 It is now time for oral questions. I recognize the leader of His Majesty's loyal opposition. Thank you, Speaker. My questions to the Premier. Right now in Ontario, people are being asked to pull out their credit cards to pay for health care. The Auditor General has found that for-profit clinics are pressuring people to shell out thousands of dollars for OHIP-covered services. Why does the Premier think it's okay to force people to pull out their credit cards to access health care in this province? Good-bye, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. Thank you, Speaker. You know, we've been very clear on the side of the House while we embrace innovation, while we want to see those exciting opportunities that will ensure our surgery backlogs and our individuals have access to critical health care in their community. We're doing that. We have also been very clear that it will continue to be an OHIP-funded system in the province of Ontario. Thank you. Thank you. The supplementary question. Well, Speaker, she can tell that to the people who shell out hundreds of dollars for extra for cataract lenses in this province. Last week, this government had a chance to crack down on predatory fees in health care. Instead, this government voted down an NDP bill to stop for-profit clinics from charging for services people should be able to cover with OHIP. Is the Premier refusing to crack down on these predatory fees because it would foil his plans to privatize our health care system? Minister of Health. With the greatest of respect, if the member opposite has examples, then name them. We have a process in the Ministry of Health that ensures if an individual believes they were, for any number of reasons, improperly billed, we do the investigation, we follow up, and in some cases, in some limited cases, we have gone back and refunded. It is very, very unusual, but we do have a process to make sure that if a person believes they were unfairly charged, there is an investigation and a follow-up. Well, I'd suggest she read the Auditor General's report on this because the Auditor General has found that, in fact, her words do not correspond with the actions that's happening here in Ontario. Not only is this government refusing to crack down on upselling and additional fees in health care, the government wants even more surgeries to be going to private for-profit clinics. Why is the Premier opening the door to much bigger bills for patients and much longer wait times in pain for everyone else? Mr. Health. Speaker, I'm going to highlight a recent example. I had an Ottawa on Friday with Minister Fullerton and MPP Goldie-Gamara, where we talked about and we showed an innovation that is happening in the Champlain region where individuals who are waiting for surgeries can have that surgery in a host of hospitals in that community. Why? Because we see when we're matching surgeries and patients and hospitals, we get those surgeries done faster. That's the type of innovation that our government is investing in and that will continue in the province of Ontario. Thank you. The next question, the member for Davenport. Thank you. Good morning, Mr. Speaker. This government has taken a hatchet to farmland over the past few weeks, removing thousands of acres from the green belt and destroying existing urban boundaries. Frankly, it is no surprise to find out that these changes will benefit powerful landowners like Silvio de Gasparis and Michael Rice, who have donor and political ties to the Ontario PC Party. Given how suspicious this looks, Mr. Speaker, the least the government can do is be transparent about what has been happening behind closed doors. So I asked the Premier, how did the government choose which lands were going to be removed from the green belt? The member opposite knows that the consultation that the government has engaged on is welcoming comments from the public. We made it very clear we were open, transparent and honest with Ontarians when we indicated that at the end of the day, there would be over 2,000 acres added to the green belt. The green belt would be grown after this procedure, but at the same time, the criteria for the land that's part of that posting is very specific. It's got to be adjacent to an already urbanized area. It has to have servicing either on that property or very, very close to it. The fact is we're in the middle of a housing crisis and we have the opportunity to at the end of the day, grow the green belt, but at the same time have a minimum of 50,000 new housing starts. It's a good day for Ontarians. If you speak that kind of answer isn't going to fly for Ontarians. One of these green belt properties was purchased only two months ago by conservative donor Michael Rice. At the time of the purchase, the lands were protected green belt and at least financially worth little, but now that they'll be open for development, Mr. Rice stands to make millions. It's all a bit curious, Mr. Speaker, so I'll give the government another chance to set the record straight. Prior to the public announcement of changes to the green belt, did the premier or the minister or any of their current or former staff share any information about changes to the green belt with owners and developers that was not already available to the public? Speaker, we made our intentions very clear without posting. The information that is available for Ontarians is exactly what's on the environmental registry of Ontario today. Speaker, again, this person, this party, this, the opposition, have a particular bent against building homes. They continuously talk about the fact that they acknowledge we need to build 1.5 million homes over the next 10 years, but every time. Every time we're going to see it today, after question period, when the time for them to stand in their place and look the next generation of Ontarians in the eye and say that we've got your back and that we're going to be building for you so you can realize the dream. Order. Every single solitary time, they vote against. So I think, you know, it's pretty rich coming from that party opposite, the Democratic Party, to be talking about, you know. Order. Speaker, there is not a shred of evidence that this is going to build a single affordable home, but there's plenty of evidence, plenty of evidence to suggest that these wealthy PC donors made a very careful bet against our green belt despite the Premier's promises never to touch it. I have written to the Auditor General to ask for an investigation, but the government could clear the air right now. Will the minister and the Premier launch an independent