 It is now time for question period, the leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition. Thank you, my question is for the Premier. Premier, since we don't seem to be getting any answers from you in this house regarding the Sudbury bribery scandal, and you apparently are having scheduling problems and trying to meet with the OPP, may we suggest that the best use of your time in the next hour would be to leave question period and go meet with the OPP. Will you do that Premier? Well, Mr. Speaker, you know I understand the member opposite and he's not going to take a facetious tack. I actually take this very seriously Mr. Speaker, and the fact is that that meeting is Please stop the clock. Quick announcement I'll be jumping quite quickly on the interjections. The fact is that that meeting is being set up. Mr. Speaker, I've said all along that I will cooperate with the OPP. We are cooperating with authorities and that meeting is being arranged. First supplementary, my man. You met with the Chief Electoral Officer sometime between January 26th and February 3rd in relation to the investigation he started in mid December into the Sudbury by-election. On February 9th you told your reporters you'd be meeting with the OPP in relation to the investigation they restarted on January 16th and you just reiterated that right now. Yet, here we are nine weeks later and your so-called scheduling issues are holding up the meeting. Premier, wouldn't you agree that delaying a meeting with the OPP for over two months is tantamount to interfering in the Sudbury investigation? We are in the process of setting up that meeting and the member opposite can twist this any way he chooses but the fact is the meeting is being set up. We are in the process of organizing that Mr. Speaker and it's not just about my calendar Mr. Speaker, there are other factors and I will have that meeting when it's arranged Mr. Speaker. Premier, when you were chosen as liberal leader you love to talk about how different you were going to be from your predecessor Dalton McGinty. Premier, the OPP investigation into the gas plant scandal started in June of 2013 to get Dalton McGinty didn't meet with the OPP investigators until April of the following year. So I ask you Premier, will it take ten months to meet with the OPP just like it took ten months for Dalton McGinty to meet with the OPP? Thank you. Well Mr. Speaker, you know I was chosen as the leader and then we went through an election and we won a general election Mr. Speaker and this is about. It's actually about the fact that we are implementing an agenda that we took to the people of Ontario. It's a positive agenda Mr. Speaker it's building the province up, it's investing in the infrastructure and the talent and skills of people that we know are necessary for the 21st century Mr. Speaker. That's not the platform that the party opposite ran on Mr. Speaker and I think it's sticking in their craw. Can you see it please? Can you see it please? Thank you. New question the member from Leeds Grindel. Thanks very much Speaker. My question is to the Premier, Premier on February 9th, the media reported that you and your deputy chief of staff were going to meet with the OPP investigators regarding the alleged bribery allegations. Premier on exactly what date were you, your office or your lawyers. Deputy House Leader Hanson ordered by the OPP to schedule that meeting. Mr. Speaker I go again to the information the answer that I have been getting in this House and we'll continue to give Mr. Speaker. There is an investigation going on. Part of that investigation is the arrangement of meetings with a number of people Mr. Speaker. I don't have access to all that information. The authorities are doing that. They are talking to people, they're talking to the people to whom they choose to speak Mr. Speaker. They're setting up meetings as they choose to. We are working with them to set up a one specific meeting between me and the authorities. We'll continue to make those arrangements Mr. Speaker. But in the interim there are other things happening but we don't have access to those Mr. Speaker because as I have said many times this is an investigation that's happening outside the legislature not inside the legislature. Thank you. Supplementary. Back to the Premier. Again it's been over five weeks since we learned that you were asked to meet with the OPP. But Speaker tonight is the annual Liberal Party Heritage Dinner and before anybody goes out to rush to buy a ticket it's $1550 a ticket. So my question is Premier why is a $1500 plate Liberal fundraiser more important to you than having a meeting with the OPP? You know again Mr. Speaker I know that this is the framework that the party opposite wants to put. This is the frame that the party wants to put into the public discussion. The party opposite is trying to construe the situation that somehow I am avoiding meeting with the OPP. Mr. Speaker that is tantamountly not true. It is not true. The meeting is being set up. I am working with the authorities Mr. Speaker and as soon as that arrangement can be made I will have that meeting Mr. Speaker. That is the truth. Final supplementary. You see it? Thank you. Final supplementary. Thanks Speaker back to the Premier. Premier the maximum punishment for bribery under the Election Act is two years less a day. The criminal cold offence attracts our stiffer penalty. A bribery conviction could mean up to 14 years in prison. The Chief Electoral Officer can't lay charges. He can only pass his findings on to the Attorney General. Premier is the reason you were so quick to meet with Elections Ontario but not with the OPP in fact that if criminally convicted your Deputy Chief of Staff could be facing a lengthy prison term. Mr. Speaker let's just be clear that in the same way that Elections Ontario organized a meeting with me we worked with them. We had that meeting. That's how we're working with the other authorities Mr. Speaker. And let's just be clear what the Chief Electoral Officer said Mr. Speaker. He said and he clearly stated in my quote I am neither deciding to prosecute him Premier the member from Renfrew Nipissing Pembroke will come to order and not discuss issues where all the questions and answers are being put. The Deputy House Leader will not engage in the same conversation and I don't need any coaching. That's the second time for both. I had the meeting with the Elections Ontario Mr. Speaker and the Chief Electoral Officer said I am neither deciding to prosecute anyone's guilt or innocence. Those decisions are respectively for prosecutors and judges. So Mr. Speaker that investigation affairs will come to order. The tendency is to try to bring the temperature down and if that member wishes to identify anyone they know that it's by their writing or their title only. New question in the Leader of the Third Party. Mr. Speaker my question is for the Premier. The Premier says she's working with the OPP but she hasn't met with them. Premier says there were no bribes offered to Andrew Olivier but there are calls and warrants and independent reports that show evidence of bribes. The Premier insists she's answering questions. Sure she stands up and talks but she hasn't answered anything Speaker. Will the Premier start answering questions about her role in the Sudbury Brivary Scandal both in this House? Remember from Eglinton Lawrence Premier? Mr. Speaker I will absolutely first of all I do answer the questions that are asked that the opposition asks of me and I will Mr. Speaker answer substantially when Mr. Speaker the question is appropriate to the place Mr. Speaker. The fact is there's an investigation going on. Members of the opposition in the Third Party want to direct that investigation themselves. The fact is that they are not the authorities to undertake that investigation. The authorities are outside of this legislature Mr. Speaker and we will work with those authorities as it should be outside of the legislature Mr. Speaker. It's been five weeks since the Sudbury Brivary Scandal and four