 Therefore, it is now time for Question Period. The member from the National Uniprecine Pembook. My question is for the Deputy Premier. The Liberals hired David Hurley and the Gandalf Group to conduct polling on electricity prices. And Mr. Speaker, you know what the polling told them? It told them that 94% of Ontario families wanted hydro-relief. Why did the government need polling? Exactly. No kidding. They told them why did they need polling to tell them what everybody else already knew? They could have walked into any coffee shop in this province, asked the same question, and got that answer. They could have knocked on doors in their writings, and the answer would have been the same. But alas, this government had to conduct polling to tell them what the people of Ontario that they wanted relief on the hydro bills. Mr. Speaker, can the Deputy Premier tell us just when and how you became so out of touch with the people of Ontario? Well, thank you, Speaker, and thank you for the question from the member opposite, Speaker. I think it's important that we look at what we have done when it comes to energy over the past many years. We took a dirty, unreliable electricity system, and we have made significant investments to make our electricity clean, Speaker. It's an electricity system we can count on. When we flick the switch, the lights come on. We couldn't say that when these guys weren't charged, Speaker. We do recognize, though, that the costs of electricity are really troubling for many families, and that's why we've taken very clear action to reduce the costs for people. As we have made the investments cleaner air, but we are focusing on reducing the costs, one item, and I'll be happy to go further, Speaker. Thank you. Supplementary. She's just confirming that they're out of touch. Not only did this government need to conduct polling to tell them what almost everyone on Ontario was telling them that they believe they pay too much for electricity, but the Liberals chose to hire their campaign manager to conduct a poll with taxpayers' money. Three million dollars. There doesn't seem to be any money for real hydro-relief, but there seems to always be money to feed Liberal friends. Speaker, just how much money did the Liberals pay their campaign manager, David Hurley, to tell them the obvious that people in Ontario are paying too much for electricity? Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Speaker, we are reducing bills by 8%. We're cutting delivery charges to the most rural customers by 20%. Our new agreement with Quebec will reduce electricity system costs by almost $70 million from previous forecasts. We've introduced the Ontario Electricity Support Program, the Rural and Remote Rate Protection Program. The regulated price plan rates will not increase for Ontario's residential farms and small business customers. Speaker, we have taken a number of steps because we recognize the burden of electricity prices on the people of Ontario. I have to say I was really heartened when I saw the Toronto Vital Science Report earlier this year that said hospitalizations due to dirty air are down 41%. Wow. Actions we have taken to shut down coal-fired plants. Thank you. I didn't hear an answer about the cost. It's three million. I get phone calls and emails every day like my colleagues from families and seniors looking for hydro-relief. Minister of Children and Youth Services come to order. And when the question is being put, I would appreciate the other comments not to happen on the same side. Finish, please. At every event I attend, someone tells me, more than someone, lots of people tell me they cannot afford their hydro bill. I can't go into a coffee shop without a constituent telling me about the pain that Ontario's electricity policy is causing them. But this government needed to spend thousands upon thousands of dollars to hear the obvious. Do Liberal members not speak to their constituents? Do they ignore phone calls? Do they not read their emails? Why did it take taxpayer-funded polling from the Liberal campaign manager for this government to recognize the mess they've created in this province? And what everybody else already knows that electricity prices are too high. How could they have kept their heads in the sand this long? Speaker, as I said earlier, we have taken concrete, real steps to reduce energy costs. But, Speaker, we stand by the decision that we made to shut down the coal-fired plants. Coal is the cheapest energy speaker, but we actually put a value on the health of the people of this province. Remember from Nipissing, come to order. The hospitalizations due to dirty air have declined by 41 percent. When we see premature deaths reduced by 23 percent because of the decision we made to have clean energy in this province, we remain committed that this was the right decision and remains the right decision. We are opposed to coal-fired plants, Speaker. I'm not sure where the opposition stands on that, but our decision to shut down the coal-fired plants was absolutely not my approach. No question. Member from Renford, Nipissing, Pembroke. Back to the Deputy Premier. My last question wasn't about coal. It was about the coal. Speaker, my question back to the Deputy. Every day I hear another hydro-horror story. Often it's a story of a business closing because they can no longer afford to pay their electricity bills. Speaker, I asked the Deputy Premier how long will she allow businesses to close in this province to continue to close because of the electricity crisis that your party has created for business in this province? Thank you. Minister of Economic Development and Growth. Minister of Economic Development and Growth. For the Member to suggest, even in this legislature, a partisan body, we all know, for the Member to suggest that Ontario's economy is not going well, that Ontario's economy is not growing, that businesses across Ontario are not growing, that rather they're shrinking, either suggest that the Member is completely misinformed, Mr. Speaker, and is not paying attention to what's happening in the economy, or Mr. Speaker, he's just trying to score political points in this legislature. Just spinning. Mr. Speaker, the fact is, we're up 642,000 net jobs in this province, Mr. Speaker, since the recession. That's a good thing. The fact is, Mr. Speaker, and we'll find out today, our Finance Minister will talk about projected growth today, but BMO suggests that we're going at 2.6% this year for growth in our economy. That's faster than every G7 nation, Mr. Speaker. So the Member on