 Oral questions, the leader of the official opposition. Thank you, Speaker. My first question is for the Premier. The Premier had an entire election campaign to look people in the eye and tell them exactly what he was going to do. But instead of being straight up with the people of Toronto and Peel, York, Niagara and Muscova, he deliberately kept his plot from millions of voters. Why didn't the Premier tell the people about his secret plan to rip up Toronto's wards and cancel regional elections? For you, Mr. Speaker, we have big issues in this province. We need to fix healthcare. We need to create jobs. We need to lower hydro rates and lower taxes. But clearly the Leader of the Opposition doesn't care about these important issues that matter to the people of Ontario. She only cares about protecting a bunch of politicians' jobs. This is the second day in a row the Leader of the Opposition stood up again saving politicians' jobs. Well, our party is trying to save the taxpayers' money. I'm trying to make a government work for the people. And the opposition is trying to elect more politicians. That's where their priorities are. I just wish— Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. People see exactly what this Premier is doing, and they don't like it, one bit, Speaker. He's stealing power away from voters. Canceling elections that were all ripping up Toronto's wards in the middle of a campaign. There was no consultation, no fair process, but the Premier is barging ahead anyways and inflicting his own will on millions of people, millions of voters, Speaker. Why is this Premier treating the people of Ontario with such complete and total contempt? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I was saying, I wish the Leader of the Opposition would spend half the amount of time focusing on priorities that matter to the people of Ontario. That matters when it comes to hospital wait times, when they open their hydro bill every single month and see that they have the highest hydro rates, the highest taxes. I can assure you, Mr. Speaker, the people of Hamilton did not elect the Leader of the Opposition to protect a bunch of politicians' jobs in Toronto. They elected the Leader of the Opposition to lower their hydro rates, like we're doing, we're well on our way to lowering hydro rates by 12 percent, we're well on our way reducing personal income tax by 20 percent, we're well on our way to make sure we have a good governance system and we get the City of Toronto back on track. There's total good luck at the City of Toronto. Thank you. We start the clock. Final supplementary. You know, the people of Ontario can see right through the Premier's bluster speaker and they don't see a leader, they see a bully, they see a man who is taking petty vindictive and mean-spirited retaliation against millions of voters, against a city that rejected him and against his own political opponents. Why is his Premier abusing the powers of his office with the most outrageous anti-democratic action that Ontario has seen in many, many, many years? Through you, Mr Speaker, myself and Leader of the Opposition, we differ on a few items. Leader of the Opposition believes in big government, more politicians, more politicians, higher taxes, high carbon tax, high cap and trade. We believe in lowering, getting rid of the carbon tax, getting rid of the cap and trade, which we're doing and did. We believe in building transit for the great people of Toronto and the GTA. We believe in streamlining the government, I repeat, streamlining the government, making government work for the people, not the people working for the government. That's their philosophy. We're going to focus on running an efficient government. We're going to focus on respecting the taxpayers. We're going to focus on putting money back into the taxpayer's pocket. We start the clock. Next question. Leader of the Opposition. Thank you, Speaker. My next question is also for the Premier. It's too bad he doesn't believe in democracy, though, Speaker. How are to decide on how they are represented? Who they are lack? What Toronto City Council should look like? No one else should have that decision, Speaker. No one else. It should be up to the people of Toronto. And that's why Council voted yesterday to oppose the Premier's plot to rip up work. The question is, why exactly is it that this Premier is trying to rig the election and put more power in his own hands? Through you, Mr. Speaker. Again, this is where we differ a little bit. We believe in streamlining the government. We believe in democracy. We believe in representing the people. Democracy is doing what we said we're going to do. We said we're going to reduce the size and cost of government. And that is exactly what we're doing. We're going to make sure that we get the City of Toronto, the dysfunctional City of Toronto back on track. Hear, hear. My friends, I want to congratulate the Councillors that stood up, 17 of them, for respecting the taxpayers. Council, Gary Crawford, Vincent Cusanti, Glenda Bearmaker, Justin DiCiano, Frank DeGiorgio, Michael Ford, Mark Grimes, Michelle Holland, Stephen Holliday, Norm Kelly, Giorgio Mamalini, Denzel Minnan-Long, Frances Nunziata, Cesar Platio, Jay Robinson, David Shiner, and Michael Thompson. Start the clock. Supplementary. Well, a little less than in democracy. That's less than 50 percent, Speaker. That's less than 50 percent. I think acknowledged is what his decision is all about, is election rigging. And anybody thinks that he gets to decide how to define a democracy, really speaks to the issue of his belief in being a dictator, as opposed to- Yeah, but I mean, again, caution the members on intemperate language, because it inflames passions and makes it impossible to have decorum in this house. And I'm going to ask the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. All right. What? What? I withdraw, Speaker. The Premier's secret prior city should be governed. It is not up to one man to decide what Toronto's government should look like. And it is not up to one man to discard years and years of public consultation and impose his own hidden agenda on millions of people. What is it about democracy that this Premier does not get? Tell us, Premier, what's up? To you, Mr. Speaker, I love the fact that politicians and the ones that the Leader of the