 It is now time for Question Period, the leader of Her Majesty's Royal Opposition. Thank you, Speaker. I got a question to the Premier. Premier, we met in your office several weeks ago. It was very kind of you to invite me to meet with you. You put a list of bills in the table. You said, if we could agree upon these bills at both parties' support, we could basically clear the debts so we could get to work on jobs and the economy. I agree to that and program motion now well underway. So I guess I'm a bit frustrated here because we did our share of the deal. We're moving forward with the bills because we opened up the now the decks for jobs legislation. But the only thing we see for you so far is an online plea for ideas on jobs and the economy. So I guess I'll ask you directly, Premier. Why are you shying away from your end of the deal? Effectively, why are you reneging on your commitment to act on jobs and the economy? Well, Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the question from the leader of the opposition. And I hope that this question signals that he will be supporting our initiatives, such as the Initiative to Support Small Business Act that will help 60,000 small businesses, Mr. Speaker, by helping them with their payroll taxes, Mr. Speaker. I hope that it signals that the leader of the opposition will support our social enterprise initiative, Mr. Speaker, which should create 1,600 new jobs. I hope that it means that the leader of the opposition will support our investments when we make investments like the $70.9 million in Ford, Mr. Speaker, that will protect 2,800 jobs and create a platform that will allow Ford to be able to compete globally, Mr. Speaker, and increase their capacity. So I hope, Mr. Speaker, that the leader of the opposition's question signals that he will be supporting those initiatives, including the initiative yesterday that I worked with the Toronto Region Board of Treasures, Mr. Speaker, to increase the agri-food sector. I hope he's going to be supporting us, Mr. Speaker. You know, it's unfortunate, as I said, Mr. Speaker, that the only ideas that the Prime Minister put on the table are warmed-over NDP ideas that came through the 1,800 Corvath line last time around. She's now launched her own website consultation. We need a plan. You know, one thing I always enjoy with my grandparents in beautiful Sarnia, Ontario, was playing you with my grandparents. A lot of fun. I learned renigging was against the rules. That was just a game. Renigging in a real-life deal has real-world consequences. This means young people are not being put to work. It means companies are passing over Ontario. Premier, it's time to get on with the job of creating jobs in the province of Ontario. If you're out of ideas, why don't you take some of ours and put people into good jobs in the province of Ontario? Thank you. Again, thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I know that the Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Employment is going to want to speak to some of the specifics, Mr. Speaker, but I want to just react to what the leader of the opposition talked about, Mr. Speaker. In fact, the Conservative Party, when we put forward a proposal that a couple of bills that are job-creating the Supporting Small Businesses Act and the Waste Diversion Act, both of which that will directly create jobs, Mr. Speaker, we suggested that those be put in the programming motion, and they said no, Mr. Speaker. They said they didn't want to have anything to do with two bills that are direct job-creators, Mr. Speaker. You know, and the leader of the opposition has thrown into his questions in the last couple of days the notion that somehow, as we create jobs, because the work that we're doing on those pieces of legislation and the investments that we're making are creating jobs, that somehow it's not okay to be asking the people of Ontario to engage with us and talk to us about what other ideas they might have. I reject that notion category, Mr. Speaker. I think it's our responsibility to talk to the people of Ontario. But, Premier, your idea is to increase red tape, increase tax, increase spending. That's what drove us into the ditch in the first place. So, of course, I'm going to say no to those ideas, but I hope you'll say yes to some of ours. And what I'm perplexed with is why you're reneging on your side the deal. I don't understand what the paralysis is. I don't understand what the deadlock is. Why are you moving forward with a jobs plan? We put our plan on the table. In fact, I invite you to steal any of our ideas. For example, to stop the Green Energy Act, the imposition of wind turbines that are dividing communities and driving up hydro rates. To change the way apprenticeship works in this province and put young people into good jobs like Garfield Dunlop has recommended. There are so many ideas. Why don't we actually move forward on one together and put people back to work? Why are you reneging on the deal that we make? Thank you. Premier? Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And I appreciate that the leader of the opposition met with me. I appreciate that we had a conversation about some bills where we might have agreement and we could move forward. But what I did not commit to, Mr. Speaker, was slashing jobs. I did not commit to cutting programs and stopping the progress that we've made on renewable energy, on education, on health care. I never committed to that, Mr. Speaker, because that is the plan that the leader of the opposition is putting forward, Mr. Speaker. And I never, I never would agree to such a plan, Mr. Speaker, because what we believe is that investing in people and investing in infrastructure and supporting a business climate that allows businesses to expand, that that's how we get the economy cooking, Mr. Speaker. And that's working, Mr. Speaker, jobs are being created in the province. Thank you very much. Thank you, Speaker. My question to the Premier. Premier, recently we learned that top paid pan-am executives have run amok with expense claims in bad faith, claims without receipts and incomplete claims. You indicated this was unacceptable and that rules needed to be strengthened. Premier, that's rich. You knew these were the rules. You made these rules. You stood by while the rules were abused for years. Don't just be disappointed and have a conversation with these people. Get the money back, Premier. The 2015 expense claims will commence and where will the executives be ordered to repay all their bad faith claims back? It was unacceptable, some of the expenses that had been reported. The minister responsible for the pan-am, para-pan games, Mr. Speaker, has already directed the board, had already directed the board to tighten the rules, Mr. Speaker. So I've said it wasn't acceptable. I've said that it needed to... The member from Renfrew will not use the moment while I'm getting quiet. Premier. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And as I said, this happened before these reports came out. The minister had already spoken to the... had already spoken to the board and the rules are being changed, Mr. Speaker. And as I said yesterday, if there were breaches of the rules and if there is reimbursement that needs to happen, then we will ask for that to happen, Mr. Speaker. Over there. Mr. Speaker, clearly there's no evidence that the minister ever did have a conversation with anyone about expenses there. Mr. Speaker, if you follow the pennies, you'll find the dollars. The bad faith expense claims are indicative of a much greater endemic problem at the upper levels and the upper echelon of the pan-am organizational structure. Entitlement. There are tens of thousands of dollars that have been burned, parting, or lavish, the hospitality suites in Johnson, Mexico, and Guadalajara, London. And when I FOI'd the minister for all expenses on these trips, including travel, we received an incomplete response only with flight itineraries and act of bad faith, Premier. To be clear, this isn't about Starbucks or dog travel or parking. This is nicotine diving and it's just the tip of the iceberg. That's why, Premier, you must intervene. When will you set an example from the top in order repayment of all bad faith expenses and expenses outside of the rules? Culture and Sport is going to want to speak to this, but I want to just say, as I said yesterday, the reports of these kinds of decisions and these kinds of expenses are unacceptable, Mr. Speaker. The minister has already acted, had acted before these reports came out that the rules had to be tightened, that they had to be changed, and that is happening, Mr. Speaker. But what I did say yesterday is that I make a distinction between these kinds of abuses of the rules, Mr. Speaker. And the fact that in order to land these games, there did need to be travel, Mr. Speaker. There did need to be trips to Guadalajara in order to get these games because we know that these games are going to be a great opportunity for Ontario athletes for job creation, 26,000 jobs, Mr. Speaker, and we want to make them the best that they can be. Thank you. Final supplementary. Yes, please. Clearly everyone's scrambling today for the best excuse for this binge spending by pay-and-am executives. Just today, Premier, your own minister practically abdicated responsibility for the games and estimates. Shame. Shame. The 2015 executives themselves will tell you the government knew and approved the guidelines for expenses. The pay-and-am minister will tell you that the executives followed policy but not common sense. The Premier will tell you that we need to tighten the rules. Premier, a day late and a dollar short. We'll help all over again. Everyone is so busy back-pluttering they've actually lost sight of who they serve. The hard-working families of Ontario whose money has been exploited. Enough is enough, Premier. Premier, when will your order repay all bad faith expenses? Order. Yes, I agree with you. Enough is enough, the member from Leeds-Granville. You set it up. I knock it down. Premier. Mr. Tourism Culture and Sport. Thank you. Thank you, Speaker. Thank you very much, Speaker, for the question and the opposition of all of our members. This morning we had a... Member from Renfrew knows better. This is our estimate and we engage a very fruitful conversation in the one and a half hour on that so this is good. We will be answering more questions from the critic over there and I wish he also listened to our explanation and other than just keep asking questions without really listening to their answer or refills for those answers. In terms of the investment I think we answered this question already. Under the broader public sector expenses directive TO 2015 must establish rules for all individuals in the organization with respect to... Thank you. Thank you. Minister, when I stand you sit. New question leader of the third party. My question is for the premier. After dodging our questions for days the premier admitted yesterday that her staff met with liberal lobbyists hired by Ellis Dawn to pass legislation on behalf of their company. So can the premier tell us when those meetings actually occurred and who attended on her behalf? Thank you, premier. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I don't know exactly when the meetings took place and what I said yesterday was that we meet with a range of people from across all sectors as I assume does the leader of the third party, Mr. Speaker so I cannot give the leader of the third party the time and date. And Mr. Speaker in fact I never denied that those meetings took place and I recognize that if the leader of the third party wants times and dates I can undertake to get those four groups. Please stop the cross please. I I'm going to nip this in the bud the member from Glenn Gary Prescott Russell the minister of rural affairs and the minister of the environment will cease holding up any kind of prop and it stops now. Supplementary question. I believe we would like those dates Speaker and so would the people of Ontario. Yesterday the minister of Labour told reporters that he had told Ellis Dawn lobbyists that he didn't have anything to say to them because it would be inappropriate to discuss a matter that was before the courts. Why did the Premier's team agree to such a meeting Speaker? Again Mr. Speaker I will just say that in government, in opposition there are many people in the province who want to speak to us about issues of concern to them and so Mr. Speaker there are meetings that happen every single day in this place and in our offices where people with concerns come to us they raise issues Mr. Speaker and they propose solutions and they propose paths forward and some of those paths forward are adopted and others are not Mr. Speaker. Sometimes a private members bill is developed as a result of some of those meetings Mr. Speaker and sometimes there is nothing that happens as a result of those meetings Mr. Speaker but the responsibility of politicians is to meet with people to hear their concerns and to determine if there is a way that we can facilitate a responsible whether there is nothing actually that we can do and I hope that the leader of the third party understands that that is all of our responsibility Mr. Speaker Leader of the third party final supplementary On September 9th the