 It is now time for Question Period, the leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier. The Liberals members have a choice today, especially the members from Mississauga, Vaughn, Brampton, New York and Durham regions. They can choose to publicly stand with the best interest of their constituents, they can choose to stand for affordability, and they can choose to stand against tolls in Toronto, or they can choose to defend a tax and spend Premier, a Premier who has ever touched with the challenges of working commuters who can't afford to pay another $1,000 a year. Mr. Speaker, what choice will Liberal members make and will the Premier, Mr. Speaker, allow her members to freely vote on the motion before that? Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, and before we get into the cutting thrust, I just want to wish everyone in this house and everyone in the gallery and the people of Ontario a very happy holiday time. Mr. Speaker, whatever they celebrate, I want to wish them a Merry Christmas, a happy Kwanzaa, a happy Hanukkah, happy Diwali. Whatever their celebration, Mr. Speaker, I hope that people have a chance to spend time with friends and family. Mr. Speaker, I will say to the leader of the opposition, you know, there are different ways of doing politics. I believe that it's very important that government and that all politicians think about the long-term, Mr. Speaker, at the same time that they think about the day-to-day, making sure that the decisions we make have a positive impact on people in their day-to-day lives, but at the same time we plan for the future, Mr. Speaker, and we make investments that are going to make prosperity possible in the future, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, back to the Premier. In the 2014 provincial election, the Premier promised the largest infrastructure program in our province's history. We're still waiting. We haven't seen any of those results from municipalities across the province. In 2015, the Premier announced the fire sale. Stop the fire. As all of you know, I've been struggling with my voice. It doesn't mean that I still can't get your attention in other means. Even on the last day, if it's required, I'll move into warnings. And yesterday, I even told you, it got to a point where I might even move to naming, which is very unorthodox. If I need to apply that, I will do that. I insist on making this as calm as possible with or without your help. Finish your question, please. Mr. Speaker, in 2015, the Premier promised the fire sale of Hydra-1. That would go towards infrastructure. Not a single cent has gone towards infrastructure. And then last week, the Auditor General's report showed the Liberals a stunning level of incompetence when it came to managing our infrastructure dollars. It revealed the government is spending infrastructure dollars irresponsibly. So, Mr. Speaker, my question is this. Will the Premier come clean to the legislature and say the only reason we're considering tolls in Toronto is because of this government's way of scandal in this manner? The member from Glengarry-Prusse will come to order. The Minister of Infrastructure will come to order. And those last two heckles are forcing me to say we're now moving to warnings. You do not understand my resolve. I'll make it happen. Premier. So, Mr. Speaker, just on the issue of the vote this afternoon at Private Members Business, there are free votes. My members will vote the way they choose to, Mr. Speaker. And that's always the case. I like that member. To go back to the importance of long-term thinking, Mr. Speaker, I think that decisions have to be made on principle. The principle that we are operating on this side of the House, Mr. Speaker, is that we need to invest in infrastructure. We need to build roads and bridges and transit, Mr. Speaker. It's extremely important that we do that. And the other principle that we operate with, Mr. Speaker, is that provincial government must have a respect for municipal government, Mr. Speaker, that local decision-making is important. And as I said, Mr. Speaker, many of us are here on this side of the House. Many of us are here because a previous government did not respect local government, did not pay attention to municipalities, Mr. Speaker. And we're not going to go down that road. We have a deep respect for local government. Mr. Speaker, again to the Premier, the Premier did not answer my question of whether these tolls are to pay for the waste and mismanagement. It's like the government's oblivious to the AEG's report, oblivious to the irresponsible management of infrastructure dollars. So let me remind the Premier, the government gave out $8 million in bonuses to companies paving our roads despite the fact that companies falsified the quality of the work. This is a government that paid $23 million for highway repairs after three years, despite the fact the roads were supposed to last for 15 years. This is a government that rewarded a company with a $39 million contract despite they built a bridge upside down. This is not a government that should be introducing new taxes or tolls. Mr. Speaker, one... Minister of Finance is warned. The member from Leeds-Grenville is warned. The member from the Minister of Transportation is warned. Anyone else? Thank you. Finish, please. Mr. Speaker, the AEG's report was black and white. This infrastructure spending has been irresponsible. Will the Premier tell the House today these tolls are only coming to pay for your incredible incompetence on infrastructure spending? You know, the billions of dollars that we are investing in infrastructure across the GTHA, across the province, Mr. Speaker, building roads and bridges and transit are creating 110,000 jobs a year, Mr. Speaker. So, stand why politically... Well, I sort of understand why politically the leader of the opposition would invoke this kind of short-term tactic. But in the long run, Mr. Speaker, if we as a government, if we as a society do not invest in the infrastructure that this province needs, then we will not prosper. We will not be able to provide the jobs for the young people who are the pages today, Mr. Speaker. We will not be able to provide for the prosperity and the innovation in this province that we know is possible. So I'm going to leave short-term thinking to the opposition. We are in this for the long haul. A member from the P.N. Carlton is warned. Anyone else want to make their last comment? New question to the leader of the opposition. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier. The approval of these tolls, these taxes on the DVP and the gardenry is not just harmful to the 905. It's harmful to the 401-6. City staff in Toronto reported... Excuse me, stop the clock. The Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation will withdraw. Withdraw. Warned. Finished. City staff in Toronto reported congestion on main city streets surrounding the DVP and the gardener will increase by as much as 29%. So you've got more cars on city streets. It's going to cause more gridlock, more traffic in the 401-6. The gridlock on Lakeshore Boulevard, the Queensway, Victoria Park, Danforth and Kingston will make life more difficult for drivers in the City of Toronto. Mr. Speaker, why is the Premier doing this to the City of Toronto? Why is he doing this to the 905? How about the Christmas present that community is in Toronto need? Mr. Transpiration. Thanks very much, Speaker. You know, we covered this ground yesterday. We covered this ground a number of days ago. We've covered this ground repeatedly as the Leader of the Opposition has brought forward these kinds of various... The Premier said very short-sighted question, Speaker. It could not be more abundantly clear that this Premier and our government understand the importance of making sure that we are investing the same time that we're partnering with municipalities. It is, Speaker, at the end of the day. It is the only way for us to make sure that we continue to move the province forward, Speaker. And for the life of me, for the life of me, given the evidence that we have in front of us, I can't understand why that Leader doesn't