 It is now time for oral questions. I recognize the leader of His Majesty's loyal opposition. And good morning, Speaker. This is a moment in history right here, right here today. Very exciting. My question is to the Premier. Not every Ontarian has an OHIP card. Migrant workers that help keep our agriculture sector going through backbreaking labour. Out of status workers in the construction sector who face risks on the job, and refugees fleeing violence in conflicts around the world. Through you, Speaker, does the Premier think the uninsured should be eligible for urgent medical care? Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. Thank you, Speaker, and congratulations to the member from Hamilton Centre on your victory and coming here to join us in the House. Absolutely. We as a government understand the valuable work that our immigrant workers play, which is why we continue to fund those services through OHIP-funded services. The member opposite has on the NDP website today right now, false information speaker, and I don't use that word lightly. They are suggesting to the general public that individuals who have come here and ultimately not have come to Ontario are not going to get services in the province of Ontario. It is factually incorrect and it continues to be on the website. Even though multiple sources, including the Toronto Star, has told them that in fact that is not the case, would the member opposite respectfully return that, remove that false information from their website? I'm going to caution the Minister on her language. Supplementary question. Well, Speaker, this Minister of Health should be listening to the physicians across this province who are telling her what this is going to mean for their patients. On a very busy Friday, it was revealed that the government is eliminating the physician and hospital services for uninsured persons program. This is going to make it harder for refugees, for unhoused people, and for those with mental health challenges to access urgent health care. That this government is making these cuts while redirecting public money out of public care and into the private pockets of a few connected people makes this even more shocking. Speaker, my question is to the Premier. Why did his government choose to eliminate this simple yet compassionate program? Minister of Health. Member Opposition should know full well that this program was put in place when individuals could not travel in the province of Ontario. At the beginning of the pandemic, when we had limitations on individuals who needed to be able to return to their homes, to their home communities, that was removed. Because of that, we put in a funding model that ensured that individuals who were in Ontario could get the medical coverage they needed. I want to reinforce, you know, we have 75 community health centres spread across Ontario that have funding models that ensure that they can provide necessary health services for individuals for any number of reasons do not have an up-to-date OHIP card. We have temporary foreign workers who have programs provided by the federal government to ensure that they have health care funding in the province of Ontario. Again, Speaker, I would urge the member opposite to take down the misinformation because it is seeding unnecessary fear in the people of Ontario and it's wrong. I'm going to again caution the member. It's causing some concern on the other side of the house, but I don't believe that the minister said anything on parliamentary. Final supplementary, Leader of the Opposition. The answer is they are going to go ahead and end that program. That's what we're hearing now. And I want to try this out on you. Devastatingly cruel, a big mistake, a regressive decision, harmful and cruel, unconscionable. Not my word, Speaker, but those of physicians across this province who are talking about this government's decision to eliminate this program. Speaker, the Premier seems to have no problem finding ways to help out people that he knows, his friends. But when it comes to helping Ontarians who are in need, he's willing to turn his back. So my question to the Premier again is will he reverse his decision to end this program and finally put those in need ahead of his insider friends? Please take their seats. Minister of Health, comply. I will be as clear as I can, unlike the NDP news release that is spreading false information. There is no change. I'm going to ask the minister to withdraw. I withdraw. I would respectfully ask that the NDP take down a press release that is seeding fear unnecessarily in the province of Ontario. There is no change in the way that uninsured persons will receive care in the province of Ontario. The only change is how possible burst for ensuring and providing that care. Thank you, Speaker. The next question, the Leader of the Opposition. Speaker, I'll tell you something else that Ontario needs. Ontario needs one and a half million new homes over 10 years to keep up with demand. The NDP has proposed many ideas. I'm going to ask the government side not to interrupt the Leader of the Opposition when she has the floor the way they just did. Please don't do it again. Restart the clock. Leader of the Opposition has the floor. We need them. These folks aren't delivering them. The NDP has proposed many ideas to achieve this, such as updating zoning rules to allow more affordable missing middle housing, investing in hundreds of thousands of new affordable and non-market homes. The government has said no to every single solution we present. Instead, they focus their attention on carving up the green belt, a decision that will only help a few insiders while everybody else is being left behind. Speaker, the government's own budget shows that new housing starts are going down in Ontario instead of up. Does the Premier really think that his client is working? Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Speaker, over the last two years housing starts have reached a level that this province hasn't seen in over 30 years. Last year's speaker, rental housing was at an all-time high. We've never had more rental housing starts than we did last year. Speaker, the member can say all she wants, but the facts are right in answer. When we proposed to give a break to non-profit housing, they voted against it. When we decided to make it cheaper and easier to build more purpose-built rentals and provided those incentives, her party voted against it. Time and time and time we present positive opportunities to create better general density in neighbourhoods, more rental opportunities, more non-profits. It's the MVP that is the party of no. They are the ones. And we'll take a seat. A supplementary question. Speaker, that's all a bit rich, because last week's budget has no new funding to build new social housing or even to protect the ones that are already built. And the Premier's own Housing Affordability Task Force said that a shortage of land was not the cause of the housing crisis. They said we need to make better use of land already available. The NDP supports this principle, but this Premier does not. He ignored his own task force and targeted prime farmland and the green belt for destruction. Now the budget shows that housing starts are going down instead of up. Speaker, to the Premier, will he admit that his housing policies are failing? Mr. Cares in housing. You've got to be kidding me. It's been Minister Beth and Paul, these budgets, the number one and number two ask for municipalities. Number one, we need more supportive housing, $202 million. We're adding to the homeless system and wraparound mental health and addiction services with those supportive housing units. We have delivered exactly what municipalities asked as their number one and their number two ask. It's going to be very interesting, though, Speaker, to see order. The Leader of the Opposition and Ontario New Democrats support the number one and number two requests from 444 municipalities. Speaker, this Premier and his government need to get out there and actually listen to Ontarians. Because I can tell you, their budget completely missed the moment. Completely missed the moment and failed Ontarians. Not only is the Premier targeting farmland and the green belt, but he's targeting tenants too. He trashed rent protections for tenants, he made evictions easier, and he's threatening rental replacement bylaws that are going to put existing affordable rental homes at risk. The Premier's policies have failed tenants, made them more vulnerable at a time when people are really hurting out there. Speaker, my question is to the Premier again. Will he protect tenants by bringing back real rent control and invest meaningfully in affordable and non-market housing? Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Speaker, I already talked about our historic levels of rental construction last year, but you know, she mentioned the word listen. Well, I've got a few quotes that I'd like her to listen to. Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie from the City of Toronto. I want to thank Premier Doug Ford and Finance Minister Peter Breathon-Falvey for committing $48 million in this budget for wraparound services for 2,400 new residents. What else you got? Mayor Bonnie Cromby from the City of Mississauga, chair of OBCM. Ontario Big City mayors have been calling on the province to address the mental health addictions and homelessness crisis we are experiencing in our communities. And today's announcement for over a half a billion dollars for mental health and addictions and an additional 202 million per year for the next three years in homelessness prevention will have a big impact in the ability of our cities to provide residents with the support and the resources they need. That's who we're listening to. That's who we're listening to. Please take their seats. House will come to order. Start the clock. The next question, the member for Waterloo. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Budgets should reflect the needs of the people that were elected to serve. During budget consultations, we heard from Ontarians who presented solutions to the major issues facing Ontarians who are facing record evictions, barriers and access to family doctors, or even access to an open emergency room in this province. People in Ontario are hurting. But there was no sense of urgency in budget 2023. In fact, one editorial said, and I quote, if this budget were a Christmas present, it would be a three pack of white socks, not entirely useless, but an exercise in going through the motions. Why didn't this government listen to the people of this province because they presented solutions to our health care crisis, to a housing crisis, and yes, to a climate change crisis. Mr. Speaker, thank you for the question. I too want to congratulate the member from Hamilton Centre and welcome her to the house. Mr. Speaker, you know, my great parliamentary assistance from Oakville and Bruce Gray, Owen Sound. Chris crossed the province to listen to people I too. We went around the province and we heard from the people of Ontario. And you know what they said? They said, yeah, times are tough, price of everything's going up. Thank you for acting in the budget of 2022. And by the way, Mr. Speaker, what did the opposition do on that budget? They voted. No. Well, then we went to the fall economic statement where we continued the gas tax cut, increasing the minimum wage, lower taxes for the lowest income workers in this province, ODSP gains, you know, I could go on. Mr. Speaker, which way did the opposition vote? Yes or no? No. So you have an opportunity now. Budget 2023 which continues a historic investment in the people of Ontario to build a strong Ontario. Which way are you going to vote? Yes or no? That's your question. Budgets are about choices, Mr. Speaker, and we are seeing record evictions up 22%. Yet this government refuses, refuses to provide rent control. Our NAO has said budget 2023 won't address the health care staffing shortage. Wages are still capped at 1%. You cannot recruit new nurses into a broken system. Municipalities were promised to be made whole by the minister. After bill 23 removed the development charges and compromises city's abilities to actually produce housing in the province of Ontario. In fact, budget 23 contains $124 million cut. Education, school boards are facing millions in shortfalls with depleted reserves. And OSSEF notes that the entire budget change for the education sector comes from the federal childcare money, which leads to a general question about transparency in the budgeting of this government. But will you be amenable? Will this government be amenable to fixing this budget because we are focused on solutions on this side of the house? Mr. Finance. Mr. Speaker, where to begin? First off, I'd like to just highlight that the education budget went up by another $2.3 billion in this budget. Mr. Speaker, as we listen right across Ontario, you know what they ask for? They ask for health care of this budget, which gets $4 billion from the federal government over the next three years, which is true. We'll give you that. Do you know how much we're investing in the people of Ontario in health care? $15 billion over the