this particular question, Mr. Speaker, I would suggest, is sorely missing. The Member from Hamilton East, only three come to order, supplementary. Mr. Speaker, I think Lewis Carroll writes the answers for the Minister. Despite the spin this government offers, it is clear they aren't doing enough to keep business operating in Ontario. Just over a week ago, it was announced that Cambridge Tower was shutting its doors. The fact is closing, despite the fact that the members from Cambridge and Kitchener Centre went to the factory and told everyone how great everything was in this province and how great the government was and how they are listening to the people. I'll read you a quote from the Cambridge Times. The Member from Cambridge said, we are hearing that everyday Ontarians, and I quote, we are hearing that everyday Ontarians can certainly use help with lower costs of electricity. And that she believes this week's energy rebates and saving announcements will show the government is listening to concerns. Speaker is listening to the concerns of the 160 people who are about to lose their jobs because of high electricity rates. Is that enough? Listening to the concerns? Or is it time that this government took real action? Very familiar with this particular company, Cambridge Tower. It's a company that we've partnered with in the past. It's a company that is an excellent company, Mr. Speaker. Unfortunately, Cambridge Tower did not get a contract, a long-standing contract they've had in the past. And that's what's created their challenges, Mr. Speaker. We hope that they will emerge from their current position and continue to be able to provide good product and provide those jobs, Mr. Speaker. The sad part about Cambridge Tower, Mr. Speaker, is they were this close to be able to benefit from one of our important changes we've made to our energy policy, our ICI program, where they would have been one of the 1,000 companies that would have seen up to a third of their energy costs reduced. So we hope this company makes it through this challenging time, Mr. Speaker, and we hope they get... Thank you. The member from Bruce Gray, Owen Sound, come to order. Final supplementary. Back to the Deputy Premier or the Minister. I'll read you another quote from Cambridge's Child Chief Executive Officer. He said, the company chose to remain in Canada, but at a price. And I quote, we decided to stay here, but there's a penalty for staying here. Higher costs. Well, now it appears that those higher costs were just too high. And this Liberal government has cost over 160 people their jobs. Speaker, will the Premier's office send the members from Cambridge and Kitchener back for another photo op with the 160 workers as they're walked out the door when Cambridge Tower closed its doors? Or will that be a photo op that they just won't have time to make? Thank you. Speaker, rather than talk down Ontario's economy and Canada's economy, the member ought to be, Mr. Speaker, be dealing with the facts. The fact is, Mr. Speaker, we've led North America in attracting foreign direct investment for two out of the last three years. The fact is we've gotten rid of the capital tax that's saving our companies hundreds of millions of dollars. The fact is, Mr. Speaker, we've also brought in the HST, which is prying hundreds of millions of dollars of advantages to companies like Cambridge Towels. The fact is we've put in place the lowest effective corporate tax rate in all of North America, Mr. Speaker. Something that's helping us to attract those investments. This is a competitive economy. It continues to be competitive. We still have work to do. We're going to work in partnership with our business community to become even more competitive, continue to work more jobs, to continue to innovate, and continue to lead North America in growth, Mr. Speaker. That's where we need to be. That's where we plan to be. Good question. The Leader of the Third Party. Thank you, Speaker. Speaker, my question's for the Deputy Premier. It's now been almost two weeks since we learned that the Premier's top aide, Pat Sorbera, was charged with two violations of the Elections Act. Two weeks since the shocking allegation that Ms. Sorbera allegedly offered the Minister of Energy an enticement to run for the Premier's Liberal Party. People are disappointed with this Premier Speaker and the scandals of her Liberal Party. Why won't the Premier do what virtually every Premier before her has done? Do the honourable thing, Speaker, and remove her Minister of Energy until his role in the Sudbury by-election scandal is determined? Thank you. Thank you very much, Speaker. And I think we've discussed this matter in a fair bit of detail in this House, and I very much appreciate your ruling earlier today as well. Speaker, as I've stated before, and all members know, that this is a matter that is before the court, and it will be highly inappropriate for this legislature to speak matters that are before court. It's also very clear, Speaker, that the Minister of Energy is under no investigation whatsoever, and there are no charges against him as well. He continues to do his very important job as the Minister of Energy, and he is focused in making sure that we are building a clean, reliable energy system, and we're making sure that we continue to keep the prices of hydro-reasonable levels as well by ensuring that we're cutting 8% HST from hydro bills. Thank you very much. Well, Speaker, this is not about trying the case. It's about doing the principled thing when a Minister is involved in an issue that is actually before the courts. The Minister of Energy is implicated in a very serious allegation. The people of Ontario need to know that their government and their representatives have integrity beyond reproach. We are not asking to try this case in the legislature, Speaker, and the Deputy Premier, the Attorney General, actually know this. That's what people expect, Speaker. What we in Ontarians everywhere are asking for, in fact, is that the Minister of Energy step aside from his cabinet rule until these allegations have been properly dealt with. So my question is, why won't this Liberal government do the principled thing, the thing that should be done, and simply ask that Minister to step aside and reassure the people of Ontario that the Premier can put aside blind partisanship and prioritise the people of Ontario's feet in government? Speaker, the Minister of Energy is not implicated in this matter. There are no allegations towards him whatsoever. He's under no investigation, and there