Premier told reporters that she supported bill 74 and she seemed very well briefed with Alice Dawn's talking points on that bill she said and I quote that anomalous situation the situation arose in the 1950s from my perspective it's about a level playing field and quote now if the Minister of Labor thought it was inappropriate to comment on an issue before the courts why was the Premier commenting on it Mr. Speaker Mr. Speaker I was outlining my understanding of what the issue was I was not taking a position in terms of the court case I was outlining my understanding of the situation Mr. Speaker and so that was and is my understanding Mr. Speaker there has now been a court ruling Mr. Speaker that we are reviewing there is a 15 day appeal period Mr. Speaker and as that process unfolds we will see where the legislation goes but Mr. Speaker I have had at no time myself in a position where I was interfering with a court case Mr. Speaker I was outlining my understanding of the situation and I think the leader of the third party knows full well that that was the situation thank you it seems that the Premier and her office were all too eager to sit down with liberal insiders working for Alice Dawn even though the Minister of Labor thought that it would be completely inappropriate so can the Premier or anyone on her team made a commitment to pass a bill as long as it was introduced by another political party thank you very much Mr. Speaker and I spoke to this issue yesterday and the leader of the third party is seeing conspiracy where there is none Mr. Speaker because there was no such arrangement this was a private members bill that was put up by the opposition Mr. Speaker members debated the bill in the House from all parties we would comment on legislation Mr. Speaker we would comment on the substance of legislation that's what we've commented on that's how the situation arose Mr. Speaker now the divisional court has made a decision there is a 15 day period in which there could be an appeal and we are reviewing the decision of the divisional court Mr. Speaker a conspiracy between the liberals and the conservatives to ramp through legislation for one company people have serious questions about this government's priority speaker the government keeps blindly pressing on trying to trying to ram this bill through the legislature on behalf of one single company well connected company at that speaker even while the arguments for doing so fall apart before their eyes Ontario families Ontario family speaker are looking for life to get more affordable for them they're looking for jobs for the young people of those families they're looking for the healthcare system to be there for them when they need it does the premier really think that one well connected donor should come ahead of those families so Mr. Speaker I'm just trying to just get at what this is really about and I think what we're talking about here is the programming motion I think that's what the problem is here for the leader of the third party because Mr. Speaker as we have said the divisional court that we're reviewing there's a 15 day appeal period but there seems to be a ruling that is in place now Mr. Speaker and so I think that really what is at issue here is whether the leader of the third party and her members would be interested and would be supportive of a programming motion that would actually move ahead some pieces of legislation like the local food act Mr. Speaker like the act that would protect young kids from tanning beds Mr. Speaker if the leader of the third party and her members would support those pieces of legislation as part of the programming motion then I think that would be a good thing for the people of Ontario and she doesn't seem to want to sign on to that and work with us on those pieces of legislation Are pressing pressing issues that face the people of this province they're worried about jobs they're worried about healthcare they're worried about the cost of everyday life which keeps going up and up and up and instead of delivering for those people Speaker the Premier seems determined to deliver for one well connected company even while she frantically denies that she's doing so is the Premier ready to stop these games and shenanigans admit this bill is not a priority for the people who are facing tough times in this province and stop her efforts to ram it through this legislation Mr. Speaker I'm very pleased that we made that $79 million with Employment Fund Mr. Speaker I think the Small Business Act would help with their payroll taxes I think they're very opportunity to hire more people I would have been supportive of those initiatives and that she would have wanted to work with us because those are job creating initiatives Mr. Speaker and they are moving forward and that's our priority on this side of the head Minister New question is to the Premier tomorrow when your government marks 10 years in office Ontario tax you may want to stop because Ontario rate pairs and tax pairs are going to be lamenting the high and skyrocketing costs of hydro in this province so when you release later this fall your new long-term energy plan for the province you're going to have to make up for the enormous amount of credibility that you've lost particularly with the Green Energy Act and of course now with both of these cancelled power plants that the Auditor General will report on later so the question that I have for you is a simple one Premier and it's one I expect a direct response on before the new long-term energy plan is tabled will you assure us in this assembly that you will do a cost calculation of what those cancelled gas plants have cost as well as the Green Energy Act have cost Ontario tax payers and hydro bill per month for you know I remember in 2002-2003 when we were campaigning we didn't know when the election was going to be called it was on again off again but I remember how unstable the electricity system was I remember through nipissing Pembroke will come to order as will everyone in the house minister you always find that perfect moment so I will give you the attention you're asking the minister responsible for seniors will come to order finish please thank you very much Mr. Speaker well the party opposite house but Mr. Speaker we have rebuilt over 80% of our electricity system I shall give those people that want attention the attention the member from Renfrew nipissing Pembroke is warned wrap up please 10 will she go to the people of this province and tell them exactly how much that Green Energy Act has cost them on their power bill and will she tell them How much those two canceled gas plants will cost them? Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. So as I begin to sit down and people begin to ramp it back up again, both sides are making comments before I even sit down. Premier. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. So I think the member opposite knows full well that the issues around the cost of the gas plant, we've had a report from the auditor general in Mississauga, the report on Oakville is coming forward, and we will continue to have that discussion. But, Mr. Speaker, I think that the member opposite should remember that if we talk about going to the people of Ontario and talking about what's actually happening, when the PCs capped energy prices in 2002, Mr. Speaker, it caused energy prices to spike 30% and that created a stranded debt, Mr. Speaker. While someone's giving an answer, if that happens, that's their time. And then when that time is up, you don't get any more time. Your time is up. The member from Hamilton East Stony Creek, new question. Thank you, Speaker. My questions to the Premier. Speaker, yesterday, the Premier reacted with apparent shock to news about the Pan Am Games outrageous expenses. But in an interview, Ian Troupe, the CEO of Pan Am Games, insisted that the government knew and approved of the guidelines for expenses and salaries. This morning, the minister said that the government did not approve these. But the board did. Speaker, can the Premier explain who has the full set of books with every expense listed? Who approved these expenses and salaries? And to whom does the Pan Am Board actually does or should report? Here we go. Premier. Mr. Tourism Culture and Sport. The member from Tourism Culture and Sport in response before the Pan Am Games. Thank you, thank you, Speaker. In October 2015, the operations side, they reported the board. And the board of Pan Am, they consist of five partners, provincial, federal, municipal, and also the sporting sector, which is the Canadian Olympic Committee, as well as the Paralympic Committee. So the board approved those expenses. And also the board to implement those policies, provide guidance and guideline for those expenses. Thank you, Speaker. Supplementary. Well, Speaker, this is sadly not the first time that this government has faced questions of inappropriate spending of taxpayer dollars. We still remember eHealth and Orange. This government has allowed the Pan Am Games to operate outside the expense rules and accountability that should apply to the expenditure of all Ontario tax dollars. The minister passed the blame to the board today, acting as an independent transfer agent, as though the taxpayers' dollars were not at stake, just like eHealth, Orange, and gas plants. Has this government learned nothing over the last few years? Speaker, can the Premier tell Ontarians why they should trust her government any more than they would trust the McGinty Liberals with their hard-earned tax dollars? Thank you, Speaker. Let me clarify here. The broader public service expense directive requires a dozen organisations to establish expense rules where expenses are reimbursed from public funds. These expense rules do not have to be the same as those required by government agencies and ministries within the Ontario public service. The province's financial oversight of TO2015 includes administering the transfer payment agreement, review and approval of TO2015's business plan, reporting from TO2015, and ordering compliance with Provincial Directive. Answer to speakers. Thank you. Good question. Members, we start with a self-question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question through you is to the Minister of Economic, Development, Trade and Employment. Minister, our government has outlined a strong plan for jobs and growth that includes investigating people, infrastructure, and creating the right conditions for businesses to grow and stay in Ontario. Speaker, we all know that social entrepreneurship represents a sustainable way to build a diverse and vibrant economy. And this includes people who live in my writing of Scarborough Southwest, who I know will also benefit from the investments our government is making. The government has already, my residents have already seen the work our government is doing to the Ontario network of entrepreneurs, which serves my constituents. Mr. Speaker, through to the Minister of Economic, Development, Trade and Employment. Question. Could the minister please update this house on our government's strategy, recent strategy, social enterprise announcement. Thank you, Minister of Economic, Trade and Development. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I thank the member as well from Scarborough Southwest for his question. Mr. Speaker, social enterprises are for profit and not for profit entities that are run like businesses, but have as their overarching goal, contributing to the social good and creating a better society. And Ontarians are global leaders when it comes to social enterprise. There are roughly 10,000 social enterprises in the province today employing more than 150,000 people. Last week we announced, the government announced a three year, $25 million social enterprise strategy to help build the sector in Ontario. A portion of that funding will be used to create a new $4 million social enterprise demonstration fund to support early stage social enterprises. And this strategy will benefit Ontarians by creating thousands of new jobs, Mr. Speaker, particularly for youth and other populations that have traditionally had barriers to employment. In partnership with the social enterprise sector, our aim is to make Ontario the leading jurisdiction in North America for social enterprise. Couple of minutes, please. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I want to thank the minister for his response. And it's great to hear that social entrepreneurs will have the access to the right funding opportunities and support across this province. It is important that people across the province can depend on a sustainable economy. For as you said, minister, it's about investing in people, infrastructure and creating the right business climate for companies to come and grow in Ontario. When I speak to the constituents in my riding, the shared government needs to continue to take action and invest in social programs that will help increase employment opportunities across the province. Mr. Speaker, through you to the minister of economic development, trade and employment, could the minister tell the house how pairing economic development and social impact will create economic and employment opportunities for Ontarians? Thank you, minister. Mr. Speaker, our social enterprise action plan includes support for the recently announced social venture exchange, or the SVX, which brings together impact investors, investors that also want to seek enterprises that are making a positive difference in society, brings those investors together with social enterprises looking for funding. And we've created an office for social enterprise in my ministry as well to coordinate efforts across government, work with the sector, including promoting partnerships between the private sector, of course, and the not-for-profit sectors. And it's due to the leadership in the sector itself, Mr. Speaker, that great social enterprises like Bullfrog Power, the Brickworks, Goodwill, Turnaround Couriers, and others are thriving and contributing to our communities. Another good example is RISE Asset Management, which is a partnership between CAMH and the Rotman School of Management, where they bring together the mentor individuals with mental health challenges to become self-sustaining entrepreneurs and business persons. Mr. Speaker, social enterprise is well proven. We're doing, we have demonstrated our commitment as a province with this $25 million. Thank you. First person, the member from Nippison. Thank you. Good morning, Speaker. My question is for the Premier. Premier, it took 136 years for Ontario's debt to reach $139 billion, but it took the Liberals only 10 years to double it to $273 billion. Because of your uncontrolled spending, interest is now our third largest expenditure after health and after education. And that's with low interest rates. Because of your uncontrolled spending, you've turned the once mighty Ontario into a have-not province. All other provinces have recovered from the recession and are roaring ahead. But it's clear, Premier, that you have no plan. But we do. Will you work with us to implement our ideas? Question. Thank you. Premier. Minister of Finance. So, Mr. Speaker, a couple of things here. One, Ontarians should recognize and be proud of the fact that we are the only jurisdiction in North America to exceed job recovery like no other. 183% of jobs have come back to the provinces to recession. We are the only government in Canada in over a decade to actually cut spending year over year, Mr. Speaker. And as a result, our deficit targets have been reduced by over $5.6 billion. But we always know we need to do better. We will always aspire to do more. That's why we're going to continue investing in people. We're going to continue investing in infrastructure. And we're going to continue to support our businesses, to make them more competitive. And that requires investment. And we're prepared to take on that debt for their benefit, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Speaker. Premier, what we've seen from you so far is the lost decade for Ontario. Our debt has doubled. Our hydro rates have doubled. We have high unemployment. Business is sitting on $500 billion that they will not invest in Ontario. Instead of taking action, you've taken us further down the wrong path of the last 10 years. The solution to Ontario's problems aren't hard to figure out, Premier. They're just not easy to do. Ontario needs a government that has a plan to reduce spending and create jobs and the courage of their convictions to stick to that plan. Premier, we've put out a plan for discussion. We have 14 white papers. 200 pages. Excuse me. Minister of the Environment will come to order along with the Attorney General. And that's the last time for the Minister of the Environment. Our plan. We have 14 white papers. 200 pages of ideas. Premier, since you have no plan to turn Ontario around, will you please adopt ours? Thank you. You've seen it, please. Thank you. Minister of Finance. So, Mr. Speaker, as noted, Ontario has exceeded its targets. Our deficit's going down. Our spending has been cut. We don't have to make Ontario the largest jurisdiction in North America, second to none in regards to investment in this province. And the plan that the opposition have put forward is a plan of across-the-board cuts. Something that would harm the sensitive recovery that we have in Ontario. They want to drive down rages through harmful right-to-work legislation. They want to fire 10,000 education workers. They want to fire 2,000 helpers. Just in case he didn't hear me while he was yelling, I asked the member from Chatham to come to order. So, Mr. Speaker, part of their plan is about firing even more workers, 2,000 health workers, and they want to cancel something that's so critical to the well-being of our future, and that's investing in our children, investing in our youth, investing in our students, and not canceling 30% reduction in tuition. That is about producing skills and making Ontario better. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Premier. In 2010, this government slashed statutory accident benefit payouts by 50% across Ontario and 70% in the GTA. Yesterday, we finally received official confirmation that the insurance industry has pocketed every single penny of these savings passing none of them on to Ontario drivers. In stunning testimony yesterday in committee, Insurance Actuary Bill Andrews presented hard evidence that the actual return on equity in the province of Ontario for the insurance industry was an incredible 25%. When are we going to see these billions in savings for insurance industries being passed on to Ontario drivers to result at a lower premium? Finance. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As noted by the Auto General's 2011 report, fiscal retained two experts to review the RE benchmark and develop recommendations. We've adopted the Wiley financial market principles to ensure the RE benchmark reflects those market conditions and using that methodology on an eight year rolling average, the RE benchmark for 2013 is, as noted, at 11%. But currently those benchmarks by auto insurance rate regulators in other similar Canadian provinces range up to 12%. But notwithstanding that, Mr. Speaker, we've taken the steps to reduce rates to ensure that we pass on the savings of those plain cost reductions to ensure that consumers benefit from further rate cuts and that's what we're working towards, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Mr. Speaker, the numbers speak for themselves. For three straight years auto insurers have pocketed virtually every penny from the savings flowing from the 2010 benefit cutbacks. $2 billion in savings each year for the insurance industry and nothing for Ontario's nine million drivers. It comes as no surprise that the insurance industry, like Alice Donne, is a large donor to this liberal party. When will the premier start taking the side of Ontario drivers and not the well connected auto insurance industry? So as mentioned, Mr. Speaker, FISCO is looking into a return premium model which would make the benchmark more transparent to Ontario drivers. Of course, we note Minister of Health will put that down. I've already ruled on that and it's not going to happen anymore. Please. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So the benchmark, of course, is not a guarantee of the rate of return, but this is what is. We're taking strong actions to bring them down. We've established an industry-wide average of 15% for the next two years, each by August. But this is important, Mr. Speaker. Here's a quote by one of the NDP members. It reads as follows. This is a step in the right direction. I am pleased to say that something is finally being done by Sarah Campbell, NDP for Kenora Rainey River. We agree with her as well, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. A question. A member from Brampton West. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the minister responsible for seniors affairs. Seniors have made and continue to make outstanding contributions to our communities. In Brampton West, seniors are extremely active and many are affiliated with organizations like Canadian Association of Retired Persons. I'm delighted to say, in May of this year, Carp Brampton Chapter 52 held the largest inaugural chapter meeting National Carp has ever had to date. Mr. Speaker, today is International Day of Older Persons. Can the minister outline some of the ways our government is supporting Ontario seniors? Great question. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And I want to thank the member from Brampton West for this important question. Speaker, let me say that we recognize the fundamental role that seniors play and a remarkable contribution that seniors have made in shaping our province. Speaker, it is an honor for me to serve as minister responsible for seniors affairs. And let me say that the government is working very hard to make sure that the seniors remain healthy, safe, independent for as long as possible. Speaker, our government has put one of the many plans in place so our seniors indeed can continue to leave healthy and independent. The Action Plan for Senior is a very comprehensive program supporting age-friendly communities, renewing Ontario strategy to combat elder abuse, releasing a new guidance program and services in Ontario speakers in 16 languages. And let me say, Speaker, that we always look for new ways and new solutions for our seniors in Ontario. Thank you. Thank you, Minister, for that response. Minister, as you're aware Ontario is home to 1.9 million people over the age of 65. That represents almost 15% of Ontario's population and 38% of Canada's seniors population. By 2036, the number of Ontario seniors will be more than doubled to 4.2 million. Minister, this demographic shift will present both new opportunities and challenges for the province of Ontario. Can the minister tell us more about the steps our government is taking to support seniors in Ontario? Thank you, Minister. Yes, Speaker, again I want to thank the member from Brampton West because he's very well-conversed with the challenges and opportunity of seniors in this particular area. Speaker, let me say that in addition to the Ontario action plan for seniors, for the first time in our history, we regulated all retirement homes. And in 2010, we passed the Retirement Home Act, Speaker. Since 2003, Speaker, we have invested more than $8 million for elder abuse prevention and awareness initiative. And this includes a $900,000 per year in support of the Ontario network for the prevention of elder abuse. Speaker, on top of that we have put in place the Finding Your Way program, which is an awareness program for people with dementia. We also implemented the home renovation tax credit, Speaker, for work up to $1,500 annually. Speaker, it is mine and the government intends to make Ontario the best province for seniors. Members, from Central North. Thank you very much, Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Trading, College and Universities. Yesterday, Minister, 250 hairdressers from 37 First Choice Haircutters salons joined thousands of other tradespeople in Ontario trying to stop your government's trades tax. It is costing their industry jobs and they simply cannot afford to pay for your new bureaucracy, provides them absolutely no benefit from the consumer tax that the consumer has to absorb. On top of that, now your trades tax enforcement cops are visiting, get this, hairdresser salons and barbers across the province. It's just a big joke, Mr. Speaker. Will the Minister finally stand up for the hard-working tradespeople and abolish the college of trades once and for all? You've left me with an opening again, so I won't take it. So he knows. It's too easy. Minister of Trading, College and Universities. Mr. Speaker, I'll be happy to talk a little bit more about the situation with regard to barbers and the supplementary. But first, Mr. Speaker, I want to respond to the last request that the member made. This organization, Mr. Speaker, when it comes to things like apprenticeship ratios has performed extremely well. And I just want to share with the member, Mr. Speaker, a comparison to apprenticeship ratio reductions that have taken place. When they were in office, Mr. Speaker, zero apprenticeship ratio reductions. When the NDP were in office one, since we've been in office, Mr. Speaker, as a government, before the college of trades, we did eight reductions. The college of trades has been in place for approximately six months, 13 reductions in ratios since they've been in office. Mr. Speaker, that's a heck of a lot better than the record of year when the legislature was supplementary. 10 years and a half. Well, what could you say, Speaker? You don't even know the file on the ratio reduced. When are you going to listen? The college of trades is a bone dog. It's that simple. Hairdressers across this province are being overtaxed and harassed by your government right today. First the HST, then the trades tax, and now, of course, the people passing them on the site. I personally met with thousands of trades people across Ontario and heard their anger over this costly new bone dog. How can the minister justify forcing hard working trades people like these hairdressers to pick up the tab for the bureaucracy that offers no value to them, their business managers, their owners, or the consumers? Minister, can you inform the house? Even one, one benefit the college of trades is bringing. Thank you, Minister. Let's talk about the benefits that the college of trades is bringing. The party talks about reducing ratios for apprenticeships, Mr. Speaker, and just look at the record of the college of trades. I'm going to repeat it again. 