next three years. This government. And do you know what that $15 billion does? It goes to pay nurses. It goes to pay personal support workers, physicians, therapists. You name it. We are supporting our health care workers. In fact, we put in an additional $80 million over three years to expand our nursing education for 1,000 registered nurses, 500 registered practical nurses, and 150 nurse practitioner seats. Please join us and vote for the budget that support our health care workers. Next question, the member for Whitkey. Thank you, Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Finance. To begin, congratulations to the minister on the introduction of the budget. That lays out our government's plan to build a strong Ontario economy. Under the leadership of Premier Ford and this minister, the province is on a steady path to meet any challenge that comes our way. However, Ontarians know that we're not immune from the effects of global economic uncertainty, high interest rates and inflation. Speaker, all these factors can adversely impact the ability of manufacturers to grow, innovate, and become more competitive while creating new jobs. Question. Speaker, can the minister please explain what steps our government is taking to create the right conditions for expansion in Ontario's manufacturing sector? Minister of Finance. Well, first off, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the very hardworking and gentlemen from Whitkey. Mr. Speaker, you know, these are uncertain times. No question. And we are working hard to build a more certain future for future generations by focusing on the economy and infrastructure and our workers in this province. And, you know, last week I talked about a road trip that we took around the province. And, you know, we made multiple stops around the province. And, you know, one of the stops that we should have made was in Brampton. Well, you know what is happening in Brampton, Mr. Speaker? We are supporting auto-manufacturing in Brampton, which had left, which was leaving the province, 300,000 jobs, manufacturing jobs, leaving the province over the last decade and a half. Guess what, Mr. Speaker? They're coming back. They're coming back to Brampton, to Oslo, to Oakville, to Windsor, right across this province. This supplementary question. Thank you, Speaker, and thank you to the minister for that great response. It's encouraging to know that our government is continuing to support local communities by attracting key investments that project jobs. The clear, decisive and targeted investments announced by our government will help contribute to the creation and retention of thousands of good-pay jobs. In contrast to the previous local government with its reckless policies and complete disregard for the manufacturing sector, our government is leading with a balanced and sound approach that will benefit individuals, families, and our communities. Speaker, can the minister please elaborate on how the proposed Ontario-made manufacturing investment tax credit will improve our province's competitive edge? Great question. Minister of Finance. Well, Mr. Speaker, just as was mentioned earlier, the mayor of Windsor is here today, and part of that road trip. Champion. Yeah, he's a champion. He's a good guy, too. You know, we did that road trip and we stopped in Windsor, because you know what? We're bringing back good jobs through Stalantis, building a battery manufacturing plant in that. We're building a new hospital there, Mr. Speaker. We're building roads. But here's the thing. Here's the thing. The businesses that are risking their capital will benefit with the Ontario-made manufacturing investment tax credit. This will help literally hundreds and thousands of businesses that support the supply chain, secondary and third tertiary manufacturers who are investing their own capital to create jobs, to create new opportunities for families. Response. And that's why we're investing in this tax credit of past. It will help cities like Windsor. It will help the workers in Windsor, and it will help Ontario prosper. Question. Remember for Thunder Bay, Superior North. Thank you, Speaker. Preventative care keeps older Ontarians out of hospitals and emergency rooms. Currently, seniors can access an eye exam every 12 months, but under this government's new rules, they will have to wait 18 months to get an exam covered by OHIP. This is a move to push seniors into using privatised services that many seniors cannot afford, nor should they have to. To the Premier, why is this government jeopardising seniors' health by reducing access to OHIP-covered eye care? Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. Thank you, Speaker. You know, I am incredibly proud of the work that our team was able to do, ratifying an agreement with the Ontario Association for optometrists in the first time since 2011. 80% of Ontario optometrists voted in support of this deal. Why? Why? Because they understood clinically and we worked very closely with the Ontario Association of Optometrists, and I really have to thank them for their commitment to getting this deal done. They worked very closely to ensure that we were looking at all of the services, where they needed to be expanded, which of course we have expanded in appropriate areas like access to glaucoma, and also saying where are those investments and where do those pieces need to be? Is it a healthy 65-year-old who has no eye issues, or is it that young patient who has diabetes, that senior who has glaucoma? Thank you very much. And the supplementary question, the member for Nicodals. Thank you, Speaker. I think we all know that good vision has a huge impact on our quality of life. The move that has been done by this Minister leads me to ask what evidence, what body of evidence was used, does the Minister have to support her decision to reduce access to eye care for vulnerable seniors with deteriorating vision? What is the body of evidence that support the move that this Government is doing? And the Minister of Health. The body of evidence is the Ontario Association of Optometrists who are the experts in this field ratifying this agreement by 98%. Well, the new fact will actually increase care for people with chronic diseases, such as glaucoma and ocular complications due to diabetes. Why, Speaker? Because Ontario Optometrists understand that that is where the focus needs to be, where people who have active and engaged issues of eye care that is immediate and there for them. This agreement does this and again, I am very proud of the work that our team has done settling this. Thank you. The next question, the member