 Being none, it's now time for Question Period. The leader of Her Majesty's Royal Opposition. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier. According to Innovative Research Group poll results that were highlighted in the National Post, the people of Ontario have never been so angry. And why, Mr. Speaker, are they angry? Maybe it's because this government has lost $6 billion, giving energy away to places like New York, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. Maybe it's because, according to the Auditor General, between 2006 and 2014, the people of Ontario have been overcharged $37 billion for electricity and global adjustment fees. Maybe it's because this government has overpaid $9.2 billion for renewable contracts while the Liberal Party took $1.3 million in donations from 30 companies. There's a lot of reasons why the people of Ontario would be angry. But, Mr. Speaker, I want to ask the Premier, why do you think the people of Ontario are so angry at your energy policy? Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. So, Mr. Speaker, let me once again talk about what has happened in this province on electricity generation, Mr. Speaker. We inherited an electricity system that was badly degraded, Mr. Speaker. It was dirty. The grid was dirty, Mr. Speaker. We were plagued with brownouts and blackouts and smog. That's not helpful. Well, if the both of you want to keep going, we'll go to warnings. Premier. We took that dirty, unreliable system, Mr. Speaker, and we cleaned it, Mr. Speaker. We invested in it. We now have 80% renewable, Mr. Speaker. The shutting down of the coal-fired plants in this province, the investment in a renewable industry, Mr. Speaker, was the single largest initiative in terms of reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in North America. We're proud of that, Mr. Speaker. We've done away with smog days if we've reduced that pollution. Thank you. Mr. Speaker, back to the Premier. Last night, CTV's Paul Bliss broke a shocking story. Hydro-1 has been collecting money, specifically to pay for equipment they deem very high risk for failure. But Paul Bliss learned that there are still 111 transformers that are in dire need of repair, so much for the Premier's talking points on reliability. For years, this government has been approving rate increases, then failing to fix transformers. They're not bringing reliability to our system. So my question is, what did that money go for? It was supposed to be for repairs. Was it used to pay the $4 million salary you approved for the CEO? Wasn't the $24 million the Premier approved for the new executive members? Because it certainly wasn't going to fix the transformers. So Mr. Speaker, why has the Premier allowed Hydro-1 to raise rates but not fix the system? I was going to want to speak in the final supplementary, but Mr. Speaker, let me just say, and we have visitors here from California and from Quebec, with whom we are partnering, Mr. Speaker. We are promising grid to do away with smog days, Mr. Speaker, to reduce pollution in the air. They don't support that, Mr. Speaker. We are going to invest in our electricity system. We are going to continue to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and work with enlightened jurisdictions like Quebec and California. We're edging towards warnings, number one. Number two, always speak to the chair. And audiences are not allowed to participate in the house business. New question, leader of the opposition. Oh, sorry, sorry, final supplementary. Mr. Speaker, back to the Premier. I can understand why the Premier would reference Quebec being here today, because they should be here thanking Ontario because this Premier has been giving away Ontario electricity, sometimes even paying Quebec to take it because of the contracts that this Premier signed in return for a Liberal Party donation. So Mr. Speaker, back to the Premier. You know, I received an email. I'm ready to admonish one side and the other side follows along. It's not easy for me. So I will probably just decide to move to warnings. So we are now in warnings, and I'll be fast with them. Please finish. Mr. Speaker, what do these reckless energy policies mean for people? I received an email to my Simcoe North constituency office from Mary. She is a member of the Canadian Forces and a single parent of two children. She sacrificed a lot to serve her country, but because of this government's hydro policies, she now has to choose which bill she won't pay each month so she can keep the lights on. She has canceled her cable and phone and all of her kids are extracurriculars. Mr. Speaker, she is now saying she has to leave Ontario. She's asking for a different posting. My question to the Premier is, why are you doing this? Thank you. I just want to say that we understand that there are people in the province who are, who are having trouble paying their electricity bills. We understand that Mr. Speaker, which is exactly why in the Throne speech, we introduced an initiative that will take the provincial portion of the HST off people's electricity bills for rural communities, Mr. Speaker, another 12% reduction, up to 20% reduction on their bills, Mr. Speaker, and expand the Industrial Conservation Initiative to help businesses to deal with their electricity bills. We understand that, Mr. Speaker. We know that people need support, which is why we have a range of programs in place. But Mr. Speaker, the investments that we have made in our electricity system to make it clean, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, you know, the opposition says we haven't made investments. We most certainly have made investments, Mr. Speaker, over 10,000 kilometres of mine. So Mr. Speaker. A member from Leeds Grandville is warned, and I've got three others in my head. The next time they speak, they'll be warned. There you are. I sit at a table with premiers from across the country, and I know that it is in the best interest of the people of Ontario that we work with Quebec, that we work with Manitoba, that we sign agreements, and we find ways to share power, Mr. Speaker, which is exactly what we're doing to an unprecedented level, Mr. Speaker. The Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation is warned. Anyone else care to say something? New question, Leader of the Opposition. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier. Yesterday, the Minister of Energy defended the Ontario Energy Board's decision to bury the cost of cap and trade plan on people's bills. The Liberals have no problem showing their band-age rebate solution as a line item. Excuse me, stop the clock. No, sorry, sorry, just keep the clock going. A member from Hamilton Mountain is warned. Carry on. Mr. Speaker, why shouldn't cap and trade be a line item on the natural gas bills? After all, isn't this government supposed to be in favour of being open and transparent? Mr. Speaker, directly to the Premier, why is the Premier afraid to show the true cost of cap and trade plan? What is she hiding? Why would she not allow it on the bill? It's inconsistent with what she's doing on the rebate. Yes or no, will you have it on the bill? Will you be transparent? Minister of Energy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I'd like to thank the member of the Official Opposition for the question, because it's an important one for me to continue to reiterate. We're not comparing apples to apples in that question, Mr. Speaker. We've been very transparent all along about what the cost is going to be to cap and trade, but making sure that we didn't act on or not acting on cap and trade and not acting on climate change, Mr. Speaker, would cost so much more. The OEB is a quasi-judicial organisation that makes its decision, Mr. Speaker, and we respect that decision. They base this, basically, Mr. Speaker, as saying this is a cost of doing business. We don't see the cost of the pipes on the bills, Mr. Speaker. We don't see the cost of labours on the bill, Mr. Speaker. So they made the decision. They did consultations with many, many organisations and with stakeholders right across the province, Mr. Speaker. This is the decision that they come up with, and this is the decision that we respect. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, back to the Premier. By not putting the cost of cap and trade on the bill, Liberals are throwing the natural gas companies under the bus. It will look like the companies are raising prices, when, in fact, it's the Liberals cap and trade scheme that will force prices up. Why would they want to do that? Well, maybe it's because the Premier is hosting a $1,000 dinner next week at Menergy, a Chinese energy company that wants to replace natural gas. The previous Liberal Cabinet plan to ban natural gas was exposed by Adrian Morrow and the Global Mail forcing the Liberals to retreat. Not to mention they are still mandating net zero homes another way of forcing people off natural gas. Mr. Speaker, is this the Liberal secret agenda trying to force people off natural gas? When will their attacks on affordable home heating end? Mr. Speaker and Bill, absolutely no one is trying to force anyone off natural gas. We're actually expanding natural gas. I guess they can't hear it. The only group is trying to do is put people back on hoffers, Mr. Speaker. We eliminated all coal-fired generation, Mr. Speaker. We've invested in our system, our natural gas system, $200 million loan programs to get more communities and more municipalities and First Nations onto natural gas, $30 million grant program, Mr. Speaker, that is being looked after for by the great minister of infrastructure. We look forward to having the conversation and getting more of our communities on natural gas to give those choice, Mr. Speaker, to give that choice to as many families and communities right across our great province, Mr. Speaker. Before we move forward, people that are sitting in different seats, I still know who you are, I still know what riding you are, and you're actually getting closer to me, which means I hear you even more. Just saying, just saying. Final supplementary. Mr. Speaker, back to the Premier. I can understand why the Premier wouldn't want to answer these questions for government's energy policies and unmitigated disaster, but I hope the Premier will answer this question. A few months ago, CTV's Paul Bliss exposed the tax on a tax. Just another thing the Liberals tried to hide. So let's recap. The Liberals tried to ban natural gas. They are burying the cost of cap and trade on natural gas bills, and the Liberals tried to hide the tax on a tax until Paul Bliss exposed it. Mr. Speaker, how far will this government go to hide their true plan to rid the province of natural gas and affordable home heating? Mr. Speaker, to the Minister of Environment. To the environment. Because the Leader of the Opposition has a plan to raise carbon prices between $110 and $150 a ton with zero revenues to help people adjust to it. That means that rates would be seven times higher. But maybe he's flip-flopped again, like he did on Sex Ed. Thanks, Mr. Speaker, because he's got more positions and he's got members on his side, Mr. Speaker, and people's bills quite new well, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Can you see it, please? Can you see it, please? Member from Bramble League or Malton. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Premier. Mr. Speaker, the Premier doesn't want to talk about the privatization of local hydro utilities. She says it's up to the municipalities. But that's not the whole story. The Minister of Economic Development and Growth is warned. Finish your question, please. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. But that's not the whole story. The Liberals can encourage the privatization by offering special tax loopholes. The government has a choice. Is the Premier going to encourage the Toronto Hydro's decision or the privatization of Toronto Hydro by creating a tax loophole? Mr. Speaker, and I have answered this question I've said and it remains the case that it is up to the City of Toronto Council and the mayor to have this discussion and to make a decision about their utility. It is up to them and if the member opposite is interested in that discussion, he should talk to the members of Council at City of Toronto. Well done for Council. Thank you. Supplementary. Mr. Speaker, the facts are very different from what the Premier is putting forward. The reality is the Premier can make it a lot easier for Toronto Hydro and other local utilities to privatize if she gives the municipalities a tax break. That means the Premier won't be sitting back and waiting for municipalities to make the decision. That means the Liberal government will have a direct role in the privatization of local hydro utilities. And the media are reporting that the Premier has said, quote, I will not stand in the way of any push by Mayor John Tory to privatize Toronto Hydro. Is the Premier going to make it easier for local hydro utilities to privatize by providing a tax break? Thank you. Minister of Energy. Minister of Energy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And as the Premier said, the decision to privatize Toronto Hydro is up to Toronto City Council. That is, there's no ifs ands or buts out, Mr. Speaker. That is the Council that makes the decision. What I'm thinking that the third party is confusing is privatization and consolidation. We have over 70 LDCs. So we have over 70 utilities right across the province, Mr. Speaker. And we would like to see that number come down. So we put forward voluntary consolidation to actually have these companies come together to find savings. The independent electricity system operator has said that there will be about a billion dollars in savings, Mr. Speaker, for the ratepayers. About a billion dollars in savings for the ratepayers if we have some of this consolidation. So I think, Mr. Speaker, that the third party is confusing privatization and consolidation. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Final second. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Absolutely not. There's no confusion here. In fact, I agree that the city and municipalities have the decision. But if the city of Toronto, for example, were to sell Toronto Hydro, they would have to pay $200 million in taxes to the provincial government in a transfer tax fee. So the Liberal government can actually encourage this decision if they waive that tax. Liberal insiders say the Premier is interested in waiving this provincial transfer tax and encourage the privatization so that privatizing Toronto Hydro could give the Liberals, quote, political cover for their own privatization of Hydro 1. End quote. So my question is very simple. Will the Premier help the privatization of local Hydro utilities by waiving the provincial taxes? Yes or no? Thank you. Minister of Finance. Minister of Finance. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, the member opposite has it all wrong because, in fact, when we were looking at Hydro 1 and our ability to broaden its ownership, it did, in fact, incur a degree of deferred tax, which we benefited from as people of Ontario to the effect of, again, enabling us greater value to the Trillium Trust, which is now going to be used directly into infrastructure. But the member opposite, in fact, has his own utility, which is under question now, which is going to benefit from a consolidation because of the benefits that we provided for some tax relief with Brampton Hydro, Enter Source, Horizon, and Power Street, all of that consolidation is creating great efficiencies for that member's constituents, which he apparently opposes as well, Mr. Speaker. And that's unfortunate because this member's and his constituents will benefit from some of these initiatives and, again, will be able to invest even more into the infrastructure. Ultimately, the people of Toronto, the Council of Toronto, it's their decision to make, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. New question, and then we can donate one more. Mr. Speaker, my question is very supreme here, and let's make it clear, no one in this province benefited from the privatization of Toronto Hydro, but for the Liberal Party and their elite friends. Ontario are concerned about how they're going to keep the lights on, how they're going to warm their house this winter. Privatization doesn't mean that hydro agencies will have different owners as the Liberals like to claim. It means that prices will go up, costs will go up. As one investor told media, if Toronto Hydro is privatized, the new owners will, quote, expect a return on their investment. And the obvious way is to further rate increases for the Toronto Hydro's 730,000 customers, end quote. It's very clear that privatization increases costs. The question is, will the Premier rule out any further privatization of our hydro system? Mr. Van der Veen. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm pleased to rise and answer the question for the Honourable Member. As he well knows, the OEB is the organization. It's a quasi-judicial organization that's not part of the government. They set the rates, Mr. Speaker. The broadening of Hydro-1 has actually helped our government continue to invest in infrastructure right across the province. And it's not just us that's saying that, Mr. Speaker. There's a great report today in the Globe and Mail from reporter Tim Colladze that talks about the Hydro-1 sale is a home run. He points out that when the PCs were in power, they privatized the 407 at a cut rate price. As he says, luckily, quote, the Premier wisely listened to advisors and decided to sell 60% of Hydro-1 in chunks because this strategy allows the province to maximize the value of the sale while still maintaining a controlling stake. His analysis is spot on, Mr. Speaker. I continue to look forward to working with this government to build infrastructure right across the province, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We just think that people want to build a good life in themselves, and what's more important, they want to build a better life for the next generation. They want to make sure that they have the same, if not better than what they had. But the rising cost of living makes that very difficult. Privatization of how Ontario generates electricity has increased the cost of electricity from about four cents per kilowatt hour to 18 cents per kilowatt hour. That's what the privatization is doing. Now the Liberal government is opening up the privatization of Hydro-1, and naturally that's going to increase costs even further, and now they're opening up a further door of the privatization of local hydro utilities. Selling off more of our hydro system means less options, less opportunities. It means the next generation will have a difficult time and a harder time instead of an easier time. Will the Premier make it clear and commit to ending any further privatization of our public hydro utility system? Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know, we're on track to realize the target of $9 billion generated through the IPO, Mr. Speaker, and through that, I was going to continue to talk about the report and the globe and mail, Mr. Speaker. Broadening the ownership of Hydro-1 is smart policy, Mr. Speaker. It's supporting this government's significant investment in infrastructure right across the province and talking about creating jobs, Mr. Speaker. Part of the money that we're getting from the broadening of this sale went towards $173 million that my friend from the Ministry of Transportation was able to announce, Mr. Speaker, on expanding Highway 69 to four lanes, Mr. Speaker. Making our roads safer and making sure that we create hundreds of jobs throughout the province as we build Ontario up, Mr. Speaker. We've got investments happening from Kenora to Ottawa to Windsor all over this province, Mr. Speaker, because we recognize the importance of building infrastructure and broadening the sale of Hydro-1 just does just that, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there's no broader ownership than every single person in this province owning their public utility. I don't understand how the government can kind of sign up and make this a beautiful suggestion. The people are worried that the Premier is getting ready to help privatize local utilities. People have seen this movie before. They've seen it with Hydro-1. They've seen it with this government never running on this idea of selling up Hydro-1 and then going ahead and selling off our public utility. Now, we know that the Liberals haven't run on. They haven't spoken about this in their throne speech. They haven't run on the sale of private, local, Hydro-utilities, but now we're seeing that they're not ruling that out as well. Privateized Hydro is pushing people over the edge. Will the Premier, once and for all, rule out any further privatization of our public utilities? Just rule it out. Thank you. I understand. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And again, thanks for the question. He started off his question talking about how it's important to make sure that every single Ontarian owns a portion of Hydro-1 and will continue to do that, Mr. Speaker. Ontario will remain the single largest shareholder of Hydro-1. Legislation requires that we keep a minimum of 40% ownership. So, and no other shareholder group is going to own more than 10% of that, Mr. Speaker. So, you know what? Every single Ontarian in this province is talking about what they want and what they want to own. What about owning new transit? What about making sure we're building bridges, Mr. Speaker? What about owning decent roads right across the province, Mr. Speaker? That's what Ontarians want. They want jobs and growth and we're providing that, Mr. Speaker. We're building Ontario up and we'll continue with that focus and make sure it happens for all families right across the province. Thank you. It's no question to bring it from me, Mr. Speaker. My thanks, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the President of the Treasury Board. By law, this government is to table the province's public accounts by the end of this week. But on Tuesday, the President of the Treasury Board rose in the House and said, because of ongoing discussions with the Treasury Board and the Auditor General, the books would be delayed. But an insider says this discussion is more of a dispute and that the Treasury Board