are no charges against him either, Speaker. The Minister of Energy and the context of his portfolio are under no question whatsoever in this matter, Speaker. I do not see a connection between what the Opposition is trying to make to the... There is no connection between the role of the Minister of Energy as the Minister responsible for a very important file and the allegations in this matter, which does not touch the Minister nor his responsibility. As the Minister, as the Premier said, the Minister will continue to do the excellent work he's doing in the province of Ontario. Well, Speaker, yet again the Premier and her Liberal government are defending and protecting Liberal insiders. This time it happens to be the Minister of Energy. When will this Premier wake up and realise that the longer she lets the Minister of Energy remain in cabinet, the more damage that she and her Liberal government do to people's faith in democracy in Ontario? The Premier needs to show leadership here, Speaker. She needs to realise that this is about more than just protecting one of her MPPs. This is about letting people know that politicians in Ontario are more about more rather than blind party loyalty or partisan politics. I ask the Deputy Premier again, will the Premier finally show some leadership and ask her Minister of Energy to step aside until this matter is through the courts and decided? Thank you. If anybody who is showing partisan streak or demonstrating partisan politics is the leader of the third party but continues to ask about a matter that is before the courts, instead of focusing on real issues that matter to Ontarians, she is focused on something, Speaker, that the Minister of Energy is not implicated in. There are no allegations against the Minister of Energy. He is under no investigation, Speaker, and there are no charges against him whatsoever. Minister of Energy continues to do his work. Perhaps, Speaker, the NDP and the leader of the third party are still not over the fact that they lost that by-election and then the Minister of Energy, who has been a great community champion, was successful, Speaker. So if anybody is diving into politics and partisanship is the NDP, I think they've got to get over it. The Minister of Energy is a hard-working constituent MPP who has served his community for many, many years, Speaker, and he will continue to do so. Thank you. New question, the leader of the third party. My next question is for the Deputy Premier, Speaker, but I have to say there's no wonder the Liberals are where they are these days when they don't think that allegations of bribery are in any way important to the people of Ontario. Pretty serious stuff, Speaker. Look, if the Premier won't ask her Minister of Energy to resign over the alleged bribery scandal, she should over the mess that he's helped her make in our energy system. Two weeks ago, I stood on the banks of the Ottawa River right across from Gattano, Quebec. According to Hydro-Quebec survey from April of this year, the average hydro bill that families pay in Gattano is about $100. In Ottawa, where I was standing, that same very survey says the average bill is $224. Quebec's hydro system is completely public. Ontario's is not. So I have a simple question for the Deputy Premier. Does she see the connection between the high cost of Ontario's hydro and the fact that we have a system where conservatives and Liberals have been privatizing for the last 20 years? Thank you. Deputy Premier. Well, Speaker, you know, I actually happened to have a copy of that report that the Leader of the Third Party was referring to that compares energy prices in cities in Ontario, around Ontario, and other communities. So let me just share, in Toronto, $246 a month is the average bill for 1,000 people. Member from Hamilton, East Stony Creek, second time. In Ottawa, 224, as the member said. In Boston, that number is $383. In New York City, that number is $409. In Chicago, that number is $210. Speaker, I could go on, but what I can tell you is that our energy rates are competitive with other municipalities, Speaker, but we do understand that people need relief from their electricity prices, and that is exactly why starting the January crisis. Thank you. What's up, Senator? Rules may want to swim at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to high hydro rates, Speaker, but certainly Ontario families and businesses expect better from their government. The premier selloff of Hydro One affects everyone, Speaker, everyone who lives in this province. I recently sat down with Alex and Sherri Moore. Alex and Sherri live in London with their three children. They've watched their hydro bill nearly double since the same time last year. The cost of hydro means they can't save for their kids' future and they're concerned about being able to afford to enroll them in after-school programs and sports. Like people all across Ontario, the selloff of Hydro One means life is getting tougher for Alex and Sherri, and it means it's harder for them to give their children every opportunity that they deserve. When will this Liberal government help families like Alex and Sherri's and stop the selloff of Hydro One? Well, Speaker, we are making investments that will reduce by 8% electricity bills for people right across the province. Everyone is going to benefit from that 8% reduction, and those in the most rural parts of the province are going to see a 20% reduction in their delivery charges, Speaker. We are very much aware of the burden that high electricity prices play in household budgets across this province, Speaker, but we are taking important steps to reduce that burden. At the same time, we have replaced our energy infrastructure. We have shut down the coal-fired plants. That is more expensive. Green energy is more expensive if you just look at the cost of electricity, but when we can bring down hospitalizations by 41%, when we can reduce premature deaths by 23%, we're talking about a reduction in the number of deaths because of a decision we made to bring cleaner energy to Ontario. I stand by that decision. We stand by that decision. Speaker, the Deputy Premier can spew out as many liberal lines as she likes, but the people of this province are not confident in what this government has done. I visited newlyweds, Sean and May, Evans and Sarnia, and they too told me about how hard it has been to keep up with their skyrocketing hydro bills. Sean and May were forced to get a roommate to help out with their hydro bills. They have put their dream of starting a family on hold