 It is now time for oral questions. I recognize the member for Hamilton Mountain. Thank you, Speaker. My question is to the Premier. This government has refused to listen to people on Ontario Works and ODSP who are being legislated into deep poverty. The NDP invited social assistance recipients to a round table to share their experiences with the Premier and the Minister of Children, Community, and Social Services. So we've brought their voices to the House in a report which was delivered to the Minister and to the Deputy Premier this morning. The stories that people shared are profoundly heartbreaking and enraging. Like Trevor, who only gets to eat one meal a day. Or Declan, who wasn't able to get a haircut before going to his mother's memorial service. Will the Premier listen to Ontarians, double the rates, and ensure that everyone in Ontario can live a healthy, dignified life? Minister of Children, Community, and Social Services. Thank you, Speaker. I think it's always important to hear from citizens, Ontarians, about their life experiences. And that's why our government has made a decades, a historic investment in ODSP. It is historic. Largest increase in decades. And we've indexed that to inflation. Never been done before in Ontario's history. And we've raised the threshold and created an earnings exemption that we quadrupled from $200 a month to $1,000 a month. These are all measures that we're taking to help people who can work, but we're also helping people who can't work. And we're continuing to use a multi-ministry across government effort, the micro-credentially programs, the mental health programs, the child care benefits, the lift and care tax credits, the minimum wage. These are all things that we have done to improve the lives of citizens across Ontario, particularly those who are vulnerable and dependent on support from government. But we're enabling people, creating meaningful, purposeful employment, and filling the jobs that exist today, putting them back into. Thank you very much. The supplementary question, Member for Ottawa, Les Coutinho. It is clear, Speaker, that legislating Ontarians into deep poverty is having profoundly negative effects on their physical health, their mental health, and their emotional well-being. Tracy has to live on egg salad sandwiches or spaghetti for weeks on end, because that's all she can afford on $80 a month. Jordan has to skip meals to provide for his daughter and can no longer afford to pay for her swimming lessons. The minister can throw around the word historic all she wants. What's clear is the results. People are suffering. Will the government listen to their voices and double the rates? Minister. Thank you, Speaker. And once again, I appreciate the question from the member opposite. If the member opposite won't take my word for the real improvement we're making in people's lives, I would suggest you listen to those who provide services and supports every day. This is great news for people receiving ODSP as the employment income threshold will have a huge positive impact for them. Thank you to the government of Ontario for your ongoing support. That's from Brad Saunders, chief executive officer, Community Living Ontario. We are pleased with the announcement. This means more money in the pockets of the people we support, as well as improving their quality of life. We thank the government of Ontario for their continued support. That's Valerie Pichet, chair of the board, Community Living Toronto. This announcement is a signal from the government that they are listening. This is a definite step in the right direction. We look forward to continuing our work with the government. Chris Beasley, CEO of Community Living Ontario. A game changer and a change in a very, very significant way. Mark Wafer, interim CEO of the Abilities Centre. We're making positive change. Thank you. Final supplementary, member for Thunder Bay Superior North. Thank you, Speaker. Participants in the NDP's round table who have disabilities shared that they'd love to be working, but they can't because of their disability. Parents who are full-time caregivers for children with disabilities are forced to live on Ontario works, unable even to buy diapers or other supplies for their children because the rates are so low. This government's policies are forcing people with disabilities to live in deep poverty. But as Paul, an ODSP recipient said, quote, becoming disabled can happen to anyone. It could happen to you. Why is the government making people with disabilities live in poverty instead of doubling the rates? Thank you, Speaker. Our government is taking the measures necessary after decades of neglect by the previous opposition and the NDP. It was the Liberals who had the chance to raise rates and in fact they waited until they were about to lose an election to even suggest it. The NDP had a chance to make it a priority when they propped up the Liberals for three years while they chose to sit on the sidelines and didn't make it an issue. And while they talked, it was our government that acted. My order. You know, I just find it incredible. The investments that we're making that you could have done and you never did, you abandoned it when you could have done it. We made the investments in social assistance and we're investing again. We're indexing rates to inflation. We've made historic raises. We're calling on the federal government to commit to their promise of a Canada disability benefit. We're continuing to make the necessary changes to support people. Thank you very much. Remind the members to please make a comment through the chair. The next question, the leader of the, his Majesty's Loyal Opposition. Thank you, Speaker. My question to the Premier. The verdict is in on this government's so-called housing plan and it's damning. Mayors, councils, experts in community groups are all united against this so-called plan. Bills 23 and 39 are undemocratic. They will financially devastate municipalities. They're harmful to the environment and they won't build the homes that people need. Will this government finally listen to Ontarians and repeal Bill 23 and withdraw Bill 39 before it's too late? Minister, Mr. Fares in housing. OK, Speaker. So the leader of the opposition talked about democracy. So here's a party that has essentially an acclimation for their leader. They've got like a Castro-esque ballot that's going to be available in March with one name on the ballot. I'm going to caution the member on his language, minister. Please conclude your answer. Even with that, only 27% you want to talk about democracy? Only 27% of that caucus, only eight members out of 30, could even do a