weeks of questions but the Premier seems to believe that she's above answering questions either in this House or with the OPP. She doesn't seem to think that Ontarians deserve the respect of having the Premier give an honest answer to an honest question. If the Premier won't meet with the OPP to answer their questions then surely she must see the responsibility that she has to answer questions in this House so I'm going to ask yet another one. Who gave the orders to Pat Cerbera and Jerry Lahi. Mr. Speaker the leader of the Third Party is absolutely inaccurate when she says that I will not meet with the OPP. That is just not the truth. I am going to meet with the OPP Mr. Speaker. That meeting is being set up Mr. Speaker. It hasn't happened yet. That's true but it will happen Mr. Speaker and I will co-operate fully as I have said I will do with the investigation which is taking place outside of this legislature. Thank you. Final second. The Liberal government is under the cloud of a bribery scandal but there is something deeper than that. There is a question of transparency and integrity that's part of every action of this government. If the government refuses to answer questions about a criminal investigation one that goes to the very heart of the premier's very own inner circle of advisors how can they be trusted with anything? Is the premier avoiding meeting the OPP in an effort to influence the timing of the charges being laid? There is a meeting being set up. I will take part in that meeting. I have said that consistently Mr. Speaker. The fact is the meeting hasn't been set up yet. There are many many aspects to an investigation but the fact is I don't know all of those Mr. Speaker. I don't know what else is going on in terms of the investigation for a good reason Mr. Speaker and that is that the investigation is taking place outside of this legislature. Not inside the legislature and I will work with the authorities as part of that investigation. My question is for the premier speaker. Political corruption, bribery, protecting insiders, refusing to answer basic questions, dirty details and dodging the OPP investigators. Will the premier commit to doing better and start by answering questions about her role in the Sudbury bribery scandal either in this house or with the OPP investigator room? Mr. Speaker. I've said repeatedly that I will work with the authorities. I will answer the questions that I am asked but for the leader of the third party to try to again construe this situation as somehow me avoiding having those conversations it's just inaccurate Mr. Speaker. She's just not speaking the truth. The truth is the meeting is being set up Mr. Speaker. I have committed to having that meeting and as soon as it's arranged Mr. Speaker I will take part. Thank you. Mr. Speaker. There's something truly ridiculous when the premier won't even tell Ontarians whether Pat Cerbera is attending cabinet meetings claiming that she can't because there's an investigation ongoing by police. An investigation she is stalling by hampering or by refusing to be interviewed by investigators. The premier must realize that this is absurd. Few if any citizens in this province would be able to dodge being questioned about a criminal offence for this long. Will the premier stop stalling this investigation and agree? Can you say the place? Thank you. Stop the clock. While it is my task to listen carefully to the questions and answers. While it is my task to listen carefully to the questions and answers I believe I did hear something say that should not have been said so I'm going to ask the premier to withdraw. Previously. Excuse me. I withdraw. Thank you. Thank you. At any time anyone wishes to challenge the chair their option is there. Premier answer. Mr. Speaker let me just repeat that I have every intention to meet with the authorities Mr. Speaker that meeting is being set up. I would never want to stall or hinder the investigation Mr. Speaker. I have been clear that I will work with the authorities. Mr. Speaker in terms of answering the questions that in this house are questions being asked by people who I think want the investigation to happen in here and I just want to refer back to the comments of the member for Tim and James Bay and he was talking about me but Mr. Speaker his principle applies to everyone and he said on February 27th you do have a large responsibility to make sure you're careful in your use of words so that you don't interfere in any way. And I think that he's right and we need to pay attention to that on all sides of the house Mr. Speaker. Final supplementary. Speaker after five weeks the premier can't seem to find a single hour to sit down with the OPP anti-rockets brands investigators though she seems. The minister of economic development will come to order. Though she seems to have lots of time for the liberal heritage dinner tonight I have to wonder if Jerry Lahi is going to be their speaker. Mr. Speaker that she actually skip question period tomorrow and instead schedule a meeting with OPP investigators. It's not as though she's answering any questions here Speaker would the premier agree to stop stalling the investigation. Skip question period tomorrow morning and allow the OPP investigators to do their job sit down with them and start answering their questions. Very clear in this house and with the people of Ontario and statements that I've made publicly Mr. Speaker that I have every intention of meeting with the OPP when that meeting is set up Mr. Speaker the meeting is being set up and I think it I actually think it does the people of Ontario a real disservice. A real disservice to characterize behavior Mr. Speaker in such a way that suggests that we only do one thing at a time that in fact I can't cooperate with the authorities and still government the problems Mr. Speaker that's just not the case. There's a lot of work that needs to be done Mr. Speaker whether it is legislation that is going to make sure we invest in infrastructure whether it's legislation that puts in place an Ontario retirement pension plan Mr. Speaker whether it is making sure that on all fronts we are responding to emergencies like the emergency in Gogama Mr. Speaker there's a lot of work to be done and as government we have to do a lot of things at the same time Mr. Speaker Thank you very much Mr. Speaker my question is to the Premier I notice that you've been smiling and grinning through much of question period this morning but I'm very concerned by the attitude demonstrated by you and your government. You're the first government that's been accused of breaching the elections act and you're under four separate OPP investigations but there's more we are seeing a disturbing level of abuse across all of your government a complete disregard for ethics not just by you but by individuals across the public service who are following your example. Premier if you don't demonstrate leadership it will only get worse. Premier if you will not take a step in the right direction will you take a step in the right direction and compete with the OPP immediately. Thank you very much. Thank you very much Mr. Speaker I remind the member opposite again that there is an ongoing investigation and it will be highly inappropriate for anybody to engage in any any conjecture or presumptions here as the case may be as Premier has been very clear she will cooperate with the authorities and then we will do so I think what we need to really focus on are issues that are at our hand we know the agenda of the party opposite which is to cut 100,000 jobs of hardworking Ontarians we know that they want to cut about 22,000 jobs just from teachers we need to make sure that we let the independent authorities do their work and focus on issues that are important to Ontarians and I ask all members to respect how our system works when it comes to independent police investigation. I see the house leaders grinning as well back to the Premier how about these for issues our Ontario Provincial Police Union, Orange and the Ministry of Labour bureaucrat