 It is now time for oral questions and I recognize the leader of the official opposition Before I start I just want to repeat what I said two weeks ago Which is I'm hoping that everybody gets a chance to spend some time with friends and family over the holiday season And that folks have a great vacation Look and thank you to the staff of the Ledges assembly for being back here to all of the people that work My questions for the acting premier over the last week the premier has refused to answer basic questions in this house about the His decision to hire a personal family friend to head up the Ontario provincial police. Why is the premier refusing to answer basic questions? Minister community safety and correctional services. Thank you speaker. Well in the Spirit of the season I offer the NDP a Christmas gift I will respect and await the integrity report from the integrity commissioner his report on the investigation as long as you can see three see through to vote on third reading and past bill 67 today Well speaker the people of Ontario need to have confidence in the independence of the police and the integrity of government given that the premier is refusing to answer basic questions in the legislature and Refusing to conduct interviews with the press and is using the integrity commissioner's standard process that keeps his responses Confidential, how can the people have that confidence? It's pretty clear that the NDP Refuse to understand or do not understand how the independent officers of the legislative assembly work We have an investigation going on. I am awaiting that report Order that report when But I think it is incumbent on all of us to let that independent Stop we're three minutes into question very less than three minutes actually we've got a long way to go Do an obligation or responsibility to discuss the public business? I need to be able to hear the member who has the floor But ask the members to come to order and I take this opportunity I guess to remind the members who are warned this morning the warnings carry over into question period and the way it works is the Speaker if your interjections are always out of order as we know Speaker asked you to come to order Speaker would expect you to come to order if you don't come to order You might be warned if you're warned the next time the speaker has to speak to you might be named Hope that's well understood Those rules will be enforced this morning. Where were we I? Recognize start the clock. I recognize the Minister of Community Safety Infection Okay, I apologize Final supplementary Thank You a speaker. Thank You speaker You know it's more clear than ever we won't get straight answers from the Premier unless he's compelled to provide a public A public response through a public inquiry under oath So will the acting Premier do the right thing admit that the only way to clear the air and get real answers is through a full Public inquiry and join us in urging the integrity commissioner to conduct one Minister clear to me is the NDP do not believe or trust that the Independent officer of the Legislative Assembly the integrity commissioner has the ability to do this work Stop the clock the member for Essex will withdraw We'll draw Apologize minister start the clock Christmas cheer, I guess as I said the In the integrity commissioner is doing the investigation now Let them complete their work and then at the end of the day I believe you will find that the process was completely appropriate and used in every previous OPP commissioner hiring we are waiting that report. I wish the NDP would do the same Speaker the member opposite just accused us of not believing or trusting the integrity commissioner I'd say we don't believe or trust the Premier Draw speaker in a letter to Ontario's ombudsman Brad Blair the acting OPP commissioner raised serious concerns about the hiring process for the new commissioner and about a Demand from the Premier's office to sole source a personal vehicle for the Premier to be kept off the books The Premier's response was to claim the deputy commissioner had broken the law by speaking up Most people think Blair should be commended for speaking up. Why does the government think he should be charged with a crime? The deputy Premier Minister of community safety and correctional services the willingness of the NDP to continue to drag the character of Individuals who have been chosen from a unanimous Hiring process to serve as the interim as the commissioner of the OPP. I Cannot Understand why you are not willing to allow the integrity commissioner to do his work Have that report and then have the process completed We are talking about a hiring process a hiring process that has been used in many many OPP commissioner processes I I do not understand the willingness of the NDP to continue to drag down people's characters and to suggest that in any Way, Ron Taverner has done something untoward just because he happened to be a 50-year police officer Who worked in Etobicoke here here and speak the truth to power should be allowed or even current encouraged to do so And if so why are they accusing the deputy commissioner of breaking the law and demeaning other respected police veterans who have raised concerns about the hiring of the OPP commissioner my mistake That was the first supplementary on this round minister I Wish to have clarified by the NDP why you are so prepared to throw people who have a 50-year career in the province of Ontario Serving the public Disparage them in such a way after an independent hiring committee has said they were a unanimous choice They had never had so many people come forward and endorse him as the OPP commissioner It is shameful and it's unbelievable that after you ask for a hearing from the integrity commissioner Now in some way that is not sufficient and you don't believe or trust that he can do that work You have to make your comments through the chair Final okay. I don't I don't know what you're referring to final supplementary This is about the premiere and the way he's behaved during the hiring process of the new OPP commissioner And that's all this is about and the public have a right to know whether their premiere Interfered in that process which appears to be the case The premier has made it clear that he will attack and threaten public servants who speak honestly about his government He sent a clear signal this week to every public servant in the province by accusing the deputy commissioner of the OPP of Breaking the law we need to ensure the public have faith in the integrity of this assembly and the independence of our police forces a public inquiry by the integrity commissioner will ensure that whistleblowers Can't speak without fear of retaliation Will the acting premier join us in urging the integrity commissioner to use his powers under the members integrity act to launch a full public And Minister I'm starting to think it's not But it's actually groundhog day again. I will