 It's now time for oral questions. The leader of the Majesty's Royal Opposition. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Economic Development. I think I'll ask to stand down the lead question until the minister arrives. Greek? Greek. Am I right? I do have to seek agreement. The leader of the Royal Opposition has requested to stand down his lead. I move to the leader of the third party. Reset the clock. Speaker, my question is for the acting Premier. The Liberals don't seem to believe that people aren't getting their money. The minister says she's finding it difficult to validate these anecdotes, Speaker. Well, here's a validation for her. Charles's son has a disability, and he relies on ODSP to pay his bills. And when his check didn't arrive, Leanne looked into the issue. She was told her son was removed from the system. And Leanne, as her son's trustee, was also removed from the system, Speaker. Leanne called the Liberal Constituency Office of our MPP and was given the cold shoulder. So will the Liberals admit that these problems are real and actually start fixing them? That being true again? Speaker, and as I think everyone in this House knows, we are doing the very important work of replacing an old outdated system that did not serve clients well, nor was it the best system for the workers. So as we're moving into this, we're in this transition period, I want to say thank you to those frontline workers who are working very, very hard to fix any problems as they arise. I also want people to know, people who are in recipients of social assistance, to know that we are absolutely committed to make sure they get the checks that they are, in fact, entitled to. I do want to comment, Speaker. Additional staff have been sent to local offices. People are working around the clock to fix any problems. And we've had a great success. In fact, within 24 hours, 99% of the overpayments were stopped or retracted. So, Speaker, this is a system that's worked in Australia, in the UK, New Zealand, Germany, in New York City. I know the Minister will want to address any supplementary questions. Speaker, Leanne's son's next check is actually due on the 22nd of December. And she's worried that if there's another round of problems, there will be nobody for her to call over the holidays. Can the Liberals guarantee that this problem is solved and that there won't be any late checks in December? Deputy Premier. To the Minister of Community and Social Services. Minister of Community and Social Services. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I want to reassure all members of this House that we take jobs in the Ministry of Community and Social Services extremely seriously. The welfare of vulnerable people is our number one concern. I have been asking, searching questions of my officials. I've been calling mayors. I want to hear about those vulnerable people who have unfortunately not received the appropriate payment to which they are entitled. And it is this type of hands-on approach that I'm personally taking to this issue. And I want to hear everything that I need to hear in order to ensure that the December round of checks is in fact successful. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. The Minister should tell her MPPs that she wants to hear the stories because Leanne went to her MPP, a Liberal MPP, and was given the cold shoulder when her story was shared. So the Minister needs to actually tell her MPPs to do their job. Leanne is worried that her problem won't be solved, Speaker. And frankly, I am worried too. Since this programme launched, we're told that nearly 10,000 separate incident reports have been created and hundreds more are being created by the day. Incident reports because there have been problems with the checks. Now that says to me that the problem still has not been fixed, Speaker. Now can the Liberals give any guarantees whatsoever to the thousands of people of vulnerable Ontarians who rely on ODSP and rely on social assistance that their next checks are actually going to be in the mail and going to be delivered on time? Question. Minister. Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I do want to reassure the leader of the third party that we have put in a very strong support strategy for our frontline workers to troubleshoot issues that may be arising from the new system. And so since the SAMS launch, my ministry has also put in place dedicated phone lines and email addresses for areas that are particularly challenging for staff. So they have direct access to support staff. There's some 42 additional staff in the field. Any area office that is having specific differences, we will send committed individuals to that office. So anybody in terms of our municipal partners, ODSP offices requesting that kind of additional support, they're going to be getting that. And we are, of course, in daily contact with all our partners. I'm getting reports on an ongoing basis in terms of the issues locally. And again, we urge any person who has an issue with their payment to contact their case worker, and we will make an effort to rectify the problem. New question. Thank you, Speaker. My next question is for the Acting Premier. Yesterday, we asked for the contract that the Liberals signed with IBM for the deeply flawed SAMS program. But we didn't get it, Speaker. So I'm going to try again. Will the Liberals release the contract with IBM that left people across Ontario without the social assistance and ODSP that they rely on? Minister of Community and Social Services. Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. And again, clearly hearing the comments made yesterday, I think we're all aware that there is a process in terms of document release. I have looked into this, and of course we wish to be open and transparent. And so we are going to be following the type of process that is required in this type of contractual relationship between a private company and the government. There may be some proprietary commercially sensitive information in the contract. The process will be followed if there is a formal document request. And I certainly won't interfere with that process. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Supplementary. Government confirmed that Ontario was getting private sector IT support for the massive problems with this SAMS program. When there's a problem with the software speaker, Ontarians deserve to know who's actually paying to fix it. Either IBM has to fix the problem or we're paying out of pocket to fix their faulty product. Will the Liberals release the contract so we can see which one of these it is? Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have been informed that the issue of transition was addressed in the contract and that our private sector partners are covering all the costs of the transition, support that is required for the frontline through the requirements of the contract. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Thank you. Supplementary. Liberals were warned that this computer system was not ready and would likely have massive problems. In fact, the people that warned them were right here in this House with us today. They ignored the advice. And now vulnerable Ontarians are the ones that are having to pay the price. Ontarians have the right to know who is paying for that decision, Speaker. Will the Deputy Premier, the Minister responsible for transparency, live up to that mandate and actually release the contract? Minister. Well, Mr. Speaker, I can simply repeat what I've said before. There's a process in terms of release of this type of information. I will not interfere in any way with that process. I will encourage that process to take place. But clearly this type of information may contain some commercially sensitive information. And I think everyone needs to respect that. And I want to just make it very clear that our job won in our ministry is to ensure that all vulnerable people are appropriately taken care of. Up the clock. I'm trying my best to listen to the answer but with the interruption on my left it's a little difficult. The member for Renfrew, Nipperson and Pemberton I don't need your comments. Minister. I simply would like to reassure everyone yet again that our job is to ensure that checks are delivered smoothly. Every effort is being taken to ensure that the next check run will go well. People are working constantly in this regard. We have the support of our private sector partners, IBM in this endeavor and we want to assure everyone that we're following due process. Thank you. The leader of the Her Majesty's Royal Opposition. Thank you, Mr Speaker. My question for the Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure. Minister, Ontario's auto sector is the backbone of communities throughout our province. We all know the hard work and tremendous pride auto workers put into their jobs. That's why it's so alarming to hear union and auto industry executives raise concerns about the troubled state of General Motors Canadian operations. Next year, for example, Chevrolet Camaro production stops in Oshawa altogether and will move to Lansing, Michigan. In 2016, just a year and a half from now, one of the two assembly plans in Oshawa is scheduled to close. A shutdown of Oshawa would result in nearly 3,600 jobs lost. Minister, what action is your government taking to stop the shutdown of auto production in Oshawa, Ontario? Mr Speaker, let me tell you right off the bat what we're not going to do. Stop the clock. The members closest to me on my left, it's very difficult for me to carry on if you keep trying to show the person who's answering. Next time you'll be named. The Minister. Mr Speaker, let me tell you right off the bat what we're not going to do. We're not going to do what the PC party did at the earliest sign of trouble in the auto sector during the recession. They ran and hid, Mr Speaker. They failed to stand up for the auto sector. We partnered with the federal government, Mr Speaker, to make sure that GM is even here today. Because had we not have done that, Mr Speaker, had we had taken the advice of the party opposite, we would not have an auto sector like we have today here in the province of Ontario. An auto sector, Mr Speaker, that employs over 400,000 Ontarians. Mr Speaker, the member raises some valid concerns. We are concerning carefully at the future of GM in Oshawa. But in my supplementary, I'll talk a little bit more about the optimism of the new president of GM with regard to his investment in Ontario. Thank you. Supplementary. Minister, these aren't meant to be hard-hitting partisan questions. This is meant to stand up for the hard-working men and women in our auto sector. Other jurisdictions, as you know, are taking urgent action to strengthen their auto sectors for the 21st century marketplace. In 2013, Michigan's governor created the Michigan Automotive Office. This office is headed by an experienced industry professional who reports directly to the governor. That's how serious Michigan takes its auto industry. So it's not surprising that Oshawa's Chevrolet Camaro is moving to Lansing, Michigan. The Michigan Automotive Office has issued a 30-year strategic plan to grow the state's automotive industry base. Minister, I just ask you, where is your long-term plan to grow Ontario's automotive base? Mr. Speaker. Let me talk about the investments this government has made over the objections of the party opposite to grow our economic base in the auto sector. Mr. Speaker, $800 million of investment we've invested in the last 10 years. We've gotten back $10 billion of investment made by auto companies here in the province of Ontario. For investments, Mr. Speaker, that the party opposite refers to as corporate welfare. Shame on you, Mr. Speaker. Shame on the party opposite. To get up today a party that does not support any support that we've given to the auto sector, any support that we've given to the hard-working men and women, 400,000 strong that have jobs in this sector. Mr. Speaker, they've opposed us every step of the way. We'll continue to work with the auto sector in this province. We'll continue to work with our companies. We'll continue to make those important investments, continue to have a strong auto sector here in the province of Ontario. Thank you. Well, Mr. Speaker, the minister can be partisan and get in a bickering match with us, I suppose. It's not going to help the workers who are depending on his government to do the right thing. Obviously what you're doing isn't working, Minister. GM's leaving. The warning signs are there. So what you're doing isn't working. In Michigan, they don't just don't throw billions of dollars they have a seven-point plan that doesn't involve money. It involves marketing, strategic branding, talent development and attracting new talent, engineering network, policy and legislative advice to the government, business development advice, working collaboratively with the government, capital attraction and development. These are things that don't cost billions of dollars. You raise electricity, raise slap on the red tape, put up the taxes and then throw billions of dollars to correct your mistakes. What are you going to come up with a 30-year plan that works? Minister. Why the party opposites so admires the administration in Michigan. They're a right to work state, Mr. Speaker. That's why they like the state of Michigan. And you know what else, Mr. Speaker? They have an eight-dollar minimum wage in Michigan. I know that they have eight dollars, but get this, Mr. Speaker, they also don't have a lack of support for maternity leave in Michigan. That's the kind of administration they want to run. That's not the kind of province we're building here in this province of Ontario. We support a lot of our work, Mr. Speaker. And we support a lot of us. Minister. We need to work in partnership with that sector. We're going to continue to make investments like we made in here, here's riding in Alastair. 857 billion investment by Honda just a few weeks ago. Mr. Speaker, look at you. It doesn't seem as I'm getting true to some of you. On the government side, the Minister of Environment, you're the loudest. I'd actually like to keep it down. Go back to the minister. New question? Member for Bruce Gray-Owen Sound. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. My question to the Minister of Health. Minister, your government has continuously promised to fix the troubled CCACs. We've heard repeatedly of the bloated CCAC, which has cost us 3.5 million every year. All the while there are cuts to home care services that are leaving our frail, elderly people, and people with disabilities in peril. The situation is truly appalling. Minister, can you tell us how you're going to get these 14 CEO salaries under control so that money can be put back into front-line care? Minister of Health. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And, in fact, over the last number of years we have been reducing the CCAC CEO salaries considerably. In fact, in 2007, they amounted 5.6 million total, and in fact, in 2012, they were down to 3.6 million dollars. And it's not just the CEO salaries as well. The proportion of the total CCAC expenses that go to administrative costs have also declined significantly and it's estimated at 4.4% in 2012-2013. So they are coming down. But, Mr. Speaker, we also have an important bill before the Legislature, a bill which looks specifically and directly at the issue of executive compensation in the broader public sector. It's going to actually pertain to our CCACs as well and the salaries of the CEOs and the senior staff there. And it's going to prescribe the parameters for going forward in terms of the level of compensation that we need. Thank you. Supplementary. Thank you, Speaker, again to the Minister of Health. Minister, your ministry stated to the Ottawa Sun that it does not have access to the terms and conditions of the CCAC CEO compensation plans. This is a poor excuse. In fact, your excuse sounds an awful lot like the excuse that the Deputy Premier used to give about Chris Maz's blockbuster salary at Orange. And we all know how that ended. Patients in front-line care is suffering because you refuse to take action. Why are you advocating your oversight responsibilities and allowing these salaries to compromise front-line care? Minister of Health? Well, Mr. Speaker, I'm taking my responsibility as Minister of Health very, very seriously. And I appeal to the opposition. I suspect that I may have the support. We may have the support of the member opposite to support and pass Bill 8 because that bill does precisely what the member opposite is asking for. It allows us to get access to that information and to prescribe within certain parameters, Mr. Speaker, what that executive compensation level should be. Not just in our CCACs, but across the broader public sectors. So I look forward to the support of the member opposite. It's an important bill. We've been debating it here in the legislature. The sooner we get it passed, Mr. Speaker, the sooner we're going to be able to move further in the direction where we all agree we need to get the executive compensation. Thank you. Supplementary. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, the Minister of Health. Minister, it's appalling that you would deflect your minister of responsibility and not take immediate action to get the CEO salaries under control. If it's true that your ministry does not have access to the terms and conditions of these salaries, then why haven't you taken action and tabled legislation in this house to fix it? You use time allocation for lots of other things. Why haven't you taken action to get the employees to do so, yet you continue to allow frontline care to suffer? Minister, when are you actually going to take action to fix this problem? Minister of Health? I won't. Well, Mr. Speaker, in fact, we have tabled legislation precisely to do what the member is asking for. It's called Bill 8, and it's important. You did! And it referenced time allocation as well. We did, Mr. Speaker. In a very short period of time to pass this important legislation that will do what the member is asking is provide those parameters in the direction and the ability for every ministry in this government to oversee, be accountable for, provide direction to, create the parameters for, and control the executive compensation in the broader public sector. Mr. Speaker, I find it unbelievable that the member opposite didn't know that that legislation already exists. Mr. Speaker, a new question to member for Renfrew, Nipissing Pembroke. My question is for the acting Premier. Premier, your government used the dictatorial power of the majority to shut down the justice committee with respect to the inquiry into the gas plant fiasco, denying us the opportunity to interview such key witnesses as Laura Miller and Peter Feist. But there's another matter. Going into the election there was an ongoing OPP criminal investigation into the deletion and destruction of documents within the office of the Premier of Ontario. Now, acting Premier, can you give us an update because since the election we've heard nothing. Can you give us an update or have you asked the OPP for an update onto that investigation into criminal activity in the Premier's office? Thank you, Deputy Premier. Government host leader. Thank you very much, Speaker. I thank the member from Renfrew, Nipissing Pembroke, who was opposing the question, Speaker. And I want to thank the members of the Justice Committee, who's been working very hard in completing the work of the Justice Committee as was committed and I'm confident that the members of the Justice Committee will continue to do the work and make sure that there is a report available based on all the testimonies and evidence that they have heard, Speaker, over the last almost three years be able to give recommendations to the government when it comes to the sighting of large energy infrastructure projects and we look forward to the committee for finishing their work. Acting Premier, the people of Ontario want to know where this investigation is going. If you haven't asked the OPP for an update, well, I have. I've written a letter to Detective Constable Duvall asking him for an update and see, look, I'd be the last one to ever accuse this government of doing something underhanded, but it might be a little more than coincidental that since you have got your majority, this OPP investigation has gone completely underground. We're not hearing anything about the criminal investigation into the destruction and deletion of emails within the office of the Premier of Ontario. So I'm asking you today, will you endeavor to get an update from the OPP where this criminal investigation is going because the people of Ontario want an answer? Notice I am standing and you're still carrying on. Government House Leader. Speaker, I think it would pretty polite and mild for me to say that the question is fairly absurd from the member opposite. I think he recognizes that there is a live police investigation that is undergoing and it will be highly inappropriate for any member of this House, especially members from the government to be speaking about that police investigation. The member is a smart individual. He knows that very clearly and I think the question is highly inappropriate nor we will start engaging into the discussion around police investigations because that is up to the OPP, their arms land and independent from the government and we will let them finish their work. Thank you very much Speaker. Thank you. New question member for family Goal Malton. Thank you very much and the question is to the active premier. There is a growing trend for charitable organizations to give out gift cards to clients to help them buy gifts for Christmas and groceries for the holidays. Now giving gift cards is a more dignified