when you fail to lead by examples others take note whether it's a failure of ministerial oversight or bureaucrat under investigation for extortion and shakedowns the buck stops with you when you won't meet with the police over an ongoing investigation you send a very clear message to everyone that you think you're above the law. Premier this needs to stop it needs to stop now. I can't imagine it getting worse but it probably will. Premier will you do your job will you lead by example set a tone that your government is not above the law and meet with the OPP now Thank you very much Speaker I would argue that Premier is leading by example because she is focusing on issues that are important to Ontarians because she is investing in making sure that we are growing our economy all across the province she is taking actions to ensure that we have good paying jobs for hard working Ontarians because Speaker she is investing in building infrastructure both public transit and other critical infrastructure that is how Premier is leading and we ask the members opposite to really focus on issues that are important to Ontarians on the mandate that was given to us by the people of Ontario in the election that happens just surely almost a year ago Speaker and any investigation that has taken place outside this house we should respect that process and let the police and other authorities do their work Thank you. Thank you. My question is to the Deputy Premier. Deputy Premier when will you first brief about the plan to offer Andrew Olivia a job so he can get out of the way of Mrs. Wynn and appointing Mr. Tebow as a candidate Deputy Premier Well Speaker I can tell you that I was delighted to learn that the Premier had met with Mr. Tebow and that he was indeed interested in leaving the New Democratic Party and joining the Liberal Party and leaving the House of Commons to join the Ontario legislature I was thrilled and the more I learned about that man the happier I was and the more I was there representing the government at that disaster he's a fine MPP and he's going to get even better the more time he spends here Well back to the Deputy Premier. Seeing as the Deputy Premier seems to know the intimate details of the Premier's discussion with her soul has she spoken with the OPP anti-racket investigation to share a version of the Sudbury bribery scandal Deputy Premier Well Speaker I have not been invited to participate in such a conversation if I were I would be more than delighted to participate but I do want to really underline because you asked the question about the decision of Glenn Tebow to leave the New Democratic Party and join the Liberal Party he actually it must have been a difficult decision to make I know that it's difficult to tell your campaign team tell your staff tell your friends that you've made a decision but he made that decision for all the right reasons he made that decision because he knew that the Premier and this government was in tune with his values with his priorities and on this side of the House he would make the contribution that would make the lives of the people in Sudbury better Thank you. Your question? The member from Burlington Thank you Mr. Speaker. My question is one of interesting concern to all Ontarians Speaker and it is for the Minister responsible for women's issues Speaker we know that one in three women will experience some form of sexual assault in her lifetime. We also know that 28% of women say on the receiving end of unwelcome sexual advances requests for sexual favors or sexually charged talk in the workplace this is not okay in fact it's never okay. Last Friday when our government released it's never okay an action plan to stop sexual violence and harassment I was incredibly proud speaker of the worker of our Premier and our government on this issue in fact it took me back to 1992 when we'll let the Canadian advisory council on the status of women I had the incredible privilege of working with across Canada on the development of the rape shield legislation speaker. Question. I've heard very positive comments from our plan on our plan from my constituents in Burlington and our local women's shelter in particular. Speaker through you can the Minister share some background on our plan for the benefit of this House The Minister, the Minister of Children and Youth Services So excited. It's issues. And I want to thank the member from Burlington for this very important question for her work on this important cause We appointed to the select committee on sexual violence and harassment Action plan is something that we're very proud of speaker and deepens our commitment to ending sexual violence and harassment. We've committed $41 million over the next three years to support the plan's implementation It includes the public education campaign curriculum that develops a deeper learning about healthy relationships and consent It includes focus on stronger workplace safety legislation Enhanced prosecution model, focus on post-secondary education There's so much more. So these are not our first steps speaker and it won't be our last either. Hearing the Prime Minister say that the problem of sexual violence and harassment is rooted in deeply held beliefs in women and men, power and equality was very powerful And I think this is about... Supplementary. Thank you Mr. Speaker I'd like to thank the Minister for her leadership on this issue. As the Premier has referenced recent incidents have brought this discussion from the sidelines into the spotlight once again A lot of time has passed since the Rape Shield law but clearly we have much more work to do Every day across this province and cities and towns and boardrooms on shop floors, on university campuses, women are experiencing violence and harassment Our commitment to eliminating harassment and violence is clear We've increased funding to organizations and programs targeting violence 23% since 2002. We grew those investments last year to $145 million. Now the new investments to support the action plan will allow us to do even more. Can the Minister outline what concrete steps these new investments will achieve in helping to change attitudes provide support to survivors and make workplaces and campuses safer and more responsive to complaints about sexual violence and harassment Thank you Mr. Speaker Thank you for your commentary question and the plan is very comprehensive I'll just highlight a few of the key elements here. Strengthening provisions on sexual violence and harassment in legislation. Enhancing laws to strengthen enforcement. Access to quality and timely care in hospital based assault and domestic violence treatment centers a public awareness campaign. A creative fund to provoke conversation dialogue on consent, rape culture and gender equality. Updated frontline workers. Enhanced prosecution model. Legislation requiring universities and colleges to have sexual violence and harassment policies including prevention and response protocols. Stabilizing and increasing funding for assault centers. A pilot program to provide free independent legal advice to survivors who are proceeding to a criminal trial. And establishing of course the permanent round table on sexual violence and harassment I'm very excited about these initiatives Speaker Your question to the members from Renfrew and Nipissing Tumble? My question is for the Premier. It's become apparent to everyone that despite your assertions otherwise you have no intention of aiding the Ontario Provincial Police in their investigation into this Sudbury bribery scandal It has been more than five long weeks since the OPP made it known that they would like to speak with you regarding your involvement in this sort of affair. If you had nothing to do with this scandal you would have been eager to speak with the police. You would have done it over five weeks ago. Premier are you stonewalling because you are the central player in this investigation and all the orders can be traced back to you? Mr. Speaker I'll be meeting with the OPP when that meeting is arranged