for Cambridge. Thank you, Mr Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. The film production industry has been a major success story in Cambridge and we welcome the tremendous economic injection into our local economy from domestic and foreign film productions. Nearly $900,000 was brought in just last year. Wow. One production that has been filming here since its first season is the Handmaid's Tale, which became Cambridge's unofficial claim to fame on the small screen. While viewers greatly enjoy this show as it wraps up its final season, local businesses in my community greatly benefited from the production and the work completed here. Mr Speaker, can the Minister please explain how our government is supporting the film industry in Ontario, especially in communities like mine with new film and cinema production opportunities? Great question. Mr Speaker, you bet I can. And that's a great question and I also appreciate the member recognizing what happens within his community when the film and television industry continues to thrive. Not for a visit, but to do their work, stay for a while, and the ripple effect is positive for everybody. So thank you for noticing. The film and television production industries continues to thrive. And some people might say to me as they have before, thrive. How could they have thrived? Well, let me tell you. In 2022, it was the best year ever. Hard to believe, and it has wonderful people driving the bus. Highest productions ever. Ever. I don't like to say numbers, but I will say it's over $3 billion. Back in the economy, 46,000 jobs. This is an industry, Mr Speaker, that's moving forward aggressively. Thank you very much. And the supplementary question. Thank you to the Minister for that response. The government is committed to making these target investments in Ontario's growing film and television sector. But is there more that can be done to solidify Ontario's position as a first-rate centre for film and television production? Besides enjoying annual growth of this industry and the benefits to our economy, the people of Ontario expect our government to ensure we have a permanent foundation for homegrown film and television industries. Speaker, can the Minister please elaborate on the outlook for the film and television industry in Ontario? Thank you. Mr. Tourism, culture and sport. Again, Mr Speaker, thank you for the question. Well, we're not as reliant on international productions as we used to be. It was up domestic film and television production was up 25% last year. Confidence in Ontario is 25% is a big deal. Confidence isn't just within Ontario, it's from outside of Ontario as well. There is a very large, massive production studio being built, 1.2 million square feet in Markham, Ontario. It's being done by a gentleman who grew up on Canada, who's a star in the film industry, Ryan Reynolds. His company is building this. So there's more than just a few people, Mr Speaker, that has confidence in Ontario and what they're doing. On top of which, response, you betcha, driving jobs, driving revenue, good, pain, careers for people down the road in this industry. Great opportunity for young people, Mr Speaker. Thank you. The next question, remember for Ottawa West in the PM. Thank you, Speaker. Our schools are facing significant cuts to the supports our children need next year. Yet this government's new budget continues to massively underspend on education. If the government had just kept up with inflation since 2018, they'd be spending $2.5 billion more on education. And that doesn't even take into account the additional supports our kids need because of the pandemic. Will the government finally invest in our children, reimburse school boards for their COVID expenses and provide the stable and adequate funding our children need? Good question. Minister of Education. Thank you, Speaker. Thank the member opposite for the question. I am very proud that the budget increases funding in the publicly educated school system by $2.3 billion of which $1.3 billion specifically in baseline education funding is up from the year prior, Mr Speaker. This year, compared to last year, it's up $671 million. Every single year we've increased funding. In fact, under Premier's leadership, funding is up compared to the former Liberals by 27% of the Ministry of Education. That is an investment in children. We've hired 8,000 more staff. We have 200 more principals. We have another 800 more teachers, Mr Speaker. We just announced a $15 billion investment to build new schools after the systematic closure of schools on the former Liberals. We're going to continue to invest and ensure these kids get back on track. Thank you. The only thing historic about this government's education funding, Speaker, is their inability to get the funding out the door. Under this government, kids with accessibility needs are already not getting the support they need. And now the government is forcing thousands of kids with autism into school with no transition plan and no additional resources for schools which means already inadequate supports are going to have to be stretched even further. How are we going to keep these kids safe? How are we going to help them succeed? Where is the plan? And where are the resources to make sure that kids can thrive in our schools? Minister of Education I thank the member opposite for the question. We, of course, are very committed to all children, including those with special education needs with exceptionalities within our schools. It's why in the funding announced last year for this school year, we increased the special education budget by $92 million in addition to the hiring of 7,000 education workers which include EAs for the consequential life of those kids. Mr. Speaker, the special education budget this year is up to $3.2 billion. That is the highest level it has ever been in our province's history. And I assured the member opposite for children with intellectual and developmental disability. We are working together across the ministry to ensure they have the supports, the resource and the staff in place to succeed in our schools. The next question is from the Beaches East York. Thank you Mr. Speaker. A glorious morning everyone and welcome to the new member from Hamilton Centre. Housing is an issue that is top of mind for most Ontarians. For many, owning a home is completely out of reach. And finding a home to rent is also a struggle. There are simply not enough homes to go around and not enough that are affordable. Enter the government with their impressive, albeit lofty 1.5 million homes in the next 10 years. Last week we received