OF ONTARIO. WE WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE SURE THAT PATHWAY FOR LICENSING IN THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO IS REMOVED, THE RED TAPE IS REMOVED SO THAT WE CAN HAVE AS MANY PEOPLE AS — >> The Speaker: THANK YOU.
THANK YOU. [ Applause ] SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION. >> SPEAKER, AFTER THE CLOSURE ANNOUNCEMENT, THE MINISTER RELEASED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT. "WE'VE RECEIVED ASSURANCES FROM NIAGARA HEALTH THAT THEY HAVE CONSISTENTLY PROMOTED ALTERNATIVES TO EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT PRESENTATION THROUGH THE KNOW YOUR OPTIONS CAMPAIGN." THROUGH YOU, SPEAKER, WHAT IS THE ALTERNATIVE TO EMERGENCY CARE WHEN YOU NEED LIFESAVING EMERGENCY SURGERY? THERE'S NO EMERGENCY CARE AVAILABLE, AND AT THE URGENT CARE OR THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT? WILL THIS MINISTER ACT BEFORE ONE OF MY CONSTITUENTS DIES BECAUSE THEY CANNOT GET EMERGENCY SERVICE? [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: MINISTER OF HEALTH. >> SO THE MEMBER IS DOING EXACTLY OPPOSITE OF WHAT HE SHOULD BE DOING AS A LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE IN THAT COMMUNITY.
>> The Speaker: ORDER. >> INSTEAD OF EXPLAINING, INSTEAD OF STANDING BEHIND THEIR LOCAL HOSPITAL. >> The Speaker: ORDER. >> HE'S SECOND-GUESSING THE HOSPITAL LEADERSHIP AND SUGGESTING THAT THEY DO NOT KNOW THEIR JOBS. I WILL NEVER DO THAT. >> The Speaker: ORDER. >> AS A MINISTER OR AS OUR GOVERNMENT. >> The Speaker: ORDER. >> WE WILL CONTINUE TO VIN INVEST. WE HAVE DONE THAT THROUGH SURGICAL RECOVERY PROGRAMS, WHERE HOSPITALS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO EXPAND AND WIDEN THE NUMBER OF SURGERIES THAT THEY CAN DO WITH FUNDS FROM THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO. WE'VE DONE IT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE IN THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO OPTIONS, INCLUDING 24/7 HEALTH SERVICES, PROVIDED WITH REGISTERED NURSES SO INDIVIDUALS CAN HAVE THAT CONVERSATION AND MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE GOING TO THE MOST APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF CARE IN THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO.
>> The Speaker: RESPONSE. [ Applause ] THANK YOU. THE NEXT QUESTION, THE MEMBER FOR CARLETON. >> THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. [ Applause ] MY QUESTION IS FOR THE PRESIDENT OF THE TREASURY BOARD. SINCE BEING REELECTED, OUR GOVERNMENT MUST REMAIN FOCUSED ON GROWING THE ECONOMY AND UNLOCKING NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUSINESSES IN EVERY CORNER OF OUR PROVINCE. OUR GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO UNDERSTAND THAT ONTARIO'S ECONOMIC PROSPERITY RELIES ON THE SUCCESS OF OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES AND THE STRENGTH OF OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES.
THE PRESIDENT OF THE TRERB RU BOARD RECENTLY ANNOUNCED CHANGES TO OUR GOVERNMENT'S PROCUREMENT DIRECTIVE IN ORDER TO LEVERAGE ONTARIO'S PURCHASING POWER AND TO STRENGTHEN OUR PROVINCE'S IMMENSE ECONOMIC POTENTIAL. OUR GOVERNMENT MUST CONTINUE TO TAKE THE NECESSARY ACTIONS IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT BUSINESSES IN ONTARIO CAN REMAIN COMPETITIVE. SPEAKER, THROUGH YOU, CAN THE PRESIDENT PLEASE EXPLAIN HOW THESE CHANGES TO OUR GOVERNMENT'S DIRECTIVE WILL SUPPORT ONTARIO BUSINESSES? THANK YOU. [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: RESPONSE. THE PRESIDENT OF THE TREASURY BOARD. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH, MR. SPEAKER, AND THANK YOU TO THE MEMBER FOR — CARLETON FOR HER QUESTION.