approach to helping these vulnerable people so they don't have to line up at food banks or Christmas hamper programs. But there is a grinch out there trying to steal Christmas. Money Mart has piloted an initiative in Hamilton whereby they will redeem these gift cards for cash but only at 50% of the card's value. Why does this government allow grinches like Money Mart to steal Christmas from almost vulnerable people in Ontario? Minister of Government Services Minister of Government Services Thank you very much Speaker and appreciate the question from the member opposite. As the member knows there are a number of organizations in Ontario that have been regulated by our government and we've stepped up to enforce and increase regulations with these organizations. It is an ongoing challenge to ensure that the practices that are unscrupulous like you're talking about that we ensure that these individuals are put out of business or that there are greater regulations. We've increased protections under the Consumer Protection Act. We've increased fines as well for organizations and individuals who may conduct business like this. As you are aware, there was one of these organizations that our ministry did take a very significant action to ensure that they were put out of business because of the practices that they were so we are going to continue to be vigilant with respect to these organizations and we will continue to bring forward legislation and change regulations where necessary to ensure that these practices are dealt with. I'd also indicate that our government has eliminated the expired gift cards. Thank you very much Mr. Speaker. This is just one of the many areas that we've seen time and time again that the Payday Loan Act needs to be tightened up. Forcing individuals who are already under a great deal of stress during the holidays to pay this extraordinarily high rate for an exchange is simply disgusting. I think everyone in this house agrees that this type of scheme is the advantage of people that are already so vulnerable and particularly at this given time of year is not acceptable. Is the minister's heart two sizes too small that he won't ban this exorbitantly high exchange and allow paydays to take advantage of people like this? Will the minister do something to address this problem so that it doesn't happen? Absolutely. I think we all agree and this is certainly not a partisan issue that those individuals who are vulnerable and those individuals that from time and time to these organizations to complete financial transactions we want to ensure that they're not taking advantage of we have a cap on the maximum allowable borrowing rates in Ontario and they are in about the middle of the range across the country as the member knows full well. We brought in regulations to tighten up Payday lending and deal very aggressively quite frankly with an organization in this province was practicing beyond their scope of their license in other words taking advantage quite frankly of vulnerable residents in the province of Ontario. So we will be responding to this and if the member has any specific information I'd be happy to speak to him about that as we continue to enforce these regulations. Thank you. Thank you Mr. Speaker. My question is for the minister of finance. Minister on Tuesday you announced that there will be amendments made to Ontario securities laws with a goal of promoting greater representation of women on the boards of publicly traded companies. My constituents in the riding of Burlington and indeed I'm certain all Ontarians are very pleased with this announcement. Studies have shown that greater gender diversity on corporate boards will promote stronger organizational health, improved innovation, leadership growth and performance. Having been fortunate enough to hold multiple senior level positions including publicly traded companies prior to becoming an MPP. I take pride in this measure our government is implementing. Minister could you please tell this house why you are taking this important step. Thank you very much. Thank you Mr. Speaker and thank you to the member, the Honourable Member from Burlington for a very thoughtful question. You know Mr. Speaker women make up 48% of the workforce and yet only account for 16% of board members. Through discussions and surveys conducted by the OSCE we learned that 50% of responding companies have no women directors. And moreover women working at the remaining responding companies only account for 10% of women on senior levels. Further findings tell us that companies with higher representation of women in executive level positions experience 35% higher return on equity and 34% higher total return to shareholders. I agree with my caucus colleague that greater gender diversity promotes stronger organizational health, innovation improved leadership and business performance and Mr. Speaker that's why we're calling for this explosion. I think most of us in this house agree and recognize the great potential available for all of us by having more women in executive positions and I'm proud that we're taking these steps. Thank you Mr. Speaker Thank you Mr. Speaker and thank you to the Minister for his response. Research has indeed found that gender diversity and corporate leadership is linked in stronger performance on both financial and non-financial measures. We know that increasing the number of women in corporate leadership is good for the economy and good for business. It's also good for society. And that's why helping women reach their full potential by supporting women in leadership is part of this government's commitment to creating a strong and fair Ontario. The Minister responsible for women's issues has noted that this announcement is a critical step towards achieving gender equality across all sectors. Can the Minister please tell us how these measures will serve to promote equality and leadership within the corporate world and beyond? Thank you Mr. Speaker Minister of Finance Minister responsible for women's issues Mr. Speaker Minister Thank you Speaker So as Mr. Finance mentioned women account for only 16% of members of Canada's FP500 companies and Speaker that hasn't moved for a very very long time. So when we tabled the 2013 Ontario budget we concluded a commitment to broaden gender diversity in corporate leadership. So last year when we asked the Ontario Securities Commission to undertake the review and public consultation on this approach we felt strongly this was a policy that would encourage and support firms to increase the representation of women in corporate leadership. And what is quite remarkable and wonderful speaker is that other Canadian regulators are now following Ontario's lead or explain and are coordinating efforts with our Ontario Securities Commission So we're very excited about this announcement speaker and the positive change our government's action will take to bring corporate sector representation of women up higher. Thank you. Member for Lenox Lenox Lenox Thank you Speaker Speaker my question is for the Minister of Community and Social Services and outdated excuses Minister my office has been inundated Order I would say to the member in this legislature we have always respected each other and respected their titles I'd ask you to withdraw I withdraw. Thank