I've been very clear that I will work with the authorities as I've said over and over again in this House Mr. Speaker that meeting is being set up and I will take part in it when it's arranged Mr. Speaker Premier I suppose I shouldn't be surprised by your reluctance to speak to the OPP or to answer questions because we all know that dodging and ducking has become your MO I remember very well your questionable testimony to the Gas Plant Committee The difference here is that after the investigation you would be answering questions directly Right through my request for you to come to order you continued speaking Minister of Education come to order Premier the difference here is that you would be answering questions directly in front of the Ontario Provincial Police. You can't get your MPPs to shut them down Criminal investigations into breaches of the Election Act and bribery allegations will eventually hold everyone involved responsible. The OPP are not going away We the opposition are not going away. Will you finally do the right thing to cooperate and keep the police and in the meantime set Pat Sabera and Jerry Lawheed First of all Speaker on this side of the House we don't want the opposition to go away either we want them to stay where they are I think it suits them well Premier's strategy is simple is to serve the people of Ontario and she's doing so by working on issues that is important to Ontario that's what she ran on the last election and that's what we received the majority mandate on and that is to focus on building Ontario up making sure that we are investing in our infrastructure across the province making sure that we have retirement income security for hard working Ontarians. If there is a process Speaker that is going outside this legislature Premier has been absolutely clear she will cooperate and that all details are being worked out but Speaker what we need to focus on in this House on issues that are important to Ontarians we should not investigate an independent investigation I ask the members to please focus on issues Thank you very much Mr. Speaker my question is to the Attorney General when did the Attorney General learn about the plan to offer a job in order to get out of the Premier's way Attorney General Mr. Speaker as you know the process is very clear I am not involved in all of this but the commissioner election commissioner was very clear and he informed both parties the commissioner informed both parties so I'll say to the member that he should ask is House Leader because the House Leader received a letter from the commissioner explaining the process and now my position is left out of this exercise Thank you very much Attorney General was scheduled to speak at a liberal campaign event in Sudbury but she cancelled at the last minute I can only imagine it's because she realized the optics were quite terrible for weeks new democrats have called on the Attorney General for assurances that the bribery investigation would be independent it took weeks to get results has the Attorney General spoken to the anti-racket investigators about her knowledge of the Sudbury bribery scandal Thank you Attorney General Mr. Speaker as I explained in the House previously the process is made that the Attorney General is left out of this process and it was explained very clearly by the election commissioner and I wanted to make sure that I protect the integrity of the position so that's why I stayed out of the exercise and yes I didn't go to Sudbury because I want to make sure that you know I respect my position and I respect the integrity of the position Thank you It's unfortunate the opposition haven't been asking any questions about government policy today it's unfortunate they're not focused on priorities of Ontarians however on behalf of the residents of Etobicoke Lakeshore I do have a question for the Minister of Energy on the recent news regarding Hydro 1 Minister the government has asked Ed Clark to conduct a review of government assets in order to increase investments and infrastructure Thank you Mr. Speaker there were reports yesterday that the government is considering issue an initial public offering for Hydro 1 Minister could you please inform this House on the validity of these reports and what the government is planning on doing in regards to asset review and more specifically Hydro 1 I'd like to thank the member from Etobicoke Lakeshore Mr. Speaker for this relevant question regarding government policy this is a very important and very topical issue and I'm glad the member is taking the opportunity to ask a good question Mr. Speaker the advisory council on government assets has yet to provide its final recommendations to the government and at this time it would be premature to suggest any decisions have been made so let me be clear none have despite what the NDP says we ask the council to retain the government's long-term ownership of OPG Hydro 1 and the LCBO we need to find ways to generate revenue so that Ontario can invest in its long-term energy needs to build badly needed highways, schools, hospitals, transit and invest in important projects like the Ring of Fire Mr. Speaker we look forward to receiving the council's recommendations Thank you Minister for that very detailed response you know investing in infrastructure is very important to the people of Etobicoke Lakeshore and all residents of Ontario they rely on our roads our public transit and our hydro system in order to be able to go about their daily lives and I'm happy to hear that the government will await the final recommendation of Ed Clark's panel before making any decisions when it comes to Hydro 1 it's important that the government maintain ownership of the asset it's also important that whatever decision is made respecting Hydro 1 that it doesn't negatively impact the rate payers Minister could you please inform this House on how the government is ensuring that the needs are met of both of these very important objectives when it comes to the review of our energy assets Thank you Mr. Speaker the member is correct when he says that investing in infrastructure is important to people not only in his riding but across the province improving people's quality of life improving opportunities for the people of Ontario and building our economy whether it's a new highway that lets you get home faster from work or a new project that will bring jobs to a community this is about making Ontarians lives better and that's our priority Mr. Speaker the people of Ontario can also be sure of two things first Ontario would always retain an important ownership stake in an asset as vital and strategic as Hydro 1 and second rates in Ontario are and will continue to be set by the Ontario Energy Board Mr. Speaker Mr. Speaker good morning my question is for the Premier it's been over five weeks since the OPP wanted to sit down with you that's five weeks where Pat Sorbera has had full access to your office let's put this in comparison to your gas plants order from the time your transition team leader I did ask for order and some people just talk right through it and I find that personally insulting carry on please from the time your transition team leader met with the secretary of cabinet to the time your the deputy chief of staff's partner wiped hard drives in the Premier's office well that was just 16 days that was plenty of time to tie up loose ends wasn't it what assurance can you give us that this deputy premier isn't tying up loose ends that may form part of the OPP investigation thank you very much speaker again clearly we see that the members opposite are engaging in speculative hypothesis here I think we really should do the right thing and let the authorities do their work there's a reason that we have a system in place that these type of investigations are separate and apart from the government and I think we should respect that process in order to make sure that they are done appropriately and in a valid fashion even we've received the same advice actually speaker from both the member from Lease Granville