FOR FAR TOO LONG THE PREVIOUS LIBERAL GOVERNMENT, MR. SPEAKER, DROVE UP THE COST OF DOING BUSINESS IN THIS PROVINCE AND DROVE OUT GOOD-PAYING JOBS. WE ARE TAKING A BETTER APPROACH. TO THE BUILDING ONTARIO BUSINESS INITIATIVE, OUR GOVERNMENT IS LEVERAGING ONTARIO'S BUYING POWER TO DRIVE DEMAND FOR MADE-IN-ONTARIO GOODS AND SERVICES. THE RECENTLY ANNOUNCED UPDATES TO ONTARIO'S PROCUREMENT DIRECTIVES WILL PROVIDE ONTARIO BUSINESSES WITH GREATER ACCESS TO PUBLIC PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITIES.
FOR EXAMPLE, MR. SPEAKER, A BUSINESS IN CARLETON WHO INVESTS IN ONTARIO WHO USES LOCAL SUPPLY CHAINS AND CREATES GOOD PAYING JOBS RIGHT HERE IN OUR PROVINCE WILL NO LONGER BE PUT AT A DISADVANTAGE. >> The Speaker: RESPONSE. >> WHEN BIDDING FOR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS. SPEAKER, OUR GOVERNMENT IS PROUD TO BUY ONTARIO. [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: SUPPLEMENTARY. >> THANK YOU, SPEAKER. THE THE RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES IN MY RIDING OF CARLETON WILL BE REASSURED TO HEAR THE BUILDING ONTARIO BUSINESS INITIATIVE WILL ONLY FURTHER ENHANCE OUR GOVERNMENT'S SUPPORT FOR MADE-IN-ONTARIO GOODS AND SERVICES.
HOWEVER, THE BUILDING ONTARIO BUSINESS INITIATIVE IS JUST ONE MEASURE OUR GOVERNMENT MUST TAKE IN ORDER TO SUPPORT ONTARIO BUSINESSES AND LEVERAGE ONTARIO'S PURCHASING POWER. THERE IS MORE WORK THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO REDUCE THE ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN OF THE PROCUREMENT PROCESS AND MORE WAYS TO SUPPORT THE ADOPTION OF ONTARIO-MADE INNOVATIONS. SPEAKER, THROUGH YOU. CAN THE MINISTER PLEASE ELABORATE ON WHAT ADDITIONAL STEPS OUR GOVERNMENT IS TAKING TO MODERNIZE THE PROCUREMENT SYSTEM AND MAKE IT EASIER TO BUY FROM ONTARIO BUSINESSES? THANK YOU.
[ Applause ] >> The Speaker: THE PRESIDENT OF THE TREASURY BOARD. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH, MR. SPEAKER. OUR GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO ENHANCING SUPPORT FOR ONTARIO-MADE INNOVATION AND WILL CONTINUE TO DELIVER BETTER VALUE FOR ONTARIO'S TAXPAYERS AS WE MOVE FORWARD IN MODERNIZING ONTARIO'S PROCUREMENT PROCESSES. THROUGH SUPPLY ONTARIO, OUR GOVERNMENT IS TAKING MEANINGFUL STEPS TO REDUCE RED TAPE SPACE BY SMALL BUSINESSES IN THE PROCUREMENT PROCESS BY CENTRALIZING GOVERNMENT'S SUPPLY CHAINS AND DELIVERING BETTER VALUE FOR TAXPAYERS BY HARMONIZING CONTRACTS ACROSS THE ONTARIO PUBLIC SECTOR. ADDITIONALLY, OUR GOVERNMENT IS DEVELOPING AN INNOVATION PATHWAY, IN COLLABORATION WITH SUPPLY ONTARIO, WE WILL MAKE IT EASIER FOR SERVICES, HEALTH SERVICES, OTHERS TO PROCURE FROM ONTARIO'S MED TECH INNOVATORS AND WILL REMOVE. >> The Speaker: RESPONSE. >> FOR THE ADOPTION OF PROMISED TECHNOLOGIES THAT IMPROVE OUTCOMES FOR ONTARIANS.