public declaration in favor of the acclaimed new leader. I'm not going to take any lessons from the 30 new Democrats in this House of Democracy. We're going to continue to stand up for young families. We're going to continue to be there for newcomers to Ontario. And we're going to continue to stand up for seniors that want to save security. We start the clock supplementary question. Member for University of Rosedale. Thank you, Speaker. My question is to the Premier. The government has said it is looking at continuing its assault on democratic norms by bringing strong mayor powers to more regions, including Hulton, Durham, Niagara, Peel, Waterloo, and York. We do not have to sacrifice democratic norms to address our housing crisis. Instead of doubling down on minority rule, can your government withdraw Bill 39 immediately? Mr. Secretary's announcement. Well, you know, new Democrats can't build homes. They're a house divided in the legislature. I'm not sure what that member and her party has against fantastic regional chairs like Nando Enisi in Peel, Wayne Emerson in York, and Jim Bradley in Niagara. I want to work with those three chairs. I want to work with the other three elected chairs when we appoint a facilitator. And when we do, as our Premier has said many times, we want to make sure that mayors have the tools to get shovels in the ground faster. The extension of strong mayor powers in Bill 39 does exactly that, Speaker. I'll supplement you to the member for Scarborough Southwest. Thank you very much, Speaker. The minister and this government can spin it as they like, but the facts remain, Speaker. Bill 39 undermines democracy, it undermines environmental protection, and it does nothing to provide affordable housing. It also undermines locally elected councillors. And I know there are multiple Scarborough MPPs here whose counterparts, the councillors in those regions, were some of the signatories in the letter that was recently sent out to the Premier to reconsider Bill 39, because they haven't even gotten a chance to sit down and have a meeting about Bill 39 because this government spent last night ramming through it. So, Speaker, my question is, has the Premier and this Minister of Municipal Affairs listened to some of the Scarborough members on his side, especially the Minister of Seniors and Accessibility Affairs? Thank you very much. Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. I can assure the honourable member that on the government's side, the members from Scarborough are standing up for that young family. Hear, hear, hear. And welcoming. They're welcoming new Canadians to come to our province and to live in Scarborough, but we have one problem, Speaker. One problem that new Democrats stand in front of every single solitary time, and that's building more housing of every type, of every shape, of every size and every price range. It's the members from Scarborough that are standing up for the people of Scarborough. We start the call. Next question, the member for Oshawa. Thank you, Speaker. My question is to the Premier. In Durham, there is a layer of protection around the Greenbelt called the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve Act. This Premier is peeling it back in Bill 39. The Minister's public justification was a letter from the former Mayor of Pickering. However, late the other night, Pickering City Councilors unanimously decided they don't support the repeal of the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve Act. The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing has no justification for removing the ag preserve protections from the Greenbelt and now he doesn't have the support of council. Will the Premier let the member for Pickering Uxbridge, side with his community, abandon his assault on the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve and choose to protect prime farmland in perpetuity as promised? Mr. Mr. Secretary of the House. Well, Speaker, I want to assure members of this House, I want to assure people in Pickering and Uxbridge that you're not going to find a bigger champion to have Ontarians realize the home ownership than our Minister of Finance Peter Beckham Paul. And his commitment, as we all are on the government side, we looked Ontarians in the eye during the election and said we were going to put a plan in place to build 1.5 positions over the next 10 years. We also realized that with the federal government's new immigration targets, we're going to have an extra 500,000 people coming to our country. 60% of them are going to come to GTA. We need to ensure that we've got a plan in place and looking at areas like this one that former Mayor Ryan more really aptly articulated as a site that's been talked about for over 20 years. The conversation around this property preceded the creation of the green belt. And I can tell you something, we're going to continue to put policies in place that get shovels in the ground to build those ones. Thank you. Thank you to the members for Ottawa West with Ian. Back to the Premier. It's not just Pickering City Council that voted against Bill 39. Last week, Ottawa's new City Council voted unanimously in support of a motion condemning Bill 39 and its attack on democracy. Ottawa residents are furious that this government is trampling on basic democratic principles, imperiling affordable housing, destroying wetlands, and costing our city millions of dollars with its bills 23 and 39. My question to the Premier. Does the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services stand behind those bills, or does she stand with her constituents, the people of Ottawa? Nice, Minister Mr. Farrison-Heiser. Well, Speaker, in response to the municipal comments made about Bill 23, Dr. Rob Gillesaux has also said, quote, it's disappointing, but not surprising to see municipalities come so hard against one of the most effective pieces to lower prices in Ontario's new housing legislation. The member's office should be very familiar with Dr. Gillesaux. He's an accredited economist, but he also works as a policy adviser to the future leader of the ending. Member for Mississauga Streetsville. Good morning, Speaker, and thank you. My question is for the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. Last week, the Minister was in India to engage with business leaders and promote Ontario at the Indo-Canadian Business Chamber's annual convention in New Delhi. This was an opportunity to strengthen relationships with the economic partners and continue attracting investments in the manufacturing, technology and life sciences sector. We can all agree that our government must continue to ensure Ontario has a strong and competitive tech ecosystem, whilst also ensuring that there are plenty of good jobs for individuals and families across this province. Speaker, will the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade please update the House on his trade mission to India? Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. Since we've been outsharing the message how Ontario is open for business, we've been hearing interesting messages coming back. Speaker, in a world filled with turmoil, companies see Ontario as a beacon, a sea of calm, a reliable, trusted partner, a place they can locate their business. While in Mumbai, 88 pictures, an animation and media entertainment company announced Ontario as the location for their first international expansion. Working with our great partner Toronto Global, 88 pictures will hire 150 professionals starting in the new year. They told us that Ontario has everything they need to succeed and proves that Ontario is open for business. So please welcome us in joining 88 pictures to Ontario. The supplementary question. Thank you, Speaker, and thank you to the Minister for his response. It is evident that our government attending the Indo-Canadian Business Convention was timely in advancing Ontario as a competitive place for businesses to invest and grow. In an increasingly globalised world, ensuring good working relationships with the world's strongest economies is more important than ever. As the Minister correctly stated, Ontario must continue to promote itself as a great place to do business. Speaker, can the Minister elaborate further on the positive outcomes and future opportunities Ontario can expect due to our trade mission in India? Thank you. Minister of Economic Development. Speaker, our mission to India was also an opportunity to personally thank the many companies who located in Ontario because of our previous missions. We met with LTTS, they just opened in Markham, HCL, they now have 1,500 employees in Mississauga, Tata Consultancy Services, they just announced 5,000 new hires, and Zoho, who just opened in the town of Cornwall. We also met with leading companies like SR, ITC, Infotech, Tata, Alexi, and up and comers like Pincasho and WitSeal Technologies, all leading Indian companies looking to locate worldwide. They're fully aware that Ontario is the number 2 tech cluster in all of North America, 20,000 tech companies, 400,000 employees, 65,000 STEM grads, all part of our world-class ecosystem. Speaker, that's our competitive edge, that's why companies from around the world continue to locate in Ontario. Next question, a member for Tomiskaming Cochran. My question is to the Minister of Environment, Conservation, and Parks. In its response to the government's proposed repeal of the Duffins Rouge Agriculture Preserve Act, Parks Canada warrants, and I quote, there is a probable risk of irreversible harm to wildlife, natural ecosystems, and agriculture landscapes within Rouge National Urban Park, thereby reducing the viability and functionality of the parks, ecosystems, and farmland. End of quote. Parks Canada also says that the provincial government has failed to meet its obligations under its binding agreement with Parks Canada respecting the Rouge National Urban Park. Why is the Minister going so far out of his way to violate so many agreements and break so many promises? Minister of Natural Resources in Forestry. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, and as everyone in this House knows, and as we've talked about over and over again, it is this government's intention to build 1.5 million homes over the next 10 years. And frankly, the federal government's opinion on this is somewhat misguided. The park is not attached to the Duffins Rouge. And we know, Mr. Speaker, we know that protections will be in place as we go forward as home builders build these homes that we desperately need. The conservation measures will still be in place. That wetland evaluations will still take place. Mr. Speaker, there's an opportunity to solve the problem here. We're taking that opportunity. We need to take that opportunity. We will take that opportunity. Yeah, yeah. A supplementary question. A member for Key Wet and Ones. A question is to the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks. Speaker, it's been very clear. This government does not prioritize indigenous rights. The failure to engage in dialogue with the rights holders about the duty to consult and accommodate makes Bill 23 unlawful at worst and undemocratic at best. Why doesn't just this government just say that their housing plan is more important than upholding indigenous rights? Why don't you just come on and say that, you know, you do not care about indigenous rights. Mr. Morgan Affairs, thank you, Mr. Speaker. It may surprise the member that I don't see it that way, and neither does our government. We have a pressing and substantial challenge that we're turning into an opportunity, Mr. Speaker, and that is to build 1.5 million homes over the next 10 years. We know, Mr. Speaker, that across this province, housing shortages are real. They're real for families living in municipalities and in big cities and in indigenous communities, Mr. Speaker. That's why we will move ahead with a balanced approach to build 1.5 million homes in 10 years to work with our indigenous communities and their leadership to ensure the housing opportunities are there for them as well, Mr. Speaker. That's what we're hearing from them, and that's what we intend to pursue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Next question, the member for Glen Gary, Prescott Russell. Thank you, Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Northern Development. Under the previous Liberal government, our transportation infrastructure system urgently needed investment. Unfortunately, these neglected like profoundly impacted roads, safety, and many in northern and indigenous communities, for many, I mean. Communities in northern Ontario face unique challenges and need our government support for safe and reliable roadways. Particularly in the north, winter, winter conditions can make driving on roads even more challenging. Speaker, can the Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Northern Development please inform the House about our government plan to improve access and safety for people travelling across northern Ontario? Good question. Mr. Northern Affairs. Speaker, I want to thank the member from Glen Gary, Prescott Russell for his question and his great advocacy on behalf of his constituents. His interest in this matter, Mr. Speaker, is timely. Just because winter is coming doesn't mean that