 It's time for oral questions and I recognize the leader of his Majesty's loyal opposition Good morning speaker Our students are struggling Underfunding of our education system is impacting our kids directly with oversized classrooms with fewer in school supports and Anxiety levels are at an all-time high None of this is normal Would the premier explain how a measly sixty six dollars per student is going to address the massive problems their chronic underfunding has created Mr. Speaker we are proud to increase investment for the coming school year by 693 million more dollars That is a 10% increase in funding 10% increase in funding for school boards the last four years when you look at the entire Ministry of Education budget it is up 27% when compared to the peak of spending under premier That is an investment in our public defunded schools now madame speaker We just announced a commitment to hire a thousand more teachers focus on literacy math a thousand additional teachers focused on De-streaming and I know that the members opposite will continue to oppose measures that Increment to make a difference in schools They have an opportunity today to vote for our budget and our new plan to improve schools to expect better From our school boards and to demand that our education leads to student achievement and better outcomes But reading writing in math vote for our budget vote for our investments vote for better Speaker the education funding that was announced yesterday doesn't even remotely keep pace with Inflation let alone address the three years of learning disruption that have been impacting our kids so deeply So if they're not investing in our students and their future, what are they doing? They're micromanaging school boards. They're labeling community schools as real estate assets and they're introducing new Fees that's what they're doing speaker back to the premier if he isn't going to invest in schools Will he at least not stick them with the bill for ministry responsibilities? Speaker from health care to housing to education the status quo defender here in the leader of the opposition Defending the status quo when we all know we can do better for our children and they deserve better on Premise on raising standards increasing accountability and enshrining the voice of parents in our education What about that is so offensive to the leader of the opposition? What about making sure that we have better outcomes tied to student achievement? So we actually see higher outcomes related to reading writing and math What is offensive about ensuring that we build schools faster that we certify new educators quicker? What is offensive about ensuring the new teachers are better educated on math on literacy on mental health and special education? But is opposition systematically to progress and to change we will stand up for kids and drive this When is this government go to start taking responsibility? Here's the status quo is their terrible record It's the same old story that we've heard from this minister and this government for years now And that's how out of touch. They are they're micromanaging municipalities They're ideologically dismantling public health care and now they're grabbing power from school boards I don't know a parent or a teacher in this province who trust this government to deliver quality Education in this province right back to the premier His plan is going to force the layoffs of teachers and education workers across this province Will he reverse course and invest in the supports that students need to thrive? It is ironic Recognizing then the last election the new Democrats lost eight hundred thousand three hundred thousand votes for the people of Ontario So you have a public conference. We have a mandate to demand better for Ontario children There are eighty three progressive conserves a historic Achievement because the people of Ontario have confidence in our premier and in our party to stand up for parents and to demand better from the system of Education we are increasing the hiring by two thousand more frontline staff We are refocusing our system of education all what matters most back to the basics back to ensuring young people have the fluency in The skills that will help to set them up for long-term success Madam Speaker the member opposite mr. Speaker the member opposite speaks about mental health in this budget We've increased it by five hundred percent over a hundred million dollars a significant increase to help children succeed We're going to continue to drive reform and demand better for Ontario children Next question That's again the leader of the opposition. Thank you speaker On Thursday the ombudsman's office released their latest report on child welfare agencies in the province We heard about misty a 13 year old indigenous girl from Northern Ontario Who repeatedly went missing while living in a home operated by Johnson Children's Services? Which as many of you already know is a private provider? They were found to be Particularly remiss in their obligations to provide care to misty the ombudsman made 58 Recommendations as a result 31 of them were directed toward Johnson Children's Services So speaker my question is very simple What does the premier plan to do to act on the important recommendations of the ombudsman? Community and social services Speaker and I thank the Honourable colleague for the question mr. Speaker let me be clear There is absolutely no room whatsoever in our system for individuals entities or Organizations that either willfully or through neglect failed in their duty of care towards children mr. Speaker Every single child in our province mr. Speaker whether they're in care or not Deserve the right to live in peace and safety and I'm glad to be able to share mr. Speaker All three organizations that were at the center of the ombudsman report have accepted all 58 recommendations From the ombudsman mr. Speaker, but it's critical that although these five all the 58 recommendations are need to be Implemented swiftly so that something like this never happens again across this province mr. Speaker and while none of these Recommendations are directed at the or to or directed towards the minister's father in community social services We will none the less mr. Speaker use this report to inform the continuing work of redesigning child welfare across the province I want to go back to the premier on this one It's a very important question Misty went missing seven times While she was in Johnson children's services care at one point the staff waited to report misty missing to the police for more Than four hours and that resulted in her disappearance for 19 days 19 days speaker. I want everyone in this house to