the 2023 Ontario budget. The government projects over 80,000 housing starts a year for the next three years. This is a substantial decrease from the forecast in last year's budget. And if we continue this way, we'll need to build almost 200,000 homes a year thereafter. This will be next to impossible Mr. Speaker. Can the Premier explain to Ontarians how the government plans on achieving a 1.5 homes in 10 years based on the numbers we saw in the budget last week and considering we are already behind schedule? Minister Ms. Volfaires in Housing. Thanks, Speaker. I want to thank the member for Beaches East York for her question. As I said earlier in the House, over the last two years we've seen housing starts in Ontario. The likes that we have not seen in over 30 years. In fact, on the rental side, on the rental piece, the highest amount of starts in Ontario's history last year. We need everyone, all three levels of government to work together. I want to specifically talk about the member for Beaches East York because she repeatedly, as a member of Toronto City Council, voted to exempt development charges on affordable housing supporting the City of Toronto's Open Door and Affordable Housing Program. So I wanted to take the same principles from when she was at Toronto City Council and apply it to support our measures in more homes than you last because that's exactly what we need to do. We need to incent non-profit housing. We need to incent more rental opportunities. Thank you very much. Let's have a question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And to the member opposite, I am darn proud of my track record of housing at Toronto City Council. People want to live in existing communities in urban centres and vibrant neighbourhoods with access to infrastructure that need to enjoy a fruitful life. Schools, public transit, parks, hospitals, shops. We should focus on creative solutions building up, not building out, not creating more sprawl. It can and should be done. They don't have to be built in the green belt. They don't have to be built on flood plains and wetlands. They don't have to be built in areas where you need to access everything by car. Mr. Speaker, my question is will the government be focusing on building in existing communities? And if so, what are some of the solutions that they are exploring and how will they do so quickly, efficiently and sustainably? Mr. Speaker, I think one of the best initiatives the government's put forward was on Thursday in Minister Beth and Paul V's budget where we provided an additional $202 million to Ontario's 444 municipalities including the City of Toronto. I read Deputy Mayor McKelvie's glowing support for the budget and the initiatives we put in under the Homelessness Prevention Program and also staff around services for supportive housing that's in the budget for mental health and addictions. I also, because I know that she's a big advocate for housing, I'm glad that she has indicated she'll continue to support our government's policies on non-profit, but the Ontario Alliance to End Homelessness is pleased to see this significant investment in homelessness services from the Government of Ontario. This is a much needed increase in funding to help address homelessness crisis affecting municipalities throughout the province. Again, to the member I hope she continues to support our budget and support those initiatives to help prevent. The next question, the member for Brampton North. Thank you, Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Red Tape Production. Red Tape gets in the way of businesses and is a waste of time, energy and money. Unnecessary and outdated regulations implemented by the previous Government, backed by the NDP, led to frustrations, delays and compromise Ontario's competitive economic advantage over other jurisdictions. Under the leadership of the Premier and this Minister, our government is following through on our promise to tackle the inconvenience and hardship of pointless fees, complicated paperwork and duplicative processes. While significant success has been achieved to make life easier through the less red tape, stronger Ontario Act, more work needs to be done. Mr. Minister, please explain what positive impacts the people of our province can expect to see as a result of this legislation. Minister, we take production. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank the hardworking member for Brampton North for the important question. Mr. Speaker, we know under the previous Liberal Government supported by the NDP, the province was drowning under red tape. Of course, we know businesses were fleeing our province and families were having hard time making ends meet, Mr. Speaker. Since 2018, reducing red tape has been one of the top priority for this government and we've been working hard. We've introduced nine different bills to help Ontarians when it comes to unnecessary red tape burden, Mr. Speaker. What all of that means, Mr. Speaker? It means saving businesses and individual over half a billion dollars, Mr. Speaker, in annual cost. Of course, with our most recent Bill, Bill 46, less red tape, stronger Ontario Act, again includes number of meaningful, impactful legislative regulatory changes to boost our economic growth and modernize our government process and we will continue that hard work, Mr. Speaker. And this supplementary question. Thank you, Speaker, and thank you to the minister for that response. We know the Liberals and the NDP will not duplicate or a tax they didn't want to double. The people of this province expect our government to find solutions that drive our economy forward, strengthen the resiliency of our local supply chains and make government programs and services accessible and easy to understand. People and businesses in my riding and right across the province are best placed to help our government identify and eliminate outdated regulations that ensure our continued economic success. Their knowledge and expertise will pinpoint unnecessary rules that do not serve a purpose and those that could be improved. Speaker, can the minister please explain how our government will engage with Ontarians to identify how best to remove regulatory barriers? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank my colleague for that question again. One of my priorities as a minister of red tape reduction and I know our government and the leadership of our premier Mr. Speaker is to hear from as many as possible when it comes to as many businesses and individuals as possible Mr. Speaker and to hear their first-hand experience and learn from that Mr. Speaker. And last week I had an opportunity to meet with another consultation group from the retail council sector Mr. Speaker which is very productive and I can tell you that their insight and the recommendations are what helps inform our red tape and I am proud to say that my team and I already working on our next red tape bill Mr. Speaker we will continue to engage with all Ontarians to generate new ideas on how we can continue to remove unnecessary red tape and continue to build on the tremendous success we had so far. Mr. Speaker the people of this province deserve nothing less. The next question. The member for Toronto has a question. Thank you Mr. Speaker. In 2019 Nicole's landlord filed for personal use eviction she later learned that this was misrepresentation. Today Nicole still waiting for an LTB hearing after moving into a new apartment that cost her now twice as much. LTB's own data shows that landlords are being fast tracked for hearings over tenants. Can the premier explain why he is making tenants wait so long the attorney general? Thank you to the member opposite for the question this really starts with the Liberals letting a system crumble and the NDP standing by while it happens. Mr. Speaker as we have brought forward significant resources a record number of adjudicators during COVID protected tenants by putting a pause on evictions but when we have brought forward investments for recruitment the NDP voted against it and when we brought forward investments for back off the support in the millions of dollars the NDP voted against it Mr. Speaker and when we brought forward almost 14 million dollars Mr. Speaker to help with accelerating the hearings and the systems the NDP voted against it Mr. Speaker. Now we have made significant investments in the back end of the system Mr. Speaker because the Liberals had let it crumble I would be pleased to talk about those for tenants. The supplementary question. Thank you Mr. Speaker. Inadequate funding and flawed budgets isn't anything to brag about after waiting three years my St. James Town constituents received an LTP ruling that ordered them to repay their landlords hundreds of thousands of dollars reversing a prior rent reduction if they can't pay and repay in 16 days these new rental arrears may lead to restrictions. They had to wait over three years for a hearing they just got their ruling now they have 16 days to pay why is it agreeable to this premier that the tenants have to wait so long for access to justice The Attorney General Thank you Mr. Speaker and it's worth noting that the independent tribunal does strike a balance between protecting the landlords and the tenants rights and sets its own docket accordingly Mr. Speaker but instead of the performative questions we're actually taking action and we're getting the job done we've invested $28 million in a new system it's a huge improvement which we learned about and adopted from the NDP in British Columbia it's a phenomenal system it came online at Christmas fully online at Christmas and we have 60,000 individuals that have used it so far to navigate the system I'm very proud of the work that we're doing we have more work to do I look forward to the NDP supporting us at some point for something to help move us forward The next question is for Cambridge This time my question is for the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade For years a previous Liberal government set hundreds of thousands of manufacturing jobs out of the province in the fighting of Cambridge but they were also responsible for sending Droves IT jobs south of the border leaving Ontario unprepared for the industries and jobs of the future that's why we have taken action to rebuild the province's advanced manufacturing IT sector jobs all while growing the economy and creating these great jobs Speaker in a competitive sector that employs workers will the Minister please explain how our government is tracking new investments and ensuring Ontario is open for business Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation Speaker just this morning we welcomed a $40 million investment from ViewReal this is a made in Ontario startup in the Waterloo Region ViewReal has become a leader in the development and manufacturing of micro LED displays and sensors they're used in devices in aerospace automotive and medtech this investment with a $2 million support from the province will boost local manufacturing and strengthen clean tech innovation while creating 75 new good paying jobs in the process Speaker this is how we're bringing new life to local manufacturing and this is how we're building Ontario Supplementary question Thank you Minister for your answer it's great to hear the government is focusing on provinces advanced manufacturing IT sectors and attracting significant investment to the project and the province including home growing startups it's clear that these types of investments are only possible because Ontario has created the right conditions for companies to grow and thrive Speaker with today's announcement from ViewReal can the Minister please elaborate on what conditions these are and explain why companies are choosing my writing of Cambridge and Ontario Minister of Economic Development Speaker from lowering the cost of doing business by $8 billion annually to putting Ontario on the map as the second largest tech cluster in North America with the Waterloo region accounting for a significant portion from that cluster we're doing everything it takes to make Ontario the most competitive place to invest and grow we have 26,000 tech companies over 400,000 tech employees 65,000 STEM grads every year all part of a world class innovation ecosystem that's our competitive edge that's the proof that we're creating the conditions for companies like ViewReal to succeed and that's why companies continue to land here in Ontario, thank you next question Member for Sudbury Thank you Speaker, my question is for the Premier Speaker, ferry workers in Kingston are facing a factor in staffing crisis instead of raising these wages at competitive levels the Ministry has decided to pay an out-of-province temporary staffing agency two to three times more than what these unionized MTO ferry workers earn some of the workers are in the public gallery speaker today and their question is to the Premier will the concerned government finally stop paying scab labour to do their jobs will they respect their collective agreement and repeal bill 124 so that workers can get back to work on Mr. Transportation Mr. Speaker and I thank the member opposite for the question ferries are an integral part of Ontario's