a government shouldn't be well underway in building a robust winter roads program for northern Ontario. This serves 24,000 residents, Mr. Speaker, across Ontario's far north. My ministry recently announced more than $6 million for the next fiscal year to continue supporting the construction in operation of a 3,170 kilometre temporary winter road system, Mr. Speaker. These investments link 32 isolated First Nations communities and the town of Musini together to the provincial highway network. This improves the health, social and economic prospects and much more to serve those communities and forms the basis, Mr. Speaker, for important corridors in the future to serve these communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Supplementary? Mr. Speaker, it's excellent to hear that our government is determined to support workers in northern Ontario. Northern Ontario communities are diversified not just geographically. The needs of northern communities and indigenous support companies and businesses and their different needs. Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Northern Development and Indigenous Affairs can tell us more about what the government is doing to support communities in the north. Mr. Speaker, in northern Ontario we are making target investments to make francophone communities more dynamic and with the Heritage Fund Corporation we invested much money in more than 10 projects, for example, in Earth where there's an investment, not just in community institutions, but also francophone tourist strategy. In Collège Borréal we invested in essential infrastructures on the campus and in the French River with the public school board of the great north. We have a Community Development Fund and Centre. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question to the Premier. All of Toronto City Council opposes the government using Bill 23 to carve up the green belt. A majority of council is against Bill 39 imposing minority rule on the people of Toronto including councillors from Etobicoke. Thousands of Etobicoke residents have signed petitions calling on the government to withdraw both bills. Premier, have the members of the Etobicoke Writings share the concerns of their local councillors and constituents and advocated for them with you? Minister of National Affairs, analysis. Speaker, the members from Etobicoke support Mayor Tory and they want to give Mayor Tory who received a strong citywide democratic mandate on October 24th. They want him to have the tools to get the job done to be able to make sure that he does his share of the 1.5 million homes we need to build by 2031. My question back to the members from the City of Toronto from the new democratic party is why don't you support Mayor Tory? Why are you not supporting measures that Mayor Tory needs to help with our housing supply action? I hope this is good. I want the members to make their comments to the chair. Supplementary, the member for Humber River, Black Creek. Thank you, Speaker. My question to the Premier. Bill 23 will have devastating consequences for Brampton, including massive tax hikes, a reduction of parkland and a lack of affordable housing to name a few. It has been reported that, quote, the city anticipates if Bill 23 is approved based on the loss of revenue from development charges cash in lieu of parkland and additional infrastructure hits. It can expect to lose approximately $440 million to make up this loss revenue without a corresponding increase to provincial grant funding. It would require an 80% increase to the current property tax rate for homeowners, end quote. Through you, Speaker, Premier, has the President of the Treasury Board told you whether he thinks it's fair that seniors and families in his riding could face a massive tax hike of up to 80%? Mr. Speaker, those numbers don't add up. You know what does add up? The comments from Dr. Gillesot, who said you're arguing for, here's his quote, you're arguing for the exact policy agenda that has prioritized existing homeowners at the expense of young people and newcomers. He also argued that the opposition's criticism of Bill 23 is too focused on a populist narrative and forgets about, quote, important implications for housing, supply, housing prices and added quality. You know, the opposition talks a good game, but here's their own NDP policy person, Dr. Gillesot, arguing against the policy that's... Order. Get your facts straight. Again, I'll remind the members to please make their comments through the chair. Member for Brampton North will come to order. It's usually you. Start the clock. The next question to the member for Haldeman Norfolk. Thank you, Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Transportation. On August 31st, I asked the minister why the reconstruction of the Argyle Street Bridge in Caledonia was being held up. I appreciated the minister's response that the reconstruction is a top priority for this government. Speaker, the minister also spoke about the need for due diligence on a laundry list of tasks that need to be undertaken before reconstruction can begin. Tasks, I believe, had already been completed prior to my question in August. Speaker, I'm in Caledonia often, but I'm not there every single day, like the people who live there, like the people who own businesses, and they tell me there's been no work done on the bridge over the past three months. Speaker, the people of Caledonia, the people of Haldeman County would appreciate an update from this government what due diligence is still required before shovels are put in the ground. Associate Minister of Transportation. Thank you, Speaker, and I appreciate the question from the member opposite this morning. No government has taken the transportation infrastructure investments more seriously than this government. In fact, we're talking about $80 billion in improving roads, improving transport for the people of this province because we realize, Speaker, that after 20 years of neglect from the NDP and Liberals, we're playing catch up, and we have a growing population. In fact, record growth is on the way to this province, 30% growth over the next decade alone. Speaker, that means that we need to prepare a highlight for the member this morning, that that process involves important environmental assessments, consultation with indigenous communities, and in the case of bridges where necessary, if expropriation is necessary, all of the due diligence that is required for that, Speaker, as well as consultations with local business and municipalities. It is a process that is being followed, but unlike the last government, we're doing it and we're doing it quickly. Supplementary