investigation into suspicious sales of green belt lands and make the findings public? Mr. Minister of Affairs and Housing. Speaker, you know, I've said in this house, you know, there are properties that are part of that posting that local mayors have have asked be developed. The one property in particular in Pickering has been the subject of discussion since the early 2000s. The property that the member talked about, you know, in York Region at the end of the day would be an opportunity to build the New Southlake Hospital, something that the local council member wrote to me over and over and over again, there is a core of voices, not new Democrats, that actually want to get shovels in the ground and build homes so that new Canadians who are coming to our wonderful province, the best place to live, to work and to raise a family, I want to make sure we've got housing for them. The House has come to order so that I can hear the member who has the floor or the minister who has the floor. The next question, the member for Kiwetnoe. Speaker, my question is to the Premier. Speaker, First Nations across Ontario have stated their opposition to Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, due to the clear violation of First Nations constitutionally protected, inherent and treaty rights. Chiefs of Ontario representing 134 First Nations in Ontario have said, First Nations are not stakeholders. We are sovereign nations and are entitled to proper consultation. Speaker, it's 2022. It is very colonial for Ontario to abuse their power by making these bills without consultation or engagement with First Nations. Are you going to question? Are you going to consult First Nations affected by this bill? Thanks very much. Our government knows how important it is to work with our Indigenous leaders to create opportunities for them and meet our obligations to them on our shared priorities. We're committed as a government to meeting the province's constitutional and other obligations as outlined by the member. Our government is committed to honouring the principles of truth and reconciliation and focus on Indigenous priorities, specifically sharing our prosperity with them. We continue to work with all Ontarians and I appreciate the question from the honourable member. The supplementary question. Speaker, this government cannot continue to say our First Nations. You do not own us. Speaker, people from across Ontario have contacted my office because they oppose Bill 23. Municipalities are speaking out against Bill 23 and now all the First Nations across the province have said they don't want this bill. Speaker, that is a lot of people to listen to. Will this government start listening to people who are protecting the lands and the waters instead of their developer friends? Just be kind of appreciate the honourable member's question. Look, we have an opportunity here, Mr. Speaker, and that is to build more houses for more families and we've heard it for more than just municipalities. Frankly, we've heard it from Indigenous communities. They see an opportunity to invest in real estate properties, Mr. Speaker. They see an opportunity to create better and more homes in their own communities, Mr. Speaker. This pan-provincial plan that we have to build more homes is for all of Ontarians, Mr. Speaker. We continue to honour the duty to consult Mr. Speaker. There's no question about that. We began in earnest on this bill and we will not back down from the opportunity, the shared opportunity between Indigenous communities, municipalities, and for the greater good of this province, Mr. Speaker, to build more homes for more families. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The next question, the member for Kitchener Conestoga. Well, thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, and listen, ongoing supply chain disruptions continue to adversely affect the global economy and this geopolitical instability has only reinforced the importance that our government should place on ensuring the security of our critical minerals and natural resources. Northern Ontario can be a worldwide supplier of critical minerals such as nickel, cobalt and lithium. All essential minerals required to construct new electric and green technology. So, Speaker, can the Minister of Mines please expand on our government's most recent announcement about the new investments in the critical mineral sector? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Mines. Thank you to the member from Kitchener Conestoga for the question. Mr. Speaker, last week, it was determined to launch the critical minerals innovation fund. This is a very exciting time for Ontario as we decarbonize our economy. What we're doing is critical to the future of not only Ontario but to the globe. This is a two-year five million fund, five million dollar fund which will support research, development and commercialization of innovative technologies, techniques, processes, analytical solutions for critical minerals. These projects will help increase exploration, mining development, production and processing capacity of critical minerals in Ontario. Our investment will leverage Ontario's expertise to tap into new and growing markets and to ensure we capitalize on demand for minerals. Supplementary question. Thank you again, Speaker, and thank you to the Minister for his response and explanation of this very worthwhile program. The critical mineral and mining sector continues to demonstrate a solid commitment to advancing economic growth and opportunities in the North. Unfortunately for far too long under previous governments and might I add previous liberal governments Mr. Speaker, this sector did not receive the respect and support it deserves and as someone who grew up in North Bay I've seen it firsthand. This is why our government must show leadership by partnering in good faith with companies that are at the forefront of critical mineral innovation. Speaker, can the Minister please tell us how the mining and business community has responded to our government's new critical innovation fund? Thank you again for the question. Mr. Speaker, you don't have to take our word for it. Just listen to the CEO of Canada Nickel, Mark Selby had to say the funding announced today by the Ontario government is an important signal of its support for Ontario's mining and downstream processing industries. They get it, sir. They get it. Mr. Speaker, I know there are industries there are industries that will leverage this fund to partner with indigenous communities, non non-profits, colleges, academics to ensure Ontario