imagine a child going missing for 19 days What's worse Johnson was being paid to provide her with one-on-one support? The ombudsman found they failed to provide this level of care He also found significant gaps in documentation in record keeping and training practices Speaker Johnson children's services failed misty to the premier why our private providers with Documented negligence still allowed to operate in Ontario Thank you, mr. Speaker the events out light in the advancement report are absolutely Unacceptable and there will be absolutely no room is zero tolerance mr. Speaker as I said every single child every single youth in our province Deserves to have a safe and loving home regardless of whether they're in care mr. Speaker again the three organizations in the case have accepted all 58 recommendations, but we are asking and we're make sure that all 58 recommendations are Implemented swiftly mr. Speaker so that this never happens to a single child or youth across the province and mr. Speaker Under the leadership of this premier Ford as I said from day one No children no child or youth will ever be left behind we'll make sure that Minister talks about zero tolerance. Why are they still operating in this province to the premier again? It's clear Private providers like Johnson children's services have not been meeting the complex needs of marginalized children in care The circumstances of misty's life put her uniquely at risk The national inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women and girls Specifically addresses that I'm going to quote the obligation of the child welfare system to protect indigenous children from exploitation But it seems like this is not a priority for the premier and his government How is the premier going to ensure there are resources for northern communities to provide? Culturally appropriate services so children like misty can receive the support and the protection They need and that every child every child deserves Minister of children community and social services. I thank the member for for the question and as I mentioned earlier mr. Speaker the report the events that are outlined in the report are unacceptable and Mr. Speaker I want to point out that just last week. I was up north with with the Minister of Indigenous Affairs and my colleague from Q it now Ained a signing of a coordination agreement to support the exercise of the kitchen in Mekusip in a new log Jurisdiction that would give them jurisdiction over child and family services under the key to our agreement of family law Mr. Speaker I will add once again that we have made sure that the Services that are being provided need to be safe and secure in every single child and every single youth in this in this province Needs to be supported now mr. Speaker this comes as a result of many years of Nick black by the previous government once always Every single time They didn't Under this government under this premier will make sure that once again. No one is left behind not a single The next question the member for Kiwet and on Miigwecha speaker a good morning My question is to the premier last week The old mudman released a report on the failure of three care agencies to ensure the safety of First Nations girl who repeatedly went missing and When she was supposed to be receiving supervised services This young woman should not been harmed While under this under this care What has this minister done to hold these child welfare agencies accountable? For all the evidence that tells us they're not doing their jobs Once again, thank you for the question mr. Speaker very clearly again The events that are outlined in the abutment report are absolutely unacceptable mr. Speaker It's very clear and as I mentioned every single child every single youth in our province needs to be in a safe and loving environment and stay home again regardless of whether they're in care mr. Speaker the Ombudsman's report is is going to be helpful as we are embarking on a child welfare redesign across the province once again Mr. Speaker, let me be very very very clear not a single children not child or youth in this province is Going to go through neglect. We're not going to let it happen We will fight for them every single day and make sure that those that are responsible are always held to account mr. Speaker Speaker you should shut down Johnson because it's children What their lives When you do not take action when you just speak those words that you're speaking Speaker at the provincial protection system is perpetually responding to crisis instead of fixing the root issues Their focus should be on keeping families whole and healthy and on issues that create the crisis such as housing parenting wellness food security and poverty Again mr. Speaker what does this government plan to do To act on the important recommendation of the ombudsman Mr. Children community and social services. Thank you very much mr. Speaker again the three organizations involved in in the case mr. Speaker have accepted all 58 recommendations of the ombudsman report and we'll make sure that they are Acted on swiftly mixtures and implemented mr. Speaker so that this never happens again to a single child or youth mr. Speaker I want to also add this is why the child welfare redesign is in the process We're in the where are now? Consulting with those because we want to make sure that this never happens to a single child or youth in the province mr. Speaker That includes or oversight Across the province once again mr. Speaker this is as a result of neglect for many many years We didn't do anything about it. It's not going to happen Fish law position come to make sure that will work every single day to protect every single child and youth in our provinces The next question the member for Kitchener Conestoga. Well, thank you very much My question is for the premier water the region is home to some of the best and brightest Healthcare and technology researchers in the world Making this an ideal location for innovative companies that are looking to start up and expand It should come as no surprise There is such extensive knowledge skills and expertise found here mr. Speaker as our region is also home to a number of highly respected post-secondary institutions Ontario's life science the sector is essential to advancing innovative health care solutions and is also vital to building our competitive Economy our government must continue to demonstrate support for the sector in order to ensure that Ontario Ontario remains a leading force in new innovative health technologies and job creation speaker Can the premier please explain what our government is doing to foster innovation in the health technology sector? Thank you