question. Speaker, I firmly believe all the due diligence that the member opposite speaks about has been done. The only thing that hasn't been done is the reconstruction, and I've had reporters ask me why the secrecy in the ministry, why the stalling. The Argyle Street bridge in Caledonia serves both local and commercial vehicles, and the ministry imposed a weight limit on the bridge some time ago, and I believe the ministry is collecting fines on anyone who exceeds that limit. I'd love to know how much money the ministry has raked in. This century old bridge collapsed in 1925, and I'm fearful that a bridge deemed to be in a state of deterioration in 2001 will be another headline at some time. Speaker, when I asked my original question in August the minister pointed the finger at the previous government for not taking action, and we all know what happens when you point the finger, and yet today we see the member opposite pointing the finger again. This government has had four years to begin reconstruction on that bridge, and all that's happened is a woman has been kicked out of her home on the north side. Speaker, through you to the minister, what is the date the people of Caledonia can expect the bridge to begin reconstruction? The associate minister. Well, Speaker, a curious tone from the member opposite, and notice that they're cheered on by the Liberals who in fact were the ones who ignored these types of investments in the first place. Well, let me point a finger at 2022-2023's number $1.7 billion to expand and repair Southern Ontario's highways and bridges, which will not only fix the issues that the member is speaking about, but create over 11,000 jobs in Southern Ontario alone. Speaker, the reality is after years, decades in fact, of neglect by the Liberals who are for some bizarre reason heckling this question this morning we are taking action and investing in this province, not just for today, but for generations to come. Order. We're going to get the job done. The next question, the member for Bruce Greyo and Sound. Speaker, in my writing of Bruce Greyo and Sound and across our province, many Ontarians are looking to join the workforce. However, those with prior involvement in the criminal justice system often face barriers to finding work. As Ontario continues to address our most significant labour shortage in a generation, our government must provide the necessary tools for individuals looking to gain secure employment. Speaker, can the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development please share with this House what our government is doing to empower individuals helping them to get a second chance? The Minister of Labour, Immigration and Skills Development please share with us. Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. I want to thank the member for Bruce Greyo and Sound for that question and for advocating every single day at Queen's Park on behalf of his constituency. Speaker, our government is helping people realise their dreams and build better lives for themselves and their families. It's easy to pigeonhole people who have criminal records for a single mistake they made when they were much younger. Mr Speaker, in Canada there are 10% of the population and they shouldn't be held back after doing their time for their entire lives. It's time to break the stigma. Second chance hiring breaks a cycle of poverty and incarceration. Mr Speaker, to build a stronger Ontario we have to, we must lift more people up. It's a supplementary question. Thank you, Speaker and thank you Minister for that answer. I want to thank the member for the opportunity to bring people a second chance to build a better life here in Ontario. As we work towards reducing barriers for those seeking to enter and re-enter the workforce it is crucial to prepare job seekers with the skills they need to succeed in the workplace. Speaker, my question is once again to the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. What is our government doing and knowledge they need to succeed? Minister of Labour. I want to thank the member again for this very important question. Speaker, no matter where you come from what your education level is or who you know our government wants to help you get the skills you need to succeed. That's why in the latest round of our Skills Development Fund we're prioritising projects helping those with prior involvement with the criminal justice system. Speaker, our fund is helping people of all ages, education levels and backgrounds get the skills they need to be successful in life. If you're able to work, we need you. And if you want to work, we're ready to give you a shot at a better life. Next question, the member for Waterloo. Thank you, Speaker. My question is to the Premier. Last week after the government doubled down claiming that Waterloo Region municipalities were sitting on over $200 million of reserve funds to pay for the charges. In fact, it was reported that the legislation, Bill 23 will cost the region $530 million over 10 years according to regional staff. Waterloo Mayor McCabe said the bill's reduction in development charges could leave the city short $23 million to $31 million. That's money used to pay for roads, sewers, transit, libraries and other city services. And now the taxpayers have agreed that bill. Does the minister know whether the member from Kitchener Conestoga now regrets his support for Bill 23? Now that they know, it was based on faulty information and will harm our community's ability to build housing and infrastructure. It's a destruction. Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to reply. Just more of an envious propaganda that the opposition continues to speak in the House. I thought you said audacious but you said mendacious. You have to withdraw. You know, municipalities already do much of what Bill 23 will legislate. Numerous municipalities have existing DC or property tax incentive programs to encourage in-field development or to help contribute to affordable housing. They include Kitchener. They include Barrie, Cambridge, Peterborough, Halton Hills, Brampton, Niagara Falls, many, many others. In fact, Toronto has provided $195 million in DC exemptions between 2018 and 2021 through the Toronto Open Door program and the other municipality that the member knows is Hamilton, her former leaders community who has provided $242 million in DC exemptions between 2020. Thank you. Thank you, Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Hamiltonians are tired of this government not listening to them. Our City Council voted to hold the urban boundary but this government has disregarded and disrespected this. Hamiltonians