remains a leader in innovation in the mining sector. This will strengthen our critical mineral strategy and help us achieve our goal by creating a supply chain for clean technologies right here in Ontario. The next question member for Windsor West. Thank you, Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. Last week I told the Minister about the unacceptable conditions for children and youth in the child welfare system. I told her about how kids in for-profit group home hats off are being over-medicated, chemically restrained. How kids are regularly being prescribed psychotropic medication after only five to 10 minute long doctor appointments. Medication that sometimes made them feel, I quote, heavily suicidal or quote like zombies. I told her about how vulnerable kids receive punitive punishments. I asked her to investigate these serious allegations of neglect and mistreatment. She dodged the question. Speaker, I'll ask again. Will the Minister acknowledge how bad the system is for kids in their care and commit to a full investigation into hats off? Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. Thank you, Speaker. As the member opposite would have heard me say numerous times in the last week, there is no room in our system for providers who are not in compliance with the requirements that are set out. I have said this repeatedly. And the time for more reports is over. It's our government that's taking action on this. This is a child welfare redesign that has discussed and consulted across the sector. It is about improving the inspections. We've increased the number of inspectors. We've increased the number of unannounced inspections. We've addressed the medication, the chemical restraints. And again, the consent for medical treatment, including youth in care, is enshrined in law. And that means it's not achieved through coercion. It means that the homes have to abide by the law. And that's why we have the inspections. It's why we have improved accountability. It's why we've improved oversight. It's why we're doing this after decades of neglect by the previous government supported by the NDP. The one concrete action that this minister could take today is to launch an investigation into hats off. Limited to hats off. It's an issue across the entire for-profit group home system. For-profit homes make up a quarter of all operators. Over half of all serious occurrence reports and 83% of all instances of the use of physical restraints. Companies looking to make a profit off vulnerable children have no place in our province's child welfare system. The minister keeps touting the government's welfare redesign. So, Speaker, I'll ask the minister this question right now. It's a yes or no answer. Will the minister commit to abolishing the for-profit child welfare system model and putting the care of children above corporate profit? Mr. Children, Community and Social Services to apply. Thank you, Speaker. I think the biggest question is why the member opposite and her party and her group did nothing and sat on this for decades. Our government is taking action. We want every child and youth to have a safe and loving home. And that's why we're redesigning the child welfare system. That's why we've boosted the number of inspections that license group home since January 2022. It's why we've added 20 new staff to support enhanced inspections of the children's residential services. Why we release the children and young persons rights resource of youth friendly language to help children, youth and young persons understand their rights and use their voices. And we've backed up this important work with significant investments. Our government is fixing a longstanding issue that the previous government supported by the NDP never bothered to do. Order. The next question, the member for Thunder Bay Atticokin. Thank you, Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Northern Development with continuing global economic challenges, concerns persist among our tourism operators, especially those in the north. Last week, the Ontario Northern Ontario Tourism Summit took place in my home with Thunder Bay. This critical summit was an opportunity for tourism operators to gather together, strategize and examine ways to address ongoing economic challenges. Speaker, can the Minister of Northern Development please elaborate further about what our government and this his ministry in particular are doing to help support this sector as they move forward. Thank you. Mr. Northern Development, Minister of Indigenous Affairs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank the member of my neighbor for that important question. In my welcoming remarks, Mr. Speaker at the Northern Ontario Tourism Summit, there was a palpable excitement around the idea not only that we could be live at the forum, but that we could share and celebrate in the incredible opportunities emerging from a post-COVID world. No doubt that the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund was there for the Northern Ontario Recovery Program, Mr. Speaker. But we used words like planning, renovating, enhancing, repairing, refurbishing, reopening, Mr. Speaker, an expanded partnership with Indigenous Tourism, Ontario, Mr. Speaker. A commitment to tourist operators, Mr. Speaker, that at every step of the way in a post-COVID world, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund, the Ministry of Northern Development and this government would stand with tourist operators in Northern Ontario, Mr. Speaker. Supplementary question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the Minister for his response. It's encouraging to hear about our government's commitment to supporting the North and its tourism sector. Because of our government's investments, businesses will be able to expand their operations, create jobs, and contribute to our economic prosperity, helping to attract more visitors. While these investments in the summit meeting are vital for Northern Ontario's economic success, we must ensure that our government continues to advocate for this sector and region year round. Speaker, what further actions are our government taking to support economic development for communities across the North? Thank you. To Northern development. Well, Mr. Speaker, I announced $4.9 million in the latest tranche. Focus squarely on communities across our vast 800,000 square kilometer region known as Northern Ontario. We're drawing up plans, Mr. Speaker, for an event center in Red Lake. We're planning with Garden River First Nation, Mr. Speaker, to connect the Ojibwe Park trails to the Trans Canada trails, Mr. Speaker. We want to reopen Silver Islet General Store for retail, food and educational tourist destinations. Kappa Skacings Golf and Recreation Club, Mr. Speaker, is going to be revamped. We're going to support the town of North Eastern Manitoulin in the islands in refurbishing the Recreation Center. The Blind River Curling Club, Mr. Speaker, is going to get a new roof. These are all small and some respects, but very important announcements for those communities. As they open their doors back up, Mr. Speaker, to all the people who want to come and celebrate what we already know is great about Northern Ontario. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Next question, the member for Niagara Center. Thank you, Speaker. My question is to the Premier. We understand the urgency of getting affordable housing built in Ontario. Families are struggling to pay their rent and find an affordable home. However, folks in Niagara and across this province are perplexed by this government's move to address this crisis by allowing the Premier to handpick and install regional chairs whenever he pleases to do his bidding. In Niagara, Regional Councillor Wayne Reddicop recently said this is the second election in a row that this government has interfered with the election of the chair. In 2018, they revoked the right of the residents of Niagara to elect the chair directly. Now in 2022, they are revoking the right of the elected representatives of the residents to select the chair. Speaker, why won't this government work collaboratively with Ontario's elected municipal officials to address the affordable housing crisis and stop this hand-fisted and insulting power grab? Mr. Secretary, Mr. Polter is in housing. That's exactly why we want to have some consistency and work with a great chair like Jim Bradley in Niagara to ensure that the extension of strong mayor powers is smoothly done at the regional level and as well that we ensure that all of those regional governments that we'll be dealing with have the opportunity to meet our provincial priorities and get shovels in the ground. At the end of the day, this is all about building 1.5 million homes over the next 10 years and to have that consistency at the regional level while we're working through the strong mayor powers is so very important. Again, Speaker, it's a bit rich from this member who served municipally to be calling into question our motive in ensuring that Jim Bradley works with us Jim Bradley's good name on you. Good chair. Speaker, over the past week I've had the opportunity to speak with a number of Toronto City councillors who are outraged by this government's move to give mayors the power of minority rule. In a democracy, a mayor, a premier, a prime minister or a president must earn the votes of a majority of legislators to pass laws in the name of the citizens who democratically elected them. But no longer in Toronto. Now the premier and the mayor can pass laws that serve their own agenda from behind closed doors with just aid in favor and 17 opposed. Churchill once said that democracy is the worst form of government except for all the other ones. Why does the premier and John Tory prefer the other ones? Sir, Mr. Carers in housing? Well, you know, three words stability, continuity and efficiency. We're working to look at the areas at the regional level. That's why we've extended the strong mayor concept to those six regions in Bill 39. But at the end of the day, Speaker, what we're doing in Toronto and Ottawa, I've said earlier this summer with our very first bill. One third of the projected growth in Ontario over the next 10 years will take place in our two largest cities of Toronto and Ottawa. We need to ensure that we give those mayors the tools that they need to be able to ensure that our provincial priorities are met. We've had great conversations with Mayor Tory unlike the the NDP. We support our great mayor here in the city of Toronto. We want to work with them and we're glad that he wants to help meet those provincial priorities for building more housing. We've seen the member for Don Valley East. Mr. Speaker, my question today is for the Minister of Health. On behalf on behalf of all of the patients in Ontario who currently face the worst healthcare system performance in this province's history, patients are tired of empty words. They're tired of hearing about inadequate preparation for this respiratory season. We've heard this government crow about restarting the CPSO's practice ready assessment program. The same program they cancelled in 2018. We've seen them pat each other on the back for asking hospitals to make surge plans. The same surge plans all hospitals make every year whether a Minister asks them to or not. We've heard them celebrate being in a position so dire that they have to ask sick kids staff to train nurses in community hospitals outside of their scope of practice. And we've heard them claim they're keeping students in school even though tens of thousands of them miss class every day because of respiratory illnesses. All the while ER wait times get worse and worse. Question Mr. Speaker will the Minister of Health admit that this crisis has slipped out of the government's hands Mr. Health. I am proud to talk about the innovation and the changes that we have made because bluntly our healthcare system was not looked after during the previous administration 15 years of ignoring autodegeneral reports talking about a lack of family physicians that will be needed in Northern Ontario what did we do we have initiated two new medical schools in the Province of Ontario historic investment the the member opposite has a lot of audacity when his party was the one that cut residencies in the Province of Ontario what is our government done we've increased those positions we've made sure that there are opportunities in the Province of Ontario to have those opportunities we will continue to do that and we will proudly communicate those messages. That's a question Mr. Speaker first I'd like to thank the member from Brempton North for his enthusiasm for my question next I'd like to ask the minister I'd like to just remark I'd like to remark to the Minister of Health that you know yeah the speaker standing because I can't hear the member for Don Valley East who has the floor because a number of members are interrupting him and he he rightly has the floor come to order start the clock member for Don Valley East Thank you Mr. Speaker I just wanted to point out and thank the Minister of Health for for reminding us that as far as I'm concerned