say through you speaker This is an independent hiring commission an independent process that included people who unanimously Chose Ron Tavner to serve as the OPP commissioner the NDP which is their right Suggested that they wanted to review the hiring process and they requested that The integrity commissioner said yes that investigation is going on now that report will happen the NDP can't take yes for an answer Bekerman next questions for the acting premier What guarantees can the acting premier offer that public servants who come forward to shed light on the premier's meddling in the OPP commissioner's Appointment will not be subject to public attack recrimination and possible legal action from the premier or his chief of staff Mr. Community safety and correctional services, it's been a great pleasure to Learn meet and work with the excellent people in the OPS. I am Constantly impressed with the ideas they come forward with the suggestions that they bring forward to make our government work for the people To have ideas that are actually going to make a difference in the province of Ontario There is no doubt in my mind that we have been using those Excellent ideas from the public service to make our province better if the NDP would like to come on board and join our Quest to make Ontario better for the people. I'm happy to welcome their ideas We've been doing that for the last six years six months my apologies from the public service and we will continue to Speaker I thank the member for the offer, but new Democrats will continue to represent the 60% of Ontarians That didn't support this government who speak truth to power Government side come to order not afraid of public disclosure Stop the clock. I apologize to the leader the opposition The government side must come to order Start the clock Continue with your question Effective governments want staff who speak truth to power and they're not afraid of public disclosure Because they know that government works best when it's open and accountable to the people who elect them The Premier already made it clear that he and his chief of staff will take out anyone who challenges their actions The Premier spent half a million public dollars to get rid of Alikand Valshi from OPG And he's now claiming that the deputy commissioner of the OPP has broken the law without the protection of a public inquiry Why would any any public servant come forward and challenge the Premier's version of events? Forestry will withdraw his own parliamentary comment The Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry will withdraw his own parliamentary withdraw Start the clock response minister Speaker it's a Christmas miracle the NDP actually used the word power in their lead questions The lights stay on in the province of Ontario We're here to debate and vote on Bill 67 It is incredible to me that the NDP have chosen to ignore the primary purpose of our reason for being here this week very much, mr. Speaker my question this morning is for the Minister of Energy Northern Development and Mines Great Minister. Mr. Speaker. We all know why the legislature is sitting again the week before Christmas We are here for this emergency session because Ontarians cannot afford to allow strike action to cause electricity interruptions, especially in the north Mr. Speaker and our increasingly globalized and competitive world. It is critical that the power stays on Ontario has world-class industries that we can all be proud of Especially in the mining sector and people across this province rely on our major northern industries to earn their livelihoods This is why it is absolutely critical that we protect these industries from electricity shortages Can the minister speak to why it is so important to protect mining sectors from power interruptions Thank you, thank you, mr. Speaker, and I want to thank this member for his important work He does here in this place for his constituents, but he's a fantastic guy to work for It's just great, you know, it's true mr. Speaker stakeholders from across the province are coming out In full support of what we're trying to accomplish here today and the mining sector is no Exception David Garrafalo president and CEO of Gold Corp had this to say a reliable supply of affordable Electricity is essential to our mining operations in Ontario and something that the province must ensure businesses can count on Anything raising doubts about our ability to depend on this vital service is an economic threat and a risk to productivity At a critical time of year for our business and for the people of Ontario with bill 67 it was important that decisive action be taken to provide our nearly 3,000 employees in Ontario with certainty that the power they need to do their jobs Will be there when they need it Thank You mr. Speaker and thank you to the wonderful minister for that answer It's reassuring to know that our government will continue to fight for the mining industry and northern Ontario I am proud to be part of a government that appreciates this sector and is prioritizing mining development Of course, there are other large employers in northern Ontario that can't afford to lose their power either The pulp industry is another example of an electricity and intensive Industry that production relies on a consistent reliable flow of power I know that our government is committed to making sure that northern employers will not have to shut down and put jobs at risk Unfortunately, mr. Speaker, it's clear that the opposition is willing to risk these jobs But our government won't stand for it We will continue to make sure that the economy is not questioned by power interruptions Can the minister please tell us more about how important it is for northern employers to have a stable source of power Minister Mr. Speaker and I look forward to the member coming up visiting the great Kanora rainy river Riding spending some time in our vast region We may visit a few other Riding's in northern Ontario and let them know about the delays that are going on here today But listen to what somebody in the forestry sector had to say here Eric Johnson for a onion advanced materials had to say about our government's actions Rianye Advanced materials relies heavily on Ontario's electricity supply to successfully participate in the highly competitive global forestry products industry dependable electricity supply Allows Rianye advanced materials to employ hundreds of hard-working Ontarians to produce best-in-class products every day we spot the actions taken by the Ontario government and minister Rickford That's nice to ensure And beyond mr. Speaker Thank you very much speaker Thank you speaker my question is to the premier Acting premier sorry Speaker deputy OPP commissioner Brad Blair has raised serious concerns about the premier's demand that the OPP provide a soul sourced Off the books personal pleasure wagon the day after the deputy commissioner made these concerns public Ron tavern