WE WILL CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD WITH A PLAN THAT BUYS ONTARIO — [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: THANK YOU. THE NEXT QUESTION. THE MEMBER FOR HAMILTON-CENTRE. >> MR. SPEAKER, MY QUESTION IS TO THE PREMIER. LATER THIS AFTERNOON, THE GRASSROOTS ORGANIZATION T.T.C. RIDERS WILL BE HOSTING A PRESS CONFERENCE AT QUEEN'S PARK IN THE PRESS GALLERY ABOUT THE FAILURES OF THE FAMILY OF SERVICES PROGRAM. WITH THE UNVEILING OF THIS PROGRAM THE T.T.C.'s WHEEL-TRANS 10-YEAR STRATEGY SET A DIVERSION TARGET TO RESTRICT 50% OF WHEEL-TRANS USERS FROM FULL DOOR-TO-DOOR SERVICE BY 2025. THIS ESSENTIALLY MEANS THAT DISABLED PEOPLE WILL BE KICKED OFF OF THE SERVICE. THIS GOVERNMENT HAS ALREADY MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE PURPOSE DISABLED PEOPLE TO TRAVEL SAFELY IN THE G.T.A. WITH TARGETS THAT HAVE NOT AND WILL NOT BE MET BY 2025. KICKING DISABLED PEOPLE OFF WHEEL-TRANS TO CUT COSTS IS A SHAME. WILL THIS GOVERNMENT REPEAL FAMILY OF SERVICES MODEL AND GET BACK TO PLEADING A.O.D.A.
TARGETS? [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: MINISTER OF SENIORS AND ACCESSIBILITY. >> THANK THE MEMBER FOR RAISING IMPORTANT QUESTION. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT ALL ONTARIANS SHOULD HAVE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, REGARDLESS OF ABILITY. ONTARIO FOLLOWS THE AODA, AND WHEN IT COMES TO LOCAL ISSUES, WE KNOW THAT LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS ARE THE ONES THAT UNDERSTAND THE NEEDS OF THEIR COMMUNITIES. AND THAT IS WHY THE AODA HAS ALMOST 20 YEARS AS YOUR COMMUNITY TO HELP ACCESSIBILITY PLANS, COMMUNITY BY COMMUNITY. THEY ARE MAKING SURE PROJECT BY PROJECT, THE AODA IS BEING FOLLOWED. WE ENCOURAGE ALL LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS. >> The Speaker: RESPONSE. >> TO WORK WITH APPLICANTS TO SUPPORT THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF THEIR COMMUNITY AND TO LIVE UP TO WHAT THE AODA MEANT FOR — [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: THANK YOU.
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION. >> MR. SPEAKER, AGAIN MY QUESTION IS TO THE PREMIER. TO QUOTE DISABILITY RIGHTS ACTIVIST MAYAN ZIV, UNTIL WE LIVE IN AN ACCESSIBLE SOCIETY WHERE I CAN HAIL AN ACCESSIBLE CAB OR CROSS THE STREET WITHOUT BEAR YEARS, WHEEL-TRANS CUTS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE. SHE'S RIGHT. KICKING 50% OFF THE FOLKS WHO USE WHEEL-TRANS OFF THE TRANSIT SYSTEM IS AN UNFAIR ATTACK ON DISABLED PEOPLE WHO DESERVE THE RIGHT TO TRAVEL SAFELY JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE BUT WHO WON'T BE ABLE TO USE THE PUBLIC TRANSIT SYSTEM. THIS GOVERNMENT KEEPS TALKING ABOUT GETTING DISABLED PEOPLE TO GO TO WORK BUT IS MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO GET TO WORK.
IT SEEMS LIKE A CONTRADICTION. SO I'M ASKING AGAIN, WILL THIS GOVERNMENT REPEAL THE FAMILY OF SERVICES MODEL AND GET BACK TO MEETING AODA TARGETS, INCLUDING TRANSIT TARGETS? [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: MINISTER OF SENIORS AND ACCESSIBILITY. >> SUPPORTING 444 MUNICIPALITIES. THERE'S NO STRONGER APPLICANT THAT THAN THIS PREMIER. THE MINISTER OF MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS AND HOUSING CONTINUES TO ANSWER ONGOING SUPPORT FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS. THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION HAS MADE IT SURE THAT ALL MUNICIPALITIES GET WHAT THEY NEED, ARE GETTING MORE THAN THEIR FAIR SHARE WHEN IT COMES TO TRANSIT. THIS FIRST YEAR ALONE TORONTO RECEIVED $185 MILLION IN GAS TAX. SINCE 2018, THIS GOVERNMENT HAS PROVIDED CLOSE TO $1 BILLION IN GAS TAX SUPPORTING MUNICIPAL TRANSIT. WHEN IT COMES TO PUBLIC TRANSIT INFRASTRUCTURE, THIS GOVERNMENT IS MAKING. >> The Speaker: RESPONSE. >> MORE ACCESSIBLE EVERY DAY. [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: NEXT QUESTION. THE MEMBER FOR CAMBRIDGE. >> THANK YOU, MR.