this government was elected in 2018 and they are the previous government and that and I'm sorry that's that's not that's not order that's not that's not something to be proud of anyways Mr. Speaker I'm still struggling to understand I'm still struggling to understand how this government continues to cherry pick their stance to defend the state of our healthcare system they brag about starting two new medical schools even though even though they haven't moved beyond the planning the planning stages for either why should we why should we believe they can deliver on those when they can't even deliver on license plates they also talk about their thank you thank you Minister of Health to reply put the investments in our record in the last four and a half years against the 15 years of inaction that suggest that we heismans does not speak to what we are seeing on the ground over 50 different capital investments in our healthcare systems whether it is new hospitals whether it is expansions whether it is badly needed renovations why speaker because the previous government didn't get it done our government is doing that thank you the member for kitchen economy stoga will come to order the next question the member for mississauga streets filled predict that ontario's population is expected to increase by 30 percent over the next two decades with this growing population our infrastructure must grow with it modernizing our public infrastructure and building a seamless transportation network will help ontario meet our current and future demands and will help strengthen the economy unfortunately under the previous liberal government supported by the ndp people of my riding endured years of delay and neglect when it came to building essential projects speaker can the minister of infrastructure please update the house on our government's progress in addressing our infrastructure needs thank you thank you to apply the minister of infrastructure Mr. Speaker our government's capital plan is one of the most ambitious in the province's history we're building ontario like never before we've dedicated over 159 billion in the next 10 years to support priority projects such as transit highways schools hospitals and long-term care in fact this quarter's listing includes 39 projects in active procurement and pre-procurement by building these projects we will finally build a subway system that will help presidents travel across the city more easily and affordably by building more highways we will help ease congestion and help with the delivery of goods and address capacity challenges faced by our healthcare and long-term care sectors as the member mentioned the people of ontario gave our government a strong mandate to build ontario and that is exactly what we will do thank you supplementary question once again the member from mississauga streetsfield and thank you to the minister for that answer it's great to see how our government is taking decisive action by building the critical infrastructure needed for our communities when building for today and the future we can't allow the mistakes made by the previous liberal government to impact us as we move forward under the infrastructure where we needed investments to be made Speaker can the minister please share with the house what our government is doing to deliver effective and resilient infrastructure for all Ontarians thank you Mr. Thank you Mr. Speaker building Ontario means ensuring we are laying the foundation for stronger and more productive levels in the ground when it comes to building transit in the city something which the previous governments failed to do we are opening new and improved schools unlike the liberal government which was busy closing schools across the province we are connecting every single community to high speed internet by the end of 2025 and we are building long-term care homes Mr. Speaker governments are depending on us take the member for Sudbury Thank you very much Speaker my question is for the Premier Speaker during question period the Parliamentary Assistant for Health said that she was tired of listening to people trying to instill fear in the population by using words and expressions like the worst crisis in generations I'm wondering Speaker if she's including healthcare workers like Pam Pam is a QP nurse at Auschwitz emergency Pam said this is the worst I've ever seen it I don't know why we're still here I guess it's because we love the people who need us it's certainly not because of how the government treats us my question Speaker is why does the government think they know better than healthcare workers like Pam Minister of Health Speaker you know from the very beginning we have seen incredible resilience and commitment in our healthcare system particularly with our nurses personal support workers all of the individuals who really stepped up during the pandemic first of course when we didn't have vaccines and then ultimately really assisting in the vaccine rollout whether those were community paramedics going directly into buildings and talking to residents to explain to them the benefits there is no doubt that our healthcare workers in the province of Ontario have gone above and beyond in the last years which is why our government will continue to go above and beyond to make sure they have the appropriate workforce the appropriate workplaces safe workplaces to continue to do this important work thank you Thank you Speaker back to the Premier I hope I get an answer from the Premier Nelson is a CUPI building operator at Oakville for assistance but Oakville couldn't help they had 50 people lined up they were emerging they only had one treasurer Nelson said in the past two years 30 people have quit nobody wants to work here it's never been like this it's never been this bad Speaker will the Premier finally listen to healthcare workers like Pam and Nelson admit on chairs healthcare is on life support the healthcare workers who we are listening to when we put forward programs like the dedicated off load nursing program to make sure that our community paramedics paramedics experts can go in have that dedicated off load nurse help to stabilize the patient and have that paramedic turn around it is exactly why we are listening to paramedics we can do things differently if you only change a few policies and we've done that with the 9-1-1 change where instead of always having to go to an emergency department they can with the patients approval take them to a long term care home a mental health facility other opportunities we are listening to the experts in the field the experts on