was quoted in the Toronto start as saying quote I'm told it's not a camper van, but it's an extended-size van He's a big guy and he'd have more room in that speaker can the acting premier tell us how Ron tavern knew the details of this request weeks before he was to assume command of the OPP deputy premier Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Service Substantiated allegations and accusations that happen inside this chamber because the NDP know that they have immunity continue today I'm going to ask the opposition to come to order so that I can hear the member of us the floor Minister six wants to attack and disparage people I want to get Ontario back to work I want to work with the team who understands that we need to make sure the power is on and the lights are on Over the Christmas holidays, please stop with the shenanigans Stop with the accusations and actually vote for bill sixty-seven. Thank you supplementary Speaker the government might think that it's okay to spend tax dollars on a personal pleasure wagon and have the OPP hide the Cost but on behalf of the people stuck paying the bill I can tell you or it is not and it looks like Brad Blair told the premier the same thing at that point Most people would give their heads a shake and admit that they were wrong But it looks like this premier got his friend on the phone and said hey once your commissioner Your top priority is my personal pleasure wagon Did the premier ask Ron tavern to provide him with a sole source off the books personal pleasure wagon once he became commissioner? Minister While the NDP continue to chase headlines, we will do our work over here our work today Our work this week when we recall to the legislature was to pass for us to come to seven to make sure that the heat is on The powers out again. I will remind members in 19 come toward in 2013 We had a three-day blackout for St. Paul's impacted many Including my riding in Caledon and Brampton Three days and it put this city Timons come toward it put the city in flux We had people who had were seniors in homes who couldn't get out of their apartment because their elevator wasn't working I'm not sure about the NDP. I want to see that happen again I want to get this legislation passed and make sure that Ontario is back to work Thank You mr. Speaker Before Asking my question. I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas greetings and happy holidays to everyone in this house and across Ontario My question is for the Minister of Energy Northern Development and Mines We all know that the minister has shown great leadership on the energy file since the June 7 election We've seen yet more examples of that this week I'm proud to be part of a government that takes the necessary steps to defend our economy and on this side of the house We are part of a government that doesn't play politics when critical industries and major employers in this province face the uncertainty of power disruptions over the winter Major employers and by definition Thousands of employees and their families in our province depend on a reliable source of power This is another reason why it's critical for our government to pass bill 67 before Can the minister please explain why it's so important to our industry that our government continue to fight to keep the lights on this winter Minister of Energy Thank You mr. Speaker as we move through the sectors not just in northern Ontario, but in southern Ontario Industry is very very concerned. Listen to what Roger Pave at the VP of operations at Gerdo had to say about our government We applaud minister Rickford Is all necessary for our province's greater economy and the standard and quality of living Gerdo leverages Ontario's electricity system to produce best-in-class steel products And we employ hundreds of hard-working Ontarians while we do it each and every day any Any threat to our reliable supply of electricity is a direct threat to the core of our business in the workforce We employ in Whitby Cambridge and beyond mr. Speaker It's clear that the industry sectors across this province are concerned They're glad that we're standing in this place to ensure that electricity supply is uninterrupted for the province Supplementary Thank You mr. Speaker and through you I'd like to thank the minister for looking after the large employers in our province because they are such an Integral part of our economic landscape Ontario has always been known for powerful industry that drives economic growth This creates jobs and helps communities like mine and Carlton grow and prosper But in recent times, there's a particular industry in Ontario that is suffering because of matters outside its control It's no secret that the steel and aluminum tariffs that are hurting one of the province's most important sectors The last thing the steel industry needs is more uncertainty when it comes to their operations Can the minister please explain how our government's actions ensures the steel industry will not have to face any more Uncertainty this winter Thank you. Thank you mr. Speaker It is day six and a little over 24 hours in accordance with the plan that was presented to myself and the critic energy critic The there'll be consequences mr. Speaker if we don't pass this legislation We know the member from Brampton Centre who's a credible member of this provincial Parliament said that they would use every available legislative tool at their disposal and I read it in the Toronto Star mr. Speaker, so it's got to be true I've been following this debate very very closely mr. Speaker and here's the reality when it comes to source hydro They're the nuclear deniers party when it comes to the distribution of hydro mr. Speaker They're intent on not delivering power and when it comes to this legislation mr. Speaker day after day when Ontario wants an uninterrupted supply of Hydro they become the new delays power party, mr. Speaker This is this has to end the people of Ontario want assurances that their hydro be uninterrupted and hopefully later today Next question the member for Brampton North Thank You mr. Speaker this questions to the Attorney General Deputy OPP Commissioner Brad Blair is a police veteran with more than three decades of service on Tuesday the Premier made the serious claim that this decorated and respected public servant broke the law The Attorney General as the chief legal officer for the province You have the responsibility to uphold the law Can the Attorney General explain what steps she's taken in light of this serious claim from the Premier? Mr. Speaker and thank you to the member for the question as chief legal officer for the crown It is my duty to uphold the law and we have a legitimate process in place right now that is being undertaken By the integrity commissioner who has a process that we respect We will await the outcome of his of his work We are you know, he is an independent member independent member of To investigate our government and