transportation network and I know that communities across the province rely on this essential mode of transportation for them to get to and from their homes and for first responders as well Mr. Speaker, Ontario is facing a historic shortage of workers that impact sectors including an industry-wide shortage of licensed seafarers that has affected ferry operations in the province Mr. Speaker, in our budget we announced funding for 20 new staff for our ferries and in response to this industry-wide shortage of seafarers Mr. Speaker, my ministry is working with the Ministry of Colleges and Universities so that we can offer more training programs to get more workers in the industry Mr. Speaker this is not just a problem that is facing Ontario it is a problem across the country and that's why at my most recent federal provincial territorial ministers meeting I had the opportunity to discuss this with my colleagues from across the country so that we can make sure that we're addressing it so that we can get ferries operating on a consistent basis, thank you Mr. Speaker, the minister has money to pay people to cross picket lines but not to pay the workers who do that work Mr. Speaker, the ferry passengers have experienced cancellations in delays of up to 12 hours on this vital transportation route and worse still the understaffing situation is a health and safety issue. There was a dangerous incident on the Wolf Island ferry just last month these workers deserve to have safe working conditions and the passengers deserve to feel secure knowing that they are well trained experienced staff to ensure they're safe during their commutes my question Mr. Speaker will the conserved government stop working and invest in permanent MTO ferry workers who keep our ferries safe and on time? Good question. Mr. Speaker, let me be clear our government will never compromise when it comes to the safety of our traveling public Mr. Speaker, as per Transport Canada regulations all ferries must be staffed with qualified and properly trained workers and our goal is to make sure that all ferries are operational as soon as possible and that's why we're working so diligently towards it. Mr. Speaker we have new ferries coming on board the new Wolf Islander 4 and the Amherst Islander 2 ferries will be in service as soon as possible and as I said our government is committed to working across the country with our partners but also within government with the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to make sure that we have training programs in place so that we don't have to wait for the next question. The member for Thunder Bay Atacocan. Thank you Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Colleges and Universities. Many veterinary practices across Ontario are struggling to meet the growing demand for animal health care services particularly in rural, remote and indigenous communities across the north. As MPP for the great writing of Thunder Bay Atacocan I have consistently advocated for veterinary practices to help address this pressing need throughout our province. Mr. Speaker can the Minister please explain when a veterinary medicine program will be implemented in Thunder Bay. Mr. Speaker and the member from Thunder Bay Atacocan has been relentless in his advocacy for this initiative. He has been working closely with the community to help address this issue. Mr. Speaker I am always excited to stand up and talk about the important work that my ministry is doing to address the most pressing needs and support economic growth across this province. Budget 2023 has a ton of great investments for the post secondary sector such as 100 new undergraduate medical seats and funding to support their clinical education. But our university speaker they don't just educate the human doctor of the future. We also train the amazing pet and farm animal doctors our province desperately needs. I am thrilled to say that as part of budget 2023 our government announced funding for a new and long awaited doctor of veterinary medicine program collaboration between Lakehead University and the University of Guelph. This joint veterinary program which will focus on an integration of human, animal and environmental health services shortage of veterinarians in the province by creating an additional 80 new spots for students. And the supplementary. Thank you speaker and thank you minister that is indeed great news. I am thankful that our government recognizes the agri-food opportunity and economy of the north and highlighted in the commitment made in our budget last week. I want to thank the ministers of colleges and universities for the expansion of vet services in the north particularly large animal vet services. This is being described by my community industry leaders as a game changer. We know that across the north vet services are spread thin while responding to vast geographical areas. A significant portion of veterinarians operate practices which are small businesses and have their own economic impacts. We are interested to know how this new veterinary medicine program will work to make a real difference in the post secondary sector. Can the minister please elaborate on this new program along with the information about the overall benefits provided for northern Ontario? Thank you over the coming years a doctor of veterinary medicine program will begin training cohorts of the next generation of veterinary medicine students to this collaboration helping more students get the training and education they need for rewarding careers while supporting the needs of rural and northern communities. Veterinary medicine contributes well over a billion dollars per year to Ontario's economy and supports over 7,000 jobs. That's right speaker. 