you. Minister my office has been inundated with calls this week after the problems with your new SAMS program were made public These individuals have told us that the issues with the new software at Ontario Works and ODSP are far greater than your government is letting on. We have obtained information that many frontline staff are taking stress leave and contrary to the earlier statements in the House they're taking time off due to their inability to help their clients and they're frustrated that they will not to do their job properly Minister how many workers at ODSP and Ontario Works have taken stress leave due to your little glitch Minister of Community and Social Services Thank you very much Mr Speaker and certainly I'm delighted to hear that the member opposite is suddenly so concerned about frontline workers I'm sure that those frontline workers were under considerable distress when your government cut social assistance rates by some 22% The member will know that we are supporting in every way those frontline workers we have put in this frontline we have supportive staff to help them The party that asked the question is the loudest so obviously you don't want the answer Minister I think we need to understand this is a new system at the end of the day it will make the system overall much much better case workers will be able to spend more time with their clients we know that they are concerned for their clients we're trying to support them in the best way that we possibly can through this introduction of this new system Supplementary Minister at least a premier has shown the decency to apologize to those who have been affected by these problems and not resort to deflection in her responses such as you have just done it would be nice to see if you would show the same respect and courtesy to those employees not only is the new software proving to be very problematic in the delivery of these services it's stressful that workers are taking time off when workers are taking time off to do a broken system to be affected by the shortage of frontline case workers as a result will you demonstrate transparency accountability and openness and a genuine respect for the people of Ontario and bring yourself and your staff back to the committee and really let's examine this little glitch in far greater detail instead of just having deflection from this minister minister of community and social services and of course as I've said before I truly apologize to those individuals who suffered hardship through this new computer system and I am working constantly in terms of hearing from the frontlines what those issues are my ministry is in constant communication with all 257 offices that have had to introduce this very large system and certainly as we work towards the next pay run and being mindful in fact that the vast majority some 500,000 people did receive their payments on time this last pay run we want to make that 100% this next pay run there's no question about it we are doing everything we can to ensure that that happens we are offering support to frontline workers we will be covering overtime costs for those workers as I've assured many of my municipal colleagues thank you we want to get this right thank you Mr. Speaker member for London Fanshawe my question is to the minister of health and long-term care this Liberal government has promised again and again to fully inspect every long-term care home by the end of this year on April 15th the deputy premier said quote I stand by my earlier commitment that every long-term care home in this province will have had the rigorous quality inspection by the end of this calendar year but now with just days to go it's been revealed that 60% of long-term care homes still haven't been inspected why has this Liberal government broken its promise to protect seniors by failing to inspect each and every long-term care home before the end of this year minister of health to the associate minister of health deputy minister of health associate should say sorry don't talk about Bob back thank you speaker and I thank the member opposite for that question it's a very important question and I want to reassure this house that indeed by the end of this month we would have scheduled every last inspection in the long-term care homes all 633 and we look forward we look forward to completing them very shortly in the new year because the main thing the main thing is the intent if I may say this the main thing here is we didn't want to just do them for the sake of doing them we wanted to make sure we got it right so yes they will be all done completed by the middle of January and they will all be scheduled by the end of this month thank you supplementary scheduling inspections by the end of the year is not the same as originally promised by the deputy premier that they said in this province we will have had the rigorous quality inspections by the end of this year it's outrageous that this government has dropped the ball and failed to conduct a resident quality inspection in 60% of long-term care homes and their families don't have the protection this government promised but we know that the liberals what they do when they break a promise they try to change the promise and hope no one notices so Tuesday speaker and this is apropos that the minister is responding to the supplement Tuesday of this week the associate minister backtracked as fast as she could and promised to schedule every inspection by the end of the year that's a far cry from what the deputy inspections would be complete this year and I understand that there was an FOI so maybe that's why the backtracking this year will the government own up to this broken promise and tell the Ontarians that long-term care resident homes will be inspected and assure the families that 60% of homes will be inspected I didn't listen to my answer because if she had listened to my answer order if you well there's a difference between hearing and listening if you had just understood my answer then I just want to say that by the middle of January every last inspection will be done there's a holiday season and that is the reason but the spirit in the spirit is being respected and every last home will be inspected come to order new question Mr. Speaker my question is for the Minister of Citizenship Immigration and International Trade Minister today is international volunteer they are annual opportunity to thank those who have donated their time in an effort to better their communities Minister Ontario depends on not-for-profit organizations and their volunteers to deliver vital services and build strong inclusive communities in my writing of Ajax Pickering a large number of constituents rely on volunteer services for after school programs religious services many athletic clubs and organizations seniors programs and much more it's very important to my constituents and all Ontarians that volunteer programs like these are safeguarded Speaker the Government of Ontario is supporting our volunteer initiatives across our province of Ontario Thank you Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Thank you Speaker I want to thank the honourable member from Ajax Pickering for asking the question Speaker international volunteer day is a great opportunity to recognize and also to say thank you