SPEAKER. MY QUESTION IS FOR THE MINISTER OF RED TAPE REDUCTION. >> [ Interjection: ] WOW. >> UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF OUR GOVERNMENT AND THE PREMIER, ONTARIO IS ONCE AGAIN A DESTINATION FOR OPPORTUNITY, INVESTMENT AND GROWTH. IN THIS COMPETITIVE ECONOMIC CLIMATE, IT'S IMPORTANT THAT WE CONTINUE TO TAKE BOLD ACTION TO CONTINUOUSLY DRIVE PRODUCTIVITY AND INNOVATION. THIS MEANS ELIMINATING BURDENSOME RED TAPE ON BUSINESSES AND PEOPLE ACROSS OUR PROVINCE.
WHILE OUR GOVERNMENT HAS BROUGHT FORWARD 11 RED TAPE REDUCTION PACKAGES, THE PEOPLE OF ONTARIO ARE LOOKING TO OUR GOVERNMENT TO CONTINUE TO FOCUS ON SOLUTIONS THAT WILL MAKE LIFE EASIER FOR PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES. SPEAKER, CAN THE MINISTER PLEASE EXPLAIN HOW OUR GOVERNMENT IS STRENGTHENING OUR ECONOMY BY REDUCING RED TAPE? [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: REPLY. THE MINISTER OF RED TAPE REDUCTION. >> THANK YOU, MR.
SPEAKER. I WANT TO THANK THE MEMBER FROM CAMBRIDGE FOR THE IMPORTANT QUESTION, MR. SPEAKER. PEOPLE OF ONTARIO GAVE OUR GOVERNMENT A HISTORIC MANDATE TO CONTINUE THE WORK THAT WE STARTED IN 2018 TO REDUCE RED TAPE, IMPROVE ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT AND MAKE IT EASIER TO INVEST AND BUILD IN OUR PROVINCE. WITH THE PASSAGE OF OUR LATEST RED TAPE BILL, THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT WE'RE DOING, MR. SPEAKER. IT BUILDS ON OUR GOVERNMENT'S STRONG RECORD OF ENDING THE FRUSTRATION AND DELAYS FROM UNNECESSARY RED TAPE, AND THE RESULTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES, MR. SPEAKER. WE'VE ELIMINATED 16,000 DIFFERENT KIND OF PIECES OF RED TAPE, MR. SPEAKER, WHICH HAS NOW HELPED ONTARIO BUSINESSES SAVE OVER $800 MILLION IN ANNUAL — [ Applause ] SPEAKER. IT HAS ALSO HELPED CREATE OVER 600,000. >> The Speaker: RESPONSE. >> NEW JOBS, MR. SPEAKER. LAST YEAR ALONE, THERE WERE 85,000 NEW BUSINESSES THAT REGISTERED — >> The Speaker: THANK YOU. [ Applause ] SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION. >> THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. THE PEOPLE OF ONTARIO STRONGLY SUPPORT THE REDUCTION OF DUPLICATE, CONFUSING AND BURDENSOME REGULATIONS THAT SLOW DOWN OUR PROVINCE'S LONG-TERM ECONOMIC PROSPERITY. WHILE THE PREVIOUS LIBERAL GOVERNMENT OPERATED UNDER THE ASSUMPTION THAT MORE RED TAPE IS BETTER FOR EVERYONE, THIS IS NOT A REALITY.