because they just can't risk the additional financial burden when they don't know how much more their bills are going to go up. I've been in London, Hamilton, Kitchener, Sudbury, Ottawa, Sarnia, Kingston. Everywhere I go, Speaker, people ask me what they can do to stop the sell-off of Hydro One. Everywhere. Just this Deputy Premier understand how this wrong-headed sell-off is hurting Ontarians and will her government finally put a stop to any further sell-off of Hydro One and do what the people want? You see it, please? You see it, please? Thank you, Deputy Premier. Well, Speaker, I think all of us in this House have been hearing from constituents about various costs and various challenges they face, and we are doing everything we can to address those challenges. When it comes to helping families, I am thrilled at the changes we are making to OSAP, reducing the costs of post-secondary education. We're eliminating the financial barrier to post-education. That's going to help all of the families in this province who are faced with decisions about whether or not their kids can go on to post-secondary. We want every student in this province to work hard, to get marks, to get accepted, and then we are going to make sure that money does not stand in the way of them achieving their full potential. It's an important initiative. It's a profoundly important initiative, Speaker, for all of us, not just those who are benefit directly from this speaker. Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. My question today is for the Minister of Economic Development and Growth. We all know the Minister enjoys talking about the millions and millions of taxpayer dollars that this government hands out to private corporations. Forgotten in all the political spin is reality for failed companies like Windtronics, Art Productions, and now, sadly, Cambridge Towel, and their workers. Speaker, just over seven weeks ago, this government used Cambridge Towel as a backdrop for another shameless political announcement this time about in a quote, reducing energy costs. Over 160 workers will lose their jobs when Cambridge Towel closes. And yet, another example of sky-high hydro rates costing real jobs and hurting Ontario families. Speaker, how many plants have to close, and how many people have to lose their jobs? Before the Minister will admit there is a hydro crisis facing Ontario's manufacturers. Mr. Speaker, this province has just seen in the last number of weeks $1.7 billion announced to be invested in our auto plants, Mr. Speaker. That's going to support and save tens of thousands, if not millions of jobs across this province. And Mr. Speaker, the member opposite opposes all the partnerships that we've done in the past with those plants. His party, Mr. Speaker, his members said let those plants close. And you know what, Mr. Speaker, we refuse to do that. The result is thousands of jobs at Windsor. Thousands of jobs at St. Catharines. Thousands of jobs at Oshawa. Thousands of jobs at Woodstock, Mr. Speaker. Thousands of jobs across this province because of the partnerships that you opposed. Thank you, supplementary. Mr. Speaker, back to the Minister of Economic Development and Growth. Just over 300 days ago, I wrote to this minister asking him to release the information on the business grants that this government has handed out since 2004. Recently, the minister released information going back only to 2013, including a government grant for $190,000 to Cambridge towel, the same company that is laying off 160 people and closing its doors. Speaker, this grant was awarded just a couple years ago and now we know that families in and around Cambridge are going to be without work as we approach Christmas. Minister, that's extremely important. Mr. Speaker, how many more factories does the Minister of Economic Development and Growth expect to close before Christmas due to his government's electricity rates and other failed liberal policies? Thank you. We feel strongly and we feel for those workers that our jobs are in jeopardy that are being laid off at Cambridge towel. At the same time, this member is trying to have it both ways. This member is saying that he's seeing the same companies. The next minute, he's saying he opposes those very programs that help those companies. We're proud of the investment we made some time ago with Cambridge towel. It helped them continue to grow when things were going well for them, Mr. Speaker. We're proud of the investments that we've made with our partners in the business community. We've invested $2.8 billion, Mr. Speaker, out of those investments we've made, investments were proud to have made, investments he and his leader continue to oppose, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. New question to the member from Toronto-Danforth. Thank you, Speaker. My question to the Deputy Premier. When the Premier was elected in 2014, she promised that she would be different. She promised a clean slate, a break from the scandal-ridden recent past. Instead of a break from the past we have more broken promises and more scandal. The Premier and her government need to take very seriously the implication of the Minister of Energy and the allegations of bribery. She needs to show the people who voted for her that she will put the interests of Ontarians before the political interests of her party. Mr. Speaker, to the Deputy Premier, when will the Minister of Energy be stepping down from cabinet? Thank you, Deputy Premier. Mr. Attorney General. Thank you very much again a Speaker and it's unfortunate that NDP continues to ask questions which they know are not relevant to the matters that are before this House. I think the NDP also knows that the Minister of Energy is under no investigation. There are no allegations towards him and there are no charges towards him as well. He is somebody who is hardworking, he's earnest, who works extremely hard to serve his community of Sudbury. As the Minister of Energy he is focused in making sure that we continue to improve the lives of Ontarians. One of the very important measures Speaker that he's brought forward is permanently cutting 8% of the HST from all hydro bills that will come into effect on January the 1st, 2017 Speaker. The member from Sudbury will continue to do his job. Thank you. Thank you, Deputy Premier. The fact that this government is using a court case where two top liberal political aides are being accused of breaking election law as a reason to not answer what is really a straightforward question speaks volumes speaks volumes Speaker. If