get it, Speaker, because... A member from West Flanbrook has warned not the way I wanted to end it. This is the way you're ending it. Finish, please, Minister. As I was saying, everyone on this side of the House understands how important it is to make sure that we continue to partner with all levels of government, particularly our municipal partners, Speaker. Premier Kathleen Nguyen understands that, everyone on our side understands that, and certainly, Speaker, former Mayor Hazel Macallion understands that. Mr. Speaker, again to the Premier. The Premier is opening a dangerous box. It could create a war of tolls. What if the Mayor of Mississauga, Bonnie Cromby, who has said that she wants to share the revenue for drivers from Toronto going to the airport? If the Mayor of Mississauga asks the Premier for a toll... I can keep getting up. The Minister of Economic Development and Growth is warned. Mr. Speaker, if the Mayor of Mississauga, who has said that Mississauga deserves some revenue for Toronto drivers going to the airport, if they ask for a toll, you've given provincial permission to the City of Toronto. Are you going to say no to the City of Mississauga? Did they shake their heads? They are giving provincial permission. Will you give it to Mississauga? Durham is against this. If they want a toll, you're going to give it to Durham. Markham has said this is taxation without representation. Where does this end? My question is very clear to the Premier. If Mississauga asks for a toll, if Durham asks for a toll, if Markham asks for a toll, will you say yes like you have to Toronto? Thank you. The member from Etobicoke Lakeshore is warned. Minister of Transportation. Thanks very much, Speaker. I noticed that the member talks about the war of the tolls. Let's talk about the war of the quote, Speaker, instead of the war of the tolls. So here I have a quote, and I quote, I applaud the wind government and Metrolinx for their commitment to ensure Mississauga receives important infrastructure investments and is at the heart of our plan to build an extensive regionally integrated transit network. That's from Mayor of Mississauga, Bonnie Cromby. In addition to that, that leader was in Durham. He mentioned Durham just a second ago, not that long ago, August 29th of this year, Speaker, when he said, and if there's a resolution of council saying that this is a top priority, then governments should try to work with our municipal partners to respect municipal wishes, Speaker. He said when he was at Flamborough, my approach to infrastructure on a municipal level is this, we have to trust our local partners. You have to work with your local partners, Speaker, as much as possible. I'm going to try to defer to the decisions of local council, Speaker. This wasn't 10 years ago. It wasn't 20 years ago. It was this year, Speaker. This is what that leader said at that time. Today he's changed his mind. Mr. Speaker, these are divergent tactics. That was on new builds, on infrastructure. Give me a break. Go order, please. Remember, from Renfrew, Nipissing, Pembroke is warned. Finish, please. Mr. Speaker, my question directly to the Premier, you could start with the city of Toronto, but you have to ask for the tolls. You have said if Toronto asks for it, you'll give them provincial permission. So the question is, the Mayor of Mississauga said she deserves revenue from drivers from Toronto going to the airport. The Mayor of Markham has said essentially the same thing for drivers leaving Toronto. So my question to the Premier, and please don't avoid answering the question, if Mississauga asks for a toll like the city of Toronto has done, will you give special provincial permission to the city of Toronto, yes or no? Are you going to start a war of the tolls? Be honest with the people of Ontario. For once, just be honest to answer the question. Can you see any planes? Thank you. The member from Beaches East York is warned. If I saw who said that, I'd warn them too. Very disappointing. Minister. Speaker, thanks very much. I guess I can kind of understand why the leader of the Conservative Party gets upset. I guess I can understand why he gets upset, Speaker, it's uncomfortable for him to hear his own words of only a few months ago thrown back at him, Speaker. And then in his final question he gets up and suggests that his own words are our diversionary tactic, Speaker. I don't know. I don't really get it, Speaker. I really don't know who's writing the material on that side of the House, Speaker. I really don't understand it at all. I don't understand it at all. Here's what the people on this side of the House, here's what every municipal partner we have, and here's what the people of this region know, Speaker. We are building transit. The last time he and his ilk had a chance, Speaker. They sold the 407. Speaker, they sold it. Today it's told, it was told then, and they sold it. At the same time, the extra and subway, Speaker, they didn't just kill it, they killed it and filled it. The only thing they're fond of saying is how they wouldn't build transit and we are. You see there, please? Thank you. New question. The leader of the third party. If I may, I'd like to, on behalf of New Democrats, our caucus, as well as New Democrats around the province, wish all MPPs, all political staff and legislative staff, members of the media gallery, Speaker and all Ontarians a happy and safe holiday season as well as a prosperous new year. My question, Speaker, is for the Premier. All across this province people have an incredible desire to build a better Ontario and have a better future for our next generations. But instead of it being easier to build a future here, it's getting harder. A good job with benefits is harder to find. People are being treated in hospitals that are overcrowded dangerously overcrowded and students are going to schools that are literally crumbling. Why is this Premier ignoring these problems and letting them get even worse? Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. So, you know, I absolutely agree with the leader of the third party that people across this province want to see our province build up, Mr. Speaker. They want to see that bright future. So, to that end, here are the things that we have been doing, Mr. Speaker. We're making university and college tuition free for middle and low income students, Mr. Speaker starting September. We're taking the HST off electricity bills. That will provide savings to families and businesses that will be done, Mr. Speaker. But this will help. We've made retirement security a priority and we were able to reach the national agreement on the enhancement of the Canada Pension Plan, Mr. Speaker. The land transfer tax rebate for the first time home buyers. We're investing historic amounts in child care to create another 100,000 child care spaces, Mr. Speaker. That will make a huge difference for families whose, particularly mothers who want to go back to work, Mr. Speaker. Those are the things that we're doing that are building this province, Mr. Speaker. See the police. Thank you. Supplementary. Well, Speaker, what's clear is that this premier promised to set the reset button and it just didn't happen. Instead, we continue to see a liberal government that's more interested in helping the liberal party than the people of Ontario. A government whose focus is not on good jobs with benefits. A government that stubbornly refuses to stop the sell-off of Hydro-1. It continues to neglect the crises that we see in our hospitals and in our schools. When is this government going to start listening to the people of Ontario and get its priorities straight? Thank you. So, Mr. Speaker, you know, the lead of the third party suggests that somehow there's a partisan bent to the results that we're seeing in the province because of the investments that we're making. In the past year, the 100,000 jobs that have been created across the province, Mr. Speaker, most of those people probably have no political affiliation, Mr. Speaker, but they have jobs because of the investments, because of the work that we're doing in this province. Our unemployment rate is at its lowest level in