have been protesting the passage of Bill 23 since the beginning but the local minister and the local member have chosen not to listen to their communities and voted for it anyways. It is clear Hamiltonians are not happy. They know this move will lead to sprawl, unaffordable housing and car dependent cities. Can the minister tell this house if the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport and the member from Flambrough, Glambrough have shared with them there are cities opposition to Bill 23. I have said many times in the house that when it comes to Hamilton that council went against their own planning department's projections. They couldn't have it both ways. They can't not want to expand the urban boundary but then also not want to intensify within the urban court. They can't have it both ways. Again, Speaker, I didn't have enough time to get this on the record but again when it comes to Bill 23, municipalities like the City of Hamilton do exactly what the bill is proposing. Hamilton's provided Speaker $242 million in DC exemptions between 2013 and 2021 for both residential and non-residential development. All Bill 23 does is codifies exactly what Hamilton council already does. This question is for Oakville North Hamilton. My question is for the Associate Minister of Women's Social and Economic Opportunity. The COVID-19 pandemic left many families across Ontario dealing with significant challenges. Sadly, domestic violence incidents increased during this period for many women in our province. In my own community, in 2021 Halton Police responded to 3,500 intimate partner violence related calls. Yesterday, December 6, was the national day of remembrance and action on violence against women. On this day, we honour and remember the 14 young women killed and the 13 other individuals injured at L'École Polytechnique de Montréal 33 years ago. It is also a day that we remember countless other women and girls who are victims and survivors of gender-based violence. Speaker, can the minister provide an update on the government's work to address gender-based violence? Associate Minister Thank you Mr. Speaker and I thank the parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade and commend her work to recently passed a private member's motion to further the important work to end intimate continuous education courses to those involved in family court systems. This motion builds on our absolutely this motion builds on our government's many actions to address gender-based violence. And Speaker last year alone we invested 11 million in violence prevention initiatives and nearly 200 million in the services and wraparound supports for the survivors of violence. And I recently had the opportunity to talk to you about the 707 hub which hosts Rose of Durham, Catholic Family Services of Durham, Luke's Place and Driven and they are a hub that focuses on addressing post-separation violence, trauma-informed supportive counseling and specialized safety planning while leveraging its legal expertise in the delivery of legal support, legal aid assistance and court preparation and accompaniment. And I would like 707 hub they can break free and end the generational cycle of trauma for themselves and their children. Supplementary question. Thank you Speaker and thank you to the Associate Minister for her response. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the frontline professionals who support and comfort survivors of domestic and sexual violence. This is difficult and important work and sadly it is often recognized. I'm encouraged that Ontario endorsed the 10-year National Action Plan to end gender-based violence. This national plan is a solid framework that will ensure reliable and timely access to protect and assist anyone facing gender-based violence. Speaker, can the Minister address how Ontario will implement the National Action Plan? The Associate Minister. Member of Oakville, North Burlington for the question. I am proud that our government endorsed the release of Canada's first National Action Plan to end gender-based violence this past month. The plan is a historic milestone in fulfilling a long-standing commitment of all levels of government to work together towards an Ontario and Canada free of gender-based violence. Mr. Speaker, the five pillars are support for victims, survivors and their families. Two, prevention. Three, response of justice systems. Four, implementing Indigenous Ledge Approaches. And five, a social infrastructure and enabling environment. Ontario, we led the approach in forwarding the National Action Plan to the FBT Forum Justice Ministers with a written request that they commit to taking further response. Justice system responses, including by holding perpetrators and offenders accountable. Mr. Speaker, safety is a right, not a privilege. And during the negotiations with the federal government, we will work hard to reinforce this as we work towards a fair and equitable approach that will address violence against women across. Thank you. Member for Niagara Falls. Thank you Mr. Speaker. My writing, the Mayor of Fort Erie, Wayne said bill 23 will significantly benefit developers, with no guarantee it will lead to lower housing prices. The town of Niagara Lake has said bill 23 could lead to the loss of important cultural heritage resources. In the writing of Niagara West, the town of Pelham voiced concerns. The town of Lincoln Mayor said amendments to these acts will reflect how we fund the services and programs our community members expect from us. Speaker, that means the PCs are forced in municipalities to raise taxes. The town of Grinsby, the town of Grinsby outright rejected bill 23. Speaker, why are the premier and MPP from Niagara West ignoring concerns of Niagara regional municipalities elected officials? Thank you. Minister of Housing. Our proposed legislation has received strong support and I'm going to give one example on the record for the member. Niagara regional chair Jim Bradley said and I again quote, I applaud the province for considering all options at their disposal to address the crisis, this crisis including exploration of expansion of so-called strong mayor powers and that quote as regional chair, I look forward to working with the provincial facilitators to find ways to better support our growing population while addressing the housing crisis. That's the quote. Speaker, it's partners like Jim Bradley who have a long experience in both municipal and commercial politics in Ontario that will help our government shape our next steps. Next supplementary question. Member for Niagara center. Thank you speaker. My question is to the premier, Markham's mayor