and from Timon St James they keep telling us to the Premier don't interfere in this police investigation I think they're giving good advice speaker and we should respect that and really focus on issues that are important to Ontarians which are really making sure that we're building Ontario up supplementary again to the Premier well I'm sorry but you don't get the benefit of doubt here let me remind you it was your signature on the original gas plant scandal cabinet document that started the whole scandal now we see Becky Codd downy who is shown in the OPP warrant to be deleting her emails still working in your office Leon Corby had his computer added to the list to be wiped and he's still advising you and now Pat Sorbera under criminal investigation has had run of your office for five weeks Premier is the reason you haven't agreed to meet with the OPP simply to give your staffers enough time to bury the bodies from Sudbury well speaker I think the the spear campaign that the opposition is engaging in is even is beneath them the people they're naming are hard working servants of the public speaker they work day in and day out to serve the people of Ontario and this government we should respect them and we should thank them speaker what we need to ensure is that we continue to focus on what it was important to Ontarian speaker clearly what the opposition is doing is they're talking about scandal and not focusing on issues because they have nothing to add to that debate because they've washed their hands from anything meaningful because their idea of public policy is to fire hundred thousand hard working public service we reject the notion speaker and even Ontarians have rejected the notion in the last election let the independent authorities do their work speaker let's respect the work that they're doing and let's focus here on the job that was given to us from the people of Ontario that is to grow our economy and ensure that there's retirement income security for you're offering traffic cop duties that I don't want you to have that's a new question remember from Windsor west thank you speaker my questions to the minister of community safety and correctional services when was the minister of community safety and correctional services first briefed about the plan to offer Andrew Olivier a job in order to get out of the premier's way minister I appreciate the strategy the third party is engaging in because they really have no other strategy to talk about they're having a really hard time justifying to themselves and their party member speakers is why they cannot win any more elections they voted against one of the most progressive budget in the history of this promise and they took a gamble and guess what they got relegated to back to the same spot they belong in the third place in this house speaker they tried to they can't get over the head is that they won the Sudbury seat and they went into a by-election they lost their seat also by a very credible individual who moved from the NDP to the Liberal Caucus speaker you know a speaker people of Ontario there's a reason the people of Ontario have elected a Liberal majority government is because they believe in our values they believe in things that we're focusing on making sure that we're raising the minimum wage making sure that we're raising the wage across the support workers and we ask NDP to support those important initiatives because that's what the people of Ontario want supplementary thank you speaker has minister of community safety and correctional services been interviewed by the OPP anti-rackets investigators to share his version of the attempt to bribe Andrew Olivier let them use you that way thank you minister thank you very much speaker and again I think the member opposite know that when it comes to independent police investigation stop the clock please I need the minister of agriculture and the minister of energy to allow the minister to answer without interrupting and the member from Renfrew is warned order please minister put your answer please thank you very much because I was saying that as the member opposite know there is an independent investigation and we respect that process and really speaker I think what we should be doing is focusing on issues that are important to them to all of us I mean this is this is the NDP who lost any moral foundation to stand on when it comes to issues that are important to Ontarians this is what Martin Reckon wrote last February why is NDP leader Andrew Olivier doing the bare minimum on the minimum wage anti-poverty activists and union leaders are wondering and seething I am profoundly disappointed that the NDP has not taken a public stand on this said Sheila Block of the non-partisan Wesley Institute because that is one of the biggest challenge NDP has got that they have lost their own supporters and they have nothing else to talk about so they are engaging in scandal mongering thank you new question from the member from the Republican Party my question is for the Attorney General of Ontario this question is important to me on both a personal as well as a parliamentary capacity representing as I do Etobicoke North a diverse writing it's unfortunate the opposition has been asking questions today that relate to government policies or are focused on priorities that matter so my direct and earnest question is this will we ensure that the justice system remains equally available to every Ontarian from any and all socio-cultural backgrounds Attorney General we must ensure that the justice system remains accessible to all Ontarians and to my residents in Etobicoke North question that every Ontario regardless of background is respected Attorney General thank you Mr. Speaker I would like to thank the member for his question that is quite interesting and so for us Ontarians expect their values to be respected within the initiatives of the government and so the member is quite right to say that the justice system should be accessible to them regardless of their economic background and so we need to really rethink the role of juries we need to make our courthouses more accessible to everyone and we also need to make sure that we can welcome anyone including people with special needs we are working very hard to adapt to the changing needs of our multicultural society in Ontario and so we're providing interpretation in every language we also make sure that qualified interpreters are hired thank you Speaker I feel grateful and privileged to be part of a government that allows me not only to pose such a question but also furnishes me with that answer a government led by Premier Kathleen Nguyen especially Kathleen Nguyen Speaker in 2015 I have to say it is sad, remarkable, anachronistic and startling that we still have to remind ourselves that diversity and religious freedoms should be respected everywhere Speaker Ontario is an incredibly diverse province nearly 40% of Canada's immigrants settle here and it's important for people to know that their cultures and belief systems are honoured Speaker what are we doing as a government at least here in the province of Ontario to uphold the sacred trust Thank you Minister of Civic Affairs and Immigration I'm very tropical now for asking the question Speaker as an immigrant myself I know firsthand how difficult it is to come to a new country to learn a new language and experience a new culture and how important it is to feel welcomed Speaker from its earliest days Ontario was built on immigration with the exception of our original populations we all come from somewhere else we know that diversity is one of our greatest assets Speaker this is why in 2012 we introduced the immigration strategy which aims to attract newcomers, leverage diversity and help successful transition immigrants as well as we are reintroducing the Ontario Immigration Act Bill 49 which will allow us to have more control in our immigration system Thank you Thank you Mr. Speaker my question is to the Premier Premier on the 11th of December Jerry Lawheed was recorded saying to Andrew Olivier