eight years, Mr. Speaker. That means people across the province are benefiting from that. There are regional differences and there are demographic differences. We know that more young people have opportunities. But, Mr. Speaker, we are leading the country. We're one of the leading jurisdictions in the country in terms of the unemployment rate, Mr. Speaker, and in terms of our GDP. You have a sentence wrap up, please. First half of this year, Mr. Speaker, the GDP growth in Ontario outstripped out of Canada, the U.S., and almost all G7 countries. What we're doing is working here in Ontario, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Well, Mr. Speaker, what the Premier didn't talk about is how she just, without any notice, got rid of sick leave and bereavement leave for a lot of workers here in the province of Ontario. Ontario are disappointed, Mr. Speaker. I'm sure the Premier has heard it and I'm certain liberal MPPs have heard it as well. In fact, Liberal staff in this gallery have heard it as well. People were hopeful, Mr. Speaker. We're hopeful that the Premier would change, that things would change. That hasn't changed a thing and people are now at a breaking point. They can only take so much, Speaker. This is the last day of the legislature in this year of 2016. Will this Premier commit to changing course and start listening to the real concerns that the people have of their province and where it's headed? Again, Mr. Speaker, I am happy to debate the realities of what are going on in the province and the realities of what we are doing. The leader of the third party talks about an adjustment that was made in terms of personal emergency leave and says that we're getting rid of personal emergency leave and bereavement leave. That's just not true, Mr. Speaker. That is not what is happening. It's staying as 10 days, Mr. Speaker. It'll be seven and three. If the leader of the third party wants to talk about what's really going on in Ontario, wants to talk about the protections that we are putting in place for people, Mr. Speaker, wants to talk about the fact that 85.5% of kids are graduating from high school, wants to talk about the shortest wait times in the country, Mr. Speaker. If she wants to talk about those things and then talk about what more we can do, I'm happy to have that discussion. But let's deal with the truth, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. New question, the leader of the third party. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, we have a couple questions for the premier as well. Here's a dose of the truth. People in Hamilton, Brantford, Brant, are going to hospitals that are dangerously overcrowded because of liberal cuts and underfunding hospitals to be filled beyond 85%. So does the OECD. But this government has no policy on what level of occupancy is safe and has no policies or plans to deal with dangerous overcrowding in Ontario's hospitals. How's that for a dose of reality? Does the Premier even believe that it's unsafe for hospitals to be filled beyond 85%? Thank you. Mr. Health and Long-Tongue Care. Mr. Health and Long-Tongue Care. Well, Mr. Speaker, it may be her reality, but it's not the truth. So here's why I'm so disappointed with the leader of the third party yesterday on CP24. She said, and I quote, we have 60% of our hospitals operating at more than 100% occupancy. That's not true, Mr. Speaker. Here's what the auditor general said, that she was only looking at medicine wards, not all wards in hospitals. She said, last fiscal year, 60% of medicine wards in Ontario's large community hospitals had occupancy rates higher than 85%. Completely different. And Mr. Speaker, just to add to, hopefully, to adjust her reality so she can honestly portray to Ontarians what the facts are. Currently, with the most recent information, only one hospital out of more than 150 in the province is currently over capacity, Mr. Speaker. 3% one hospital. We're very happy about that. I would ask and advise everyone that we stay away from the unparliamentary accusations that I know you all are aware of. Thank you. Supplementary. Speaker, as per my question, this government refuses to acknowledge what capacity is or isn't. The AG says it is not. The OECDs, Susay Marie, Thunder Bay, are being put at risk because of over. Tell people in Ontario, explain to them why their hospitals are overcrowded. Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Look, we have challenges in our healthcare system. I will be the first to admit it. But it is such a disservice to our frontline healthcare workers, to the Ontario Hospital Association, to those administrators that work so hard day in and out. I admit that there is much more work to be done. But I think we all owe it when we're speaking in this legislature, when we're speaking to Ontarians, that we speak the truth, Mr. Speaker. And for the member opposite to go on live, to go on television, live television yesterday, and state, 60% of our hospitals are operating at more than 100% occupancy when the truth, Mr. Speaker, from the AG herself is, she says, 60% of our medicine wards in our large community hospitals are at 85% capacity or higher. And the most recent data shows that a single hospital out of more than 150 get over capacity, Mr. Speaker. Final supplement. How dare this minister, just like the Premier last year? I would ask all members to just kind of tone it down, all members. And I don't need armchair quarterbacks to tell me when it's too loud. This is really not the way I think anyone would really want us to end this session. Really. Please finish. Oh dear, they shift the blame onto the frontline workers in the hospital speaker. That is a shameful thing. Registered nurses in this province are ending their shifts in tears, sobbing because they can't provide the healthcare they know they should be providing to the people of this province because of the cuts that this government has made. Brampton Civic Hospital has been overcrowded. Mississauga Hospital and Credit Valley Hospital are regularly above 90% capacity. I don't know what this minister is talking about. Those are the facts. Sometimes they're above 100%. How many patients in Brampton, Mississauga, have been treated in a hallway and get up with an infection, came home from hospitals sicker than when they went in because this government has no policies and they have no plans to deal with the overcrowded hospitals. So, Mr. Speaker, we'll just have to agree to disagree. She says you say 90 out of 150 hospitals are at over 100% capacity. I am saying it's one. Out of 150. The public can choose who to believe. I can provide the facts from the most recent quarter that demonstrate that truth, Mr. Speaker. Unless perhaps she's thinking about when they were in power, when they closed 24% of hospital beds across this province. That would be understandable, Mr. Speaker. But the Auditor General also said that 9 out of 10 people going to emergency are discharged within the provincial and the national target wait times, Mr. Speaker. The Fraser Institute and the Wait Time Alliance have consistently ranked Ontario as having some of the shortest wait times in Canada. We have the shortest wait times in Canada for MRIs, for CTs, for ultrasounds. We should be proud of the healthcare system that the Conference Board of Canada ranked as the seventh best in the world, Mr. Speaker, ahead of Japan, ahead of Germany, ahead of the United Kingdom, ahead of the United States. We should be proud of that. We should be proud of our frontline healthcare workers not spreading these misdrews and not... Seated, please. The minister will withdraw. You have to have your mic on. Aye, withdraw, Mr. Speaker. New question. The member from Elgin, Middlesex. Thank you very much, Speaker. Merry Christmas, Speaker. My question is to the minister of health and long-term care. Speaker, it is the season of giving in, but some gifts we receive are unwanted. Bill 41 yesterday delivered the gift of another layer of bureaucracy and increased red tape for our frontline healthcare professionals. With the bloated bureaucracy and mountains of red tape, this bill reversed the government's previous intentions and shifted the power away from local decision-making back to the Ministry of Health. Mr. Speaker, why did the government not listen to healthcare professionals and patients and present Ontarians with this healthcare lump of coal? Thank you. Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. And it was a proud moment yesterday in the legislature when we did pass the Patients First Act, which makes a transformation that not only reduces bureaucracy and I don't understand how the member opposite, when we eliminate the CCACs, when we eliminate the boards that run the CCACs and integrate that into the lens, I know the member opposite wants to get rid of the lens. I happen to believe in the 10 years that they've been here, local boards, local decision-making, that they've worked closely with our hospitals, with our long-term care facilities, with home and community care, with our mental health and addictions agencies. This bill allows them to coordinate that care better as well as work with primary care providers, work with public health, and as I mentioned, integrate the home and community care services into their functions, Mr. Speaker. I'm proud of this bill. And in the supplementary, it's not simply that I'm proud. I'm going to talk about individuals who are also proud that represent the frontline workers. Thank you, Speaker, and back to the minister. Minister, the opposition parties of this legislature presented 73 amendments before committee in relation to bill 41. These amendments came from those who deliver healthcare firsthand and who are worried that patient care will suffer under this bill. One of those communities was the Francophone community. Monsieur le président de la communauté franco-antérienne composée de plus de 600 000... The Francophone community, composed of millions of citizens, is very worried about French language services being delivered in the healthcare sector. Do not deny home care services in French. Of course, Mr. Speaker, I'll provide that assurance and commitment, but I've worked extremely hard since the moment I became health minister to make sure we not only meet our responsibility to Franco-Ontarians, to those who...to Francophones in this province who want to and deserve to and have the right to expect to receive their services in the French language. I work to exceed that commitment and that responsibility under the French Language Services Act. In fact, that act is specifically referenced in the Patients First Act. I have my own council, the French Language Services Advisory Council. I took their advice. We incorporated it into the bill as we were drafting, and they expressed their 100% satisfaction. And these are individuals who not only represent the Francophone community in this province, but they are leaders in the health field and advocates for patients. I took their advice. I'm working very closely with the commissioner as well. We'll continue to work to ensure that responsibility is exceeded. Thank you. My question is to the Premier. A new report released this week. State families will spend an extra $420 on groceries and dining out next year. Food prices overall are expected to rise between 3% and 5% for basics like meat and vegetables. With too many Ontarians already living in energy poverty thanks to the callous policies of this government, my question to the Premier is, how many Ontario families need to live in energy poverty and now food poverty before this government cares enough to take action when is enough going to be enough? Minister of Energy? Thank you, Mr Speaker. Again, I'm pleased to rise and speak about the programs that we've put in place to help those families that are struggling with their electricity bill, Mr Speaker, that are having a difficult time. I know the Premier has recognized that and has said that we're going to continue to act, Mr Speaker, and that's what I've been doing since I've taken over almost six months now as Minister of Energy. Mr Speaker, just go back to the speech from the throne a few months back. We brought forward an 8% reduction for all families across the province. Small businesses, families and family farms will receive that 8% reduction come January 1st, Mr Speaker, that's just a few weeks away. That is something that they can look forward to. Those families that are still struggling, Mr Speaker, we have many programs that are out there for them to utilize. I do hope that those families contact their local utilities, contact some of the social services agencies that are out there to get access to these programs. The Ontario Electricity Support Program, Mr Speaker, is just one of those programs that helps many of those families. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Back to the Premier. This report makes it clear that things are only getting harder and harder to do. Sullivan-Charlois, the report's lead author, warned, quote, those living in Ontario and B.C. should be prepared for above-average food inflation around 4% to 5%. With this government still stubbornly digging its heels in and pursuing the sale of Hydro-1 and families forced to make impossible decisions between paying for food or Hydro. My question to the Premier is, this holiday will this Premier stop stealing the dignity of Ontario families and telling them that she will make their lives more affordable by stopping the sale of Hydro-1. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Once again, in relation to all of the programs that we've put in place, we are helping many of those families that are out there. The Ontario Electricity Support Program, Mr Speaker, has helped 145,000 families already. We're actually doing as much as we can to get more people signed up to this program to help these families, especially during this time of year, Mr Speaker. We know how important that is. But when it comes to the sale of Hydro-1, Mr Speaker, and the broadening of the ownership, just yesterday, the example of the reasons why we're doing this is to build infrastructure and to make the company a better customer-focused company, Mr Speaker. Yesterday, they reconnected, Mr Speaker, 1400 families that have been disconnected. That is just an example, Mr Speaker, of this company changing and being broader-based, ensuring that it can help people, and that will make sure that they can get into a payment plan, Mr Speaker, and moving forward as this company continues to grow. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Thank you, Mr Speaker. My question is also for the Minister of Energy, the Honourable Glen Tebow. On one of the essential goals for this government, that is making everyday life more affordable for Ontarians. And while Ontario's economy, Speaker, is doing well, as we appreciate not every family seeing that impact on their personal day-to-day budgets, and perhaps nowhere is that challenge more pressing than on the issue of Hydro-Rates. And as the Premier indicated, helping Ontarians with the cost of everyday living is a top priority for our government. On the throne from this fall, Speaker, as you'll appreciate, the government announced new measures to curb the cost of electricity for Ontario homes as well as businesses. And these measures will take effect on January 1st, 2017. Speaker, could the Minister please inform this House in somewhat more detail about the measures from the throne speech that lower electricity costs for Ontarians? Thank you, Minister. Thank you, Mr Speaker. And I also want to thank the member for the question and offer his hard work in this House as well, Mr Speaker. So over the past decade, Mr Speaker, our electricity system has been transformed from a dirty, aging system to one that is clean and reliable, Mr Speaker. And that transformation was for the better. But the cost of this transition, Mr Speaker, have presented a challenge for some Ontarians. And that's why this fall we took action, Mr Speaker. We passed legislation which, beginning January 1st, which is only a couple years ago, applied an 8% rebate for every family, farm and small business in this province, Mr Speaker. At the same time, we will also introduce additional support for the most rural parts of our