14 apprenticeship ratio reductions in less than six months. Let's compare it to their record, Mr. Speaker, eight years, they're working hard on their skills. Mr. Speaker, he asked for an example of something good coming from the college of trades. 14 reductions, Mr. Speaker, in apprenticeship ratios, creating greater opportunities for apprentices. Mr. Speaker, when we talk about creating jobs for youth, jobs for apprentices, dealing with the skills gap and skilled trades, Mr. Speaker, they're working hard, they're doing it, and they're doing it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Premier. It seems to be deja vu all over again for the people of Sarnia, Speaker, Wallaceburg, and downstream First Nations communities as well. For the second time in a month, people are worried about the safety of their drinking water in those communities. Last week, two new spills followed hard on the heels of a major deal diesel fuel leak into St. Clair River in early 19th century, where the environment put the health of Ontarians first by stopping corporate polluters before they spill instead of reacting after the fact. Mr. Speaker, you would recognize that we do that each and every day. First of all, we have in the province of Ontario some of the strictest laws that would exist to anywhere in North America in terms of spills that are taking place in this country. We recognize as well that there is an opportunity to prosecute those who are seen to be in violation of those laws. So whenever a spill happens to take place, it is a responsibility of the Ministry of the Environment to do a full and complete investigation and if there is sufficient evidence to prosecute those who are responsible if there has been a spill in the province of Ontario, the Ministry has been involved in these matters for some time, has cracked down on this area and will certainly continue to do so particularly as a result of some of the recent incidents. Under the liberal watch, chemical spills in the Sarnia area have become a regular occurrence. This year alone there have been toxic spills by Sun Canadian, Sun Corp, Imperial Oil and Embridge to name just a few. Instead of wringing their hands after the spill has occurred when will this government actually protect the drinking water of Ontarians and work with those affected communities to develop stronger regulations and more effective enforcement so we don't have to sail down these troubled waters again and again and again Speaker. Minister, in fact I've been in touch with the members in the particular area the member for Sarnia of course has been very interested in this subject, member for Chatham, Candacex has been very much involved and has drawn these matters to my attention. Mr. McNaughton has been drawing these to my attention as well and we do have in the province of Ontario very strong laws and if there is a violation of those laws we are prepared to prosecute to the largest extent possible and it would be then of course up to the courts to make those judgments in the meantime each of these establishments gets visited by the Ministry of the Environment to make a determination of whether they have in place the necessary equipment and procedures which would ensure or at least limit the risk of any spills of this kind taking place in the future so I have met with the members in the area and we have discussed this matter thoroughly and you can be assured that the strongest of action will be taken in each and every one of these cases. Thank you. The member from Scarborough Gilbert. Mr. Speaker it's my privilege to rise in the house today my question is for the Minister of Agriculture and Food Minister as you know Ontario is home to one of North America's largest food processing sectors in fact you often say that we have 3,000 businesses that employ more than 95,000 people across the province there are many people in my writing of Scarborough Gilbert who work in the sector this summer I had the opportunity to tour some of the local food stores in Scarborough Gilbert with the Minister given that this is a sector that provides economic benefits to all areas of the province from farms right up the value chain for the food processing industry I think all in this house would be interested in seeing the sector increase in size with that in mind Mr. Speaker can the Minister tell this house what her government is doing to help Ontario's food processing sector attract investment and grow and continue to thrive Thank you very much Mr. Speaker and I want to thank the member for Scarborough Gilbert for the question and I also want to thank the Toronto Region Board of Trade Mr. Speaker for the conference that they put together with the consumer products of Canada there is work being done on creating a cluster Mr. Speaker of food processors and producers in this region the food industry is a very important contributor to the economy as the member has said overall $34 billion contribution to the GDP and more than 700,000 jobs in the sector Mr. Speaker so it's very important that we support that dynamic and innovative business Mr. Speaker and so at the round table yesterday many of the top innovators in the sector talked to me about transportation they talked about skill development Mr. Speaker and they talked about the things that we can do working together to make sure that we do what's necessary to make this sector grow Mr. Speaker it's very appreciative for their input Minister for your response and for informing this house of the work that's underway my constituents have told me that they really value knowing where their food comes from and consumers here at home and around the world trust the quality and safety of Ontario food products I know in my riding our diverse population presents an opportunity for new and different food products that combine the need for convenience with the comfort of one's cultural dishes we also have an aging population looking for healthful foods many reside in my riding of Scarborough Gildwood a growing trend of support for local food and people who read labels and want to know where their food is coming from what is your ministry doing to promote innovation in Ontario's agri-food sector Thank you Mr. Speaker I want to talk about a couple of initiatives one is the partnership with the University of Guelph and the competitive research programs that are going on there Mr. Speaker and the other one is through the growing forward to program that was negotiated by my predecessor Mr. Speaker and he did a great job in working with the federal