is challenging the Auditor General's accounting. Mr. Speaker, will the President of the Treasury Board please explain why she will not be tabling the public accounts on time? Speaker, what is this government hiding? Your President of the Treasury Board? Well, thank you very much, Speaker, and let me answer the last part of the question first. We're not hiding anything. In fact, if he reflected on the rest of my statement to the House, he would know that I had also said that I am pleased to report to the House that in fact we are on track to meet our deficit targets as published in last year's budget and the fall economic statement from a year ago. So we're not hiding anything. We are on track to meet our targets. What I did say, Speaker, was that we are having, there's some complex accounting issues that we're working on. We're working on them with the Auditor General. I have direct with my officials at Treasury Board to work with the Auditor General and to come up with a plan to table the books as soon as possible. Thank you. Supplementary. Back to the President of the Treasury Board. You know, Speaker, something just doesn't seem right. Just one week ago, the Deputy Minister at the Treasury Board quit. Now the Liberals are going to miss the tabling deadline. Why is that? Has this government been using shady accounting practices? Is the debt and deficit higher than the government is letting on? Mr. Speaker, what exactly is going on in that office? What else is this government trying to hide? I just cautioned the member that on the tightrope walk, it's close and if it gets anything near again, I'll ask the member to withdraw. President of Treasury. Yes, thank you very much. And I would repeat that we have absolutely nothing to hide. There is a discussion going on between the accountants in the Auditor General's office, the accountants in the Treasury Board Secretary, the accountants at the Ministry of Finance, and I've asked that they come together. It's an accounting issue. It's quite a complex accounting issue and that they come together and find a solution to that and that we will table the books as quickly as possible. But once again, I want to assure the member's speaker that we have absolutely nothing to hide and that in fact we are on target to meet the deficit plan that we tabled in the budget and the fall economic statement. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. A member from Tomiskimi Cochrane. Thank you, Speaker. My question is to the Premier. People in rural and northern Ontario are being hammered by sky-high hydro-delivery charges which are often higher than the actual costs of the power consumed. The wind government has promised to reduce the rural delivery charges by 12%. In the House yesterday, the Premier stated that rural and northern communities have access to the 20% reduction, which is 12 plus the HST. My question is very simple. Will all northern rural customers qualify for the promised 12% delivery charge reduction? Thank you. I understand. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and I'd like to thank the Honourable Member for his question. As we said all along, families in rural and remote communities that have been qualifying for the Triple RP will continue to get the Triple RP. If the families don't have the Triple RP, they get the 8%, Mr. Speaker. So the one thing that we're very proud of is we're making sure that the Triple RP that has never increased is now going to $45 a month or 20% on an average bill, Mr. Speaker. We're making sure that the families that are in northern Ontario that are in rural parts of our province, Mr. Speaker, can save as much as possible. It's difficult, Mr. Speaker, for me to actually have a broad sweep with all people because everyone has a different designation on their bill, Mr. Speaker. The important thing to recognize is every family will be getting at least 8% right across the province, Mr. Speaker, and those families that are in northern parts or rural parts, Mr. Speaker, they will get the 20%. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Supplementary. Speaker, my question is again to the Premier. This morning, in a response, she said there will be a 12% reduction for rural communities. She didn't say rural and remote. She said rural communities. The minister now says he's backtracking a bit because several times in this house, it was 20% for everyone. So there's 1.8 million people in rural Ontario, but apparently only 300,000 will be getting the rebate. Wow. So the full rebate. So people need to know. Will the Premier tell people who were promised but won't be getting it? Thank you. Mr. Speaker, so now it's a debate among semantics. Rural, remote, northern, Mr. Speaker. I know the folks in northern Ontario don't like being called rural, but you know what, Mr. Speaker? Those last ones usually get you in trouble. Minister. Mr. Speaker, 330,000 families in the rural or remote or northern parts of our province will be getting the benefit of 20% on their bills. We've been saying this all along, Mr. Speaker, and we recognize even the financial accountability officer has come out with a report, Mr. Speaker, that says we recognize that some families in these parts of our province are seeing a higher cost of their electricity bill on the delivery charge. That percentage, Mr. Speaker, that goes directly towards lowering that piece. But the financial accountability officer also said, Mr. Speaker, that on average, we're right in the middle of a pack when it comes to our rates right across this country, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. No question. The number for Kingston and the Islands. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question today is for the Minister of Education. We have a lot to be proud of when it comes to student achievement, thanks in large part to our great educators and staff. Our schools are recognized across the country and around the world for excellence in education, and this is something that we need to be extremely proud of. Last week, I understand you announced how we're working together with our schools to implement our new renewed math strategy. And I know that the latest EQAO results show that there is more work for us to do to support our students and our teachers in mathematics learning. Speaker, through you to the Minister, what is the Ontario government doing to raise student achievement in mathematics? Thank you, Minister of Education. Thank you, Speaker, and I want to say thank you to the very hardworking member from Kingston and the Islands, and I know constituents. Mr. Speaker, supporting effective learning and teaching in mathematics is a top priority for our government. I am, we are dedicating more than $60 million to supporting students across the province as they strive to do well in mathematics, and this strategy is in place as of September. Math is critical to the jobs of today and to the jobs of the future. Our renewed math strategy is informed by research and best practices in learning, and we have consulted with educators from across the sector. It focuses on the need of students, educators, and parents while encouraging a shared responsibility that we all strive to support our students in their learning. By working together with our students, we can ensure their success. Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Minister. Thank you, Minister. We are extremely proud of the investments made in education. It is important that we will continue to focus on improving the achievement of all students in mathematics. And I'm pleased to hear that the students in my riding of Kingston and the Islands and boards, like the Limestone District School Board, the Algonquin Lakeshore Catholic School Board, Aides-e-Cole, public, Francophone, will have access to increased support when it comes to mathematics. Minister, can you please tell this House what types of supports and opportunities our government will be providing as part of the renewed math strategy? Thank you, Minister. Thank you, Speaker, and thank you again to the member. Mr. Speaker, since the beginning of the school year, we are introducing key elements of the renewed math strategy, a minimum of 60 minutes each day of protected time for learning effective math instruction, assessment for students in grades one to eight. Up to three math leads in all elementary schools. We're also ensuring that resources are in place for students and parents. Better access to online math resources and math support, such as homework help and SOS de Wa, as well as a parent toolkit. Opportunities for educators to deepen their knowledge of math learning, teaching, and leading. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all of our education workers for the great work they're doing on behalf of our students. Thank you. That's education. You're questioning the member from the Nixon. Thank you, and good morning, Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Finance. In his recent annual report, the Financial Accountability Officer confirmed what we already know. This government is neither open nor transparent. The FAO said they are actively skirting their obligations and refusing to disclose information obligated under the law. He even said, quote, I believe this is political direction. Through the work of the FAO, we have learned a number of shocking revelations. The sale of Hydro-1 will have a negative impact on the province's finances. Business investment is set to decline, and Ontario's debt level is spiraling out of control, yet they refuse to cooperate with the FAO and obey the law. I ask the minister, what are you hiding from the Ontario taxpayers? Mr. Finance. Mr. Speaker, we're working very closely with the FAO. We recognize the importance of getting our information out. CDI Institute and many others have already expressed that Ontario's books and accounting are by far the most transparent and most indicative of what is the state of affairs, unlike what would happen in the past or in the Conservative regime where they hid $5 billion at the time of their last election. We have been surpassing our targets and we have constantly decreased our deficits year-over-year. Rating agencies and investors value Ontario, and even the FAO has recognized that we are coming to balance. Mr. Speaker, thank you so much. Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Thank you. Back to the minister. Well, here are some examples of what the FAO has called a, quote, broader pattern of secrecy and refusal to provide legally required information. Speaker, this government has failed to release the long-range assessment of Ontario's finances, which was due us on the June 12th deadline. They have failed to provide third-quarter financial statements since 2012, Speaker. These are important documents for MPPs to do our jobs, and yet they're required under the Financial or Fiscal Transparency and Accountability Act. So much for being open and transparent. Speaker, this government has plunged Ontario into structural deficits and record levels of debt, yet they refuse to unplean and obey the law. I ask the minister again, what else are you hiding from the people of Ontario? Mr. Secretary, the long-term report is coming out as it did four years ago and it actually did come out at a later time and we're going to maintain. We want to make certain all the information is obtained, including some of our more recent reports that we are in the midst of having completed. But furthermore, Mr. Speaker, the FAO recognizes credit agency's assessment that we are well-positioned to achieve our balance target, stating, and I quote, the credit agency's affirmation of Ontario's credit rating indicates that they believe the province has taken adequate steps on both revenues and expenditures to achieve its plan to restore balance, Mr. Speaker. The credibility of our plan was affirmed recently by four credit rating agencies, including Moody's upgrading of their outlook on Ontario's credit. The FAO, the accountants, they're all working on a matter. We are eager to release our public accounts because we have a great story to tell, a story to tell that includes no support from the opposition to reduce our deficit and increase our... Thank you. It's never too late. The member from Nipissing is Warren. New question, the member from Toronto, Danforth. Thank you, Speaker. Speaker, my question to the Premier. The government insists that the Ontario Energy Board will defend ratepayers when a privatized Hydro-1 comes calling to demand more private profits. But the auditor general found that the OEB approved rate increases for capital upgrades that never took place. Hydro-1 spent the money on something else. And then, as the number of blackouts increased, Hydro-1 came back to demand even more ratepayer cash to fix the problems they should have fixed with the money they have already been given. What are the consequences for a utility that receives ratepayer cash for upgrades that never take place or for the regulator that approves of rate increases? Good question. Mr. Venerjee? Mr. Venerjee? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I'm thankful to be able to stand and clarify a lot of things that was in that question, Mr. Speaker, because Hydro-1 does not reflect investments and rates until those assets are in service, Mr. Speaker. So to make that clear, customers do not pay for deferred investments. And the OEB is very clear on that, Mr. Speaker. The OEB, as we've said all along, is the organization that sets the rates. They look at what is being brought forward and then they make that decision. At no time has any decision been made to defer investments, Mr. Speaker. But what I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, that the hard work of this utility is part of what has transformed an unreliable and undermaintained system that was left in place by the PCs, Mr. Speaker. And we've turned that into a clean system, a reliable system that we have today, Mr. Speaker. And that's something that we can all be proud of, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. A supplementary. Well, Speaker, it's clear that the government hasn't read the auditor general's report on Hydro-1. The Ontario Energy Board approved higher delivery rates to pay for a five-fold increase in capital spending by Toronto Hydro. But upgrades that were supposed to take place years ago were delayed or deferred. Even though the OEB gave them rate payer money for capital upgrades, the CEO of Toronto Hydro and the Mayor of Toronto are now claiming there is no other way to pay for capital upgrades and prevent blackouts, except through privatization. And the Premier is encouraging this privatization by offering a fat tax break that will transfer a debt burden onto Ontarians. Instead of subsidizing the privatization of Toronto Hydro, why won't the Premier make sure that when the OEB approves rate increases for capital upgrades, that those upgrades actually take place? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, please. Mr. Speaker. Again, Mr. Speaker, when it comes to the privatizing of Toronto Hydro, Mr. Speaker, that's a decision for Toronto City Council. When it comes to the OEB, Mr. Speaker, the agency has a strong record of reviewing rate applications with the consumer in mind, Mr. Speaker. For example, in 2010, Hydro 1 asked for a rate increase for its distribution and received a 9% reduction in its capital request. In 2012, Hydro 1 asked for a rate increase for its transmission and received a 3% reduction for its capital request, Mr. Speaker. Priority, when it comes to replacing transformers, Mr. Speaker, is decided by the condition, performance, and how critical the asset is into the electricity service is one of the factors that they look at when they're making that decision as a company, Mr. Speaker. And once again, there is nothing there to reflect that investments in rates will increase for assets that are in service. Customers do not pay, Mr. Speaker, for deferred investments. Thank you. New question. The member from the Assembly and from the West. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question for the Minister of Infrastructure. Minister, Ontarians know that investing in infrastructure creates jobs, stimulates growth, and enhances the quality of life is a top priority for our government. Absolutely. Our historic 160 billion investment has already started building bridges, roads, schools, hospitals, and other critical public infrastructure project in my writing and across the province. This investment will also fund often forgotten but equally important green infrastructure project, such as clean water and wastewater infrastructure. Across Ontario is a growing need for all levels of government to make strategic investment in clean water, effective water management system. Mr. Speaker, through you to the Minister, could you please explain to the House the investment our government is making in clean water and wastewater infrastructure? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Speaker. I'd like to thank the member from the great writing of Northumberland and Quinty West. Speaker, the people of Ontario deserve to know that they have clean water and effective water management systems that they can trust each and every day. That is why our government is partnering with the federal government to make significant investments in clean water and wastewater infrastructure across the province. Good idea. The federal and provincial governments, along with Ontario's municipalities, are investing $1.1 billion in the clean water and wastewater fund, which will provide access to clean and reliable drinking water, efficient wastewater systems, and healthy waterways. $270 million will be provided by our government and Ontario's municipalities, each. Speaker, we are honouring our commitment to build Ontario up by investing in critical, public infrastructure that creates jobs, stimulates growth, and enhances quality of life. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Minister. I'm delighted to know that our government is making significant investments into the protection of municipal water supply. It is encouraged to know that our government is working to ensure constituents like mine from Port Hope to Quinty West have safe, reliable public infrastructure that they can count on. I know that our government will multi-billion dollar investment in infrastructure will create jobs, stimulate growth, and enhance quality of life for all Ontarians, sustaining an average of 110,000 jobs per year. I also know that our government has many infrastructure funding programs for everything from small community projects to major public transit works. Mr. Speaker, through you to the minister, could you please elaborate on our government's historic infrastructure program? Question. Thank you, Minister. 41 projects have already been approved under the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund, and applications from all municipalities and First Nations across the province are now being accepted. But the fund is only one part of our province's historic $160 billion investment in critical public infrastructure. The constituency of every single member in this house will receive support for infrastructure projects through various funds. We have committed to boosting the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund from $100 million to $300 million per year. And we're spending $31 billion on moving Ontario forward, $15 billion of which will be spent outside the GTHA and many of the writings of the member's office, Speaker. We have also committed $1 billion to the ring of the eyes of Northern Ontario and billions more in education and health care capital and retrofits. Very true. Mr. Speaker, I have a question from York Central. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the clean. When the ORPP was abandoned, the government said it would cost around $20 million. Then it was revealed the true cost was more than $70 million, including generous severances for liberal friends, some of whom had only worked on the ORPP for days. But that report also revealed an unaccounted $12 million in office space. First, it was $20 million, then $70 million, now $82 million. Will the Premier tell us the true cost of cancelling the ORPP or are you hiding that? Mr. Speaker, I know the Minister of Finance will want to comment in the supplementary, but let me just say, Mr. Speaker, that it is a very good thing that across this country, we now have agreement on cancelling a place in Ontario retirement pension plan in the absence because under the Stephen Harper government, and I know that the leader of the opposition knows all about that, under the Stephen Harper government, there was no appetite for no understanding of the pension crisis that was facing people across the country. So now that we have been able to work with the federal government and work with our colleagues across the country, we have a canine pension plan enhancement, Mr. Speaker. But we were very determined in Ontario to make sure that in the absence of that agreement at the federal level and across the country, we would have secure retirement for people in Ontario. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and again to the Premier. If the Premier had just listened to my call to put an end to the ORPP while on hold, on hold after the federal order. The member from Durham is warned. Finish, please. Thank you. Instead, the Liberals recklessly plowed ahead. The 82 million doesn't count staff resources or the 7 million spent every year on pension policy development. Mr. Speaker, the Premier should come clean and tell us the true cost of cancelling the ORPP. And I want to ask another part of a question here. Do Ontario taxpayers regularly pay for cross-country advertising? So, Mr. Speaker, a couple of things that the member references, which are completely incorrect. But the most important one is the fact that if we had listened to them and listened to her, there would be no retirement security for the people of Ontario or the people of Canada. There would be no CPP. We stood in this house, we put that cost. And furthermore, we put forward what we anticipate will be the high point of any outstanding cost. And those costs are actually coming down, Mr. Speaker. So, again, she's incorrect on that point. And furthermore, this is a national effective situation that we're benefiting all of Canada. And that is what this member, Tessa DeField, doesn't recognize. We are working for all of Canada, as well as Ontario, and they're going to benefit from the decisions that all of us are making collectively, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Do you see the peace? Do you see the peace? A couple of people in different seats again that I may have to come back to, who continue to do those things that they're not supposed to do. New question. A member from Hamilton, East Holy Creek. Thank you, Speaker. My question's to the Premier. 