province and expand the programs for businesses. Speaker, we're proud of the work that we've done to turn our province into a leader when it comes to clean, reliable electricity. And that's why we're now acting, Mr Speaker, to make this as affordable as possible for as many people as we can. Thank you. Thank you for your answer, Minister. Programs will be a significant step and very well received for the families and businesses and, of course, across the province. The 8% rebate will help to curb electricity costs for Ontarians across the board while other programs will provide the type of support that keeps our province fair as well as competitive. Speaker, I understand the measures from the speech from the throne are just a few of the many actions the Minister has taken and will take to further reduce the cost of electricity. And as he's been in office for just a short time, I believe that the Minister has been devoted and diligent in executing this government's commitments. Speaker, would the Minister please share with this House some of the other initiatives that our government is taking to lower the cost of electricity in the province of Ontario? Thank you, Mr Speaker. And once again, thank you to the member from Etobicoke North for that question. Mr Speaker, on top of the direct support to ratepayers provided through the speech from the throne, our government has been hard at working to find ways to remove costs from the electricity system. So back in September, Mr Speaker, we announced that we would suspend further procurement of large renewable generation. This announcement will avoid almost $4 billion, Mr Speaker, in cost to the system. In October, we finalized a deal with Quebec to increase and improve our electricity trade, making better use of our system and saving ratepayers $70 million in the process, Mr Speaker. And I've been in constant conversation with our partners in the sector from our agencies to stakeholders to poverty and business advocates discussing ways to save yet more money for the ratepayers, Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker, I am committed to lowering costs for Ontario ratepayers whether it's $0.50 or $50, I will continue to do everything I can to find reductions and ensure electricity is affordable across the province. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker, my question is to the Premier. Last week, the Auditor General tabled a random report which further confirmed the Liberal government's stunning incompetence in managing our problems. Speaker, the Auditor General's report tells us to get a bag of Ontario Shores Mental Health Centre patients for the same diagnosis in 2015-2016 three weeks longer than five years ago. And those with borderline personality disorders who waited about a month and a half in 2011-2012 for outpatient services are now waiting seven months. My question to the Premier is this, how can she continue to defend the outrageous increases in wait times that have happened under her government's watch? Minister of Health will take care of that. Thank you, Mr Speaker. I particularly appreciated this chapter in the Auditor General's report that helped point the way for us to identify challenges in our mental health system specifically as it pertains to our hospitals that provide that acute care for those with mental health and addictions and she highlights areas that we need to make improvements. For example, she talks about standards of care. Health Quality Ontario has already developed three standards of care in mental health for dementia for schizophrenia that will allow our health care providers in our hospitals to follow best practices. With regards to Ontario Shores Mental Health Hospital I was particularly proud when we made the recent investments specifically for individuals with eating disorders. We've increased the budget of the hospital by 2 million dollars this year as well as their operating budget. Thank you. Back to the Premier. I've asked the Premier previously about cutbacks at Ontario Shores and my questions have been met with Liberal Spin from the Health Minister. That's it. And as the clock goes on this Government the fact is its legacy of unprecedented scandal waste in this management has led to cuts to services Ontarians rely on. Since the Premier didn't answer my first question perhaps she will answer this one. Will the Premier fire her health minister for the sake of patients at Ontario Shores? Thank you. I'm not sure if I should be the one answering this part of the question. I'll just say no. But Mr. Speaker we recognize when it comes to mental health and addictions that there's a lot more work to be done. But I'm proud of the investments that we've made in CAMH and Ontario Shores and the Royal Valley. We've made substantial new investments in those hospitals and in fact I need to mention that because the MPP for Barrie is here, is there now I can see her. I was recently in Barrie just a couple of weeks ago where we opened a brand new or rather we announced a brand new inpatient and outpatient youth and child mental health unit which will be providing a number of patient beds at the Royal Vic in Barrie as well as being able to serve more than 3,000 individuals on a daily basis. These are the kinds of investments that we are making. We know we have to not only reduce and eliminate the stigma, we need to invest more money. Thank you. Thank you, Speaker. My question is to the Premier. While this government sits idly by and makes excuses, the rising price of electricity continues to make life more difficult for our most vulnerable citizens. The downtown mission in Windsor used to serve about 1,100 people a month. Now they serve 800 a week. It seems this is the only business that expands as hydro prices soar. Speaker, will this government admit that their token hydro rebate is too little too late that the sell-off of hydro one is a mistake and finally commit to providing electricity for people living on a low income? And I will repeat because the Premier wasn't listening. They went from 1,100 people a month people a week. No, you weren't listening, Premier. Just a reminder that you speak to the chair, please. Premier. Mr. Speaker, it is very important to me that we recognize that there is more that needs to be done in terms of hydro prices. Mr. Speaker, as the Minister of Energy has said, we made an announcement in the throne speech that we were taking 8% off people's electricity bills, Mr. Speaker. We already had in place the Ontario Energy Support Program, which is targeted at exactly the people who are living on low income who need support. That's why that program is in place, Mr. Speaker. And as the Minister of Energy said, hydro one is paying closer attention, Mr. Speaker, to the fact that those 1,400 people who have been cut off have been reinstated, Mr. Speaker. The company is more attuned to what is going on in the community, but we know there's more to be done, Mr. Speaker, and we will continue to work to find solutions. And Mr. Speaker, I can do more than one thing at a time. Thank you. Supplementary. Thank you, Speaker. People of Ontario are well aware that the Premier can multitask. They can do that and privatize all at once. They wouldn't be going hungry. The mission wouldn't see an explosion in the population they serve. Essex Power Lines is installing load limiters at residences facing disconnection, allowing them to run a bare minimum amount of hydro so people can either heat or eat. To keep the heat program in Windsor has already helped more people in 2016 than in 2017, and that number will continue to grow. While businesses, charities and non-profits are doing all they can, this government continues to make life more difficult. Speaker, will the Premier make providing real relief from hydro bills and stopping any further south of Hydro One her New Year's resolution in 2017? Minister of Energy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know the Premier mentioned this, but yesterday Hydro One connected 1,400 families just to show Mr. Speaker that they're actually a better customer focused company and that's what's happening with the broadening of Hydro One Mr. Speaker, is they're becoming customer focused. When it comes to disconnections Mr. Speaker, you know what, we recognize that there's more to do and that's why we put in Bill 27 to give the OEB more power to ban all disconnections Mr. Speaker in the winter months. But unfortunately Mr. Speaker, it's sitting in front of committee because the opposition chooses not to act. We could have passed that Mr. Speaker with unanimous consent. We could have been making sure that that Bill would have passed Mr. Speaker and we could have worked with the LDCs to have that implemented ASAP. But unfortunately Mr. Speaker, they chose not to. We on this side of the House Mr. Speaker recognize that we can continue to find ways to help those who are struggling Mr. Speaker and we've done that 8% reduction 20% for our rural folks Mr. Speaker and we've got the OESP and other programs. Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker and my question is for the Associate Minister of Education for early years in child care. Minister, I'm proud of our government has made it a priority to improve and expand child care in early years programs in our province. In my writing of Davenport I have heard from parents who say that demand for quality affordable child care is great. It is encouraging to know the government is working to address the needs of Ontario families. Earlier this morning I was proud to stand beside the Minister of Education to announce a new community hub in my writing of Davenport and part of that announcement was that we were indeed securing child care spaces at Bloor and Dufferin. Mr. Speaker, through you to the Minister my constituents would like to know what the government is doing to make sure families needs are properly met. Thank you. Thank you Mr. Speaker and thank you to the hardworking member of the House. Mr. Speaker, I am proud that our government is making child care a top priority. In fact our government has created a position dedicated to early learning and child care. This is a clear indication that we are committed to Ontario's children and families. We are putting people first. Since we took office we have more than double child care funding to municipalities to over a hundred thousand children to attend child care. In September we committed to doubling the number of spaces again. Over the next five years we will be creating space for a hundred thousand new children to attend child care and we are committing to improving and integrating our early years programs to better serve families. We have already begun public consultations to inform our framework. In fact I attended all the events and child care. Thank you Mr. Speaker and I want to thank the minister for that answer. It is encouraging to know that you are heading to towns and cities across the province to meet with families and sector leaders. I recognize that there is a lot of work to be done but people involved in the child care and early years sector are keen to see how the system will be modernized and parents are eager to see these new spaces. The commitment of a hundred thousand new spaces in over five years. When can Ontario families expect to see these rolling out? Minister. Thank you Mr. Speaker and I am pleased to answer the members question. I know families and stakeholders are excited about this and so are we. This is a historic investment one that will benefit all of Ontario which is why we are moving quickly and thoroughly. We have already taken our first step in creating a hundred thousand additional licensed child care spaces by 2022 and we have invested an additional $65.5 million in this school year to support the creation of 3,400 spaces for infants, toddlers and young children. This investment promotes early learning and development while helping more parents find quality affordable education. This is the first step. We continue to build an early years in child care system that is high quality, seamless and meets the needs of parents and children. Thank you. Thank you Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. The mouth of the Nauta Wasaga River at Wasaga Beach has filled with sentiment and that's made boat passage between the river by first responders. But worst of all, if there's a heavy thaw next spring and the mouth of the river is restricted, ice could accumulate and form a dam that potentially causes river water levels to rise. This would cause flooding upstream impacting hundreds of people. The town is earmarking a hundred thousand dollars for dredging. Money they shouldn't have to spend. Mr. Speaker, Wasaga Beach Council would like to know why is the state with putting the bill for dredging the river when it is a provincial responsibility? Thank you very much. Thank you very much to the member for the question. My ministry has been reviewing the town's dredging work permit application and we've been out to assess the river to assess local conditions. Through this work my ministry has determined that there's not an imminent threat of flooding nor water pollution at this time. It's worth noting that before any dredging takes place an environmental assessment will need to be completed to identify potential environmental risks or effects including impacts to lake surgeon and other species at risk, water flows and shoreline erosion. It's also important to note that dredging can have significant impacts. It can be highly disruptive to important habitats and conditions and it's also common for a change in weather conditions to contribute to the natural process of washing out the accumulated sediment and potential further opening of the mouth of the river. Thank you. Go back to the speaker. I'll do respect to the minister Mr. Speaker. We've been hearing this blah blah blah blah for several years now. The speaking notes haven't changed no matter who the minister is but it's clear to everyone including local engineers, maybe the MNR doesn't agree but the new MNR doesn't seem to agree with any municipalities anymore. The fact of the matter is it's clear to everybody involved except the MNRF that it's time to dredge the river again. We've had severe flooding in the past right now. There's nothing wrong. I'm talking about the thaw that will occur in the spring and hundreds of homes will be affected and hundreds of thousands of people could be affected. So why don't we just prevent that and get those millions of dollars with the damage. Spend $100,000 now. Do what the town wants and what everybody involved wants and get her done. Thank you. Minister. Thank you Speaker and respectfully to the member opposite. Thank you for the supplementary question but you know due to the fact that the work permit has not yet been approved it would be inappropriate to discuss any costs that may or may not occur I would like to remind the member opposite that through our work my ministry is determined that there's not an imminent threat of flooding nor an emergency situation as is time if that changes and we'll be certainly out there to reassess that but we'll continue to work with the town providing advice, guidance and support during the required environmental assessment that's at work already but I also wanted to point out that since the last time the dredging of the river in 2010 new information on species at risk in the river again specifically Lake Sturgeon has come to light and because of this it's necessary for any future dredging projects to be assessed plan to carry out in a way that's protective of the environment and the habitat of the river. Thank you. Your question to the member from Niagara Falls. Mr. Speaker my question is to the Premier. The ology is currently in the process of putting forward an RFPQ and an RFP for a new casino operator in Niagara Falls. The way this process works the focus is on upfront payments to the government and not on economic development, investment, job creation and equally important job protection. Speaker the Niagara Falls City Council has passed three unanimous resolutions and the Niagara Regional Council received another one to support it. Will the Premier commit today to delay the RFP process to allow for it to be rewritten given greater weight to the job