speaker, and I want to thank our all-star MPP from Kitchener Conestoga for The important question and for hosting us along with the other MPPs in the Waterloo region and I brought some role all-star ministers minister of colleges and university and my good pal minister of economic development job creation and and trade we did an incredible announcement over in Kitchener at University of Waterloo It was a seven point five million dollars to help build a state of the art innovation arena at the University of Waterloo and Mr. Speaker you see these students they're coming up with the brightest and greatest ideas are blazing a new trail when it comes to life Sciences we've seen over three billion dollars of investment in the life science sector right here in Ontario We're leading at the relieving the country. We're leading a global law We're leading globally with life sciences companies are coming in here by the droves Because we have the brightest and best students anywhere in the world right here in Ontario The supplementary question Well, thank you again speaker and thank you to the premier for that response This announcement is great news that will help to create good-paying jobs attract new investments and elevate the profile of Kitchener and of course Waterloo region as a leading region in tech and innovation Under the leadership of the premier this investment is just one of the many ways that our government is building a strong Ontario For a resilient economy today, but also for the future mr. Speaker However, it is it is essential that our government continues to be forward-thinking and continues to adopt Ontario-made innovations that will improve our health care sector Speaker can the premier please elaborate on how this investment in Waterloo region is part of our government's broader strategy to Develop innovative solutions to improve the lives of all Ontarians The speaker again I want to thank the member for that question when we went to Kitchener Waterloo region one of the fastest scoring regions anywhere in Ontario Mr. Speaker we were there to support the life science strategy that we've put together the strategy is the first of its kind in over a decade And it's serving as a roadmap to establish Ontario's life science leader Mr. Speaker all we say government doesn't create jobs We create the environment and conditions and the climate for companies to invest and as I mentioned earlier It's over three billion dollars have been invested just to name a few omnia bio 250 jobs a 200,000 square foot building right in Hamilton. They're a bio manufacturing company You heard about the AstraZeneca 500 jobs. What a great announcement Roche another 500 jobs Sanofi 300 jobs mr. Speaker that's just a name a few again They know Ontario's a place to invest in they know we have the best talent in the world We've cut red tape and regulations over 700 million dollars We've cut eight billion dollars off the backs Thank you Thank you very much speaker my question is to the premier Speaker maizan McCaulick is subbies hospice I met with executive director Julie Obey and I was shocked to hear the hospice must rely on donations just to stay afloat This is not normal speaker Julie told me how critical their 50-50 draw is because the conservative government's budget doesn't spell out New money for any specific palliative care operations in Ontario She said it is time hospices be recognized for the vital role They play in the health care system and start being funded like an equal clinic health care institution My question speaker is will the premier finally recognize the vital role hospices play in the health care system? And will he start finding them like an equal clinic health care institution? Deputy premier and minister of health Thank you speaker You know the the member opposite is right when he talks about the value and importance of palliative care in a hospice in our Our province in fact in our your health document We laid out very specifically our commitment to expand hospice and palliative care in the province of Ontario because we see it as a really important part of our health care continuum and in fact in our 2023-24 budget our government is expanding palliative care to Services and local communities adding 23 new hospice beds to the 500 that already exist in the province of Ontario There is no doubt that hospice and palliative care are an important community partner in our health care system And we will continue to support and fund them appropriately Thank You speaker Hospice has to raise 1.6 million dollars every year to operate So the announcement from the minister that they're going to open more hospice means that there's more fundraising required to operate $1.6 million this isn't for fancy experts speaker Extras this fundraising is needed for meal prep for housekeepers for cleaning supplies Imagine worrying every single month that you won't raise enough money to keep residents fed and cared for in their final Seeders life and the fear is justified because last month it was reported the hospice was relying on food banks to feed their patients food banks This is shameful speaker. This is not normal and this is not acceptable My question with a concerned government increased the funding so that hospices like mizel McCulloch Do not have to rely on food banks fundraisers and community donations to feed and care for their patients Hospice are a really in integral and engaged community Assets that many of us have the pleasure of participating and being part of and by doing that Community members have historically always stepped up to support in my own community Beth the hospice Founded by one family who saw the need and ultimately funded and formed a residential hospice That frankly is world-leading in the region appeal we do this in our community because we want to give back We want to support these very important services and yes The province of Ontario will continue to support and fund hospice and palliative care But we're doing it with the support and commitment of the communities. They serve. Thank you The next question the member for Elgin Middlesex London I Want to thank the minister for visiting my riding yesterday and the city of London It was truly wonderful to see area manufacturers announced their important expansions Speaker Ontario's world-class manufacturing sector employs over 660,000 workers and is the lifeline of our province's regional economies That's why we've taken the right steps to attract investment all the while growing the economy and creating new Good and sustainable jobs, but to remain competitive our manufacturers and businesses need a government that will work with them Speaker can the minister highlight how our government is