quote the Premier may stay with the nomination she may go with an appointment you don't know I think you and her need to talk about it close quote by all counts you spoke with Mr. Olivier that very night Premier if you're able to make room in your schedule so quickly to speak with Andrew Olivier why has it been over five weeks and you still can't find time to meet with the OPP Let me just take another shot at this Minister would like to chime in on the supplementary but let me just say once again that I am committed to working with the authorities there is a meeting being set up Mr. Speaker and you know I don't have access to all of the work that's being done as part of the investigation and I repeat Mr. Speaker that's because the investigation is taking place outside of this house not in the legislature Mr. Speaker that's as it should be and as soon as that meeting is arranged Mr. Speaker I will be there again to the Premier Jerry Lahi goes on to say to Andrew Olivier quote then you need to say so why would Andrew Olivier be motivated to do this what's in it for me politically what's in it for me in my long term short term is there an appointment are you going to let me head up a commission what are you giving me for me to step down that is worthwhile otherwise guess what I'm going to sell memberships and see what my chances are Premier this pitch comes on December 11th weeks after you insist having appointed Glen Tebow as your candidate so how do you explain this discrepancy and timing in your version of events in the Sudbury bribery scandal thank you very much and again I remind the members opposite that we have a basic principle of fundamental justice in our system and that is called presumption of innocence I don't think anybody should be drawing any conclusion whatsoever I would be remiss if I did not remind the members opposite what exactly the chief election officer said in his finding he said and I co-speaker I'm neither deciding to prosecute a matter nor determining anyone's guilt or innocence those decisions are respectfully those decisions are respectfully for prosecutors and judges speaker I remind members they are neither prosecutors or judges in this in this house we should let the independent authorities as always the case is do their job they're the most capable and trained to do that and as premier's affirmed again and again she will cooperate with the authorities thank you supplementary sorry new question the member from Windsor to come see thank you speaker my question this morning is to the minister of the environment and climate change good morning minister speaker when was the minister of the environment and climate change first briefed about the plan to offer Andrew Olivier a job in order to get out of the premier's way I could remember the first day mr. Speaker that two great days in my life one when Premier Wynn told us who our candidate in Sudbury was going to be someone I've known and had great regard for and even better mr. Speaker when I found out that the MPP for Sudbury was going to be the parliamentary assistant with me and the only person biggest rail safety issues of our time mr. Speaker we have terrible concerns and go gamma the third party has the privilege of representing a lot of those folks and mr. Speaker it is shameful that we haven't even had a question from them on go gamma and it is shameful we haven't you see the place the member from Hamilton East Stony Creek will come to order start the clock supplementary thank you speaker the minister of the environment and climate change has a vested interest in whether his parliamentary assistant is embroiled in a bribery scandal did the minister of the environment and climate change ask his parliamentary assistant about that bribery scandal what he knew when he knew it and didn't minister relay any of that information to the investigators at the OPP at the rackets squad thank you so much mr. Speaker I hope the minister transportation will get a question soon too because he's very excited about that mr. Speaker you know it's interesting to me because play because the MPP from Sudbury talks to me about climate change he talks to me about blue-green algae and lakes in Sudbury Lake very concerned about those things the measure for weather might be concerned about the condition of the Great Lakes or climate change of the fact that in 20 2012 we lost 80% of our apple crop very important to farmers and people in Southwestern Ontario the one thing that I'm confident of is we now have the opposition only a government could love mr. Speaker out of touch with people off topic missing every important point of the day and try to bring what should be in the courts and in investigations inappropriately into this house which is speaker I encourage them to keep on this track because I can tell you my aunt and son who is 92 years old who actually had some fondness for that party has lost it all and she represents a lot of new question I say to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and the Minister of Agriculture I did not get quiet for you to heckle new question member from Kitchener Center thank you mr. Speaker well for a moment there I was quite excited because I thought we were going to actually get a different question my question is for the Minister of Northern Development in Mines and it is somewhat disappointing that we have a great deal of important government policies before this house and we're not being asked about it so let me ask you the prospectors and developers Association of Canada held their annual conference in Toronto they welcome close to 25,000 delegates from around the world we know that Ontario is a top jurisdiction in Canada for mineral production and exploration and the effects of this industry are very important they go way beyond northern Ontario the mining sector is a remarkable contributor to our provincial economy and at last week's event our government was very busy promoting new mineral opportunities mr. Speaker can the Minister please tell us what our government is doing to ensure that we continue to attract investment in the mineral sector in Ontario great question thank you so much for kitchener center and certainly last week was a remarkable event almost 25,000 people and I was very pleased to host the opening of Ontario's pavilion certainly it was a remarkable opportunity to meet with industry first-nation machine nation and people from all around the globe we spoke about Ontario's mineral development strategy which was launched in 2006 which moved Ontario's mineral development agenda forward and very proud of the fact that since that time with the strategy we put together a modernized mining act a tax system that creates a very competitive investment climate and clear consultation practices were and meaningful collaboration but we also recognize how important it is to renew that strategy so last week at the opening of the pavilion I announced the renewal of Ontario's mineral development strategy this renewer is going to make us an even more positive investment climate all around the world thank you thank you mr. Speaker and thank you to the minister for his answer it's clear that the minister is committed to making sure that the province continues to have a very comprehensive edge in the mineral sector and the most productive mineral sector in this nation mr. Speaker national mining production and exploration stats for last year were published very recently and the data shows again that Ontario has a lot to be proud of in 2014 we saw the value of mineral production reach a record 11 billion dollars mr. Speaker as you know this is a very important sector for us so I'd like to ask the minister how is he ensuring that ideas from industry experts Aboriginal communities and Northerners are all being heard as our government plans its strategy question thank you thank you to the member because it really is a great story the 11 billion dollar and mineral production is a is a record and obviously we continue to lead in terms of mineral exploration across the country