the Deputy Premier had been implicated in a bribery scandal would she not step aside until her name had been completely cleared? Wouldn't she want the people in her riding and across Ontario to have complete faith in her integrity and her honesty? Wouldn't she? Thank you. The facts are as follows there are allegations in a matter to individuals who do not serve in this house are charged in that matter that matter is before court the Minister of Energy is not implicated Minister of Energy is under no investigation and there are no charges towards the Minister of Energy whatsoever furthermore the matters that is dealt with in that issue has nothing to do with the roles and responsibilities of the Minister as the Minister of Energy in fact these are the facts NDP can try to ignore the facts and that's their prerogative but the facts of this matter is clear there is no reason whatsoever for the Minister of Energy to step down in fact there is even more reason that he continues to serve the people of Sudbury that he will continue to serve as the Minister of Energy he is doing a good job at it and we have foot faith and confidence in him thank you Thank you My question is for the Minister of Government Consumer Services Recently I joined the Minister and a member from the Etopico Centre to announce the proposed changes that will increase consumer protections for householder services one of the proposed change in the legislation is to regulate the home inspection industry buying a home is the largest investment many Ontarians make in their lifetime consumer want a need to be confident in making these purchase every step of the way home inspectors play a crucial role in that process however it is one of the only profession involving the real estate transaction that is not provincially licensed can the Minister inform this House on how our government tends to add accountability to the industry and further build consumers confidence Thank you Thank you Mr. Speaker and I want to say thank you to the member from Trinity Spadina for the important question and also his continued work on advocacy regarding the issue consumer hiring a home inspector should be able to expect a level of expertise quality and consistency our government intends to address these issues through regulating the home inspection industry and as a result straining consumer confidence and increasing accountability within the sector Mr. Speaker I'm proud of our government's record of listening to consumers and creating the protection they need and deserve I'm moving forward with the proposed legislation I introduced earlier this month which if passed will establish mandatory licensing for home inspectors practicing in Ontario Mr. Speaker our government is dedicated to ensuring that every Ontarian can be confident in every purchase they make Thank you Thank you Mr. Speaker I would like to thank the Minister for her answer this is a very important step forward and I know that regulating home inspection industry will bring consistency to the profession through minimum qualification that all of us can support in my writing and many writings across the province homeowners including counter owners can really use this valuable service with the confidence when they know the home inspectors are provincially licensed Mr. Speaker can the Minister provide further details to regulate the home inspection industry Thank you Thank you again to the member from Trinity Spadina for his advocacy on this very important issue Mr. Speaker in addition to setting minimum qualification for home inspectors the proposed legislation if passed will allow for the creation of a new administrative authority to oversee and enforce the new rules this authority will be able to establish additional licensing requirements a code of ethics for licensing and set the technical standard for home inspections Mr. Speaker if the proposed legislation is passed our government plans to continue to work with the industry to ensure consumers are protected and confident when buying a home our goal is to build a fair safe and informed marketplace for all Ontarian and Mr. Speaker our government is committed to helping consumers protect their hard-earned money which is why we are bringing accountability for the home inspection industry Thank you No question to the member from Leeds Mr. Speaker my question is to the Deputy Premier Mr. Speaker the Premier refuses to come clean about who gave the orders to make the alleged offers that have resulted in Potserbera facering bribery charges under the elections Her silence in the face of these unprecedented charges is an insult to Ontarians who deserve the truth but the Premier isn't the only key player from this government involved in the Sudbury by-election as liberal campaign co-chair the Deputy Premier would also have played a role Speaking as campaign co-chair what knowledge did the Deputy Premier have about any inducements or offers Mr. Speaker feels a bit like deja vu feels like we've gone back two weeks in time I think Speaker the opposition has been asking these same questions and you've been very clear once earlier last week in sort of letting all members know about the subjudice rule and Speaker you very eloquently just gave a ruling in response to my point of order on that issue exactly highlighting the fact that the opposition is trying to in the House that is before the House they are making implications that there are other individuals involved when we know the matter is relates to only two individuals who have been charged or do not sit in this House Speaker so all this to say Speaker that I will the government or I will not engage in this conversation Speaker in this House this matter is before the Court to respect the rule and the ruling I'm going to try again back to the Deputy Premier Speaker I know this government would rather talk about anything else this morning but this unprecedented scandal is directly connected to the Premier's office and with the Minister of Energy named in a charge laid by the OPP this scandal has now landed at the cabinet table we have a responsibility on behalf of all Ontarians to get to the bottom of who gave the orders to Pat Sorbera the Premier won't answer and the Minister of Energy won't do the Honourable thing and step aside Speaker will the Deputy Premier tell us about her role in the Sudbury scandal or is she going to uphold the liberal tradition and deny Ontarians they demand Again Speaker the member asked exactly the same question that he asked the first time which he has asked repeatedly before