that's what he's doing and so we await his his investigation and we will You know, I will as chief legal officer of the crown. I look forward to his report and following the recommendation Thank You mr. Speaker. Let's try this question then the Premier has made allegations about the current Commissioner of the OPP If those allegations are serious the Attorney General has responsibility to outside come toward and if they're not serious The Attorney General has a responsibility to speak out and let Ontarians know that the Premier Was making baseless allegations about a decorated OPP commissioner What is she going to do? Minister the Attorney General thank you mr. Speaker I can tell you what I'm going to do is I'm going to stand here with the members of my government and work hard to keep the Lights on The integrity commissioner who is doing the work that he's been tasked with as an independent Officer of the legislature and we will await the outcome of his work next question the member for Don Valley East Thank You mr. Speaker my questions to the Minister of Education Minister just over a decade ago a Great-nine student CW Jeffries Jordan Manners was shot and killed in one of our schools This tragic event brought to attention an issue that far too long had gone unaddressed Namely the lack of school supports and programs in our schools that were targeting low-income Marginalized and racialized youth at the time mr. Speaker I was a Toronto district school board trustee and the Minister of Education Worked with the Toronto district school board to put in programs for those youth We put in place a series of programs to help students get on the right track including focus on youth and after-school programs I'm talking about a great nine student that was shot in one of our schools. I'd like to ask this question, please We hear the premier and the government constantly talk about gun violence and making sure that young people have the ability to get on to the Right question Does the minister understand that these programs that she's proposing to cut are going to have a negative effect on young people here in Our city Minister of Education Thank you very much speaker and recognize any any Any any tragedy that happens in a school is something that we can't take lightly and that said I can Appreciate where the members coming from but what he neglected to say in his lead-up to his question was he had an Opportunity for 15 years to really get it right The education program and other basket became somewhat of a slush fund for pet liberal projects And so we're going to get it right speaker We're we are remembering how important it is to keep a safe and an effective learning environment in the classroom We are continuing to support priority urban schools and speaker We are doing everything we can to make sure that both students and teachers feel safe in the in the environment In terms of a safe classroom. Thank you very much supplementary Mr. Speaker I cannot believe that the minister of education has the audacity to accuse the previous government of not putting in programs to help young people We put in a series of programs across this province to help young people What the minister is proposing to cut mr. Speaker our programs that help the most marginalized young people in this province This was a this was an opposition now. They're in government that voted consistently against the programs We put in place and mr. Speaker Over the last six months No action on the black youth action plan. We've seen cuts to I can't hear the member. I asked the government side to come to order I assume all of you want to be here for the vote Start the clock This government has had six months to take action on the black youth action plan the anti-racism directorate But what we've seen we've seen them cut programs that go to help young people learn about truth and reconciliation Cut programs for our most marginalized young people and this government should be ashamed of itself Minister You know what I didn't hear a question. So let me tell you speaker what we are doing You know when it comes to making sure we're getting it right in the classroom The pc government is continuing with the link in alexander ward that recognizes young people who had demonstrated Exemplary leadership so they can leave for don valley's come to order. We're establishing a network of university school boards For don valley east come to order pilot on campus activities for black youth to think about their future So know that they have an opportunity to pursue college Niagara west come to order Black business Is more pursuing a future and most importantly we're investing 400 400 million dollars in education programming for in STEM 60 million 28 million to indigenous education supports like a graduation coach to make sure our indigenous Responds the best path and support going forward. We're investing 20 million in mental health speaker It's the pc government that's Come to order the member of york center is warring Start the clock the next question member for missis aga east cooks Thank you, mr. Speaker. My question is to the minister of labor late last week the powers Workers union had voted to reject a new collective agreement with ontario power generation In other words the pw u is now on strike Talks between the pw u and opg have broken down A strike at opg would have a disastrous effect on ontario's electricity supply It would endanger the health and safety of ontarians Our government must ensure that ontario has a steady uninterrupted supply of electricity Any labor disruption at opg would lead to an electricity shortage in ontario And yet our colleagues in the nuclear denial party Continue to refuse to support and end to the strike Mr. Speaker, what will the minister do to ensure that the electricity supply will be thank you Thank you We're from missis aga east cooksville for all the work that he does for his constitution That he's part of our government that puts the interests of the people first That's why we introduced legislation to just send to send the dispute to arbitration and protect the people of ontario For um power shortages The legislation was tabled monday, mr. Speaker. We're now sitting at thursday I'm hoping the legislation does pass today and if passed it will terminate any strikes or lockouts between opg And the power workers union for the current round of bargaining and this will make ontario's electricity Member for windsor west come to order it will make sure it's not disrupted So if this legislation does not pass mr. Speaker People of ontario's response seniors and all ontarians face the possibility of no heat or light during the cold winter months that Thank you. Thank you. Uh, mr. Speaker and thank you to the minister for that answer opg could not continue operations without PwU workers This means that they could shut down all energy production within weeks of a strike as the regulator Ieso had stated that a safe shutdown of our