once again supporting the manufacturing sector and talk about the expansions in my riding in the City of London Thank you to the member from Elgin Middlesex London for that great tour yesterday together. We welcomed over 14 million dollars in new investments from two area manufacturing firms Edge automation builds massive machinery speaker for companies to automate their businesses They're investing over five million dollars to expand their facility The facility is well under construction and they're buying really innovative equipment They're creating 12 jobs along the way, but we went over to st. Thomas and sought to kumi stamping They know they manufacture auto parts over there. They're investing nine million dollars They get a 1.3 million dollar injection from the province They're expanding that current facility and creating 65 brand new really good paying jobs Speaker this is how we're supporting Ontario's manufacturing Thank you speaker and thank you the minister for his answer when the previous liberal government announced that Ontario's economy would shift away from Goods producing to service producing sectors. They spurred an exodus of jobs from this province the 300,000 manufacturing jobs that were sent running from Ontario came as a surprise to no one and They left causing damage to economically to our communities Programs like the reasonable development program has been a game changer for manufacturing and new job creation throughout Ontario And it's long overdue that both businesses and families where she received their fair share of Support speaker can the minister explain what our government is doing from previous governments to support business growth and long-term job creation Since we got elected our government has put all the pieces in place to create the environment as Premier Ford just said to create 600,000 jobs in the province of Ontario But but speaker we got there with absolutely no help from the Liberals or the NDP think about the fact that they voted Against every single thing that we put in place to create jobs and help families They voted against every skilled trade enhancement We put to help people prepare for the jobs of the future. They voted against every Infrastructure investment whether it's roads or bridges or highways to get these people to work. They voted against every single Lowering of taxes for families to help save money. They lower they voted against every housing initiative So people have a place to live speaker. They voted against every time we lowered the price of energy Speaker The next question the member for Windsor West Thank You speaker my question is to the Premier according to feed Ontario food bank use remains at an all-time high in Ontario There has been an increase in food bank use of 42% over the last three years and a 47% increase in people with Employment access in food banks since the Conservatives foreign government in 2018 one in four people using a food bank our children living in poverty in this premier's Ontario Two out of three people who access food banks our social assistance recipients people in my riding and across Ontario are struggling to provide food For themselves and their family speaker. This is not normal Will the premier commit today to at least doubling ODSP and OW raise and stop legislating poverty But thank you and mr. Speaker through you to the member opposite Mr. Speaker there's no question that many are feeling the pinch in this province and many are hurting and our government understands that taxpayers are under pressure mr. Speaker and and that's why you know We acted quickly last year to improve The cost of living for many in this province. We didn't wait But let me let me let me just acknowledge a few other things while we're at it You know when don't I acknowledge the minister of energy who reduced energy costs so that people could afford electricity prices Why don't why don't I acknowledge the minister of Colleges and universities who froze to wish to make it more affordable for many people in Ontario? Well, I'm mad at mr. Speaker Why don't I congratulate the minister of education the minister of education that is providing child care for people right across the province So they can take that kid to school Stop the clock wish to inform the house that we have had a fire alarm in the basement and it is currently being investigated Okay, we'll provide more information as we have Order I can't The tunnel start the clock The supplementary question Thank you speaker. It's absolutely shameful that the Minister stood there applauding his government when my colleague from Sudbury just talked about the hospice they're having to fundraise or their people Their patients having to use food banks Speaker between January and September 2022 the number of people visiting a food bank increased by 24 percent First-time visitors increased by 64 percent One in three of those people have never had to use a food bank before Food banks are concerned that the need may outpace the capacity of the provincial food bank network. This is an unprecedented crisis This is not Normal after five years in government the Conservatives should be absolutely ashamed of the consistent increase in the number of people living in Poverty speaker can the Premier explain why he and his members applaud themselves for making life more affordable when in fact More and more Ontarians are leaving in poverty under their Mr. Speaker perhaps the member opposite could explain Why they have not supported any of the measures that we've put on this side of the house and over there to reduce the cost of Now mr. Speaker opposition come to order. There's no question that Some people and many are hurting and that's why mr. Speaker They should look perhaps to their support for a carbon tax because you know what a carbon tax does There a carbon tax puts the burden on many families across the province a carbon tax actually increases Food prices in this province mr. Speaker now Inflation came down this morning from 5.2 percent to 4.3 percent almost a full point this morning still too And that's why this government took action before that's why this government continues to take action and will respond in the Ford to help the people of The next question the member for beaches East York Good morning, everyone. Pleasure to see you as always My question or thank you mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Infrastructure Ontario place was originally created as a place to reaffirm our identity as Ontarians and Canadians With many of us having special and fond memories from being there The space is now used by many as a beautiful outdoor public space to make more memories with friends family and the community As well as