Opposition are trying to protect, they're trying to protect their little fiefdom. I can tell you one thing. Did anyone in this room ever get consulted when they want to increase the politicians? No, the answer is no. So they ran it through a perfect example of how dysfunctional the city is. You watch it, you watch it yesterday on the news. You can see the dysfunction down there. We're going to make sure we run the City of Toronto more efficiently with 25 Councillors as we have 25 MPs, 25 MPPs. As I said the other day, the City of Los Angeles with four million people have 15 Councillors. Unless politicians, imagine respecting the taxpayers, imagine reducing taxes. I know you don't believe in reducing taxes. Our party believes in reducing taxes. Thank you. Final supplementary, restart. Speaker, the Premier's assault on local democracy is all about helping him take revenge on his political opponents and punish the people of Toronto who have rejected him over and over again. Yesterday, Councillor Memoliti let the mask slip speaker and revealed that this plot is all about purging city council of progressive Councillors. It's all about rigging the election to increase the Premier's control and make sure that right wing conservatives take over the city. At least Councillor Memoliti had the guts to come clean, Speaker. Why doesn't the Premier have the guts to do the same? Premier, through you, Mr Speaker, I'm looking out my list again. And I'm counting half the members that are for reducing council are part of the Liberal Party. We even have one MP staunch members voting against you, Leader of Opposition. It's very clear, it's very clear. Again, sorry to interrupt the Premier, but I would again remind all members of the House that you have to make your remarks through the Chair. Premier. Mr Speaker, it's very clear. This isn't about being red, orange or blue. It's about respecting the taxpayer. It's about making sure they've been down there for a number of years. They see nothing gets done. Transit wasn't built under David Miller, wasn't built under Rob Ford, wasn't built under John Tory. It's about time we stopped the gridlock in the city and the GTA. Thank you. Let me start the clock. Next question, Leader of the Opposition. Thank you, Speaker. My next question is also for the Premier. Instead of a Premier who does what's right for Ontario, we have a Premier who's focused on settling scores with his own political opponents. The people of Toronto have repeatedly voted against this Premier Speaker, so now he's trying to punish them with a vindictive and mean-spirited attack on our local democracy. How can this Premier be willing to attack the principles of our democracy, the very principles of our democracy, and rig local elections just to get political revenge on the people? The member, leave the opposition again to withdraw. withdraw, Speaker. Premier. Mr. Speaker, I think the Leader of the Opposition is setting a new record for withdrawing your comments. The opposition, Mr. Speaker, should be focusing on is why she was elected, and the reason the Leader Opposition should have been elected is to respect the taxpayers, protect the people in Hamilton. I can assure you, Mr. Speaker, if I went up into Hamilton and door knocked into the Leader's Opposition's area and make no mistake about it, the Leader of the Opposition won with large vote. I guarantee you the doors I knock on, do you want more politicians in Toronto, the people of Hamilton? They would say absolutely not. They would say, I want more taxes. I want to make sure what this is described. I want to make sure we have more hydro rates. That's with the people. Thank you. Thank you. Start the clock. Supplementary. I invite the Premier to my riding. He'll get right out of town into the office, and this Premier has revealed so much about who he is. He's, his word is worthless. His contempt for voters is on full display. He has no respect for municipal leaders. He's willing to trample on our democracy, and he has abused his own office, the office of the Premier, just to take revenge on his political opponents. Why doesn't this Premier understand the difference between being a leader and being a bully? Through you, Mr. Speaker, again, the Leader of the Opposition should start focusing on what matters to the people of Ontario. To start focusing on the great people of Hamilton, the hardworking people of Hamilton, 600 people pack up in Hamilton. I'd look forward to visiting my friends in Hamilton to tell them what the Leader of the Opposition believes in. The Leader of the Opposition believes in higher government, bigger government, higher taxes, higher, higher rates. Opposition will come to order. I think the Leader of the Opposition is worried about a couple things. Mike Layton and Joe Cressy, that's with the look of the office. Ask a question. The House will come to order. The Member for Etobicoke Centre. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Question is for the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. It is very disheartening to hear the kind of angry, unparliamentary language coming from the opposition that we have heard yesterday as they attacked our plan to create a smaller, more effective Toronto City Council. Our government is committed to working for the people and ensuring that their own local governments represent their views and work in an efficient and effective manner. Despite the official opposition's vicious name calling, isn't it true that our legislation actually enhances local democracy? Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Thank you. Congratulations on being elected. That my bill is near and dear to her heart. Our proposed legislation speaker will not only solve the problem of a municipal government that is completely tied up in gridlock, it also addresses the important issue of voter parity. Councillor Justin DiCiano had some excellent remarks on the subject on Friday, and I want to highlight by quoting him and saying, quote, the writings do not belong to the Councillors, they belong to Torontonians. Massive improvement over a million Torontonians who will now have a fair vote because of the decision made this morning, that's the quote. Respond. Speaker, if this, if the opposition would stop with the attacks and the drive-by smears and actually look at the legislation, they'd see it's improving local government. Thank you. The member for Essex will come door. Supplementary. Through you, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the minister for that answer. I find it hard to believe that the opposition who pretends to be standing up for democracy wouldn't support a plan to move closer to voter parity, which helps make sure that every voice is heard equally and represented as such at city council. We all know that if it were up to the NDP, they would encourage even more members of council under the premise of good governance. When it's really just a matter of bloated governance, one of the original options suggested was 48 wards. That's 14 new councillors, 14 new speeches, over 16 million in taxpayer money over and above the existing council budget. To the minister, can you tell us why that just won't work? Thank you, Speaker, and I want to again thank the member. Well, I'd say that just like you don't put the fox in charge of the henhouse, you don't let a group of politicians decide how many of them should keep their jobs. Proposed in the Better Local Government Act is nothing new. For two decades, cutting the size of Toronto council and a half has been discussed. In fact, there's a 2014 poll that found 56% in favour of reducing council from 44 to 22 seats. But this never goes anywhere because councillors always vote to save themselves. They will have to explain why they're champions of big government instead of supporting the leaner, more effective council that were proposed. Restart the clock. Member for Toronto, Danforth. Thank you, Speaker. Speaker, my question from the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. During the debate of a bill brought by the Liberals, a bill that would establish that the regional chair position for the region of York would no longer be appointed but elected, the now Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs said, and I quote, I think it speaks to the very core of our democracy. I hope that members will support this legislation and perhaps we can expand it at some point down the road for all regions in the province of Ontario. My question for the Minister is simple. What changed? Mr. Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Thank you, Speaker. Through you to the Member, I want to thank you for the question. You know what I think was the biggest change for new Democrats? The fact that we're on this side of the House, that took place during the election that just passed. Debate where our Premier and the members on this side of the House talked about committing to reducing the size of government, to respecting the taxpayers of this province. Our government for the people was very clear during the election that we were going to make sure that a more effective and a more efficient government at all levels was paramount in our message to Ontarians. Again, Speaker, it should come to no surprise to Ontarians that members on that side of the House are going to stand up for big government. Members on this side of the House are going to stand up for effective government. Supplementary. Thank you, Speaker. So principle means that when you have power, it's irrelevant, right? Principle goes out the window. My question again for the Minister. This makes it all the more likely that the Minister of Municipal Affairs who will be forever associated with this anti-democratic legislation forever was as in the dark as the rest of us when it was coming down the pike. My question, when was the Minister made aware of the Premier's unilateral decision to cut the number of Councillors in Toronto? When? Thank you, Speaker. And again, thank you for the question. The very first time I spoke to our Premier, after he was selected leader, he came to my riding and he made it crystal clear that putting the taxpayers' dollars, respect, Speaker, respect for taxpayers' dollars was the number one thing that was going to drive him, drive our members. No surprise to Ontarians that new Democrats continue to stand up for bigger government, more politicians. That's where they stand. We've made it very clear, Speaker. We've made it very clear time and time again, effective and efficient government. Government can be more streamlined. That can make those quick, effective decisions. We're going to choose that style of government every time. Restart the clock. Next question. The member for Mississauga East Cooksville. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Some Toronto City Councillors are calling for a referendum on our plan for a smaller, more cost-effective council. I know you have said a 25-member council will save taxpayers $25 million over the four-year term. We also know that reducing the size of council is going to ensure important decisions on building transit and housing are made faster. This means that the people of Toronto will get the better local government they deserve. But I'm concerned. No one is considering what a referendum will actually cost. Minister, can you provide the House with detail? A member for Mississauga East Cooksville for the question. It's a great question. You're absolutely right, Speaker, through you that we haven't heard anything about the cost of a referendum, which has to be part of the discussion if you're going to respect taxpayers. We know that in 2012, city staff indicated a special referendum was cost as much as an election, or about $7 million. For comparison, in 2014, Toronto's election cost $8.3 million. Here's a question I'd like to ask taxpayers. Would they rather spend $7 to $8 million on a referendum asking if you should keep more politicians, or would you rather save $25 million and save that money on politicians? You know something, Speaker? I know. I think I know the answer to that question. Our supplementary. Thank you, Mr. Minister for your response and for letting taxpayers know the truth about the cost of a referendum. Hearing those numbers, I'm sure taxpayers would rather have their councillors at City Hall taking actions to improve life forever. The Premier will come to order. The Leader of the Opposition and the Premier will come to order. The Leader of the Opposition and the Premier will come to order. I was listening to the Leader of the Opposition and the Premier will come to order. Resets. Members can take their seats. Before we resume question period, I