and Speaker the answer does not change this matter is before the Court it's the responsibility of a judge Speaker to weigh all the evidence that is presented before her or him and make a determination it's up to a judge Speaker based on the evidence that she or he to get to the bottom of it to court the member opposite Speaker the Speaker the standing order rules that you courted so eloquently in your ruling earlier today is absolutely clear Speaker and that is that this House should not engage in any matter that is before the Court or a quasi-judicial tribunal Speaker for a simple reason of not prejudicing those producing proceedings the member opposite is trying to prejudice this matter and Speaker that is highly inappropriate Thank you New question the member from Niagara Falls Thank you Mr. Speaker my question is to the acting Premier 12 days ago I stood here in this legislature to ask the Premier to reunite a Niagara couple who've been separated by the long-term care system after 70 years of marriage and I was pleased to hear the Minister of Health say that this couple should never have been separated in the first place but unfortunately 12 days later Clarence and Jesse are still waiting to be reunited Clarence is 93 years old is living at Shalom Manor in Grinsby Jesse is 92 years old and she's living at a home in St. Catherine's they miss each other terribly and they need to be together how much longer where Clarence and Jesse have to wait before they're reunited Thank you Mr. Speaker well Mr. Speaker I'm confident that this couple will be reunited rather very very soon I have that confidence and the member opposite knows that I have been diligently working on this issue and he also appreciates that I can't speak to the specifics at all it would be a violation of the privacy rights of the couple that being said my office is working closely I would say almost on a daily basis with either the CCAC or the LIN involved to make sure that we're addressing this and the member is right on this point that this couple should not be separated it has been and I want to reassure the member opposite in fact I want to reassure this legislature in all Ontarians that this is one of my highest priorities to reunite this couple I can't speak to the specifics of the case for privacy reasons but I'm working on it each and every single day Mr. Speaker Thank you Mr. Speaker and again to the acting premier couples like Clarence and Jesse shouldn't be separated by our long-term care system but they should get the respect and dignity they deserve and be able to live all their days with each other I believe the minister when he says he wants to fix this situation but Clarence and Jesse are still separated and every day that passes is another day that they are denied their wish of living together will this government do the right thing and reunite Clarence and Jesse without any further delay Minister Mr. Speaker the member opposite knows that we share the view that this couple need to be reunited as soon as possible and we are working to that end we are working with the CCAC that is tasked with the responsibility for finding the bed available to allow and enable the reunification of this couple I can't speak to the specifics of the case and all I can do is say to the member that we're working closely together and I know that my office is updating his office on a very regular basis almost a daily basis we're doing everything that we can to make sure that we're following the process that is there the legislation that exists that we changed in fact to allow for the reunification of couples such as this elderly couple I'm confident that we're going to have it resolved very very soon Thank you a new question to member from each of these short Well thank you speaker I appreciated your caution a moment ago I'm not going to say thank you but I didn't hear that but my speaker today sir is to the Minister of Education now last week was constituency week and out of the very many meetings that I had I had the pleasure to meet with a company from Quebec called La Capitale La Capitale provides health benefits to self-employed individuals and I'm pleased to announce speaker that they gave a $5,000 donation to the Scott Mission in Beaches East Jordan and the whole event was organized with the Ontario Electrical League to provide publicly say thank you to all that were involved but speaker I also heard that the Minister attended a very successful event last week discussing with our educational partners about how to improve educational outcomes for students especially when it comes to well-being and equity and the fundamental principles which is driving everything that we do on this side of the house is that everyone has the opportunity to succeed in Ontario regardless of culture ethnicity, gender, language physical or intellectual ability, race, religion or sexual orientation. Minister will the minister talk to us about that event she was at Minister of Education Thank you speaker I want to thank the member from Beaches East York for that great question and last week along with the premier PA Anderson and Associate Minister Nadu Harris we had a chance to participate in our first partners in dialogue day and brought together by the ministry with Ontario's education community all under one roof during this two-day summit we heard views and opinions from all partners including Francophone partners and communities and indigenous partners so that we could incorporate their unique identities cultural backgrounds and perspectives on the issues and priorities affecting our youngest learners we had more than 500 participants and I look forward to reviewing the feedback and strengthening the communications channels we've built to better serve our education system and the needs of all of our students Well thank you speaker back to the Minister of Education you know I can tell you that one of my favourite things I do as an MPP is when I meet with students, children and the youth in my writing I've been to many events on healthy smiles free tuition and graduation events and when I meet with these kids I ask them what their favourite part of school is and they always warm my heart when they respond some tell me their favourite thing is a teacher who takes extra time to help them with their learning others shyly and with soft voices tell me it's about their ability to learn in a safe and accepting school environment or place so speaker I would ask the Minister if she could elaborate on the next steps that our government is taking to build and sustain