UNFORTUNATELY FOR MANY BUSINESSES AND ENTREPRENEURS, THAT MEANT MAJOR DIFFICULTIES, FRUSTRATION, UNNECESSARY DELAYS WHILE TRYING TO ACCESS GOVERNMENT SERVICES WHEN STARTING THEIR OPERATIONS. SADLY, THE OPPOSITION LIBERALS, N.D.P. STILL HOLD THIS MIND-SET OF SAYING NO TO MEASURES THAT WILL IMPROVE OUR GOVERNMENT SERVICES AND MAKE IT EASIER TO INVEST AND BUILD IN ONTARIO. SPEAKER, CAN THE MINISTER PLEASE ELABORATE ON THE BENEFITS THAT HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED THROUGH LESS RED TAPE AND STRONGER ECONOMY ACT? [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: MINISTER OF RED TAPE REDUCTION. >> THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I WANT TO THANK MY COLLEAGUE FOR THE QUESTION ONCE AGAIN.
THE 42 DIFFERENT ACTIONS BEING TAKEN IN THE LESS RED TAPE STRONGER ECONOMY ACT ARE GAME CHANGERS FOR ONTARIO, MR. SPEAKER. AND THE MEMBER IS CORRECT. THE LIBERALS AND THE N.D.P. HAVE SAID NO TO ALL OF THEM UNFORTUNATELY, MR. SPEAKER. THEY SAID NO TO SAVING BUSINESSES $800 MILLION EACH AND EVERY YEAR, MR. SPEAKER. THEY SAID NO TO DELIVERING BROADBAND TO EVERY COMMUNITY IN OUR PROVINCE, MR. SPEAKER. THEY SAID NO TO IMPROVING ROAD SAFETY. THEY SAID NO TO HELPING FARMERS, MR. SPEAKER. WHILE THE OPPOSITION WANTS PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES TO PAY MORE AND BE DEPENDENT ON GOVERNMENTS, MR. SPEAKER, WE WILL NEVER LET THAT HAPPEN ON THIS SIDE OF THE HOUSE. THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: THANK YOU. THE NEXT QUESTION. THE MEMBER FOR LONDON WEST. >> THANK YOU, SPEAKER. MY QUESTION IS TO THE PREMIER. THE CANADIAN CENTRE FOR POLICY ALTERNATIVES HAS IDENTIFIED LONDON AS A CHILDCARE DESERT WITH ONLY ENOUGH LICENSED SPACES FOR 12% OF ELIGIBLE INFANTS. BRENDA FEENEY TOLD ME THAT HER GRANDSON IS 150th ON THE LIST AT ONE LONDON CENTRE AND 60th ON THE LIST AT ANOTHER. HIS FAMILY WAS HOPEFUL ABOUT THE PLACE WHERE HE WAS 20th ON THE LIST BUT TWO INFANT ROOMS WERE JUST FORCED TO CLOSE THERE BECAUSE OF A SHORTAGE OF QUALIFIED STAFF.
SPEAKER, WITHOUT A CHILDCARE WORK FORCE, YOU CAN'T HAVE A CHILDCARE SYSTEM. WHEN WILL THIS GOVERNMENT START PAYING EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS FAIRLY SO THAT WE CAN ATTRACT AND RETAIN THE WORK FORCE WE NEED TO PROVIDE LONDON FAMILIES WITH THE CHILD CARE THEY DESERVE? [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: MINISTER OF EDUCATION. >> WELL, MR. SPEAKER, I'M VERY PLEASED TO CONFIRM TO THE MEMBER OPPOSITE THAT THE CITY OF LONDON IS GOING TO BE RECEIVING AN ALLOCATION OF AN ADDITIONAL 2,000 SPACES IN THE FIRST ROUND. [ Applause ] AND AN ADDITIONAL 809 IN THE SECOND ROUND AND THAT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED IF WE FOLLOWED THE NEW DEMOCRATIC ADVICE WHICH WOULD HAVE OMITTED A THIRD OF CHILDCARE OPERATORS IN LONDON. IN YOUR OWN RIDING WOULD HAVE BEEN DENIED PARTICIPATION. DECOUPLE. YOU WOULD HAVE REMOVED CAPACITY OF ONE IN THREE PARENTS FOR HAVING A CHOICE OF LOWER FEES. YOU'VE IDEOLOGICALLY OPPOSED OPTIONS FOR PARENTS BECAUSE YOU KNOW BETTER. BUREAUCRATS AND POLITICIANS ARE THE PEOPLE WHO PAY THE BILL AND RAISE THEIR KIDS. IT'S ABSOLUTELY UNCONSCIONABLE YOU WOULD HAVE DENIED THAT MANY PARTICIPANTS FROM ENROLLING. 92% SAID YES TO OUR OFFER. WE HAVE A REDUCTION FEES BY 50%. $46 TO $23 TODAY.