wish to explain to the House what just happened, as far as I know. A member from Mississauga East Cooksville was in the midst of a supplementary question. I was listening to it intently. Apparently, something may have been said which caused grave disorder, such that the Speaker felt it was necessary to recess the House. I didn't hear any of the comments that apparently were made or may or may not have been made, but I would ask members if there are any members that would like to withdraw any unparliamentary comment, I would appreciate their willingness to do so. All right, I would ask the House for order for the remainder of question period. A member from Mississauga East Cooksville. Thank you Minister for your response and for letting taxpayers know the truth about the cost of a referendum. Hearing those numbers, I'm sure taxpayers would rather have their councillors at City Hall taking actions to improve life for everyday residents of Toronto, then wasting time and money on a costly referendum, keeping more politicians on the payroll. Frankly, this debate is part of the reason we need these reforms. Looking beyond the cost without a referendum, what gives you the confidence to say our legislation is something the people support. Minister, Mr. President, you caught. Minister. Thank you, Speaker. And again, through you, I want to thank the member from Mississauga East Cooksville for all of your advocacy and all your efforts. You're a real classic speaker. No one has a better feel for the pulse of taxpayers in this city or our province than Premier Doug Ford. We heard Speaker Loud and Clear from voters during the recent provincial election that they want governments at all levels. And I want to stress that at all levels to work for them, to work for the people. There is no better referendum, Speaker, than the election we just went through. One that sent us here with a majority and a mandate to reduce the size and cost of government. We talked to tens of thousands of people, Speaker, tens of thousands of people who wanted us to take action, quick action, after the election. That's what the Better Local Government Act does for the people of Toronto and for the regions of York, Peel, Niagara and Mississauga. That's what it does. We start the clock. The member for University Rosedale. My question is for the Premier. Why is the Premier only interested in proper public consultation when it serves his far-right extremist friends who want to drag Ontario's health curriculum back to 1998? To the Minister of Government and Consumer Services. Dear Government Services. Thank you, Speaker. In my capacity as Government House Leader, we will be standing on Standing Order 37H. We will not be answering any questions from the official opposition until we get some kind of an apology from the member opposite who made those comments and will no longer be answering questions from the official opposition. Supplementary question. Premier has rallied on and on about the significance of public engagement. Yet he refuses to let the people of Toronto make their own decision about their government. It's clear that his word means very little. He wants it when he wants to roll back the Ontario Health Education Curriculum, but he skips it when the results could threaten his ego. If public engagement is so important to this Premier, then why is he trampling over the people of Toronto and forcing this change on them with no import whatsoever? For the member's opposite, can continue to ask questions of our government, but until we get some kind of formal apology, as is our right, Understanding Order 37H, which says a minister may in his or her discretion decline to answer questions. The government will not be answering any questions from the official opposition here this morning. There's a simple solution to this problem. Everybody makes mistakes, Mr. Speaker. All we're expecting is an apology for the member of this side of the House who asked a question earlier in question period, and we will not be answering any further questions from the members of the official opposition until that happens. Restart the clock. The member for Orléans. Mercier. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Premier, l'immigration francophone francophone immigration is essential. The vitality and prosperity of Franco- Ontarian is also very important. That being said, your government is not working in partnership with Immigration Canada. Eliminated the position of Minister Francophonie after being told several times that to invest more in Francophonie was not a priority. Est-ce que le premier ministre will the Premier explain to us in simple terms what his government will do to target this very important issue? Sure, for responsible for immigration. Minister responsible for immigration? Premier, for the opportunity. Respond. I'll have my colleague, Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs, to address you in the supplemental. But Ontario has set a target of 5% francophone immigration and we've implemented a number of initiatives to increase the number of francophones in the province, including the Ontario Express Entry French-speaking skill worker stream which is an immigration pathway for potential French-speaking immigrants that have skills to succeed in our labour market. My ministry also funds a municipal francophone immigration web portal which is dedicated to profiling immigration opportunities in the provinces francophone communities but most of all Ontario will continue to undertake a variety of international outreach and promotion initiatives in order to reach the francophone audiences worldwide and I can speak on behalf of this government that myself and the Minister of Francophone Affairs have spoken about this several times since being elected as seat-mates and we intend to undertake more initiatives throughout the rest of the world. Thanks. Supplementary. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Once again any reasons to believe that this government seems to be concrete and keep its francophony an implication? However, there is a question regarding the international what's brought internationally but all programs that have been in existence for francophony my question is yes or no? Will you keep our commitment with the international francophony organization which could help towards this 5% target and will the new government also commit to keep the program to have information francophone information? Thank you very much. The minister responsible for francophone affairs Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The government keeps its commitment towards francophone immigration. As mentioned the report by the francophone commissioner the French services commissioner told us that there is a decrease in the francophone demographic and if we don't keep working at it it will keep decreasing. Our government recognizes what francophones brings to this province and we want to keep it for future generations and this is why as minister responsible for francophone affairs I will work with my co-worker the minister responsible for immigration to put in place strategies to encourage francophone integration and to help the francophone community flourish. Next question. The member from the Mississauga Center. My question is for the minister of children, community and social services. Minister, I watched with interest Ontario government's launch of Human Trafficking Awareness Week. I was pleased to see that you took the time to record a video and speak about your commitment to ending human trafficking. It is also my understanding that your ministry has launched a multi-platform social media campaign to raise awareness of this terrible crime. I applaud your stance and dedication and stand with you against human trafficking. Minister, could you tell this house about our government's commitment to raising awareness and combating human trafficking? Good question. As a minister also responsible for women in this house, I thank the member from Mississauga for her question and for her dedication to ending human trafficking in the province of Ontario. I would be remiss if I did not point out the excellent work of my colleague and friend minister of labour who has been one of the kids in this assembly but throughout all of Canada in trying to end human trafficking. As a result, Ontario has passed legislation because of the minister of labour to allow individuals to apply for restraining orders against human traffickers. It make it easier for victims of human trafficking to get compensation from those who have trafficked them. And we've proclaimed February 22nd of each year as human trafficking awareness day. And of course, yesterday was a day to remember the world day against trafficking in person. So I appreciate and I'll have more to say in the supplemental but this is an important issue that every member of this assembly should stand against. Thank you very much for your answer. Back to the minister. I appreciate your focus and our party's longstanding commitment to this issue. Yesterday I saw your message on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. I am glad that we are reaching out to different audiences and on multiple platforms. I was troubled to learn that it is largely our neighbours, friends and family that are getting caught up in this terrible crime. And that girls as young as 13 are being abused this way. Minister, what is your plan in addition to the social media campaign to create awareness with different audiences? And what is your ministry doing to combat this crime? Minister. Thank you, Speaker. Through you. Again, just to build on the work that my colleague Lori Scott has done with the Girl Next Door Act in really taking this protection of women and girls to the next level. It's important to note that two-thirds of police reported cases of human trafficking in Canada take place in our province and they are literally the girls next door. Women and girls are disproportionately represented in victims of human trafficking and we're going to continue to work in my ministry with community organisation, police forces, international partners and government ministries to try and solve this crisis. Through human trafficking it is an offence under the criminal code of Canada but provinces are taking action and I will continue to work with my ministerial colleagues in order to make sure that there is greater enforcement when these issues arise. Thank you. The next question is from Niagara Centre. Mr. Speaker, through you to the minister of municipal affairs and housing, this year for the first time ever the people of Niagara were going to be able to elect their Niagara regional chair. But since the premarist started cooking up back room deals with his friends to meddle in municipal elections he has removed their democratic power. As the minister should know people in Niagara have serious concerns about their regional representatives. The ombudsman and the auditor general have both been involved with investigations of their activities and another complaint has been filed recently. Now more than ever Niagara residents are looking to bring more democracy and accountability to our regional council. Will the minister show some leadership reverse his short sighted decision and allow the people of Niagara to elect their regional chair. Mr. Speaker, I just want to mention the Paris analogy to the government house leader. Government house leader thank you speaker and we will not be as I said earlier answering any questions from the official opposition until we get an apology on behalf of the member of Mississauga East Cooksville. There was mockery that occurred during question period and our right understanding order 37 H is as a minister we may in our discretion decline to answer any questions in this house. We should be very proud of the member from Mississauga East Cooksville. He arrived here at the clock. He arrived here in Pakistan in 2004. He had a very, very successful career with Blackberry and in less than 15 years of living here in Ontario he's a member of provincial parliament at Queen's Park in our legislature. He deserves to be treated better than the mockery that went on this morning during question period. Can you start the clock? Supplementary. Thank you Mr. Speaker People in Niagara are outraged by this decision. They're tired of the lack of transparency and accountability at the Niagara Region. The action taken by this government is a slap in the face to the people of Niagara. Just in the last few weeks the Niagara Regional Chair tried to influence an ombudsman's investigation by using outside council. Mr. Speaker cancelling the election of the chair will only