an equitable and inclusive educational system Thank you again Mr. Speaker and thank you again to the member the hard working member for their question I'm proud to say that with our education partners we have built an education system for the future that balances achievement and equity but we know that we have more work to do and we recognize that the inputs of students, parents teachers is vital if we want achievement and student staff well being that is why we will be holding regional consultations across the province starting tomorrow in Barrie we're also conducting consultations online where members of the public will be able to provide their feedback on students well being on ontario.ca slash student well being because at the end of the day Mr. Speaker our children are our most valuable asset our job to ensure that they feel safe included and capable to reach their full potential Thank you Thank you and good morning my question is for the Deputy Premier today the Liberal government will release its fall economic statement highlighting their financial track record this is a record of debt and deficit significant tax increases endless waste management and scandals this report the financial accountability officer said they have a multi-billion dollar hole in their budget forecast he confirmed the government is using one time money from asset sales and contingency funds to artificially balance the budget in an election year he told us the only way they are going to balance after that is to raise taxes or cut services further Mr. Speaker can the Deputy Premier whether they are raising taxes again or whether we can expect more cuts to frontline services in today's fall economic statement Thank you Thank you I know we all anxiously anticipate one o'clock when the finance minister will deliver the fall economic statement but I think it's really important to get some facts on the table when it comes to GDP growth in the first half of this year it was higher than Canada higher than the U.S almost all the G7 countries Ontario led the way our unemployment rate it really doesn't matter where anyone sits I still hear the voice and I know it the member from Beaches East York second time the unemployment rate is at the lowest level in 8 years at 6.4 percent below the national average for 18 months 640,000 net new jobs and we are on track to balance the budget Moody's has upgraded our credit rating we will balance Speaker and the fall economic statement will show us Thank you Thank you Back to the Deputy Premier Recently the Auditor General refused to sign off on the government's financial statements this was unprecedented in Ontario's history now they have appointed a taxpayer funded panel to audit our own independent Auditor General they didn't like what the auditor had to say and now they are trying to continue to discredit her this is completely inappropriate Speaker the people of Ontario cannot trust anything this Liberal Government has to say the numbers are wrong we have been telling them they are wrong and both the Auditor General and the financial accountability officer have confirmed this Mr. Speaker will the government come clean and update their false budget projections in today's fall economic statement Thank you President Treasury Board Yes, thank you very much and I too want to assure the member opposite we are committed to balancing the budget by 2017-18 and not just balance the budget but as the financial accountability officer notes we're also incorporating new commitments into our plan so that we can make everyday life easier for Ontarians but I think it's also important to look at the public accounts because Speaker we beat our deficit target for the seventh year in a row using the accounting treatment that the Auditor General wanted so even with using the Auditor General's accounting treatment we beat our deficit target seven years in a row in fact the FAO acknowledges that the Ontario Government has held its program growth spending to 1.4% annually Question, the Leader of the Opposition Thank you Speaker my question is for the Deputy Premier we should be building a great future for every child in this province but instead thousands of children are being left behind a new report today from a coalition of social agencies confirms that Toronto is Canada's child poverty capital 27% of children in this city are living in poverty or in low income families struggling to find good housing and put food on the table and if we don't make big changes we will continue to deny tens of thousands of children the great future that we know is possible when will this government finally finally take some bold action to actually eliminate child poverty in the city of Toronto and right across Ontario Minister of Housing and Poverty Reduction Thank you for that very good question Speaker you know we ask government we have to ensure that children and youth get the absolutely the best start in life through strategic investments in education and healthcare community supports and Mr Speaker this government has made steady progress toward meeting our target of reducing child poverty by 25% Minister of Children and Youth Services and the member from Renfrew another place finish please Well thank you Mr Speaker I just wanted to emphasize that Ontario's first poverty reduction strategy alone lifted 47,000 children and their families out of poverty and prevented thousands more from falling into poverty Mr Speaker we know there's more to do we need to continue to build on this progress and we need to improve the everyday lives of children and their families and our government remains committed to our goal to reduce child poverty by 25% Thank you No child gets their best start in life when their family is living in poverty Everyone Speaker everyone who lives here but under this government Toronto is a divided city in 2014 this government failed to meet their child poverty reduction targets and member from Trinity Spadina come to order and I have about three others I'll deal with as well please and now poverty in Toronto is still at epidemic levels that's what this report confirms Speaker in neighbourhoods like Region Park and Thorncliffe Park over 50% of children in those neighbourhoods are growing up in low income families we have to change that Speaker we need to make sure that the next generation has a real future in this great city when will this liberal government finally do the right thing lift wages for low income families and eliminate child poverty Thank you Minister Thank you Minister I think everyone in this