nuclear reactors would take as long as a week We starting those reactors would take approximately two weeks This would seriously affect the operations and stability of the grid again, mr. Speaker We are facing a potential provincial emergency Speaker of natural resources and forestry come to order now If the nuclear denial party had their way ontarians would spend christmas shivering in the dark Can the minister please explain to this house why this legislation is so vital for ontarians? Okay, the member the member is correct. This is a Really an emergency situation in the province of ontario 151 Opposition down to order the generation in ontario is produced by opg A reduction in power supply of that magnitude is not something that we want this province's Provinces families and seniors and ever for waterloo come to order Mr. Speaker our government does believe in disputes that arise during contract negotiations are best resolved at the bargaining table We we as in government for winds or west come to order when the public interest and public health and safety Are at risk and the resolution is not possible Again, the member is correct. This is the situation that we are facing now the proposed legislation would prevent a Severe disruption of ontarian's electricity that could greatly endanger our population. Mr. Speaker. Thank you Next question the member for davin boy. Thank you, mr. Speaker My question is to the minister of education Mr. Speaker students parents and educators are telling this government there are very real consequences to immediately cutting 25 million dollars from education programs midway through the school year These programs not only support disadvantaged students across ontario, but also provide vital work experience for so many Mr. Speaker these students have names They have dreams and aspirations Can the minister explain why she has tried to explain away her devastating cut to student opportunities as redundant? What exactly is redundant about these programs? minister of education I'm really pleased to continue to be able to stand up and talk about how we're approaching the education program and other funding because you know As we went through line by line We saw a lot of ways that the the liberal former liberal common Government was sliding through the epo funding basket and the fact of the matter is You know what? Um where we landed I feel very good that we were thoughtful We are responsible and we're moving forward with programs that are going to reflect a safe and effective learning environment Because speaker number for st. Paul's come to work that everybody recognizes that school boards across this province Received through grants for student grants for student needs 24 billion dollars And you know the one program that the member opposite mentioned The one program that was mentioned in terms of tutoring Thank you. Thank you for coming forward with that program if they so choose But on our side of the board when we're spending 40 million Thank you Thank you Thank you speaker and back to the minister The member from Davenport warned us yesterday about the long-term impact of this government's short-sighted decision to cut 25 million In education programs Now we're hearing that london school boards have lost millions for after school programs that one official described as necessary And needed programs This is especially hard hitting since one of the programs was designed for students who struggle with math And we know that the premier and his government have made quite the fuss about declining math scores If the minister had worked with london school boards or for any or any school boards for that matter She may have learned how these programs specifically support our most vulnerable students Why did the minister and the government choose not to consult with students or school boards before making education cuts? I'm very pleased that we are prioritizing how we're investing our money such as in Literacy because some of the articles that were coming out of the london area had some questionable maths put in place And the fact of the matter is we are moving forward and let me tell you what we're doing What we've prioritized It's an investment a new investment of 20 million dollars for mental health in terms of putting mental health workers right into high schools And we're supporting our boards with mental health assist programs. We're putting 20 million dollars in french language education We're putting 60 million dollars into STEM employers parents teachers and students alike are asking for more focus on step speaker We're looking at province wide investments for parents. We're investing 28 over 28 million dollars in indigenous education Supports such as graduation coaching response 20 million dollars in safety and anti-bullying programs like kids helpline the list goes on and on speaker Start the clock next question the member for whitby Thank you speaker. My question is to the minister of finance Last week in trail received another stern reminder About the culture of waste and this management allowed to fester under the previous liberal government Moody's downgraded in terrell's credit rating citing in terrell's debt An interest burden which skyrocketed over the past 15 years Speaker we owe it to our children to fix the mess inherited from the previous liberal government and get Ontario back on track Can the minister of finance update the house on the situation left behind by the previous government? And how we plan to tackle it Hardworking member from whitby is quite right The liberals left a Horrible legacy in ontario. They were spending 40 million dollars a day More than they took in And moody's has indeed downgraded ontario and they stated it was based on quote Debt to revenue numbers well speaker Let's look at those two numbers first is debt and the liberals more than double the debt in their term ballooning it to 347 Billion dollars the other number is revenue and we learned the liberals artificially Inflated their numbers with one-time sale of lcbo and and opg headquarters gm shares and other non-recurring revenue Speaker those are the facts. They used as the auditor general stated bogus numbers were used To a speaker and back to the minister of finance It's clear speaker that the liberals left ontario in a dire fiscal situation Which led to the news received last week My constituents are concerned that ontario has become the most indebted sub-sovereign jurisdiction in the world under the previous liberal government Speaker a debt load of three hundred forty billion dollars or 24 000 dollars for every man Women and child in Durham and ontario speaker. It's unacceptable and it's time. It's time for a fresh approach Speaker the people of ontario elected our government to clean up the waste and mismanagement Perpetuated by the previous government. Can the minister tell us why it is necessary to get ontario's fiscal house back in order? Minister president of