it's and we've got new minds opening up I wish I had more time to tell you about all the new minds that will be opening up both this year and next year let alone the ones that have but the mineral development strategy represents an extraordinarily important commitment from our government obviously related to public engagement the environment Aboriginal communities but may I say also maintaining if not growing a positive investment climate and in it very much articulates I think our commitment to modern and progressive business practices to ensure that continued sustainability and certainty that the industry is so keen to have so I'm we began workshops in northern Ontario this past this week 30 Kinnara Thunder Bay a whole bunch of other communities to fit 2015 is off to an exciting start thank you thank you to tell the minors thank you my question is the premier as all members of this house are aware your administration is currently under not one not two not three but four it's unprecedented yet your stated principle in these matters of misconduct including the Sudbury bribery scandal is that your staff have to be in jail or removed from your office surely every year and restore confidence so that your office can operate under absolute integrity Premier do you think your principle of protecting your backroom advisor and avoiding your interrogation by the MOPP inspires confidence in the people of Ontario I don't think so community safety and correction services thank you thank you very much minister and I remind the member opposite again that there's an independent investigation that is going in this matter and I can assure you the premier and the government and I have full confidence in our hardworking OPP officers but we also respect their autonomy speaker and we we urge all members not to interfere in an ongoing an ongoing investigation we've got we've got a system that makes it sure that it's arms land from the government so there is no interference that's the advice speaker stop the clock please the member from Lanark will come to order and the member from Leeds Granville will come to order and the deputy house leader just as a note when those two microphones are on you seem to be very active and when they're not on it's not so I'm going to advise the member to only talk when his microphone is on thank you very much speaker and as you just reminded when you mentioned the member from Leeds Granville because he he actually said and I agree with him when he said that the premier should stop interfering in an ongoing investigation and let it run its course he's absolutely right speaker and I I remind him all his members as well that they they should take take his advice and let let the authorities do their work thank you supplementary back to the premier's mr. Speaker Premier the integrity of your administration continues to be grossly compromised I don't know who is advising you on the matters of integrity but I do know you want to put these matters behind you you want to sweep them into the carpet the only way forward premier is to one admit that your principal people have to be in jail is unbecoming and to ask Pat Cerbera and Jerry Lahi to step aside during the police investigation we do that premier well speaker again I remind the member opposite that we have a very strong principle of fundamental justice in in our system of democracy and that's called presumption of innocence a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty I remind them members opposite again that in this matter these are mere allegations there's not even a charge a criminal charge late in this matter whatsoever so we should let we should let the independent authorities do their investigation I think really speaker what's at the heart of all these line of questioning is the official oppositions that desire to sweep under the carpet their member from Bruce Graham and sound come to order thank you speaker what the what the members opposite trying to do is sweep under the carpet their commitment to cut hundred thousand jobs public service job speaker you know they still haven't announced what they stood for clearly the people of Ontario said a clear message they want a company that will build Ontario up thank you your question the member from Timon's James Bay my question is to the premier premier why is it that you're able to schedule an interview with the chief electoral office so quickly and you're having so much problem trying to find time to meet with the OPP investigation squad that question many times I will meet with the OPP when that meeting is set up Mr. Speaker thank you so commentary just that there's a number of times that you can do it for example our premier or the future premier I should say our leader that was a Freudian slip our leader suggested that you can take tomorrow when it comes to using your time during question period to meet with the Ontario Provincial Police I'll be seeking unanimous consent shortly in order to ask the house to make sure that we free you up to more morning during question period so that you in fact can go and meet with the OPP and do what has to be done so they can continue their investigation will your members of the assembly vote with our unanimous consent motion in order to allow you to do what has to be done I've been here I will meet with the OPP when that meeting is arranged Mr. Speaker my question is for the minister of community safety and correctional services a question that I might add that is actually on the priorities that matter to Ontarians minister the people of my community and people in communities across the province are concerned about the threat of carbon monoxide in fact not too long ago in my area a mother and daughter had to be rushed to hospital because of a carbon monoxide leak at an Oakville hotel minister carbon monoxide is a danger to our families or loved ones and our neighbors it's odorless and the colourless gas that's a silent killer more than 50 people in Canada die from carbon monoxide poisoning each year but Mr. Speaker the real tragedy is that each and every one of these deaths is preventable as minister charged with the safety and security of Ontarians it's important that you work to prevent these deaths mr. Speaker question you can the minister please tell us what steps he has taken to help protect our friends and families from the threat of carbon monoxide thank you thank you very much speaker I thank the member from Halton for raising a very important issue as because many members know in this house carbon monoxide gas is a silent killer that continues to claim too many lives in our province and that is why I speak our government is committed to working with all MPPs and stakeholders to ensure that no more Ontarians lose their lives to carbon monoxide speaker I would like to acknowledge the hard work of the member from Oxford and yourself on this on this very important issue last year speaker we in this legislature passed bill 77 the Hawkins Genak act make it a mandatory for all homes in Ontario to have a carbon monoxide detector speaker and as of 2015 there's a deadline for landlords to install carbon monoxide detectors in dwellings or up to six units and that deadline speaker is fast approaching installing carbon monoxide alarm is perhaps one of the simplest and most effective ways to alert you and your family to the presence of this lethal gas we encourage all by residents homes and landlords to install carbon monoxide thank you how can you say no when I even haven't asked you don't even know what I'm gonna ask excuse me speaker I mr. Speaker I seek unanimous consent of this house that this legislature give the premier time to more mourning during question period to go and meet with the Ontario Provincial Police consent to provide the premier with you know do we agree I did hear a no the member from Nipissing on a point of order you speaker I would like to correct my record earlier I said what assurances can you give us this deputy premier isn't tying up loose ends that may form part of the OPP's and guest investigation