>> The Speaker: RESPONSE. >> AND YES WE'RE GOING TO HELP SUPPORT THE CREATION OF 86,000 MORE SPACES IN LONDON AND RIGHT ACROSS ONTARIO, MR. SPEAKER. [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: I REMIND MEMBERS TO MAKE THEIR COMMENTS THROUGH THE CHAIR. SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION. THE MEMBER FOR St. CATHARINES. >> THANK YOU, SPEAKER. AS NIAGARA FAMILIES CONFRONT THIS SUMMER'S CHILDCARE SQUEEZE, WITH PROVIDERS BARELY RUNNING AT 60% DUE TO STAFF SHORTAGES, I AM TROUBLED AND SO SHOULD YOU BE. REMARKABLY TWO THIRDS OF OUR NIAGARA E.C.E. GRADUATES ARE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS. THE MINISTER SHOULD BE DEEPLY CONCERNED ABOUT RETAINING THESE GRADUATES IN ONTARIO.
MINISTER, HOW CAN WE EXPECT TO KEEP OUR TRAINED E.C.E.s WITH A BASE SALARY OF $19? $6 LESS THAN ANY OTHER PROVINCES. 14 MONTHS POST OUR FEDERAL CHILD CARE AGREEMENT. THROUGH YOU, SPEAKER, I ASK WILL THE MINISTER PRESENT A CLEAR TIME LINE FOR A WORK STRATEGY TO SECURE ESSENTIAL CHILD CARE FOR OUR FAMILIES HERE IN ONTARIO? [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: MINISTER OF EDUCATION. >> I APPRECIATE THE QUESTION FROM THE MEMBER OPPOSITE. I AGREE, WE DO NEED QUALITY E.C.E.s. WE NEED TO RETAIN THEM. NEED TO RECRUIT THEM. THAT'S WHY WE HAVE A PLAN TO HIRE THOUSANDS OF THEM ACROSS ONTARIO. A WAGE FLOOR FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE SECTOR'S HISTORY.
WE'VE INCREASED WAGES BY $1 PER HOUR EVERY YEAR OVER THE COURSE OF THIS AGREEMENT AND WE COMMIT TO GOING FURTHER. MR. SPEAKER, IN THE MEMBER'S COMMUNITY IN THE NIAGARA REGION THERE'S AN ADDITIONAL ROUGHLY 3,000 MORE SPACES WHICH WE ARE GOING TO FUND TO SUPPORT EXPANDED ACCESS TO REDUCE WAIT LISTS AND MAKE LIFE AFFORDABLE FOR FAMILIES IN ONTARIO. [ Applause ] WE ARE GOING TO INVEST IN A QUALITY CHILD CARE PROGRAM THAT WILL REDUCE FEES. ONE OF THE GREAT LEGACIES I THINK WHEN IT COMES TO AFFORDABILITY DURING THIS TIME OF RISING INFLATION FEDERALLY IS THAT THIS GOVERNMENT HAS SLASHED CHILD CARE FEES BY 50% FOR NONPROFIT AND FOR PROFIT FOR EVERYONE, MR.
SPEAKER,. >> The Speaker: RESPONSE. >> THAT'S THE GREAT THING FOR PEOPLE IN ONTARIO. [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: NEXT QUESTION. THE MEMBER FOR CARLETON. >> [ Speaking French ] >> Voice of Interpreter: THANK YOU, SPEAKER. MY QUESTION IS FOR MINISTER OF FRANCOPHONE AFFAIRS. OUR GOVERNMENT HAS TO SUPPORT OUR FRANCO-ONTARIAN POPULATION. ONTARIO'S FRANCOPHONIE IS A HUGE ASSET FOR THE WHOLE PROVINCE AND WE HAVE TO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE FRANCOPHONE COMMUNITY WITH INITIATIVES THAT WILL CONTRIBUTE TO ENSURE THEIR SUCCESS FOR THE YEARS TO COME.