the front line to make sure we provide a number for Windsor to come see thank you speaker my question is to the minister of labour immigration training and skills development great minister the sacrifice hard work and dedication of the Ontario worker has made our province economically sound prosperous and strong unfortunately Ontario is not immune to the impacts of geopolitical instability high inflation and supply chain disruptions continue to cause the global economy in my communities of Windsor and to come see the challenges adversely affecting our business and manufacturing sectors is imperative that our government continue to stand in support with the Ontario worker during these uncertain times Speaker what is our government doing to support those whose jobs have been affected and what programs do we have in place to assist them thank you minister of labour immigration training and skills development thank you very much I want to thank the member for Windsor to come see for that question what are you doing to bring the concerns of the people of Windsor to these parts Mr. Speaker auto workers are the backbone of Windsor and Ontario's economy these are good paying union jobs with pensions and benefits these are jobs where you can buy a home with a two car garage raise your family and take your kids to hockey practice at the end of your shift Speaker when our automotive industry suffers we all suffer last week I joined our Essex in standing shoulder to shoulder with Unifor local 444 President Dave Cassidy in Windsor together we announced more than $550,000 for employment action centres to support more than 800 auto workers and their families Speaker we're leaving no one behind and I'll share more in our supplemental thank you Speaker and thank you to the minister for that answer the ministry support the minister was truly groundbreaking and appreciated it is encouraging to hear that our government is standing with our workers with roughly 13,000 jobs unfilled in our region including Windsor and Sarnia skilled trade jobs are in high demand and favourably looked upon our government must continue to show leadership in advancing the vital importance of skilled trades and manufacturing job opportunities in our province Speaker my question is what is our government doing to invest in our employment services to help our highly skilled workers Mr Labour Thank you Speaker and again to the member thanks for that question Speaker to build a stronger internal that works for everyone Labour business and government must work together that's why I was honoured to stand with our partners to announce employment action 5 our action centres are supporting affected workers by hosting job searching sessions organising individually tailored career planning providing one-to-one peer counselling mental health supports and supporting resume and cover letter writing all of these services are focused on helping workers re-enter the workforce quickly Mr Speaker it's this government helping them find new good jobs today and preparing them for better jobs and bigger paychecks tomorrow to build on response we need all hands on deck next question the member for Thank you Speaker my question is for the Minister of Health last week the government sent a letter to directing primary care organisations to offer services 7 days a week including evenings for healthcare system but starting this Thursday people with children will have to pay here's what Gail Kirk had to say I guess my Christmas present to my 4-year-old granddaughter in my 4 month old grandson will be a $290 annual subscription to kids care grandma who lives on CPP and OAS will have to do the government's job of ensuring access to healthcare if this is your idea of improving access then get out of politics she said and a quote what would the minister like to say to Mrs Gail Kirk Minister of Health Thank you Speaker the memo that the member opposite is referencing was actually not sent to family doctors it was sent to organisations and the point was to encourage them to do what so many of our family physicians our nurse practitioners primary care have been doing and that is stepping up and looking after their patients we want to make sure that everyone has access to those primary care physicians as quickly as possible it does ultimately take some pressure off the emergency department but I want to reinforce that this is an agreement that was reached with the Ontario Medical Association voted upon from their members and it will all virtual care continues it will be appropriate we don't want to replace in person care with 100% virtual care we've seen that there is value in virtual care in the province of Ontario but we also need to make sure that there is a balance to have individuals access their primary care physicians that's what the OMA agreement has done Thank you Speaker Mrs. Gail Kirk is the only one Sarah from Nickelbell lives with a disability she wrote to me concerned with these changes she writes my kids are away at school my parents are elderly and live in a rural area with no wifi Nickelbell I can't emphasize enough how much we depend on phone GP appointment I'm really concerned my very ill parents with contract COVID at their doctor's office and that seems unnecessary access to telephone consultations during a time of urgent system pressures ludicrous or is it another proof that the minister is trying to push patients to private services where they pay out of pockets Mr. Hill Thank you Speaker again I will remind the member opposite this is a three-year agreement reached with the Ontario Medical Association and I really very much resent the suggestion that virtual care is appropriate in a hundred percent of the cases we need to make sure that that balance is there we need to make sure that we have individuals having access to their family care positions their primary care positions nurse practitioners all of those organizations that are providing care in our community that work will continue virtual care in the province of Ontario will continue what changes the Ontario Medical Association voted on by their members and supported by their members historic agreement that did not have to go to arbitration never happened under the Liberals and the NDP Thank you Member for Lanark Frontenac Kingston Thank you Speaker My question is for the Minister of Children Community and Social Services As we know the Ontario Disability Support Program was not a priority for the previous Liberal government Unfortunately because of their inaction the most vulnerable in our province were forced to deal with an outdated