creation, investment economic development and job protection as requested by the City of Niagara Falls and the entire Niagara Region. Thank you. Minister of Finance. Thank you Mr. Speaker and thank you to the member from Niagara Falls we've had ongoing discussions about this very issue recognizing how important it is for us to modernize FallsU and Casino Niagara as requested by Council. In fact we established a new bundle in order for them to be able to participate in that modernization process. In fact it's all about building and creating more jobs and helping the economy in the local community. It's why we proceeded to go this way and again at their request. And furthermore we've committed to the new Niagara Entertainment Center which will be part of this bundle enabling even further employment and greater attraction to the community. So we are going to proceed in a transparent and fair procurement process as required and as indicated to the City Council. We'll continue to work with them, recognize how important it is to the local community and frankly to the province of Ontario. Thank you Mr. Speaker back to the Premier. The Casinos in Niagara get up to 80% of their business from the GTA. They are the biggest employer in the Niagara with 4,000 employees and create millions of dollars in economic benefits for our province. People want to travel to Niagara because they know it's a world class destination. Unfortunately Mr. Speaker, the way the RFPQ and the RFP process is being run, we know that the big name gaming companies aren't going to bid. If they don't bid, less people will travel from Toronto and that will put 1,500 good jobs in Niagara on the chopping block. We need to delay this process to ensure that big companies bid because we cannot afford to let 1,500 workers lose their job. Speaker, when the City of Ottawa asked for the Casino RFP to be delayed and that request was granted, will the Premier follow her only and delay the process for the new Niagara Casino operator as requested by the City of Niagara Falls and the entire Niagara region. Thank you. So Mr. Speaker, the member from Niagara Falls has just reinforced our position. We know how important it is for the local community of Niagara Falls to have an attraction like Casino Niagara, like Falls View and like the new entertainment complex that's being put forward. We also recognize how important the Ontario Lottery and Gaming is to the province of Ontario. Over $2 million are sourced as a dividend which goes directly to the communities and for Niagara Falls is one of the essential contributions to its local economy. We want it to grow. The member is making reference to job creation and protection of jobs. Well, that's part of the agreement within the RFQ as it stands now. Furthermore, we've engaged a fairness monitor to ensure the integrity of the process that all stakeholders that are engaged in this process are acting fairly. So we have to abide by that as well. We're going to take the necessary steps to ensure the integrity and the fairness, more closely with the local community to provide greater economic benefit to Niagara Falls. Thank you, Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Finance. Minister, just recently you tabled the fall economic statement detailing the economic outlook and fiscal review for the province where you announced changes for first-time home-built buyers. I often hear from my constituents and Barry that they are concerned about not being able to afford their first home and that they are finding it difficult to get their foot in the front door of the proprietary market. I can imagine the frustration as young people work so hard to get out of the endless cycle of paying rent. I remember how scary it was signing the check for the deposit on our first house when the house only cost $28,000 in total. Things have changed. Mr. Speaker, could the Minister please explain how the recent changes announced in the fall economic statement will benefit Ontario home buyers? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the member of Barry for her outstanding work and support of her local community. We all recognize that many people have benefited from recent increases in the value of their homes, but still some young families and others looking to buy their first home are having a challenging story response. Buying your first home is one of the most exciting decisions in a young person's life, but many are worried about how they'll be able to afford their first condo or their first house. So to address this and to help young families, we're doubling the maximum refund for first-time home buyers, refund from 2000 and 4,000 starting January 1, 2017 provided everybody supports this bill today, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Back to Mr. Speaker. This is an important step for first-time home buyers looking to enter the housing market. I'm pleased to hear that the government is taking steps to invest in supports that improve housing affordability and that can help people in their everyday lives. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister of Finance please explain further how these changes will make a difference for first-time home buyers? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, Mr. Speaker, again I'm very pleased that the changes are about making it easier for young families to enter the housing market. With these changes, no land transfer tax, the LTT will be payable on the first $368,000 of the cost of that first home. It also means that more than half of first-time home buyers would pay no LTT at all. So Mr. Speaker, the housing market is critically important as a source of economic growth and employment affordability will help more Ontarians to participate and I look forward to the members' opposite in supporting this outstanding initiative for the people of Ontario. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. My question is for the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Speaker, Simfront is a high-tech start-up in eastern Ontario. A company official contacted me to express his incredible frustration with the media tax credit supported by all three parties. His experience shows why Ontario's economy is struggling under this Liberal government. It took a staggering 55 weeks just to process Simfront's application and confirm they're eligible for an $819,000 digital media tax credit. Over 20 weeks later, they're hearing it could be another six months before they get it. Simfront is anxious to reinvest and create jobs, something we used to encourage in Ontario. Speaker, does the minister agree that two years to process a tax credit is unacceptable? And if so, why hasn't she fixed these obvious problems at an agency that's under her responsibility? Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's always my pride and pleasure to stand in this House and talk about the film and television sector and particularly the role that the OMDC plays an outstanding group of individuals who are helping us lead the world, quite frankly, in innovation and enhance our investments in film and television. Passing interesting on two fronts. Number one, Mr. Speaker, then thank you for your question, by the way, the honourable member, but I find it passing interesting on two fronts. Number one, that he chose to raise a tax credit. I would have been delighted to help him out and have my officials try and address this situation. And number two, that the party opposite has consistently not supported our investments in an industry that is leading the world, Mr. Speaker. My introduction this morning, I refer to the group here as AMSAC. It's actually the Ontario Student Trustee Association's, their president, Kay Vaughan who is Nina Tobias, Stefan and Adette Aiden who were here this morning. So I'd like to welcome her. Well thank you, Speaker, and I know it's not a point of order, but I beg your indulgence. My daughter, Christine Nash, joined us and my grandson, Paxson Wallace. On a point of order, I'd like to welcome Camisha Cox from my constituency office as well as Michelle Nugent and Tigas Zameen. Do Trinity's Medina? I see, there's another member from