the natural the birds the insects and animal life What has happened to the Ontario in Ontario place? What has been an attraction to celebrate? Ontario through design materials landscape and programming is now going to feature an Austrian spa franchise thermate Even the West Island entrance is to be rebranded as thermate question Can the Minister please explain how she believes an expensive privately owned spa developed by an Austrian corporation? represents the identities of Ontarians The Parliamentary System and member for Scarborough Mr. Speaker our government is bringing Ontario plays back to life making it a Remarkable world-class year-round destination that will include family friendly entertainment Public and event spaces Parkland and waterfront access once completed mr. Speaker Ontario plays will be open for 365 days a year and welcome from four to six million visitors annually mr. Speaker This site is in the process of redevelopment and the site preparation is underway and this project will create 5,000 jobs with 3,000 construction jobs and 2,500 permanent jobs mr. Speaker I look forward to the this afternoon's announcement with premier and mr. Sarma, thank you Ontario is as we know open for business mr. Speaker Destination for people across the world I agree. It's a great idea to create new attractions for both our residents and tourists to enjoy it should be somewhere that is affordable and accessible and represents Represent of a who we are as Ontarians. It really makes me wonder why thermate how was this decision even made? my question to the minister or the parliamentary assistance is Since the minister is not here is what other options? When asked member not to make reference to the absence of another member and conclude her question Yeah, okay. Thank you miss heckler My question to the minister is what other options for the development on the West Island of Ontario place were considered By the government before they decided on the spa with thermate and why weren't proposals from Ontario? Ontario and even Canada-based companies considered And it must again the member for Scarborough Rouge Park to apply thank you, mr. Speaker The redevelopment of Ontario place is a once in a generation opportunity that will Revitalize our beloved waterfront destination and bring tourism Commercial and social benefits to both province of the city Mr. Speaker the previous government has left Ontario place in a state of despair and neglect Attractions are currently closed and left abandoned while flooding Electrical and plumbing issues are frequent on site. Mr. Speaker our government will bring Ontario place back to life and make it a Affordable world-class destination for Ontario's from all corners of province to come and enjoy And I just wish to inform the house that I've been informed that the fire alarm is turned off and it's all clear The next question start the clock remember for a berry in a spill Thank you speaker. I my question is for the minister of education I want to thank him for coming to the writing of very in a spell where he heard firsthand from many parents parents like Lynn Who is a working mom of five and is also serving as a school trustee locally? And he heard resoundingly that we need to focus on teaching relevant life skills job skills things that will help their children succeed not only in the classroom But also in today's modern economy and while our government is actively modernizing course content and providing historic levels of funding We must also make sure that leadership and governments are at the board level Continues to reflect the priorities that will serve our students best so I'm going to ask the minister of speaking to parents Not only very in a small but all across this province How we are going to focus on what matters most in our education system and strengthening our education system? Thank you So for this question. I know as a new parents a lot of skin in the game to get this right And so we're working together across our communities to make sure all children succeed and that mr. Speaker I want to assure families that we are going to challenge the status quo Lift standards and expect better for Ontario children That is something that I believe should unite us all in this legislature and we're going to start that by increasing investment by $693 million more dollars next year. We're going to continue to build momentum by a hiring 2000 skilled focus educators when it comes to literacy promotion Mathematics and de-stream courses. We're going to continue to reform the system and part of this plan is to ensure that school board priorities reflect those of parents which we represent back to basics refocusing the system of what matters most on strengthening fundamental foundational skills of reading writing math and other STEM disciplines We know there's more work to do and we're prepared to do it together to improve our schools for our kids Supplementary question I think the minister for that great response and really listening to all Ontarians I know our government is focused on student achievement and will help to improve results in many areas And but when it comes to students and their achievement and their experience in schools We can all agree that a great teacher makes a big difference in the classroom And I think growing up of mr. Jeans miss Gillis madame pot then you know top educators Who are the ones who really connect well with students that are able to teach relevant life skills job skills and critical thinking skills? In order to uphold our commitment for students to succeed It is our government's responsibility to ensure that educators are equipped qualified and available to teach fundamental subjects that are Essential to changing the world speaker I want to ask the minister can he elaborate on how our government is supporting our educators so they are best equipped to meet the needs of the future Thank you Thank you. Mr. Speaker. Thank you to member for various for this question So Premier often says we have among the best educators in the country. We're proud of what they do We want to set them up for long-term success We frankly want to continue to invest in their development and so mad mr. Speaker right now a problem We are committed to fixing is the faculty to education currently have no Requirements to work with the College of Teachers or the Ministry of Education to set up minimum requirements for their professional development They're learning experience. We're now going to be involved with the front end on setting prerequisites related to mental health special education the signs of leadership of Literacy promotion according to the new curriculum and of course a mathematical competence that is