for the dedicated volunteers that help make Ontario great our government supports a number of programs to help encourage and promote volunteerism in Ontario we know it is equally important to support activities that broaden understanding about volunteering in Ontario Speaker that's why as part of the province legacy plan for the Parapan American Games our ministry will be working with the Ontario Volunteer Centre Network to create a certification program that recognizes the skills acquired for a volunteer placement Thank you Speaker Thank you, supplementary Thank you Speaker and thank you to the minister for letting us know about absolutely everything including how our government is encouraging volunteerism in our province I'm happy to hear that the Pan Am will receive certification for their hard work at the Games over 10,000 athletes and officials from 41 countries will be coming to our province next summer and the eyes of the world will be on Ontario the volunteers will be the backbone of the Games instrumental to delivering a successful Games volunteering is going to be a great experience volunteers will have the opportunity to make friends from around the world learn new skills and make a positive impact on their communities and I'm happy to hear that their hard work will be recognized by an official certification Speaker Thank you There are several conversations going on in the house while the questions have been asked I would ask those members to take it outside for the sake of absolutely absolutely everything I want to refer to the minister of tourism culture sport and also the minister responsible for the Pan and Parapan American Games Thank you Mr. Speaker and I want to start by thanking the volunteers that are with us here today I know when I thank them Mr. Speaker one of the greatest legacies of these Games is our volunteers and the skills they'll be able to acquire during the Games and in fact Mr. Speaker they'll be able to take those skills and transfer them into other not-for-profit work volunteerism and of course employment one of the best parts about the volunteer trading that we're providing is the accessibility trading and we're going to have over 23,000 people greet our spectators our sport athletes visitors to really help every single person of all abilities Thank you all I just want to remind that I do love you being here but you're not allowed to participate in a debate by chairing or clapping so I actually keep order new question You used to be the only one to get it right but anyways my question is to the minister of rural affairs minister since being elected I've continually heard from my rural municipal leaders about the challenges with the unpredictable and declining Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund this year my upper and lower tier municipalities will see a 20% cut in their OMPF funding for the upcoming year money that could go to critical infrastructure projects Minister I find it interesting that the government website states that 2015 OMPF funding has been designed to increase targeted support to those municipalities with the most challenging fiscal circumstances Minister South Pole to my writing has lost over 50% of their tax base when Ford closed and as a result the local councils announced taxes will rise by 45% over the next three years however their OMPF funding was also cut 20% Minister how do you define challenging fiscal circumstances and is it your plan to balance the budget on the backs of rural municipalities Well Mr. Speaker this is an interesting question it's interesting from the perspective of the party who downloaded an exercise called who does what that became the who got done the exercise municipalities got done in that's the history of the party that's true let me continue Mr. Speaker through extensive consultation with Roba the rural Ontario Municipal Association the Ontario Municipal Association we've gone to a formula now $50 million that provides is set about every year to municipalities right across the province of Ontario municipalities asked for this is something that we deliver municipalities it makes sense it's a good program and addresses critical infrastructure needs municipalities right across Ontario Thank you Thank you Speaker Minister you're talking about policies and decisions made over 15 years ago and since then you've done nothing to correct them Minister it's reflected in the election we are the voice of rural Ontario you've got to start listening Minister your government's mismanaged taxpayers money for over a decade and rural municipalities and their residents are paying for it under your government my writing has lost over 6,000 manufacturing jobs and an enormous amount of tax based run municipalities yet your government continues to cut the OMPF funding my rural municipalities do not receive any of the gas tax money but would like access to in order to deal with their enormous infrastructure deficits rural municipalities in my writing would like to see a three to five year projection of their individual OMPF funding allocations so they can prepare their budgets accordingly Minister you're either not staying up for rural Ontario and cabinet or being completely ignored which is it Thank you Minister Mr Speaker let me tell you back in 2008 the dead minister of business affairs and housing the wonderful bearer of Ottawa Jim Watson negotiated an unprecedented deal of public services right across Ontario the services that this party downloaded during their time of government effectively crippled municipal finances right across the province of Ontario I have no respect for you Mr Speaker Mr Speaker through the 2015 program we'll continue to recognize the challenges of rural municipalities better target those with challenging businesses that's why this year the province will be providing $515 billion to 388 municipalities across this province our government has a record of how big municipalities run across in comparison to the the member for Lanark from Lanark new question the member for Hamilton Mountain Mr Speaker my question is to the minister of children use services for yet another deeply disturbing story of a family being torn apart due to the inadequate developmental services available for children in Ontario nine year old Nico Leduc suffers from a severe case of reactive detachment disorder which causes him to be extremely violent and act out of self destructively due to extremely serious nature of his problems there is nowhere even close to his greater submarine home that can provide treatment he needs Nico's mother Dr. Nicole DeMay has been told that her only way her son can get the care he needs is by making him a crown ward Minister do you believe taking this child away from his mother is an acceptable response to the plight of his family Minister of Children and Youth Services Thank you and I want to thank the member opposite for the question and as she knows I can't discuss specifics of cases I'm always happy to talk with her generally about what we're doing both in developmental services for children and child welfare on the development services front there have been a number of investments made in fact an additional five million this year to reduce weightless five million dollars this year speaker to reduce weightless for different