system Ontarians that rely on this program deserve better In our recent fall economic statement our government has implemented a modernized approach to better address and support individuals who receive support through this program Speaker can the Minister please update the house on how our government is transforming children's community and social services to this time Thank you Speaker and thank you to the member from Lanark Frontenac Kingston for the very good question He's absolutely right our government is making a long overdue transformation of the ODSP a program that has faced challenges for many years Earlier this fall we made the largest increase to ODSP rates in decades but our work was not done there and we knew it That's why two weeks ago we announced a annual alignment of ODSP rates to inflation and each of these measures will make a real difference in people's lives This year's increase in rates is putting money in the pockets of people who need it most to cover life's essentials and tying rates to inflation means people can be assured that their ODSP rates will keep up Thank you Supplementary question Thank you Speaker I'm reporting those who depend on social assistance is clear In response to our recent program transformation the CEO of community living Ontario Chris Beasley stated that these changes are a signal from the government that they are listening and that this is a definite step in the right direction While these words are encouraging we all know that there is more to be done to support those on social assistance experience of people on ODSP Mr Children's Community Social Services Thank you Speaker and again thank you to the member for his good work In addition to the positive changes I mentioned in my first response I'd like to mention our government's five fold increase to the ODSP earned income threshold This will encourage people with a disability who want to increase their work hours to do so without ODSP and we're also making it easier to access support with new digital tools and modern service options including an online application form an expansion of the My Benefits platform and new communications channels to allow two way digital messaging between clients and case workers Speaker this is important work and our government will continue to do it Next question the member for Scarborough South West Thank you very much Speaker My question is to the Premier on these separate occasions just recently Speaker families in Scarborough South West have had to rely on calling 9-1-1 because their family members had to go through mental health crisis and that is only so that they are in hope that they might get professional support for mental health I heard from one parent whose daughter has been waiting after immense trauma for 18 months to get mental health support another parent called me in but to call 9-1-1 for her son this is the terrifying reality across our province Speaker to get mental health support my question is very simple what will this government do so that families do not have to rely on 9-1-1 emergency services or wait for more than a year to get mental health support The Social Minister of mental health and addictions Thank you Mr. Speaker for that the pandemic has had on the well-being of children across Ontario and as a result of that we have made investments and have continued to make investments $20 million for instance on and across the board 5% increase funding to increase all core mental health supports and addiction services for children and youth this includes $2.7 million for new hubs in Guelph Renfrew Timmons and Windsor the youth support to children and youth so that they can have a place that's safe and culturally appropriate to go and get help through our addictions recovery fund as well Mr. Speaker we've invested of $8 million to another 8 hubs to continue to increase capacity for children and youth these sites have helped over 12,000 people children between the ages of 12 and 25 with low barrier addictions and mental health supports Mr. Speaker for our children and youth and we are making investments to ensure that they have the help they need where they need it the supplementary question I want to thank the minister for his response speaker and I appreciate the investment that they have already made but I'm asking what will the government do especially in areas like Scarborough according to the Canadian mental health association the number of people waiting for mental health support has increased by 75% in the number of people who need urgent assessment and support and maybe the risk of homelessness CMHA has only received a total of 3.9% increase in funding over the last 11 years nowhere close to the rate of those seeking mental health support especially in my communities and communities across this province and the level of mental health support and addictions necessary so will this government the need of mental health and addiction support services across this province Thank you very much Thank you Minister Thank you Mr. Speaker and thanks again for that question I mean our commitment couldn't be clear there is a minister response for mental health and addictions there is a commitment of $3.8 billion $525 million in annualized funding and we are looking at building of care not only in the city of Toronto but across the country Mr. Speaker we inherited an incredible situation when we came to government and I have some questions that I ask myself all the time for instance where were the liberals with investments $11 million sending children with eating disorders to the United States rather than building of care here in the province in 2010 there was a report from the standing committee where there were recommendations that were made how many of those recommendations were put into practice and Mr. Speaker speaking about the NDP who stood beside them 13% of Ontario mental health beds 9,645 hospital beds across the province were closed with them under their leadership thank you thank you next question the member for Mississauga Aaron Mills thank you Mr. Speaker Ontario population is projected to grow by as much as $6 million over the next two decades with the greater turn to area experiencing the most significant increase according to the Canadian mortgage and housing corporation Ontario has seen over 7,200 housing starts for October while this is a positive development more needed needs to be done to help reach out our goal of building 1.5 million in the coming decade Speaker can the Associate Minister of Housing please share what our government is doing to increase housing