what a modern teacher should look like It's what we are endeavoring to do. It's what we're going to do through this bill We're also going to literally reduce the amount of days by half that it takes a process and certify a new educator A highly talented person from around the world. We're going to do it quicker and finally mr. Speaker We take a zero tolerance when it comes to crimes against children by ensuring they are a lifetime band from teaching in this province Thank You speaker my question is for the premier on April 1st The Ministry of Children Community and Social Services cut the complex special needs funding for nursing and PSW Supports which families with medically fragile children need to hire their support These cuts impact approximately a hundred families who have some of the most medically fragile children in the province These cuts happen without warning and no transition plans were provided to these families This is completely unacceptable and must be reinstated immediately Can the premier explain why this essential finding was cut why there was no transition plan provided for families and how his Government plans to address this Thank you speaker, you know I'm very pleased that I have the opportunity to talk about an announcement that was made just last month in Hamilton at the McMaster Children's Hospital and it's a three-year pilot project called the integrated pathways for children It was lauded it was celebrated by families and by Clinicians because they understand that children with special needs have unique challenges And that may be mental health concerns developmental disabilities or chronic conditions and now with this integrated pathway for Children's speaker. It's going to connect those highly Individualized care programs that are so important and so critical for those families into Bloorview Holland Bloorview in Toronto McMaster Children's Hospital in Hamilton and Chio in Ottawa Really really exciting program and I've already said that if this three-year pilot ends up being successful It will no longer be a pilot. We will make sure it's a crossing. Thank you Back to the premier one of the families is Nicole whose daughter Alexa receives funding through the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Children Community and Social Services This has allowed Alexa to receive the nearly 24 hours of ICU care at home Which she requires these cuts will result in service gaps Which her mother will be left to fill because the ministries are working in silos instead of working together Alexa is palliative speaker her family should not be wasting their precious time Jumping through hoops with this government Can the premier commit to ensuring that ministries will start to work together? To find long-term solutions for families with medically fragile children so that they can get the care they need when they need it So I trust the member opposite has connected that family with the McMaster Children's Hospital to ensure that they are Part of the integrated pathway for children because as I said it is exactly what families and clinicians have been asking for We are funding through the 97 million dollar investment a three-year pilot project with those three community agencies and You know, we are working more closely together With ministries within government than we have ever seen and it is exactly why we want to be able to offer Programs for the families. This is not about funding Organizations, this is about Ministries working together to make sure that those families do not have to go through multiple doors order to look after their children Thank You speaker Remember for Hamilton Mountain come to order member for Brampton North come to order We start the clock the next question the member for Kingston in the islands Speaker if we believe there's a housing crisis shouldn't we be thinking hard and planning for smart growth? I'm worried about this line from the proposed new provincial planning statement from the environmental registry quote Municipalities would be allowed to create new settlement areas and would not be required to demonstrate the need for expansion This government is continuing to encourage thoughtless sprawl and not thinking about affordability Whether it's in the cost of new infrastructure required or the longer-term costs of living in urban sprawl For example the goal to quote shortened commute journeys and decreased transportation congestion is left out of the new provincial planning statement Speaker why does this government want to bake in an older more expensive and unsustainable way of providing housing? Let's think for a second what the opposition means when they talk about sprawl It means they don't think that people should be living in some of our fastest growing communities Think about young people who want to live in the community that they grew up in Think about the NIMBY style politics that the opposition continues to cater to We on this side of the house have a fundamental disagreement with that type of politics. We don't we believe You should not be talking down Ontario We believe that all parts of Ontario should be a place to grow to grow your family to grow your business and grow your Community that's the type of policies Well speaker here's another problem with municipalities creating new settlement areas without being required to demonstrate the need for expansion This change in the provincial planning statement has the potential to create a green belt palooza across the province If you don't worry about a rationale for urban expansion, then these decisions become more political The government is encouraging the business model of buying up land and then trying to influence elected officials to expand Settlement areas onto their land thereby delivering the hope for windfall profit speaker if you thought Developers buying green belt land just before it was taken out and given to development Smelt bad allowing thoughtless urban expansion could create a province-wide green belt a palooza that makes stagnant Oh look like a tea party I Want to remind Ontarians what this member and his party talk about they're against Farmers being able to sever a lot for their son or daughter They're against that just like they were against agriculture when they were in power remember Kathleen win Closing in my riding an agricultural college that that throws out all of eastern Ontario Remember that remember that type of policy, you know speaker I'm gonna I'm gonna quote from the Toronto Star today that talks about permits to build new Ontario condos soar by 25% as new policies 13.6% increase in February compared to January for multi-dwelling permits That's the type of success that our housing supply action plan