and councillors began a special meeting to unanimously reject bill 23. This is the government host leader's writing. City staff presented a report showing that the changes in bill 23 could cost the city $136 million in annual revenue requiring increase of 50 to 80% on property taxes to maintain existing service levels equaling an estimated $600 to $1000 a year to the average taxpayer. Speaker why does the premier choose to subsidize developer profits by increasing the taxes of the people of Markham. Member for Niagara West will come to order. Minister of municipal affairs and housing to reply. The numbers the member is professing don't add up you know while the association of municipalities of Ontario estimates that bill 23 will result in $5.1 billion in loss revenue over a nine year span and the municipalities earned 1.02 billion in investment income and interest earnings from reserve fund surpluses in 2020 alone. That amounts to double the estimated revenue loss. The members opposite especially this member who doesn't support his chair Jim Bradley in Niagara has to make sure that if they're going to talk numbers they've got to talk numbers that are correct. We're going to move forward and have some audits to ensure that the numbers that are being bounced around by our municipal partners are verified. Next question from Perth Wellington. Thank you speaker. Ontario's provincial parks attract local, national and international visitors. The natural environment found at each of our parks reflects each region's beauty, uniqueness and diversity. With so much to offer it's not surprising that Ontario's provincial parks are experiencing growing numbers and visitors are eager to take advantage of our parks and to spend time with their friends and family and I know my friends and family enjoy spending time at our provincial parks as well speaker. Visitors can spend their day camping, hiking, canoeing or just relaxing in a wide range of activities and programs at over 330 locations across Ontario. Speaker can the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks tell us how our government is supporting Ontario's parks system? The Environment, Conservation and Parks Thank you speaker. I want to thank the member for Perth Wellington for that great question. Looking forward to joining you in your writing next week. Speaker I think everyone here in the chamber can agree we all love Ontario parks and we all love getting outdoors as a lover of nature. I know firsthand the value of having such an extensive park system in the province of Ontario. In fact, a park system we're expanding. I reflect fondly on the recent announcement to add Alfred Bogg to this incredible system preserving over 3,000 acres and protecting peat moss, one of the most important sources to sequester carbon. Speaker Ontario parks attracted over 800,000 visitors last year and this government is making investments. In fact since 2018 alone this government has invested over $50 million back into Ontario's park system. These are ensuring that Ontarians are having the best possible visitor experience and we're not done there speaker and I look forward to expanding on the great work in the supplementary. Thank you. Supplementary question. Thank you speaker and thank you to the minister for his response. It's great to hear that our government recognizes the importance of keeping our parks vibrant and welcoming to visitors. The Ontario park system is the province's largest outdoor recreation provider offering a wide range of activities and opportunities. When our parks and facilities are well maintained our guests are better served and making their stay all the more enjoyable. Speaker, can the minister of environment conservation in parks please elaborate on what specific investments our government has made to update and improve Ontario's provincial parks. Minister of the environment. Curran, I again appreciate the question from the member opposite. When I became minister of environment I reflected that previous government they had no online store. There was no way to generate revenue from those parks visitors that demanded and wanted things like hoodies or the popular crests and I see the member from Oshawa looking I know she's a crest lover as well. We wanted those crests and online you can now buy them and you can buy them but we're not going to go. What's exciting is that revenue that we now generate online 100% of it is going right back into provincial parks. The only answer the Liberals had was to tax people. What's exciting in the winter months arrowhead skating and I know members really enjoy that. In San Bake Speaker we've invested over 5.6 million in new cramp grounds also upgraded staffing facilities and built new ones so that the great employees can continue doing the great work with a number one employee for students in the summer speaker so I encourage everyone get out to the parks and thank you very much thank you Mr. Speaker to the Minister of municipal municipal affairs and housing it's a dark day for democracy in Ontario in less than an hour the conservative MPPs are expected to vote on bill 39 order that will end majority vote democracy in Ontario municipalities it will override the voices of the elected representatives including Tom Mayor Tom Maracas of Aurora who has condemned the government's plans to pave over the green belts order region the minister will be appointing a regional chair who with one third of council votes will be able to override majority votes now I know the minister has been blaming the Liberals attacking the NDP are pivoting to housing when asked about democratic questions but we can build housing while respecting democratic rights will the minister be voting to end majority vote to mark majority vote democracy in York region today I just that that members speech and speech last night just made me think of something that we're fighting for you know there's thousands of workers building these homes labors carpenters plumbers electricians all union workers good jobs with pensions and benefits speaker the NDP is no friend of the working-class families we're looking to get their home that's that's what we're fighting for young people we're fighting for workers we're working for workers and we want to make sure that those good jobs with bigger paychecks are part of our housing supply action mr. to the minister I actually am paid my way through a lot of my life doing carpentry work and I can tell you what people every carpenter order every construction worker that I worked with they wanted above and above everything else they wanted the democratic rights of Ontarians to be respected York regional councillors asked