construction in our province Associate Minister of Housing thank you very much and I want to thank my Honourable colleague the member for Mississauga Aaron Mills for the question and the great work that he does on behalf of his constituents Mr. Speaker it's no secret a lot is currently at stake with the global economic markets inflation is high food prices have skyrocketed out of control around the world however when it comes to housing we're doing everything we can to deliver on the promise that we made to Ontarians we have taken important steps forward through legislation like strong mayors more homes built faster act better municipal governance act to get shovels in the ground faster than ever before Mr. Speaker and to give an example we have removed development charges for affordable housing accounts for rental housing options because Mr. Speaker we are committed to solving the housing crisis that we believe every single Ontarian deserves to have a home to call home great answer a magic question thank you Mr. Speaker and thanks for the Associate Minister for the answer it's great to hear how our government is taking decisive action by removing unnecessary barriers and excessive great tape that is delaying further housing construction while the leadership we have shown is encouraging that people of my riding are concerned about their ability to own a home in their local communities and neighborhoods they want to see all level of governments working together to address this issue Speaker once again to the Associate Minister of Housing how is our government providing immediate support for Ontarians looking for a new home Associate Minister thank you Speaker and again I thank my colleague for their question the short answer Mr. Speaker is yes we are in a housing crisis so we have to look at existing homes and structures that we can provide more relief to Ontarians Mr. Speaker Ontario is expected to grow by more than 2 million people by 2031 so all options are on the table Mr. Speaker that will help us add more existing housing supply we are already looking at options by introducing as of right zoning Ontarians are now able to create and rent up to three units in their existing home this will not only add to our provincial housing supply but will also help pay for the high interest rates Ontarians and others around the world are forced to pay and Mr. Speaker we will continue to look for other solutions that will help us add more homes to the market and help us build 1.5 million homes across the province Mr. Speaker as we said it time and time again letting Ontarians down on this side and in the middle there is not an option Mr. Speaker Thank you Mr. Speaker my question is to the Premier Speaker health care workers are urging MPPs to support my bill to stay home if you are sick act to give Ontario workers 10 per minute paid sick days this government's temporary three days to last over a pandemic that will soon be entering its third year are doing nothing to address the health care crisis that is overwhelming our pediatric hospitals what would help are 10 permanent paid sick days to enable low wage workers to stay home if their child is ill perhaps with RSV without losing their paycheck Speaker will this government listen to advice from health care workers and vote Mr. Long-term care Government House Leader Thank you very much Mr. Speaker I think the honourable member knows that private members I've never been accused of not being able to be heard before that's a first so the member knows that of course members are free to decide on any of the private members bills and after question period I'm sure members will make the decision on the bill before by the opposition and the entire country to protect workers' jobs during COVID we also thanks to the premier brought in a billion dollar program to ensure that workers who were impacted during COVID were protected and had a nationwide leading sick day program at the same time Mr. Speaker so we're very proud of the record and it is one of the reasons that we did so well during COVID the people the province of Ontario ensure that we got through this frontline heroes Mr. Speaker thank you so much Supplementary question Thank you Speaker again to the premier this government's record is nothing to be proud of they cut the two paid sick days that workers had in Ontario Ontario is now falling behind other jurisdictions that are implementing permanent paid sick days British Columbia has legislated five paid sick days federally regulated paid sick days governments are doing this because they know that permanent paid sick days are good for workers good for the economy and good for public health Speaker this government could finally show that working for workers is more than just an empty slogan by passing my bill to legislate ten paid sick days will this government do that? Thank you very much Mr. Speaker again this is a government that led the way during the pandemic and of course we still do have paid sick days Speaker we were of course the Premier was the one who led the Federation ensuring that the federal government participated in our nationwide leading sick day program but you know what else is good for workers Speaker is jobs jobs are good for workers and that is why the investments that this government is making the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing that includes good jobs for people who will be building those 1.5 million homes but if you look at what the economy has been able to do even despite COVID Speaker we are leading the nation in terms of job creation we've brought back all of those jobs that the Liberals lost in their time and offers over 300,000 and we have 300,000 jobs that need to be filled so jobs are good for workers Mr. Speaker continue to fight for those workers each and every day That concludes the minister of red tape production has informed me that he has a point of order and I recognize him Thank you Mr. Speaker I just want to take a moment and introduce Donna Dennelly our school trustee for ward 1 and 2 from Milton welcome to the legislature thank you for your leadership for Brampton West on a point of order Thank you Mr. Speaker I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Kathy McDonald school trustee from wards 3 and 4 Brampton Thank you so much Thank you very much We have a deferred vote on a motion for closure on the motion for third reading of bill 23 enact to amend various statutes to revoke various regulations and enact the supporting growth and housing in York and Durham Regents Act 2022 call on the members this is a 5 minute bell