treasury board Thank you, uh, mr. Speaker and thank you to the member from whitby. What are you doing here? In 2009 my team at dbrs the credit rating agency downgraded the province saying and i'm going to quote Expenditure pressure raises considerable doubt about the province's fiscal resolve Mr. Speaker the liberals ignored that warning Irresponsible reckless short-sighted and negligent and the ndp enabled this by begging more spending More debt and the liberals asked how much more mr. Speaker. It's this government that's going to fix it It's this premier this minister Start the clock next question the member for nagra center Thank you speaker. My question is to the minister of municipal affairs and housing On tuesday in response to the member from guelph the minister insisted that quote We are going to protect the green belt. We are going to not support any municipal plan under the open for business tool That would do that But it's right there in black and white speaker bill 66 schedule 10 part 1 green belt protections will not apply To open for business bylaws does the minister understand that he cannot remove protections for the green belt And still claim that he is protecting the green belt Thank you very much speaker through to the honorable member our our government brought forward a package of Regulatory and legislative changes through bill 66 one of them was our open for business tool and as the the member opposite would know A ministerial zoning order which works very similar to the business for the open for business tool Is a is a top-down process where what we're proposing is if a municipality decides that they have A job creating opportunities. Let's say they're competing against another jurisdiction New york state michigan, perhaps in other province that they can work with with our government On ensuring that that we're competitive and we're open for business In regards to the issue around the green belt, we've been very clear We're not going to touch the green belt in in its entirety. That's our commitment to ontarians We made the commitment during the campaign. I make it here today Speaker nobody believes this government is committed to protecting the green belt before the election The premier was caught making a secret backroom deal with developers in which he promised to open up the green belt He backed off only after he got caught But now that the election is over the premier is trying to keep his secret promise to developers While breaking his public promise to the people to quote protect the green belt in its entirety That's what the premier said will the minister put the people ahead of the premier's backroom friends and remove schedule 10 from bill 66 Yes Minister Again speaker through you to the honorable member We have been crystal clear in terms of saying to municipalities that have inquired We will not put health and safety at risk. We will not put clean drinking water at risk We will reject any Request from a municipal government to put the green belt at risk The premier has made that commitment the minister of environment climate change and parks have made that commitment I am making that commitment today We will protect the green belt This government will protect the green belt Seems a bit redundant to have to say this yet again But uh, once the standing ovation erupted, I couldn't hear the minister I had to stand up interrupting him while he still had time on the clock such that he wasn't able to complete his answer on the record Start the clock next question The member for Thank you, mr. Speaker My question is to the minister of children community and social services Our government is working hard this week to ensure the lights stay on in homes and businesses across the brovins But ontarian shelters know this struggle better than most Since 2016 They have been struggling to cover added costs Brought on in bar because of the influx of illegal border crossers caused by the federal liberal government failed border policies Shelters across the brovins are operating at or above capacity They have no choice But to dip into their reserves and open temporary accommodation to ensure no one left out in the cold Meanwhile ontario tax bears are left footing the bell Minister the federal government is more than 24 months late paying their bills Can ontarian expect to be reimbursed next year? The minister of children I want to wish him and all members of this house including yourself speaker. I'm very christmas and a very happy new year I have been Working very hard and diligently trying to secure over 200 million dollars for the people of ontario from the federal government As a result of their failed border policies I've spoken directly with the mayor of toronto who has 64 million dollars in growing and shelter costs in this city alone As well as the mayor of ottawa who's over 11 million dollars that is required in shelter costs Not to mention 90 million dollars in social assistance 20 million dollars in in education costs as well as other costs attributed to this Illegal border crossing issue the parliamentary border The parliamentary budget officer at the ottawa center come to order the auditor general in ontario will also be moving forward I am today yet again calling on bill Blair and the federal liberal government to come to the table and make the city of ottawa The city of toronto and the province of ontario whole The clock supplementary Thank you, mr. Speaker. I appreciate the minister respond And her unwavering commitment to this file Each month more and more officials begin to brand the situation at the borders as a crisis The backlog of the asylum claims is reported to be in excess of 65,000 And is expecting to take almost two years to clear According to the parliamentary budget office each claimant cost the feds over 14,000 And instead of taking action the prime minister Preferred to say we are playing dog whistle politics while his immigration minister accuses Those who question him of being un-canadian Mr. Speaker, we know the truth Can the minister tell us and all Ontarians if we should expect the crisis to continue into the new year minister Speaker I can tell you something that I as a member of this government I'm a very proud canadian and i'm very excited to continue to stand up for the people of ontario But also the people of canada because every single premier in every single province and territory Signed on with our premier and our leader to call for the federal government to make ontario and other provinces experiencing this Backlog whole we know for example that the parliamentary budget officer Not only confirmed our numbers of over 200 million dollars in social assistance and other costs with respect to shelter We also know that the failed border policies right now by the federal liberals will cost canadian taxpayers One billion dollars if they don't fix this problem So we are going to continue to call on them to reimburse us for our cost We're going to