continues to build upon again The liberal party that did nothing for 15 years when they were in the balance of power. Thank you Thank you. The next question the member for Barry and his Phil. Thank you speaker My question is to the associate minister of transportation who's constantly getting our people moving very in a spell is home to an Exciting transit-oriented community project. We're going to create more housing But it's also home to people who over 80% of which commute to get to work They rely on the GO train network that connects the very south station to Union station to downtown Toronto Unfortunately riders on the very GO train continue to experience growing delays due to increased traffic at the Davenport crossing this speaker is one of the busiest at-grade crossing stations in North America Creating a bottleneck of not just rail tracks impacting both freight rail But also GO train services that is why it's critical for our government to show leadership and taking action to address This long-standing rail problem. So I want to ask the associate minister of Transportation how he's bringing hope real investment and leadership on the progress our government is making on this particular Associate minister Thank you speaker this government has a lot of love for Barry and his Phil and for that member who does great work I'm very happy to tell you to say that two weeks ago We finished major construction of the Davenport diamonds beautiful new elevated guideway that now lifts the Barry goal line Above freight train tracks That's not all speaker go trains are now traveling along this game changing piece of infrastructure Which will reduce connect congestion for the one of the busiest train intersections in all of North America There's more speaker this guideway also provides Pedestrians and cyclists with more terrific connections by enabling go trains to seamlessly travel above existing traffic Speaker our government is delivering outstanding go expansion upgrades across the very line So riders can get to work critical services and back home with speed and ease the opposition did nothing for the people of Barry and It's Phil this government's getting it done Thank you to the minister for his hard work It's welcome news to all folks in Barry in a cell especially when I talk to people like Tina and Kyle and Nick who commute five days a Week to come to work here in the GTA But speaker transit infrastructure is vital and the GO train network is important to get people connected to all Communities and to their work across the Golden Horseshoe as a whole reliable and convenient transit services is essential And the population is expected to increase and over the next three decades Increasing the demand on our transit services and the upgrades that are needed now to ensure that Frequency and convenience services is there for years to come We can't afford to delay or hold back transit investment speaker Our government must deliver on our commitment to bring relief and new opportunities to transit users and community and commuters So speaker I'd like to ask the associate minister. Can you please elaborate on horror governments investing in expanding the GO transit network? Well speaker, I'm gonna elaborate all right the largest transit expansion plan in Canadian history over 70 billion to build transit That includes our transformational GO expansion program speaker the Barry line stations We've already finished major upgrades at Rutherford GO station and amazing work is underway to deliver additional platforms and revamped Facilities at the Maple King City and Aurora GO stations when it comes to the Barry line corridor speaker Metrolinx is adding an extra Track between Union and Aurora GO to help with the traffic as we watch the lease win the cup this year Speaker two-way service all day to the Barry line every 15 minutes every day of the week But our efforts don't just benefit riders speaker in fact the GO expansion as a whole will generate 8300 construction and supply chain jobs every single year Speaker the NDP and the Liberals simply didn't build transit when they could This government is not only getting shovels in the ground. We're making the rider experience better all along The premier Speaker in the aftermath of the horrific act of Islamophobic violence that took the lives of four members of London's Afsel family in June 2021 the Muslim community in London and across the province came together to develop comprehensive anti-Islamophobia legislation the Our London Family Act that bill was tabled last February But instead of allowing it to be debated the government referred it to committee Promising to study it and bring it back Speaker more than a year later Islamophobic hate is on the rise Why is there still no government legislation? Well, thank you very much mr. Speaker and I want to thank the member opposite for the very important question And we've had a conversation on this a number of times, but mr. Speaker Let me be very clear Islamophomian hate and many kind has no place in Ontario Especially violence vandalism or intimidation towards any community group or faith the rise of Islamophobia Motivate instance especially during the holy month of Ramadan is deeply concerning Our government will always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our Muslim community Speaker as one of my in one of my first days as a minister of citizenship and multiculturalism I drove out to visit in a London Muslim mosque I personally met with the Imam the former mayor and community leaders to discuss how we can work together to fight Islamophobia and make Ontario a safer and more inclusive place for everyone Our government has and will continue to work with partners of our Muslim community To find community-based centered solutions to make you the stronger safer and more vibrant Speaker the Muslim community brought a solution to this legislature last year this government has not passed it Speaker June 6 2023 will mark two years since the Afzal family so tragically lost their lives and Muslims in Ontario Continue to be targeted and Retraumatized last week following a hateful attack at a mark of mosque Nadia Hassan from the National Council of Canadian Muslims said the time for action against Islamophobia is now We call on the Ontario government to expedite the passing of the our London Family Act in Ontario Speaker this government has had more than a year to study that bill the official opposition is prepared to pass it Will this Premier commit to introducing and passing the our London Family Act before June 6 2023? Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker our government has taken strong action Make and make considerable investments to defend the right of every person in this great province and to practice their faith safely and peacefully With the help of the anti-racism directorate in my ministry we've allocated over 40 million dollars to enhance security and safety at places of worship and places where cultural communities gather as They build capacity to combat racism and hate Our government is always providing tools to help police and justice sector prevent investigate and prosecute hate crimes To the hate crime and extremism investigation team the hate crime Investigator course and hate crimes working group of crown attorneys We've also taken steps to address racism in schools by creating anti-hate programs and educational resources to counters Islamophobia Islamophobia and all forms of hate Speaker we have been taking a whole of government approach to combat hate and we will continue to work with our partners from the Muslim community and all community Thank you very much. The next question the member for Oxford Mr. Speaker my question is to the Minister of Public Business Service delivery as the representative of a growing rural community I hear from my constituents about the challenges they encounter when accessing government services including those related to marriage licenses In rural areas barriers such as travel and line-ups that municipal offices can often be a more prevalent Occurrence than in other parts of the province It's essential that our government continues to modernize processes that make it easier to access government services Including obtaining a marriage license Speaker can the Minister please explain how our government is working to ensure that services are convenient and accessible For every Ontarian regardless of where they live The Minister of Public and Business Service delivery Thank you very much speaker and thanks to the member from Oxford for his question Speaker our government understands that there are many Ontarians who face barriers when it comes to accessing government services Speaker that is why we are hard at work to modernize how Ontarians Access our many new and updated services Including obtaining a marriage license by making it more accessible for new and young couples to apply quickly and Conveniently online regardless of where they live speaker offering online application in six Municipalities as part of this new pilot project is just the beginning as we are quickly seeing the benefits of this change Couples are now being able to enjoy a faster more convenient Application process that lets them focus more on what matters most to them speaker My ministry is committed to expanding this service province-wide and I'm looking forward to my colleague Thank you very much The supplementary question Thank you very much Thank you speaker and thank to the minister for the response my supplementary question is to the associate minister of housing There's still much more work to be done when it comes to making life better for people across our province Whether it is newly married couple who want to buy a marriage to buy a home or Individual and and families at different stages in their lives people are experiencing challenges in finding affordable housing Our government must continue to deliver on our promise to address the housing crisis that is affecting both rural and urban regions Speaker can the minister can the associate minister? Please explain how our government is working to address the serious housing shortage situation facing our problem associate minister of housing Thank you speaker. I really want to thank the great member for Oxford for his question speaker Our government is working to make sure all Ontarians have access to the dream of owning a home We had close to 100,000 new housing construction starts in 2021 Which is the highest in over 30 years and last year we also surpassed 96,000 this is 30% higher than the annual 65,000 home average over the past 20 years pure neglect by the previous liberal government and in 2022 we saw the most purse purse built rentals on record with almost 15,000 units and this represents a seven and a half percent increase from 2021 through our more homes for everyone plan which the Opposition NDP voted against we've already made changes that will accelerate approval timelines for new housing and protect Homeowners from unethical practices Speaker as the premier said yesterday, it's all hands-on deck to solve the housing supply crisis Thank you very much Thank you speaker and my question is to the Minister of Health I've heard from a local nurse on sick leave who has been suffering from debilitating pain Connected to endometriosis her local OBGYN can't help her because her nerves are affected She was referred to see a neuro pelvic OBGYN but apparently there's only one in Canada who only works here half the year She sits on this waiting list doesn't have an appointment date. She's in bedbound pain once she has the appointment She may have another 12 to 24 months to wait for the surgery. She has no hope in sight She has said that a surgeon in the States has quoted her $60,000 for the surgery She needs but she cannot afford to cover it due to bill 124 and no wage increases over the last few years in inflation She says quote seems to me the Ontario government should be doing everything possible to keep an experienced nurse at the bedside Yet I am sidelined with debilitating pain and can't get the help I desperately need What can I do because at 33 years old maid is looking pretty tempting and quote When will this government fund our hospitals so we can meet the needs of desperate and suffering complex medical patients like this nurse You know the member opposite should know that we have through a surgical recovery fund of almost a billion dollars Invested it over three years to ensure that surgeries can continue to be expanded both in hospital as well as of course in our community Surgical centers that work has been happening for the last three years and we've seen in fact our our surgeries Backlogs have gone down to pre-pandemic, but that's not enough speaker, and we know it's not enough So through the your health Ontario plan We've actually mapped out an expansion that will ensure that regular scheduled surgeries that can Appropriately happen in community closer to where people live are going to be expanded and that will ensure that the highly Complex surgeries that the member opposite is talking about have the opportunity and more capacity Within our our health care system in our hospitals because we understand when we take those regularly scheduled More routine surgeries into close to where people live It gives more capacity in our publicly healthy system Concludes our question period for this morning