900,000 people depend on Ontario Works and ODSP to live. Since 1995, the price of a loaf of bread or a dozen eggs has more than doubled. Rent and hydro have gone through the roof. In that time, social assistance for a single person has gone up just $18. That's barely 2% in 21 years. Families can't make ends meet. Kids are going hungry. Your announcement today won't even dent the years of neglect. Why has this government not used its 13 years in power to substantially increase the efforts for the people and the money they need to survive? Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And I know that the minister responsible for powder reduction will want to comment in the supplementary. But I wanted to say to the member opposite that I completely support, in principle, the bill that he's brought forward. And Mr. Speaker, we have already taken action to put more money in the hands of people who are vulnerable in this province. And the fact is the group that was most at risk, Mr. Speaker, the single people without children now receive $100 per month more than they did in 2012. And that's $1,200 a year more than they received, Mr. Speaker. We've increased $25 a month for single adults receiving Ontario Works, 1.5% for families receiving Ontario Works, and 1.5% for individuals with disabilities who receive ODSP. Mr. Speaker, on top of that, the Ontario Child Benefit, we're working on rent supplements. We understand that there are myriad things that we need to do to support people who are living in poverty, Mr. Speaker. Complimentary. Thank you, Speaker. Thank you, Premier, for the compliment. However, even with your increase, people are still $11,500 below the poverty level. This government is failing the most vulnerable people in Ontario. People expected more from the Premier and her government. This government simply does not understand the cost of living in our province. New Democrats believe the government should make policy based on evidence and research. We need hard evidence on the real cost of living to ensure that social assistant benefits meet their basic needs. In April, all three parties, I quote, voted to support the establishment of a social assistant research commission, which we appreciate. But we don't want it to die at committee. We want it to go through committee, be called to committee, go for third reading, and be law in this province. Will the Premier and her caucus support the social assistant research commission again, as they did unanimously last five months ago this afternoon, and ensure that the committee called. Thank you. Thank you, Premier. Minister of Poverty Reduction. Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I'm delighted to respond to the question from the member opposite. And I wish I had more time to go over an exceptionally lengthy list of all the positive accomplishments that this government has accomplished in the past three years. I just want to touch on a couple. The income security reform working group is developing that roadmap that focuses on needs and prioritizes actions for the most meaningful impact. Mr. Speaker, I just want to touch on a couple of things that are happening. For example, we've removed the provincial clawback on child support payments to families receiving social assistance, increasing the annual income of almost 19,000 families by an average of $282 per month. That's 2,000. Most of these are single income families, Mr. Speaker. This government is dedicated to working with the most vulnerable members of our society, Mr. Speaker, and making sure they reach their potential. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question to the President of Treasury Board, Secretary. The minister is well known to every member of this House that the Treasury Board Secretary acts as an important control function for the government, that the Treasury Board is responsible for ensuring that we maximize- Stop. Sorry, continue the clock. The member from Hamilton, East Stony Creek, is warned. Carry on. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That the Treasury Board is responsible for ensuring that we maximize the value of every dollar that we spend in addition to control costs. Your ministry is proactively working to modernize government and fund efficiencies. The minister is leading our government in streamlining transfer payments to the organizations that deliver services and are implementing more effective ways of delivering information, information technology solution to Ontarians. As a part of modernizing government, I know that the Treasury Board support ministries by adding behavioral science lenses to policy development and program implementations. Mr. Speaker, through you to the minister. Question. When she informed the House how Treasury Board support ministry through the behavioral insights unit. Thank you. Thank you, Treasury Board. Yes, thank you, Speaker. And thank you to the member from Scarbridge and Court for her excellent question. Ontario is one of the first jurisdictions in Canada to leverage behavioral sciences to improve outcomes and deliver better services to Ontarians. And a really good example of this speaker is the Oregon donor registration. We know the majority of Ontarians say they're willing to register as an Oregon and tissue donor, yet only 27% are registered. The greater Toronto area has one of the lowest rates in the province with only 17% registry. Using behavioral insights, Treasury Board work closely with the Ministry of Health to improve the registration process, making it easier and faster for donors to register while making it cost effective for the Ministry of Health. With this new process, we saw registration rates increase up to 143%. Thank you. Great news. So committed. Again, thank you to the minister for the response. I know the Treasury Board is often characterized by the financial function it performs for the rest of the government. It is great to hear that Treasury Board is assisting ministry in creating more efficient processes and delivering positive outcomes. In my writing on Scarborough Asian Guard, I encourage my constituents to become registered Oregon and tissue donors. I also work closely with Mohan, Tom, and Helen. I know they're watching today at the Scarborough Gift of Life Association to promote Oregon and tissue donation in a diverse community. It is shocking, Mr. Speaker, to me to hear that only 17% of GTA residents have registered as Oregon donors. I'm very pleased to hear that the Treasury Board is a part of that solution. Speaker, through you to the minister, can she inform the House what other accomplishments that the behavioral insights units of the Treasury Board have achieved to date? Thank you. Minister. Yes, thank you, Speaker. The Treasury Board created the Behavioral Insights Unit in 2013, Speaker, and we have numerous examples. For example, Treasury Board worked closely with the Ministry of Transportation to modify the information sent to Ontarians, encouraging them to renew their license plate stickers, something that people don't really