continue to stand up for the people of ontario and the people of canada to have a confident integrity A robust response Immigration process and again. Thank you very much and merry christmas speaker Question the member for york southwest Thank you. Thank you Speaker my question is to the minister of education the conservative government's decision to cut 27 million Impacts disadvantaged students money of those who live in my riding of york southwestern in toronto Kids in toronto are struggling the youth unemployment rate in toronto and ontario is higher than the national average Despite this one of the programs affected by the 27 million education cuts is the focus on youth program Which provides employment and leadership opportunities for young people in arbor neighborhoods like here in york southwestern with a focus on at risk Children ontario youth deserve better, but the fort conservative has made the situation worse Will the minister restore funding for this necessary Education programs, or will she finally speak directly to students to tell them Why her government believes that their futures are not worth the investment Thank you very much speaker, and you know what I absolutely believe in the futures of our students every single student in ontario As well as their parents as well as their teachers as well There's no two ways about that and you know it's interesting because I submit to you speaker that time and again I've stood in this house and said we have to get it right We are in a fiscal situation that Absolutely demands responsible decision making and the fact of the matter is we have $24 billion going to school boards across this province in grants for student needs And the tutoring program that the member opposite specifically mentioned was a matching dollar for dollar program that the former liberal government brought in And if the board chooses to continue with that program by all means that I welcome them to do that But the reality is there was no transfer payment agreement signed for that program The former liberal government had not signed it and so we have to be responsible And that is why we're moving forward with other programings to support our students and I believe Uh, mr. Speaker Again to the minister. I believe that the ontarius youth are our best investment Which is why I have tabled a motion to create 27,000 new paid Work integrated training opportunities for young people Cutting the focus on youth program sends the wrong message to our most vulnerable young people The conservatives are telling at-risk youth people that they are not worth the investment and that they are not a priority The conservatives are in effect giving up on these young people before they are even gotten a chance Mr. Speaker again through you I asked the minister if she agrees that our children deserve more not less Will she restore funding to these vital programs to our children Speaker i'll tell you what our students deserve They deserve a government that understands the fiscal situation the fiscal realities that are going to burden them for years to come If we don't get it right the best thing we can do in this house is make pertinent fiscal decisions So that our students are laden with a huge debt load on their shoulders as they enter their careers We are a government that it's going to get straight so that they do not have that fiscal pressure on their shoulders That they have to carry because of the mismanagement of the previous liberal government I'm telling you that we are absolutely getting it right and shame on the members opposite for fear mongering Because let me tell you a little bit about the opposition governor You know what there was a pet project from the former liberal governments that saw Money going to an edible garden when there's already a program out there that has been running for 25 years Thank you Thank you, mr. Speaker as this is one of the last questions of 2018 in this chamber I look forward to seeing everyone here in 2019 Through education come to order Mr. Speaker come to order my question For davenport come to order and long-term care Mr. Speaker education is worn This government acknowledges the importance of financial and social supports for those facing mental health issues We made a promise during the election to make mental health a priority Because we believe no one should have to wait for long periods of time to get the mental health and addiction services They need when they need them. Well said Can the minister please update the house after what our government is doing to address mental health and addiction support in our province? A straight spell for the question and for the great work you're doing in your community Thank you It's absolutely correct that we made a promise to the people of Ontario and we are making mental health a priority in the province And that's why yesterday I announced that our government is taking immediate action to address the critical gaps in our mental health system With the first wave of direct funding that includes adding more than 50 new mental health beds in hospitals across the province Estimate will help reduce wait times and help build more capacity in our hospitals And help those in need of inpatient mental health and addictions treatment Our government is committed To ensuring that each dollar goes directly to patients to make a significant difference in their mental health Supplementary that response I am proud that our government for the people is delivering on a clear promise We made to the people of Ontario We are investing a record $3.8 billion in mental health over the next 10 years Including in mrs. Saga at the new trillium health partners It's important that we make the proper investments into mental health because as the minister rightfully says mental health is health The people of this province deserve a connected mental health system that is patient centric And connects people to the care that they need where and when they need it Can the minister please tell the house how we plan to make sure our mental health system Really works for the people of ontario Well, thank you to the member for the question And yesterday action and engaging with health sector leaders Experts on mental health and addictions sector partners and associations health service providers The official opposition and the other members of this legislature because we want to hear your ideas But most importantly, we want to listen to people with lived experience We needed to speak to the people who are experiencing mental health and addiction problems to understand What they need and how we can provide that care I am proud to say that we had the first of our engagement sessions yesterday with leaders in the house For Hamilton mountain come no we are committed to listening to for brampton north come as well as people with ideas They want to bring forward and I encourage all members of this late legislature To come with their ideas I want to hear