my... Good try to the member across... I want to take this opportunity to welcome my other, the other constituent assistant of my Ms. Diana Flauri has seen the public gallery with us today. Welcome. Thank you. It is the Christmas season. My grandson, our grandson, Leopold Gianni Michele Calucci is one year old today. The founder of Alpha Education, Flora Charles, the Executive Director of Alpha Education and Dr. Karen Sara Clebe also for Alpha Education here today. I want to welcome them to Queen's Park. Minister of Education. No, I wasn't aware of this, but I understand that Viola Desmond has just become the first woman in Canada to be on a bank note, and she is a wonderful woman who has an incredible heritage in Nova Scotia standing up for people, and in particular black women, so I'm just really thrilled to advise the House of that. Thank you very much, Speaker, for pointing that out. A couple of hours ago I was able to do that, and I appreciate the Minister of Education announcing that I grew up in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia and I went to that same Roseland theater and today I know I speak to 99,080 people that still live in New Glasgow to say to have Viola Desmond recognized for her civil rights work and her leadership to do something that, you know, there's a great quote by Margaret Mead that often says, never doubt a small group of committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, that's the only people that ever have. And growing up in Nova Scotia, we knew who Viola Desmond and Kerry Best were because they were trailblazers and we have a significant black community in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia you know, I joke that there were 10,000 people when I lived there and grew up and there's probably 9,000 there now, but the reality is Viola Desmond needs to be taught in our school system more that she needs to be taught nationally and the fact of the matter is she was Rosa Parks before there was a Rosa Parks and this is a great day for Canadian women. No more sleeps. We have a deferred vote on the motion of third reading of bill 45, an act to amend certain acts with respect to provincial elections calling the members this will be a 5-minute bill. Members, please take your seats. On December 7, 2016 Mr. Nack, we moved third reading of bill 45, an act to amend certain acts with respect to provincial elections. All those in favour, please rise one at a time and be recognized by the public. All those in favour, please rise one at a time and be recognized by the public. All those in favour, please rise one at a time and be recognized by the public. All those in favour, please rise one at a time and be recognized by the public. Mr. Vanton, Mr. Tavins, Mr. Miller Hamilton East Stony Creek, Mr. Miller Hamilton East Stony Creek, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Armstrong, Mr. Hatfield, Mr. Gretzky, Mr. Gates, Mr. French, Mr. French. All those in favour, please rise one at a time and be recognized by the public. The ayes are 92, the mazes are 0. The ayes being 92 and the mazes being 0, declare 10 live viewers. All those in favour, please rise one at a time and be recognized by the public. All those in favour, please rise one at a time and be recognized by the public. Mr. Mr. McGarry. Mr. McGarry. Mr. Morro. Mr. Morro. Mr. Jassett. Mr. Jassett. Mr. Zimmer. Mr. Zimmer. Mr. Zimmer. Mr. Zimmer. Mr. Zimmer. Mr. Zimmer. Mr. Zimmer. Mr. Zimmer. Mr. Zimmer. Mr. Zimmer. Mr. Zimmer. Mr. Zimmer. Mr. Zimmer. Mr. Zimmer. Mr. Zimmer. Mr. Zimmer. Mr. Zimmer. Mr. Zimmer. Mr. Zimmer. Mr. Zimmer. Mr. Zimmer. Mr. Zimmer. Mr. Zimmer. Mr. Say, Ms. Horvath, Ms. Bisson, Mr. Bisson, Mr. Vantah, Mr. Tabin, Mr. Tabin, Mr. Miller Hamilton, East Stony Creek, Mr. Miller Hamilton, East Stony Creek, Ms. Satter, Ms. Taylor, Ms. Taylor, Ms. Armstrong, Ms. Armstrong, Ms. Amjelina, Ms. Shemanta, Mr. Hadfield, Ms. Gatsky, Mr. Gatsky, Mr. Gatsky, Mr. Gatsky, Ms. French. The ayes are 51, the nays are 40. The ayes being 51, and the nays being 40. I declare the motion carried. Third reading of the bill, twas in next year, du poche de l'eau. It will be resolved that the bill will be passed in the entitlements of the motion. I do, before I entertain a motion, I would like to say to you that it's the last day for our pages. On behalf of all of us, I want to thank the pages very much for all the work that they've done. I'm told that they've offered to come back on December 25th, so we'll have to see what happens. Anyway, I'd like to recognize the Government House Leader on a point of order. Thank you very much, Speaker. Our honour awaits. Your honour, the legislative assembly of the province has at present meetings therefore passed certain bills, to which, in the name and on behalf said legislative assembly, I respectfully request your honour's assent. The following are the title of the bills to which your honour's assent is prayed. An act to amend or repeal various acts with respect to housing and planning. L'Oise-Mauré-Fian or Abrajean diverse l'Oise-Mauré, on ce qui concerne le logement et la management du territoire. An act to amend the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Act. L'Oise-Mauré-Fian, la loi sur le ministère de la santé et des soins de longue durée. An act to proclaim Hazel Macallion Day. L'Oise-Mauré proclamant le jour de Hazel Macallion. An act to amend the Children's Law Reform Act with respect to the relationship between the child and the child's grandparents. L'Oise-Mauré-Fian, la loi portant reforme de droits de l'enfance, on ce qui concerne la relation entre un enfant et ses grands-parents. An act to proclaim the month of November as Albanian Heritage Month. L'Oise-Proclamant, la moite de novembre, moite du patrimoine albanais. An act to amend various acts in the interest of patient-centered care. L'Oise-Mauré-Fian deverse loi dans l'intérêt des soins axés sur les patients. An act to proclaim Panda Pants Awareness Day. L'Oise-Proclamant, la jeudi de sensibilisation aux Panda Pants. An act to proclaim the month of March as Bangladeshi Heritage Month. L'Oise-Proclamant, le mois de mars, mois de patrimoine Bangladesh. An act to amend certain acts with respect to provincial elections. L'Oise-Mauré-Fian a modifié ce temps de loi, on ce qui concerne les élections provinciales. An act to amend the Consumer Protection Act 2002 with respect to reward points. L'Oise-Mauré-Fian, la loi de 2002 sur la protection du consommateur, on ce qui a trait au point de récompense. An act to proclaim the month of November into heritage month. L'Oise-Proclamant, le mois de novembre, mois de patrimoine hindu. An act to proclaim nurse practitioner week. L'Oise-Proclamant, la semaine des infirmières practitioners et infirmières practitioners. An act to implement budget measures and to enact and amend various statutes. L'Oise-Mauré-Fian, le mois de mars, mois de patrimoine hindu. An act to revive computers mean business Inc. An act to revive ranger survey systems Canada Inc. In Her Majesty's Name, Her Honor Lieutenant Governor, Dotha sent to these bills. On l'Oise-Mauré-Fian a gesté son honneur, la lutine gouvernement sanctionne ses projets de loi. Speaker, with your permission, may I, on behalf of all Ontarians, thank each and every member of this House for the service and the dedication they have provided in the name of the citizens of this province. And may I wish all of you a very joyous holiday season and a peaceful year to come. Thank you. I'd like to take a moment to echo the Lieutenant Governor and thank each and every one of you for the service that you give to the province of Ontario. I wish for you a merry Christmas, happy New Year, and all of the blessings that the season brings to you and your family. I wish for you some rest. I wish for you peace. I also want to re-emphasize time and time again the amount of work that you do, an awful lot of unseen work, time away from your family, the work that you do in your constituency offices is second to none. I'm so proud of this group. Thank you. Merry Christmas. There are no further bills or anything else to do at this moment, so this House stands recessed until 1 p.m. this afternoon.