allow these problems to persist. Does the minister intend to prop up unelected unaccountable politicians or will he reverse this decision and give the power back to the people to elect their regional chair. Mr. Speaker again I'll cite standing order 37H and we will be refusing to answer any questions from the official opposition until they actually apologize for what occurred here earlier in question period. It was completely unacceptable. It was very audible by members of the government and other members who are here at Queen's Park this morning to observe question period and until the member responsible apologizes for mocking our member from Mississauga East Cooksville we won't be answering any questions from the official opposition. Restart Mr. Speaker take a look at this government caucus we have the member from Mississauga East Cooksville who came from Pakistan we have the first Tamil member elected in this legislature we have a very very diverse group of politicians that's enough thank you the member for Flamborough Glenbrook question is directed to the minister of tourism culture and sport now this weekend athletes coaches and spectators will experience the Ontario summer games in the beautiful city of London Ontario in fact my riding of Flamborough Glenbrook will be sending athletes from ages 12 to 18 many people in my riding are excited about this and they want to learn more about this unique program that is overseen by your ministry can the minister tell the house more about the Ontario Games program Mr. Torey question you you are absolutely right the London 2018 Ontario summer games is supported by our government through the games Ontario program this program supports events like the Ontario summer games the winter games for youth and the Ontario 50 plus summer and winter games for seniors as well as the Ontario Parasport Games for people with disabilities the games run from August 2nd through to the 5th with over 3,300 athletes coaches and officials in 21 sports the games are supported by over 800 volunteers from the local community in the surrounding area the games organizing committee has spent 18 to 24 months to plan and deliver these games these games are crucial in developing the talents of young athletes notable alumni of the games include Diana Matheson of the national women's soccer team and Aaron Brown a member of the men's relay team who captured a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio and thank you to the minister for the insight into this initiative you know I'm really happy that our government for the people is able to make investments in young athletes and our communities that will bring a positive change that will be felt for years to come minister can you elaborate on how the games are benefits to both our athletes and to our communities good question thank you to the member for Niagara-Flambrook I wish your team members well but of course I'm cheering for all of Ontario through you Mr. Speaker thank you to the member for their insight into the games Ontario program I'm glad that we are able to shed some light on how important this program is the games are a valuable motivator to encourage young people to be active and competitive in sports the games deliver a valuable experience developing Ontario's athletes this year's Ontario summer games are expected to generate economic impact of six million dollars in London as part of the games legacy 10 new beach volleyball courts will be added to the north London athletics field these additional courts the Ontario volleyball association will now be able to run beach volleyball programs in the city this is one of the many ways that our government is supporting local communities and sport increasing economic activity in our province I encourage all members in the house to support their local participants in the games in the from their riding in any way thank you my question is to the premier does the premier believe he can cancel question period just because he doesn't like the questions thank you speaker in my capacity as government house leader I'm taking this question there was a very very audible comment that came from the member who just asked that question during question period it was mocking the member from Mississauga east Cooksville if the member opposite the house leader for the official opposition wants question period to continue the honourable thing to do would be to stand in his place and apologize for making those comments and mocking the member from Mississauga east Cooksville government speaker many members on this government side clearly heard the mocking remarks that were made we are a very proud government caucus over here of our diversity a simple mistake was made a mistake was made Mr. Speaker there's a simple solution to this stand in your place in the supplementary and apologize to the member from Mississauga east Cooksville before I ask for the supplementary I wish to inform the house you can see that I'm wearing this earpiece I have the volume cranked full blast because otherwise I can't hear the person who has the floor on on many exchanges that's because of the loud voices it seems that everyone in the house is participating I can't hear everything that's said in the house government house leader says there was an audible comment I did not hear it supplementary member for timmings premier I'm being accused of something and if people know me and heard me in this house for 28 years and my constituents that is not who I am and that's not what I say I don't use that language so my question is back to the premier does a premier believe in parliamentary democracy and the right of the opposition to ask questions to the government yes or no Mr. Speaker as I mentioned off the top after that mocking remark was made in this legislature will be invoking standing order 37h we will not be answering any questions from the members of the official opposition until the member opposite apologizes for those comments that was made I can tell you Mr. Speaker that one thing we do have on this side of the house is respect for this institution we have respect for this institution we have respect for all members we have respect for all members of this legislature all 124 members of this legislature we will not be mocking the members like the member of the official opposition did will be tearing