them because we need to work together on building this system We can all deliver a connected and comprehensive mental health and addiction system that people so Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question Two days ago the minister of environment conservation and park boasted that 99.8% of drinking water tests last year met provincial standards But he clearly did not test the water of the 69 ontario communities that are under boiled water advisory He clearly did not test the water In grass and arrows where the people are still waiting for the ministry to clean up the mercury in the wabagoon river The government won't even acknowledge a single case Of minameta disease in grass and arrows first nations or wabasimoon independent nations Instead instead of taking victory laps Will the government take action to guarantee the right of everyone in ontario to safe And clean water Mr. Speaker through you the member and thank you for the the question, Mr. Speaker In our made in ontario environment plan We made it clear that clean water is going to be a priority In fact, we are going to deal with what the previous government deal with in terms of sewage Sewage going into into our water system when it comes to when it comes to grassy narrows That's why myself as well as the minister of northern affairs and energy have visited The community of grassy narrows and reaffirmed the commitment of this government to deal with the the mercury contamination Mr. Speaker this government has nothing nothing at all to Anything but be proud of the approach that we're taking on clean water It is a priority for this government It will maintain Be maintained as a priority of this government and we will take the actions that the previous government did not To make sure that things like sewage sewage. Mr. Speaker our water is not going in untreated Members have informed me that they would wish to take if you raise a point of order. We'll start with the member for subject I thank you speaker res in a port of order. I want to introduce Michael Brian obi from copper cliff He was running late, so I just want to make sure that you got to Second the member for Ottawa South president I was the unanimous consent That member table a little model of the all over the university of french ontario for the rest Of the day can place these small models of the francophone university here in ontario on our desks for the rest of the day South is seeking unanimous consent of the house to be allowed to Place a model of the francophone university on all the desks In the legislature for the remainder of the day agreed I heard some notes Next member for chatham kent leanington Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker. It's my great pleasure to introduce to the ontario legislature the 2018 canadian gospel music award winner female vocalist of the year my daughter We have a deferred vote on the motion for third reading of bill 67 an act to amend the labor relations act 1995 calling the members. This will be a five minute bill That's the members to please take their seats On december 20th 2018 miss scott moved third reading of bill 67 an act to amend the labor relations act 1995 All those in favour of the motion will please rise one at a time and be recognized by the clerk miss scott Mr. Beth and folly mr. Fidelli Miss ellie mr. Eure Mr. Mulroney Mr. Clark Mr. Hardiman Mr. Barrett Mr. McDonnell Mr. Bailey Mr. Jones Mr. Jones Mr. Rickford Mr. Miller Mr. Letcher Mr. Downey Mr. Gill Mr. Parsons Mr. Kelly Mr. Martin Mr. Sarcaria Mr. Osterhoff Mr. Nickle Mr. Romano Mr. Harris Mr. Gimari Mrs. Hogarth Mr. Joe Willard Mr. Smith Mr. Pachini Mr. Cramp Mr. Rashi Mr. Sandy Mr. Crawford Mr. McAnon Mr. Canapati Mr. Abikia Mr. Pang Mr. Sabao Mr. Gazetto Mr. Frazer Mr. Win Let me be recognized by the clerk Mr. West Mr. Tabin Mr. Vanto Mr. Horvath Mr. Fife Mr. Begum Mr. Shaw Mr. Yard Mr. Carpoche Mr. Shemanto Mr. Lindo Mr. Armstrong Mr. Stiles Mr. Kernahan Mr. Steven Mr. Gates Mr. Bell Mr. Morison Mr. Rikosovic Mr. Hardin Mr. Montesferre Mr. Esau The Ayes are 72, the Nays are 35 The Ayes being 72, and the Nays being 35 I declare the motion carried It's for the attention of the House for a moment Two weeks ago today I informed the House that we were finished for 2018 Little did the speaker know Today I believe that we are In fact finished for the year It is interesting to note that this is the first Christmas sitting of the Ontario Legislature since 1869 which was pointed out earlier I want to express my appreciation to our pages who have come back on very short notice pre-Christmas plans and I also want to thank the hundreds of people who work here as staff at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario occasion of what makes this place operate. Without the efforts of our Legislative Protective Service this House, its members and everyone here to visit would not be safe Without our cleaning staff the legislative building would soon be a mess Without our precinct properties division our historic building would not be maintained Without the Hansard and interpretive staff interpretation staff our words in this chamber would not be recorded Without our broadcast and recording services our proceedings would not be aired Without our clerks and committees branch our standing orders, parliamentary traditions and conventions could not be upheld and our standing committees could not function Without our administrative services staff our human and financial resources would not be managed Without our legislative library and research services our library would soon be closed and our research would not be as rich Without our triple PR staff our visitors would not be greeted Without our catering staff we would all go hungry Without our technology services IT would soon shut down In short this place would cease to function and the light of parliamentary democracy in this province would soon go out Before I finish I want to express on behalf of the whole house our thanks to the press gallery whose work as part of a free and independent media a free and independent media is vital to the health of democracy in this province Once again I want to thank each and every one of you who works tirelessly to keep Queen's Park writing I want to wish you all Merry Christmas Happy Holidays and I really look forward to working with you in 2019 Mr. Speaker I have news No I'm just kidding I'm seeking unanimous consent to move a motion regarding the immediate adjournment of the House Government House Leader is seeking unanimous consent of the House to move a motion regarding its adjournment Agreed? Agreed Speaker I move that notwithstanding standing order 46A that the House do now adjourn until Tuesday February 19th 2019 Mr. Smith Bay of Quenty has moved notwithstanding order 46A the House do now adjourn until Tuesday February 19th 2019 is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry carry this House stands adjourned until Tuesday February 19th 2019