the government not to give a government side come order gift to developers because it will mean that the taxes will go up in King Vaughn and my questions to the Minister of Education these councillors were elected by the people in York region but soon their power to represent their constituents will be overridden by bill 39 that imposes minority rule in York region will the Minister of Education be undermining the democratic rights of the residents of York region by voting on the undemocratic bill 39 today Mr. Mr. Farreza now again speak another Toronto member speaking against John Tory and the tools that John Tory needs to get shovels in the ground fast we support Mayor Tory he's a great mayor and he wants to do his share to get shovels in the ground faster that's why we listen to his worship and put those measures to add those tools to to ensure that the strong mayor powers get that shovels in the ground make make those important investments in in our community you know the NDP again despite even their own advisors even their own advisor to their new leader the NDP continue to block the dream of home ownership we had young people in the in the galleries earlier today those young people's we're fighting for that we want to ensure that they they have a dream to ensure that they have a home that meets their needs in their budget we're fighting for seniors to ensure that they have the opportunity to downsize and we're fighting for new Canadians who we welcome to our community we want to make sure we have a home that that fits them as they come and live in the best place to live work and raise my question is for the solicitor general people in my writing are worried about increasing reports of gun violence occurring in communities across the GTA they fear for the safety of their loved ones as reports of violent crimes are on the rise just last weekend a 21 year old woman was shot and killed at a gun stage at a gas station in mississauga at the same time Hamilton and Dewes is fourth shooting in a week and the fourth year for the entire year increasing violence gun crime is a serious matter that impacts the safety and security of all Ontarians speaker can the solicitor general explain what our government working we in partnership with police services across Ontario is doing to keep us safe from smuggled gun crime thank you mr. Speaker I want to thank my friend from Markham Unionville first question it's an important question on Monday of this week the Toronto Police Service made an exceptional announcement dealing with smuggled guns Toronto Police Service has seized an unprecedented 62 illegal firearms destined for the hands of criminals this seizure shocked the most seasoned investigators I want to thank everyone from the Toronto organized crime enforcement unit including Superintendent Steve Watts all but one of the guns all but one of the guns that traced were seized illegally and smuggled from the U.S. and together with our federal partners Ontario has invested two hundred and three million dollars as part of our guns gangs and violence reduction strategy our program is focused on early intervention in at-risk communities mr. the president Mr. Speaker we are taking illegal guns off our streets it's our priority speaker thank you to the solicitor general for his response the work carried out each and every day by all members of our provinces police services is commendable and appreciated the magnitude of the man of the number of weapon seized by the police officers as part of project barbell is both concerning and disturbing Toronto Police Chief Rammer said the best it best the gun violence continued to be the most significant public safety concern as shootings devastated families and he wrote our sense of security during his press conference police chief Rammer further stated that the majority of the gun sees as part of his operation organized or originated from the United States and that additional measures at our borders are required speaker through you to the solicitor general how is our government addressing this issue as we move forward mr. Letzger mr. President mr. Speaker I would like to thank my colleague for his question it's an excellent one mr. Speaker I'm serious it is an honor to ensure our province's security police services about tightening the screening at our borders to stop the flow of illegal guns coming into our streets and we agree with them I've seen it for myself in Niagara in Sault Ste. Marie in Sarnia-Lampton and we know the only way to tackle gun violence is to crack down on illegal guns that are being smuggled in our borders every day and that's why I raise this issue with minister Mendocino in every one of our calls and I will not stop mr. President mr. Speaker we work with all organization enforcement organizations to ensure Ontario's security my question is to the Premier on Friday massive demonstrations at Western University will call on the government to stop auctioning off the green belt my constituent Brendan writes bill 23 threatens raising our taxes worsening the housing crisis privately trading our biodiversity and farmland for industry donations and favours. Ministry research CEO Cuedo Maggi said there's a perception that someone is unfairly lining their pockets the perception is that the forward government is unfairly giving a benefit to a small sliver of their supporters will the Premier listen and again admit I've heard it loud and clear people don't want me touching the green belt thank you mr. Speaker look I you know what it's no surprise that the members opposite don't support the people who build homes because they don't want people to actually own homes mr. Speaker they talk about affordable housing but they vote against the fact that we brought in a bill that brought the highest affordable housing rental housing in the provinces in over 30 years voted against that they talk about affordable housing but they voted against 60,000 seniors having new and upgraded long-term care beds those are what are those colleagues those are homes for seniors they vote against it mr. Speaker so they talk out of both sides of their mouth mr. Speaker I'm asking to withdraw I would draw so they talk they conclude your answer yeah what I said mr. Speaker thank you to clarify so so listen mr. Speaker it should be no surprise to anybody that the members opposite don't support people who build homes don't support the people who want to buy homes don't support the new Canadians that want to live in a province and have the dream of home ownership this has been the NDP since their inception and why they always form a small sliver in this concludes our question period for this morning