up for the members of this legislature it's all about respect and we saw a lack of respect this morning during question period restart the clock next question the member for Niagara West questions to the minister of environment conservation in parks during the summer months people from my riding and many other writings across the province enjoy spending time camping with friends or discovering new parts of Ontario while taking the family on a road trip and these used to be relatively easy and more importantly affordable ways for average families to get a break without costing them a fortune unfortunately speaker instead of getting a break these trips are now leaving families broke the soaring cost of fuel has families looking to this government for relief this past week the minister of the environment tabled legislation that will put an end to the cap and trade carbon tax can the minister of the environment please explain to this house how our government's plan will make life more affordable for families across Ontario we see the environment conservation in parks Mr. Speaker through you to the member and thank you to the member from Niagara West for that question and of course over 10 million people do visit Ontario's parks during the during the summer so it is a popular pastime but it is a pastime that requires people to drive their cars speaker we've been clear that we are going to be staying true to the promise we made to the people of Ontario the cap and trade cancellation act will deliver real savings for families $260 per year every year it's estimated the cost of gasoline will be reduced by 4.5 cents per leader the cost of diesel by 5.5 within the year if this legislation has passed Mr. Speaker on the other side we've asked the question before and of course they have other things to worry about today but we've asked the question how high a carbon tax would they support the member from Ottawa Centre says he wants the highest carbon tax in the world 35 cents the member from Hamilton West Alliance the member from Hamilton West Ancaster the member from Hamilton West Ancaster calls our policy of lower gas taxes reckless illuminating response minister the truth is we've seen this story play out before a liberal prime minister paired with an NDP Premier it's truly a dangerous combination in British Columbia the federal liberal carbon plan paired with the NDP's carbon tax has seen gas prices skyrocket to more than $1.60 per leader in April this is the highest gas prices in North America and Mr. Speaker they can say what they want but a tax is a tax is a tax Ontario simply cannot afford to pay for these liberal policies every time the NDP advocates for higher gas prices they demonstrate just how out of touch they are with the realities that families in Ontario face will the minister of the environment advise this house as to the dangers of the NDP's carbon tax plan Mr. Speaker through you to the member the people of Ontario can't afford historically high gas prices that's why we're proceeding with our plan that will reduce the price of fuel the end of the carbon tax means relief for families it remains relief for businesses and more disposable income for households we understand the realities that families face when they wait in line sometimes for hours to save a couple of cents at the pump it's ironic Mr. Speaker that the member from Timmins in a piece of his own legislation claims he wants to protect consumers from gouging at the pumps and yet his party sits idly by while this side and this government brings forward legislation that will actually support families and have real reductions at the pumps the era of the carbon taxes over in Ontario we will bring relief for families it's an miscommunication thank you last week we said the Premier was behaving as though he thought he was the king of Ontario to the Premier so far he's ran bills through the House without consultation or committee hearings he's interfering in democratic elections across Ontario will the Premier do the right thing and respect Ontario's democracy and democratic institutions thank you to our government and consumer service thank you to our government thank you to our government thanks speaker and thanks to the member opposite for the question which we won't be answering here this morning we'll be invoking standing order 37H again which I will remind the members gives the minister the opportunity to decline to answer a question and the reason that we're doing that Mr. Speaker is because a member of our government caucus who we are very proud to have as a member of our government caucus from Mississauga East Cooksville was mocked during question period by a member of the official opposition it was disrespectful to state say the least Mr. Speaker we could resume question period and the NDP could ask questions and get answers from the government members if they did the simple step of standing in their place and apologizing for the remark that was made during question period earlier when you make a mistake apologize apologize again to the premier the premier has canceled contracts canceled due process canceled consultation canceled cap and trade and now he's canceling question period is the premier for real or just trying to change the channel Mr. Speaker we could easily resume question period and answer the questions from the members of the official opposition if the house leader on the opposite side would stand in his place and apologize to the member from Mississauga East Cookville a member of our legislature a member of our government caucus a proud Pakistani Canadian who's been in this country for 15 years look at the diversity of this government caucus Mr. Speaker we have the first Tamil Canadians elected to the legislature the first Korean Canadian MPP the minister for seniors in this legislature the first Coptic Egyptian Canadian MPP the member for Mississauga Karen Mills we're proud to have the first Armenian Canadian MPP Babikian from the other side as well we have two Persian Canadian MPPs three Chinese Canadian MPPs one Hindu Canadian MPP four Sikh Canadian MPPs and three Jewish MPPs Mr. Speaker we are very proud of this caucus and we will celebrate restart the clock next question the member for Oakville thank you Mr. Speaker my question is for the minister of community safety and correctional services I