JUST LAST WEEK, OUR GOVERNMENT PUBLISHED ITS SECOND ANNUAL REPORT ON FRANCOPHONE AFFAIRS. THE REPORT UNDERSCORES THE ACHIEVEMENTS THAT WE HAVE MADE TO SUPPORT ONTARIO FRANCOPHONES AND SUPPORT THEIR ECONOMIC, CULTURAL AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT. SPEAKER, CAN THE MINISTER EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS ANNUAL REPORT? [ Applause ] >> Voice of Interpreter: MINISTER, THANK YOU, SPEAKER. AND I THANK MY COLLEAGUE FOR HER EXCELLENT QUESTION. FRENCH LANGUAGE SERVICES ARE ABSOLUTELY FUNDAMENTAL FOR ONTARIO'S FRANCOPHONE COMMUNITY AND ARE A MAJOR PRIORITY FOR OUR GOVERNMENT. THE SECOND ANNUAL REPORT THAT I SUBMITTED LAST WEEK IS PART OF THE ONTARIO FRENCH LANGUAGE SERVICES STRATEGY, WHICH SEEKS TO IMPROVE PLANNING WITHIN MINISTRIES, TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO QUALITY SERVICES IN FRENCH. THIS REPORT CLEARLY SHOWS OUR GOVERNMENT'S COMMITMENT TO ENHANCE TRANS PAPERS AND ACCOUNTABILITY. I'M PROUD OF OUR — TRANSPARENCY. AND OF THE MODERNIZATION OF THE FRENCH LANGUAGE SERVICES ACT, CONTRARY TO OPPOSITION MEMBERS WHO DID NOTHING FOR 15 YEARS WHEN IT WAS A MATTER OF TAKING IMPORTANT STEPS FOR ONTARIO FRANCOPHONES.
ONLY THE FORD GOVERNMENT IS TAKING REAL SUBSTANTIAL MEASURES. [ Applause ] >> Voice of Interpreter: THANK YOU, SPEAKER, AND THANKS TO THE MINISTER FOR HER ANSWER. IT'S REALLY WONDERFUL TO HEAR ABOUT OUR GOVERNMENT'S ACHIEVEMENTS WHEN IT COMES TO SUPPORTING ONTARIO'S FRANCOPHONE POPULATION; HAVING ACCESS TO QUALITY SERVICE IN FRENCH IN DIFFERENT SECTORS IS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE.
NOT ONLY DOES THIS ENABLE ONTARIO'S FRENCH SPEAKING POPULATION TO RECEIVE SUPPORT IN THEIR LANGUAGE OF CHOICE, BUT IT ALSO ENSURES BETTER ACCESS TO SERVICE THAT CAN CONTRIBUTE TO BETTER OUTCOMES IN EDUCATION, HEALTH CARE AND OTHER SECTORS. WOULD THE MINISTER PLEASE TELL US MORE ABOUT THE WAY OUR GOVERNMENT IS TAKING A CROSS-GOVERNMENT APPROACH TO BETTER SERVE ONTARIO'S FRANCOPHONE POPULATION? [ Applause ] >> Voice of Interpreter: THANK YOU. THANK YOU, SPEAKER. THE MINISTRY OF FRANCOPHONE AFFAIRS PLAY AS CENTRAL ROLE TO PROVIDE ONTARIO FRANCOPHONES WITH BETTER ACCESS IN FRENCH, FOR FRONTLINE SERVICES. OUR FIRST GOAL IS TO SEE HOW OUR MINISTRIES CAN BETTER WORK TOGETHER TO OFFER ACCESSIBLE QUALITY SERVICE TO ONTARIO'S FRANCOPHONE COMMUNITY. PROGRESS IN HEALTH CARE, EDUCATION AND IN POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION AS WELL AS IN TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT SHOW OUR WHOLE GOVERNMENT'S COMMITMENT TO LOOK AFTER THE VITALITY OF OUR FRANCOPHONE COMMUNITY.
I'LL CONTINUE TO WORK WITH MY COLLEAGUES IN GOVERNMENT TO MAKE FURTHER PROGRESS IN FRANCOPHONE — AROUND FRANCOPHONE QUESTIONS AND TO ENSURE THE FRANCOPHONE CO MMUNI ISEARDOUND A.