services such as physiotherapy occupational therapy and speech language therapy and these new investments will bring the total for children's rehab services to a hundred and four million and speaker I know that the member opposite is very interested in the work of our children's aid societies they do an excellent job each protecting the safety and security of our children and I welcome for the question the supplementary thank you supplementary tomorrow I'd like to share a report from the management in May of 2005 called rock and hard place where the family supposed to go this is absolutely unacceptable Nikko is scheduled to come home tomorrow with absolutely no support this family is up against a brick wall now their son desperately needs the specialized care but he relies on the loving attention of his mother wouldn't dream of making that child a crown word. Why is a child with mental health problems treated differently? Does the minister believe that children who need mental health treatment should be treated the same as children with physical health challenges and have the ongoing support of their family? Minister. So, Speaker, I absolutely believe that children and youth with mental health issues should be treated as timely and in an accessible way as other persons with illnesses and injuries. And that's why, Speaker, I recently announced the creation of 14 children's mental health lead agencies across the province to coordinate those programs and services so families and children can go to one place to get the services in the community they need. We know, Speaker, that 70% of mental health issues start in childhood and adolescence. We know that one in five adults has a mental health issue speaker. Our investments on our comprehensive mental health programs. The member for Hamilton Mountain come to order. And the agencies I've announced are going to be coordinating that service, helping families navigate. And next week, I will be announcing more lead agencies for a total of 34 lead agencies across the province. The member for Hamilton. New question? Member for Davenport. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the minister responsible for women's issues. Minister, December 6th is National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. This day was established by Canada's Parliament in 1991 to ensure Canadians would never forget the tragic deaths of 14 young women who were murdered at L'École Polytechnique de Montréal on December 6, 1989. As we mourn the loss of these women today, we are also reminded of all women and girls for whom violence and the threat of violence are daily realities. Minister, the Premier has placed upon your directorate the responsibility for continuing the work of leading our government's efforts to prevent gender-based violence. With the goal of an Ontario where all women live free from threat, fear or experience of violence, what initiatives have your directive implemented to raise awareness of violence against women, strengthen support for victims, and to focus on prevention? Thank you, Minister, up to our youth services and women's issues. Thank you, Speaker. And I want to thank the member from Davenport for raising this very important issue and raising awareness on this important day. Speaker, as I've talked about before in this House, our government has increased funding for community services that help deal with domestic violence. That increase has been 55% speaker since 2003. And we actually began these investments at a time when the former government was cutting services such as to women's shelters. So, in 2013-14, we're investing $142 million into these very important services. And I was with the Premier this morning, Speaker, to announce a package of initiatives to raise awareness of sexual violence and harassment, to enhance prevention initiatives to combat sexual discrimination, harassment, and violence, and improve support for victims of sexual assault and harassment. We remain very much committed, Speaker, to an Ontario-free of domestic violence and sexual violence because we believe every woman has the right to feel safe and secure over where they may be. Thank you. commentary. Thank you, Minister. I think this government has demonstrated that women and their children in crisis are a priority. Recently, there has been a very bright light, shone on the importance of supporting women suffering from abuse and harassment. But the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women remind us, this is a difficult problem that has been troubling society and its victims for a very long time. Sometimes there is a lack of awareness or information as to the availability or accessibility of resources out there. In Davenport, several not-for-profit organizations provide shelter and counseling for women who have suffered domestic violence. For example, Abrigo and the South Asian Women's Centre both offer a positive environment where women facing abuse can receive a wider rate of support. Constituents in my writing of Davenport and advocates have expressed interest in knowing exactly how the government is addressing the needs of women and children at risk. Minister, could you please explain what services and supports are available to women and their children suffering from the threat of domestic violence or abuse? Thank you. Minister of Children and Youth Services on Women's Issues. Minister of Community and Social Services, speaker. The Minister of Community and Social Services. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And as recognized by the Minister responsible for women's issues and through the leadership of our Premier, supporting women who have suffered from sexual and domestic violence is very important to our government. We fund over 200 agencies across the province dedicated to assisting women experiencing violence. In the last year, over 18,000 women and children were served at one of the 96 emergency shelters funded by the government. Over 49,000 women and children visited one of the 177 government-funded counselling agencies that provide crisis support counselling, sexual assault counselling, and long-term therapeutic counselling. Over 55,000 calls from women in need were answered by one of the provincial crisis helplines that are available 24-7. As we reflect on the unfortunate examples of domestic and sexual violence and from my conversations with the staff of these hardworking agencies, we understand the impact these support services can have on an individual... Thank you. ...and the need for our work to continue. New question, the Leader of the Opposition. Thank you, Speaker. A question to the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services. Minister Fire Chief Cynthia Ross-Tustin of the SFIRE Department from Riding of Simkel Gray is Ontario's leading voice in support of rural residential sprinkler campaign. Minister, I believe Chief Tustin has raised this matter with you directly. So as you know, rural firefighters face several different challenges than their urban colleagues, including longer travel times over greater distances and the need to bring their own water supply to put out fires in most cases. Sprinkler systems in rural homes would improve public safety and the ability of rural firefighters to do their jobs. Minister, will your ministry