7,000 jobs. Through the addition of this program we will support the local economy in the communities across Ontario. This also gives students greater choice in where to study, helps develop a skilled workforce and will support the health of animals everywhere. Speaker, Ontario benefits when Ontario's post secondary institutions give students the skills they need to enter the workforce ready to take on the jobs of today and tomorrow and as always through hard work and a focused approach we get it done for the people of Ontario. The next question. Question for the premier. Another inspection in a for-profit long-term care home has exposed terrible living conditions for our seniors. This time at Blackadar continuing care in my writing managed by extended care. We heard from the daughter of a resident who was distraught with the undignified conditions her mother is living in including numerous and extended care. We have seen over 400 seniors died in long-term care during COVID and a vast majority of these deaths were in for-profit care. Have you learned nothing from this tragedy? Why is this government giving the same for-profit operators multi-decade licenses instead of correcting the substandard care issues through enforcement? Mr. Long-term Care. The next question that was done at the home itself has been requested in order to fix the generator problem by June 30 or face administrative monetary penalties. Speaker, as you know, of course the member opposite did vote against the increase in inspectors. We have the highest inspector-to-home ratio in North America now, something that, of course, they voted against. The member opposite, of course, voted against the new homes that are coming to her riding. The member also voted against the additional 27,000 health care workers for long-term care and the over $60 million worth of funding for the members riding to increase the level of care. And, of course, the minister of colleges and universities is helping us attain that 27,000 additional health care workers speaker. Look, I'm glad to hear that from you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And back to the premier. The problems that Black Adder is continuing care center, which is managed by extended care are consistent. It's an obviously pattern. The recent power outage wasn't an isolated incident. It happened at this home three times in two years. Three days after this news report from the Globe and Mail, Alton Spectator reported that internal documents showed, listen to this, that long-term care home had dirt, mold and leaks in their home. Extended care saying not my fault, not my responsibility is unacceptable. Long-term care operators need to be held accountable. Speaker, through you, when will the premier and his ministers stop protecting their corporate, profit-driven, long-term care bodies, protect seniors living in long-term care homes where 5,400 of our moms, our dads, our aunts, uncles, brothers, and sisters have died in long-term care. Mr. Long-term Care. As I just said, Mr. Speaker, we have, of course, hired a double the amount of inspections that are done in our long-term care homes. We have the highest inspected-to-home ratio in North America. That member voted against that investment. He has the over $61 million worth of staffing improvement in his riding. That's a nation North American in there. Four hours of care in our long-term care homes, Mr. Speaker. This is the exact same member who last week suggested that those health care workers working in for-profit long-term care homes cared less about the seniors that they were caring for, Mr. Speaker. And as a result, Mr. Speaker, this order here across the aisle suggests that's why he can't vote for all of the initiatives that we're doing to improve care across the province of Ontario. Not something that they did when they held the balance of power. In fact, they completely ignored long-term care. Here's the good news, Mr. Speaker. Because of the investments in the budget, we're continuing to improve long-term care. Order. Order. Member for Lanark Frontenac Kingston. Thank you, Speaker. Mr. Speaker. It's always an education to hear from this minister. And I appreciate his environmental knowledge and expertise. Under the previous Liberal government supported by the NDP, the people of Ontario heard lots of talk and promises about protecting ecologically sensitive lands. In contrast, our government has demonstrated our commitment to environmental conservation by making significant investments and getting back into the environment. It's a much more important time than the present to continue to invest in initiatives that will conserve, restore, and manage natural resources, including forests, wetlands, and grasslands. Speaker, can the minister please explain how our government is preserving Ontario's natural environmental heritage? Mr. Dean Byron. Thank you, Speaker. Thank you to the member from Lanark Frontenac and the members right, Speaker, you'll hear a lot from members opposite. They'll oppose a couple trees that would take 20,000 cars off the road with one of the largest, the largest public transit expansion in Canada's history that this government under this premier is making. They'll be against building more homes, Speaker, but they have no solutions. Speaker, that's why I'm pleased to say that thanks to this premier in the budget, we're investing more than 14 million more in the Greenlands Conservation Partnership Program. This speaker is a solution to protecting more in the province of Ontario and represents a 40% increase in funding which will be used to secure ecologically important land and conserve Ontario's natural beauty. Speaker, you can't spell conservative without the word conserve and I'm pleased to stand here today to tell you that we're getting it done for the people of Ontario. Supplementary. Thank you, Speaker, and thank you to the minister for that response. It is important for the people of Ontario to know that our government is committed in both words and actions to expanding protection for Ontario's lands and waters for the good of both people and nature. Our natural areas support our local communities and provide habitat communities. Therefore, continued investment and support by our government is critically important that people of Ontario expect that our government will continue to protect Ontario's rich biodiversity. Speaker, can the minister please confirm how these investments will help build Ontario for all of us. Minister of the environment. Speaker, yes I can. Speaker, I heard a member opposite say Cringy and it's that member who said that's presided over sewage spills in her own community and proposed no solutions to that but this government is getting it done. We hear a lot about pointing fingers at problems with no solutions from the members opposite. Well solution to conserve more land is to invest in the Greenlands Conservation Partnership Program. It's protected over 400,000 acres of land and is the single largest provincial fund in this province's history to support private land security. Speaker, that's the equivalent of over 300,000 football fields of protection under this Premier, this government that's real action that's real result. Mr. Speaker, the previous government talked a lot about it but we never saw these sorts of funds. These envelopes to conserve and protect more. It's under the leadership of this Premier, this government that they're going to work with. Thank you very much. That concludes our question period for this morning.