House can agree that it's so important that children get a good start at life to make sure they've got that foundation to build a successful life I'm happy to take this question because it allows me just to touch on a few of the things that this government is doing for example we've indexed the Ontario child benefit to annual increases the maximum benefit rose to $1,336 per child Mr Speaker we will not be clowing back the Canada child benefit another great benefit going through we've launched the Enhanced Youth Action Plan investing $55 million over three years to help at risk here Mr Speaker there's so much that this province is doing one of the biggest things is providing full day kindergarten for all four and five year old children and students and families on average $65 million Thank you Well thank you Speaker my question is to the Minister of Research Innovation and Science Mr Speaker our government has committed supporting theoretical mathematics and mathematical applications to make a real difference in people's lives that is why our governments continue to support the work done at the Fields Institute for research in mathematical science the Field Institute is a globally recognized international centre for science research mathematical science at the University of Toronto Mr Speaker could the Minister please tell the members a little more about Manjo Baraga and the prestigious Fields Medal Thank you Thank you Mr Speaker I would like to thank the member from Northamble and Quinty West for that very timely question The Fields Medal is in mathematics it's the highest international honour that any mathematician can receive and I am proud to say that Professor Manjul Bargawa is the first Canadian to win this award Mr Speaker whenever a Canadian wins an award whether it is a medal in olympics or a medal in mathematics it touches all of us Mr Speaker and there is something we can all be proud of Mr Speaker this is a huge victory for Canada, for Ontario and a huge victory to all young Canadians who aspire to one day win the Fields Medal in mathematics Thank you Mr Speaker Thank you Mr Speaker Thank you to the Minister of Research Innovation and Science for his answer Minister research done at the Field Institute changes the way we approach mathematical problems in various business sectors including statistics computer science, engineering physical and biological science medicine economics and finance can the Minister please tell the members of this House that our government is doing what our government is doing to support the Field Institute and the STEM learners across Ontario Thank you Minister Mr Speaker I want to thank the member again for that question Mr Speaker our government is committed to improving the lives of Ontarians by investing in science, technology and mathematics that's why my colleague the Minister of Education announced recently that our government will be investing in a renewed math strategy our government knows that math is critical requirement for the jobs of tomorrow Mr Speaker the Field Institute will receive 10 million dollars in operational funding to make sure they can continue cutting edge research over the past 13 years our government has invested 10 million dollars into the Institute which has led to success stories for example in financial sector such as S&P Capital IQ, Sigma Capital and Sinclair Capital Thank you Mr Speaker The member from Elgin Middle Sex London Thank you very much Mr Speaker My question is to the Minister of Health and Long Term Care The number of Diabetics in this province is more than doubled Thousands of Diabetics every year that unfortunately never heals and leads to amputation The health care costs associated with annually from foot ulcer complications is about 400 million dollars In fact due to foot ulcers diabetic patients stay in hospitals up to 72 days costing the health care sector millions of dollars Speaker through you to the Minister why are offloading devices proven tools that heal foot ulcers still not available through the assistive devices program Thank you Well Mr Speaker It's a great opportunity given that it's World Diabetic Week to actually speak to this issue and I thank the member opposite for asking this question and I want to begin by commending the work of all of those who advocate for and provide support for and of course including those individuals like my sister one of those rare insulin dependent Diabetics she's almost going to have diabetes for 50 years Mr Speaker which would have been unheard of so this is an issue that's very important to my heart and it's also the issue of offloading devices and wound care generally is also extremely important to me and for that reason I've had a number of meetings with regards to this issue and I actually constituted through HQO a task force an expert panel which is looking at this exact issue looking at the best practices and I think they're just about to report back to me in terms of the recommendations to supplementary thank you speaker back to the minister speaker every four hours a diabetic loses a foot public funding for offloading devices is a cost effective treatment intervention for Ontario funding for offloading devices can save the government up to $75 million annually speaker why hasn't this government acted quicker they continue to pay the $70,000 associated with a foot amputation rather than make investments towards preventative care for diabetic patients the government has wasted millions of dollars on the diabetes registry and billions of dollars on eHealth now there's an opportunity for this government to save the system now while improving the life of diabetic patients when exactly will the minister commit to providing diabetics with offloading devices thank you minister I don't think there's any distance between myself and the member opposite on this issue I agree that the clinical evidence is profound in terms of the potential benefit but I would hope that the member opposite would also agree that it's prudent for me to wait just a short amount of time because I think they're about to report back to me a committee a task force through HQO that includes experts from the registered nurses association of Ontario the experts in wound management care the association nationally that represents them all the right people to provide us expert advice so we can move forward based on that best evidence and based practices but I want to thank the member opposite for raising this question today we are being noted for votes this house stands recess until 1pm this afternoon