I meant to say deputy chief of staff thank you the attorney general on a point of order like I believe that in the answer from my critic the member from Brampton Gore Malton I said the election commissioner I meant the chief electoral officer because I was so excited I thought it was a question on access to justice we were joined by a person from my writing I'd like to introduce him Tony Stortz is from Kitchener Center and he is a valued member of my team in the constituency office yes thanks speaker I can beg your indulgence at the house on a point of order I also have two young gentlemen from my writing Alex talk and Ben who are members of the Toronto youth cabinet I'm delighted to see them here thank you I'd like to invite all the members cabinet ministers all the opposition down to room 228 230 Sarnia Lampton today come on down and join us in Sarnia Lampton we're so into standing order 38 a the member for land art front in Atlantics and Addington is given notice of his dissatisfaction with the answer in his question given by the minister of community safety and correctional services concerning the Sudbury investigation the matter will be discussed today at 6 p.m. pursuant to standing order 38 a the member from Leeds Greenville is given notice of his dissatisfaction with the answer in his question given by the by the premier concerning the Sudbury by-election this matter will be debated by 6 p.m. I would like to be able to make an announcement without being aware of his dissatisfaction with the answer to his question given by the Attorney General concerning the Sudbury by-election this matter will be debated today at 6 p.m. pursuant to standing order 38 a the member from Timis James Bay it's a very large net has given notice of his dissatisfaction with the answer to his question given by the deputy premier concerning Sudbury by-election this matter will be debated next Tuesday at 6 p.m. pursuant to standing order 38 a the member from Leeds Greenville is given notice of his dissatisfaction with the answer to his question given by the minister of environment and climate change concerning Sudbury by-election this matter will be let me correct my own record Tuesday after next week Windsor to come see has given notice of his dissatisfaction to the answer to his question given by the minister of the environment by-election this matter will be debated following Tuesday two weeks at 6 p.m. pursuant to standing order 38 a the member from Windsor West has given notice of her dissatisfaction to the answer to her question given by the minister of community saving professional services concerning the Sudbury by-election this matter will be debated two weeks Tuesday at 6 p.m. we have a deferred vote on the motion of second reading of bill 72 I will authorize the expenditure of certain amounts of fiscal year ending March 31st 2015 calling the members this will be a 5-minute bill would all members please take their seats thank you on March 10th Mr. Bradley move to second reading of bill 72 all those in favor please rise one at a time to be recognized by the clerk Ms. Mathias Mr. Nackby Mr. Bradley Mr. Charelli Ms. Wynne Mr. McCharles. Mr. Quintern. Mr. Cole. Mr. T Picard. Mr. Tachar. Mr. B compressed. Mr. B obviamente. Mr. Dillon. Mr. Dillon. Mr. Quadra. Mr. Quadra. Mr. Dorsetti. Mr. Bravel. Mr. Bravel. Mr. Mekka. Mr. McMeakin. Mr. Murray. Mr. Chan. Mr. Chan. Mr. Moriti. Mr. Moriti. Mr. Coteau. Mr. Coteau. Mr. Leel. Mr. Leel. Mr. Flynn. Mr. Flynn. Mr. Zimmer. Mr. Zimmer. one at a time be recognized by the foot. Mr. Fidelli. Mr. Fidelli. Mr. Arna. Mr. Arna. Mr. Hardiman. Mr. Hardiman. Mr. Wilson. Mr. Wilson. Mr. Clark. Mr. Clark. Mr. Yacobusky. Mr. Yacobusky. Mr. Miller, Perry Sound, Muskoka. Mr. Miller, Perry Sound, Muskoka. Mr. McDonnell. Mr. McNaughton. Mr. Jones. Jones. Hey Jeff. Mr. Scott. Mr. Scott. Mr. Yurek. Mr. Yurek. Mr. Bailey. Mr. Bailey. Mr. Hillier. Mr. Hillier. Mr. McLaren. Mr. McLaren. Mr. Petapies. Mr. Petapies. Ms. Fife. Ms. Fife. Ms. Fife. Ms. Fife. Ms. Fife. Ms. Fife. Ms. Fife. Ms. Fife. Ms. Fife. Ms. Fife. Ms. Fife. Ms. Fife. Ms. Fife. Ms. Fife. Ms. Fife. Ms. Fife. Ms. Fife. Ms. Fife. Ms. Fife. Ms. Fife. Ms. Fife. Ms. Fife. Ms. Fife. Ms. Fife. Ms. Fife. The ayes being 57, and the nays being 40. I declare the motion carried. Second reading of the bill. Order G72, third reading of bill 72, an act to authorize the expenditure of certain amounts for the fiscal year ending March 31st, 2015. Ms Mathews. Speaker, I move third reading of bill 72, an act to authorize the expenditure of certain amounts for the fiscal year ending March 31st, 2015. Is it the pleasure of house the motion carried? Carried. I heard a no. Ms Mathews has moved third reading of all those in favor say aye. Aye. All those opposed say nay. Nay. In my opinion the ayes have it. Calling the members this will be a five minute bell. Same vote. Same vote. Same vote. Same vote. The ayes being 57, the nays are 40. The ayes being 57, and the nays being 40. I declare the motion carried. Third reading of the bill, 12th item lectured. Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion. We have a deferred vote on the motion for closure, on the motion for second reading of bill 40. Calling the members this will be a five minute bell. Vote. Calling the members this will be a five minute bell. On December 3rd, 2014, Mr. Leal moved second reading of bill 40, an act to amend the Crop Insurance Act, Ontario, 1996, to make consequential amendments to other acts. Mr. Delany has moved that the question be now put. All those in favor, Mr. Delany's motion please rise one at a time be recognized by the Clerk. Mr. Delany. Mr. Delany. Mr. Naqvi. Mr. Naqvi. Mr. Bradley. Mr. Bradley. Mr. Shirelli. Mr. Shirelli. That am Ier. That am Ier. Mr. Sousa. Mr. Sousa. Ms. Wynne. Ms. Matthews. Mr. Hoskins. Ms. Sandals. Mr. Duga. Ms. McCharles. Mr. Tukar, Mr. Brardinetti, Mr. Dillon, Mr. Dillon, Mr. Quadri, Mr. Orzetti, Mr. Bravel, Mr. Bravel, Mr. McMeke, Mr. McMeakin, Mr. Murray, Mr. Chan, Mr. Moriti, Mr. Cotto, Mr. Cotto, Mr. Leel, Mr. Flinn, Mr. Flinn, Mr. Zimmer, Mr. Zimmer, Mr. Balkasin, Mr. Balcony, Mrs. Albanaise, Mr. Dixon, Mr. Dixon, Ms. Manga, Mr. Crack, Mr. Crack, Ms. Wong, Ms. Hunter, Mr. Sergio, Mr. Sergio, Mr. Moro, Ms. Jassek, Mr. Del Duca, Mr. Del Duca, Mr. Dahmerle, Mr. Frazer, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Baker, Mr. Baler, Mr. Don, Ms. Hogar, Ms. Kuala, Ms. Kuala, Ms. Malone, Ms. Mollie, Ms. Martin, Ms. McGarry, Ms. McMahon, Mr. Milchin, Mr. Milchin, Ms. Nidu Harris, Mr. Potts, Mr. Rinaldi, Ms. Verneel, Mr. Tebow, Mr. Bisson, Ms. Horvath, Mr. Vanthoff, Ms. Dinovo, Ms. Dinovo, Ms. Angelina, Mr. Tavis, Mr. Miller Hamilton, East Stony Creek, Mr. Miller Hamilton, East Stony Creek, Ms. Sattler, Ms. Taylor, Ms. Taylor, Mr. Natascha, Ms. Armstrong, Mr. Sanger, Ms. Singh, Ms. Fyke, Ms. Forrester, Mr. Mantha, Mr. Hatfield, Mr. Gates, Ms. Gretzky, Ms. French. All those opposed, please rise one at a time and be recognized by the court. Mr. Carr, Mr. Arnav, Mr. Hardim, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Fidelli, Mr. Yakibusky, Mr. Miller Perry Sanmascoka, Mr. McNaughton, Mr. Jones, Mr. Scott, Mr. Eureka, Mr. Bailey, Mr. Hillyard, Mr. Walker, Mr. Smith, Mr. Harris, Mr. Nichols, Ms. Marteau, Mr. McDonnell, Mr. McLaren, Mr. Petapies. Mr. 77, the nays are 21. The ayes are being 77 and the nays being 21. I declare the motion carried. Mr. Leal has moved second reading of Bill 40. Is it the pleasure or else that the motion carried? I heard a no. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed say nay. I believe the ayes have it. Mr. Leal, I declare the motion carried. Second reading of the bill. Does the ayes have it. Shall the bill be ordered for third reading? Minister of Agriculture. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. On behalf of the Agriculture Committee across the province of Ontario, I would ask that this bill be referred to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. So ordered. There are no further deferred votes. This has since recess until 3 p.m. this afternoon.