would like to begin by congratulating the minister for being tasked with the crucial responsibility of being responsible for overseeing the province's correctional system including its many dedicated correctional officers and staff Mr. Speaker for the past 15 years our correctional system its many dedicated and hardworking correctional staff were repeatedly neglected as a member of this government for the people I am honored to stand here today knowing that our government is committed to fixing the crisis in our correctional system caused by the previous Liberal government Mr. Speaker could the minister please explain what he is doing to address the current crisis in the Ontario correctional system thank you Mr. Speaker Mr. Community Safety thank you Mr. Speaker and thank you for that question to our member from Oakville congratulations on your election and thanks again for the question Mr. Speaker the previous Liberal government left our correctional services in a crisis I'm proud to stay here today that our government for the people will remain committed to our promise of hiring more correctional probation and parole officers to end the current crisis in corrections this past Friday Mr. Speaker I attended the correctional officer and training assessment graduation in Hamilton where we graduated more than 182 men and women to become correctional officers and that they are being deployed as of Monday of this week Mr. Speaker our frontline correctional workers know that they finally have a government who will listen to them and deliver on a promise of ending the crisis in corrections thank you Mr. Speaker again to the minister thank you very much for your update and the work you're doing to address the crisis in Ontario's correctional system I am proud to see our government working for the people respecting our frontline workers and acknowledging the hard work they do every day Mr. Speaker it is also my understanding that the minister participated in a ride along with members of the Hamilton police force this past weekend Mr. Speaker will the minister please give an update on the members of this legislature on what he learned from this experience thank you thank you again for the question this past Friday Mr. Speaker I also participated in a ride along in Hamilton with the Hamilton police crisis response unit which consists of the crisis outreach and support team the mobile rapid response team and the social navigator program these teams of men and women work together to ensure public safety through addressing the root causes of crime and by participating in crisis prevention training the mental health training aspect of this unit is just one of the many policing innovations here in Ontario being led by our police services unlike those from the official opposition Mr. Speaker we will continue to respect our police and correctional services and we're made committed to providing our first responders with the resources they require to perform their jobs the status quo failed Mr. Speaker and we're the only party in this house that is prepared to do something about it we have made a promise and we intend to keep it next question member for nickel belt thank you Mr. Speaker and my question is for the premier so far we've heard that the premier doesn't need to consult Ontarians because he knows better than them the consultation Mr. President consultations are at the heart of democracy we heard that the premier is canceling question period why does it feel like the premier believe he is above Ontario's democracy thanks speaker and I don't know about you but we're here in question period the only questions that we're not answering Mr. Speaker with all due respect to the member from nickel belt who has had her question basically Nolan made Nolan void by the fact that another member of her caucus mocked a member of our caucus earlier during question period Mr. Speaker and there would be a simple resolution to this standoff Mr. Speaker if the member responsible would stand in his place and simply apologize to the member from Mississauga east Cooksville he is a very well respected member obviously in his community a proud Pakistani Canadian who arrived in Ontario 14 years ago to raise his family to make a living he's been a contributing member both in the business world and here in our legislature and we are very proud of that member I'd like to go back to the premier speaker this premier makes his decision in back rooms he seems to think that he knows more about Toronto democracy than the people of Toronto themselves now he is canceling question period something that goes back to confederation itself does the premier believe that he is above Ontario's democracy Mr. Speaker it's amazing to me to hear members on the opposite side say we're canceling question period when question period has now gone on for 59 minutes and 30 seconds Mr. Speaker what we're choosing not to do is respond to questions from the official opposition because they are mocking a member of our government caucus a very proud Pakistani Canadian who represents his community extremely well any member of our Ontario population no matter where they came to Ontario from has the opportunity to represent their community in this legislature just as Mr. Khalid Rashid is doing I recognize the member for timmins on a point well I want to thank you very much Mr. Speaker I just want to say in regards to the standing orders it is clear according to standing order 23 H and I you can't make allegations against another member which they are doing now and impute false and unevalued motives to another member and clearly that's what they're doing you know me I've been in this legislature as long as you that's not who I am I understand all about accents just we Frank Afon I am a Frank Afon and I have an accent and a lot of people mark my accent House knows that and it's just to me a very offensive thing for the government to try to change channels on question period to answering questions about something I never did to understanding order 38 a the member for Orlean has given notice of her dissatisfaction with the answer to her question given by the minister of children community and social services concerning support for Frank Afon community grants program this manner will be debated today at 6 p.m. House is in recess until 3 o'clock this afternoon