implement Chief Tustin's request to help reduce costs for rural Ontarians who want to install sprinklers in their homes? Thank you. The Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services. Thank you very much, Speaker. And I thank the Leader of the Opposition for asking a very important question. He's absolutely right. I had a great opportunity to meet with the Chief of ESA at the Rural Applying Match. And she was very generous with her time. Gave me a very good tour of a model home that demonstrated the different kind of technologies that exist when it comes to residential sprinklers that could help in, of course, in making sure that our homes are safe and communities are safe as well. And as a result of that conversation, Speaker, we've of course followed up and we're working with the Chief and looking into the matter and having a very interesting conversation to see what next steps we need to take to ensure that our homes are safe in our communities. Thank you. Supplementary? Again, to the Minister, the Rural Residential Sprinkler Campaign builds on other practical and responsible public safety measures adopted by this House, like smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Chief Tustin, sorry, has discussed with you the idea of establishing a tax credit or other incentives to encourage people living in rural areas to install a fire sprinkler system in their homes on a voluntary basis. Such incentives could be similar to existing tax credits to encourage people to make their homes more energy efficient, for example. So Minister, on behalf of rural residents and their brave local firefighters, will the government take steps to reduce costs for rural Ontarians who want to install sprinklers? Minister? Thank you. Thank you again, Speaker. I want to thank the member. He's absolutely right. I mean, I have to give credit to the Chief from ASSA for really doing her due diligence, done a lot of good work in their regards, and they have come up with very constructive solutions as to how we can enable homeowners to be able to put sprinklers, fire sprinklers, in their homes. So she's done tremendous work. We are very much engaged with her in ensuring that we find ways to prevent fires, to make sure that our homes are safe. We, Speaker, are very, very proud of the fact that we have made sprinklers mandatory in multi-unit residential buildings and in care facilities as well. And perhaps the next time I look forward to working with the Chief on this matter. Thank you. Thank you. Point of order, the member of the team is James Bay. During the use of the clock today, I would ask you to extend question period. Allow us to do our question that we should have got here. Point of order. First you understand, in order 38A, the member for Hamilton Mountain has given notice of her dissatisfaction with the answer to her question given by the Minister of Children and Youth Services, concerning development, mental health services for children. This matter will be debated next Tuesday at 6 p.m. Point of order, Government House Leader. Thank you, Speaker. I just noticed that a very dynamic young man from my community of Ottawa Centre is in the house. I want to welcome Fritz Okra to Queensborough. Great to see you, Fritz. Go ahead and govern the opposition leader. Well, I'll be government soon. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent that the orders for second and third reading of Bill 16 and act to proclaim Christmas tree day be called immediately and that the question on the motions for second and third reading of the bill be put immediately without a debate or amendment. Oh, yes. The member has seek unanimous consent to move a motion on Bill 16. Agreed? Agreed. I hear a no. Point of order, the member for Prince Edward Hastings. Actually, Mr. Speaker, I'd just like to welcome a guest who is up in the lobby upstairs, one of the most exciting athletes to ever take the field in the Canadian football league, Mike Pinball-Levins, who is in the house today. Only wish he had been playing for the Thai cats last week. A motion for second reading of Bill 35. An act to repeal the Public Works Protection Act, amend the Police Services Act, with respect to our courts, security, and enact the security for electricity generated in facilities. A nuclear facilities act 2014. Call in the members, this'll be a five minute bell. Can I ask members to take their seats? What's it take their seats? On November 25th, Mr. Nakvee moved second reading of Bill 35. All those in favor will please rise one at a time and be recognized by the clerk. Mr. Nakvee. Mr. Nakvee. Mr. Bradley. Mr. Bradley. Mr. Shirelli. Mr. Shirelli. Madame Mayor. Madame Mayor. Mr. Sousa. Mr. Sousa. Ms. Matthews. Ms. Matthews. Mr. Hoskins. Mr. Hoskins. Ms. Sandals. Ms. Sandals. Mr. Dugas. Ms. Dugas. Ms. McCharles. Ms. McCharles. Mr. Dylan. Mr. Dillon. Mr. Quadrie. Mr. Quadrie. Ms. Torczaono. Mr. MacMeagan. Mr. McMecca. Mr. Murray. Mr. Murray. Ms. Chan. Mr. Chan. Mr. Coteau. Mr. Coteau. Mr. Liel. Mr. Liel. Mr. Flynn. Mr. Flynn. Mr. Zimmer. Mr. Zimmer. Mr. Delaney. Mr. Delaney. Ms. Albinese. Ms. Albanese. Mr. Dixon. Mr. Dixon. Ms. Manga. Ms. Manga. Mr. Crack. Ms. Crack. Ms. Worm. Ms. Hunter. Ms. Hunter. Anderson Mr. Baker Mr. Baker Mr. Ballard Mr. Ballard Mr. Don Don this hogar this hogar this koala this koala and I'm the long as Molly this Molly this is Martin's this is Martin's this is McGarry this is McGarry this McMahon's McMahon mr. Milchin mr. Milchin this night who Harris night who Harris pot Mr. Potts mr. Rinaldi mr. Rinaldi mr. Reneal mr. Reneal mr. Nichols mr. Nichols mr. Arna Mr. Martin Mr. Wilson mr. Wilson mr. Fidele mr. Fidele Mr. Yakobosky mr. Yakobosky mr. Clark mr. Clark mr. Miller Perry sound the scope of Miller Perry sound the scope of Jones Jones Thompson mr. Barrett mr. Barrett this is Monroe Monroe miss Scott miss Scott mr. Eurek mr. Eurek mr. Bailey mr. Bailey mr. Hillier mr. Hillier mr. Walker mr. Walker mr. Smith mr. Smith mr. marto mr. mcdonnell mr. mcdonnell mr. pettapiece to pettapiece mr. Moor willer Hamilton he stone and Cree this side this is jailer this is Taylor this is not a shack It's arms strong this arms strong is fight is fight was four star must for a star mr Mr. Mansfield, Mr. Hatfield, Mr. Gates, Mr. Gates, Ms. Gretzky, Ms. Gretzky, Ms. French. All those opposed will please rise and one at a time and be recognized by the clerk. Mr. 91, the nays are zero. Eyes being 91 and these nays being zero, I declare the motion carried. The bill does seem like you've pushed it a while. As you understand, in order of the House, dated December the 3rd, the bill is ordered, referred to the standing committee on general government. Point of order. Point of order, the member for NAPI. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to invite all members to the front lawn. There are going to be members of the taxi industry from the city of Toronto there today. And I'm sure they'd like to hear from their representatives. Thank you. Thank you. Point of order, the member for Kitchener Center. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to introduce you to a visitor who's just arrived here at the legislature. It's my daughter. Her name is Claire Matlock and she's a third year student at the University of Toronto. Thank you. This House stands recess until 1 p.m.