like doing all that much. They can do it online. So during an eight-week pilot, we saw more than 13,000 license plate renewals online with the help of the Behavioral Science Unit. And that resulted in a saving of 28,000 because... I think that's fine, because of the... Because of that, in a short period of time, we saw large savings simply by shifting user behavior. So with the help of the Behavioral Insights Unit, we look forward to more of these calls. Thank you. Remember, for what we also... Thank you, Speaker. My question is for the Premier. Premier, in 2010, Jim McEwen, a Durham Region resident, suffered a stroke at the age of 55. Like many post-stroke patients, Mr. McEwen has required hundreds of physiotherapy treatments to regain mobility and prove his quality of life. However, when Mr. McEwen needed our healthcare system the most, he was afforded only a dozen treatments, and then was forgotten about. In fact, the OHIP model for physiotherapy greatly limits the coverage of those between the ages of 20 and 64. As a result, Speaker, post-stroke patients in his age range struggle for access to rehabilitation services they need and deserve. Premier, will you take steps to ensure that all post-stroke patients, regardless of age, have access to sufficient rehabilitation services? Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by thanking the member opposite for the question and his advocacy, and I want to reassure him that indeed patients under the age of 65 who are recovering from a stroke are eligible for OHIP-covered restorative services. Our government is committed to providing quality care to all stroke patients, and as part of the patient's first action plan, we're already taking steps to improve the quality of care provided to enterions for post-stroke care. Let me give you some examples in Ontario publicly funded physiotherapy and other rehabilitation services, regardless of the age of the patient, is available for anybody who is recovering from post-acute stroke recovery and is offered in five settings, hospitals, hospital outpatient clinics, in-home care, long-term care homes, and community physioclinics. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, supplementary. Back to the Premier's speaker. There's a large body of evidence indicating that with consistent rehabilitation post-stroke patients can show dramatic improvements to their health. We need to recognize that there's a great need for comprehensive and integrated post-stroke management. Premier, this afternoon, I'm bringing forward a private member's bill for second reading, asking to end age discrimination for post-stroke recovery patients. Will you commit, Premier, to supporting that bill? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, I thank the member opposite for his advocacy. I also thank him for introducing his private member's bill. I look forward to the debate on this bill, as I know does the Minister of Health. We look forward to hearing all of the arguments. We look forward to hearing the legislature discuss the bill and let it go through its due course. But in the meantime, I want to reiterate, Mr. Speaker, that this government already has programs in place to help post-stroke recovery patients, regardless of their age. So, Mr. Speaker, we are already doing that. We always look forward to doing more. So, Mr. Speaker, all I wanted to say is I know that the Minister of Health, when he is back, will also want to weigh in on this. And I want to assure this legislature of our commitment to helping patients recovering from stroke with all of the services that they absolutely need and deserve. That is what our universal health care is all about, Mr. Speaker. New question, the member from London West. Thank you, Speaker. My question is to the Premier. Speaker, seniors in London have been waiting months on end for complex continuing care beds. More than two years ago, there was a plan to add 11 beds in London, but it never happened. This Liberal government has made no new funding commitment to complex continuing care, which leaves Londoners unable to access the care that they need. Speaker, we are at a tipping point in my community. Without some big changes soon, London hospitals will not be able to meet the growing needs of Londoners. Instead of cutting hospital budgets, when will the Premier support the new complex continuing care beds that our hospitals and our patients need? Question. Thank you. Premier. I am responsible for seniors' care. Sir, responsible for seniors' care. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I used to be, as you know, the Associate Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, responsible for long-term care. And so I just want to assure this House that our government has been making record investments in long-term care. As the minister responsible for seniors, I will continue to advocate on behalf of seniors. But I do want to remind this legislature that we have increased funding for long-term care at record levels. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. I would like to order the member from Scarborough Lake and Clark. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to welcome my Scarborough resident who is here from MS Lobby Day, Barbara Dixon, also the author of Bomb Girl. Welcome to Queen's Park, Barbara. We have a deferred vote on the motion to second reading of Bill 13, an act to respect the cost of electricity. Calling the members. This will be a five-minute bell. Members, please take your seats. First, please take your seats. On September 21st, 2016, Mr. Tubomu, second reading of Bill 13, an act in respect of the cost of electricity. All those in favor, please rise one at a time to be recognized by the clerk. Mr. Thiebo. Mr. Thiebo. Mr. Naqmi. Mr. Naqmi. Mr. Bradley. Mr. Bradley. Mr. Del Duca. Mr. Del Duca. Mr. Sandler. Mr. Sandler. Mr. Sousa. Mr. Sousa. Ms. Wynne. Ms. Wynne. Ms. Matthew. Ms. Matthew. Mr. Shirelli. Mr. Shirelli. Mr. Doogid. Mr. Doogid. Ms. McCharles. Ms. McCharles. Mr. Takar. Mr. Takar. Mr. Chan. Mr. Moridhi. Mr. Moridhi. Mr. Coutot. Mr. Couto. Ms. Hunter. Ms. Hunter. Mr. Leel. Mr. Leel. Mr. Flynn. Mr. Flynn. Mr. Caudry. Mr. Caudry. Mr. Dixon. Mr. Dixon. Mrs. Manga. Manga. Mr. Crack. Mr. Crack. Ms. M 들어가. Ms. M daung. Ms. Daumaryla. Ms. M a gary. Ms. M a gary. Mr. Zimmer. Ms. M a gary. Ms. Zimmer. Ms. M a gary. Ms. M a gary. Mr. Hogan, Ms. Koala, Ms. Mollie, Ms. Martin, Mr. Milchin, Mr. Potts, Mr. Rinaldi, Ms. Verneal, Mr. Yakka, Ms. Scott, Ms. Thompson, Ms. Thompson, Ms. Monroe, Mr. Eurek, Mr. Bailey, Mr. Walker, Mr. Smith, Mr. Nichols, Ms. Marteau, Mr. McDonnell, Mr. Pettipies, Mr. Coe, Mr. Cho, Mr. Tavis, Mr. Sinc, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Nataschak, Mr. Armstrong, Ms. Armstrong, Mr. Hadley, Mr. Gretzky, Mr. Gates, Ms. French. All those opposed, please rise one at a time and be recognized by the clerk. The nays are zero. The ayes being any form, the nays being zero, declared, the motion carried. Second reading of the bill, decision action of the President of the Loire. Pursuant to the order of the House, dated September 28, 2016, the bill is ordered referred to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy. There being no further, the point of order of the member for Megalinton Lawrence. I just want to remind all members there's a very important reception by the MS Society and everybody's welcome and bring your carnation. Thank you. There are no further deferred votes. This House stands recessed until 1 p.m. this afternoon.