government and working with companies and the sector to make sure that we had in place supports for innovation and for expansion that are needed and the kind of stability that's needed in the sector because as you know Mr. Speaker the agri-food sector struggles with the vagaries of weather and those kinds of unpredictable changes that may happen one of the significant improvements to the growing forward to this year Mr. Speaker is that food processing is now included so it's not just the producers but it's also the processors and there were many processors at the table yesterday at the Toronto Region Board of Trade and so we're working with them and growing forward to is supporting them in a very concrete way in their innovation the acquisition of technology and in supporting their businesses Mr. Speaker Thank you Mr. Question Thank you Mr. Speaker Mr. Speaker my question is for the Minister of Finance Minister yesterday committee the insurance brokers of Ontario those people that represent us in our communities obtaining the best rates possible for home health and cars implied that the idea of a 15% reduction in auto insurance is a pipe dream costs in the system are high and premiums just don't come down because you wish them to they've seen no credible plan come out of the ministry and without one the reductions are an illusion even if the reductions do occur the brokers say that no one outside of the GTA will ever see those reductions I'm from St. Thomas we have good drivers there and the city consistently has one of the lowest rates of accidents for insured vehicle in the province Why do you not think good drivers in my riding in Collingwood, in Tomiskamine, in Cochrane Thunderbray, Atacoken or Kenora or any other towns and cities outside of the GTA deserve any reduction Well thank you Ms. Briga I really appreciate the question I'm not sure where the members been for the last two years because that's exactly what we've been doing we've been working with the industry finding ways to reduce those very issues and those costs and we've implemented in our strategy safe driver protection so that those that are safe drives that do have good records get better benefit and it's working Mr. Speaker because as I mentioned in the past we have press releases from various insurance providers who have already started to reduce rates and I would encourage your and you've already admitted that they already have reduced costs so that's a good thing for those communities thank you Mr. Speaker I'm not sure Mr. Speaker if I did actually say the reduced costs what I'm saying you promise a 15% reduction in auto insurance when in fact you cannot deliver that outside the GTA it's not surprising though that you took this idea from the NDP who last few months ago introduced the bill that would lower premiums for drunk drivers across this province Mr. Speaker the PC party has a plan I wish the minister would implement it we've told you for months now to reduce the red tape and bureaucracy in the system reform the dispute resolution process actually take that antifraud task force report that's sitting on the desk beside drumming and implement it to ensure accountability as our leader Tim Houdak said yesterday we have the ideas you're welcome to steal anyone you want the experts agree in the committee that your 15% pledge is unattainable it's disrespectful Mr. Speaker for the minister to tell the Ontario people to stand by his pledge of an empty promise will you stop playing the shell games and admit you have no plan to achieve savings for all Ontario Minister of Finance thank you Mr. Speaker it's really rich as John had come lately all of a sudden is talking about reducing rates we have already instituted rate reductions in 2004 we've taken the antifraud task force recommendations and we have been implementing them we have released this from CAA and the cooperators advancing the reductions in costs and we're taking the steps necessary to reduce them over the last two years the member opposite is talking about very issues like the dispute resolution resolution that we've already started to implement. So thank you for your recommendations, yours is two years too late. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. New question. A member from Windsor to come see. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Transportation. Minister, when last we spoke at the polling match a couple of weeks ago, you promised an update on the girder situation on the parkway. Yesterday, that briefing was to take place. It was cancelled abruptly. You've been looking into whether or not those girders have to be replaced. Can you update the House this morning on the latest information you have at your disposal, sir? Thank you, Minister of Transportation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also want to thank the member for his very sincere concern about this and his watchfulness on this particular file and his collaboration. I'm very committed to continuing to work with him and ensuring he gets a full briefing. Mr. Speaker, it was just 24 hours ago that we received the report of the Independent Expert Review Panel. The Deputy Minister has received it. I have just become aware of some of the contents and details of it. It is now under the active review of the Ministry of Lawyers and Engineers. The Chief Engineer has had a day with it. It is his responsibility to make recommendations to the Ministry and the government. I have said to the opposition members that I will ensure they have a full briefing prior to its release, and we are committed to doing that. And again, this is a very serious matter, which this government takes, safety and durability of our structures very critically. And I look forward to working with the member and quite happy to take any meeting or time with him to ensure he's fully briefed and has all the information. Thank you. Supplementary. Mr. Speaker, perhaps I should oppose the question that Dave Badajello of the Windsor Star. He's writing with a story today that says the girders are coming out. If the Windsor Star knows about it, why doesn't the Minister know about it? And one of the people in Windsor to come see Lissalle going to get some information from this government? Because, Mr. Speaker, when a Minister of the Crown becomes aware that there may be a serious safety issue, he doesn't run to the journalists. He goes and goes to the Deputy Minister and has a thorough review, which is exactly what I did in May. As you know, Mr. Speaker, based on the concerns that I had, I asked the Deputy Minister to investigate and review. Deputy Layton did that and did a very good job and came back, and we both agreed there was a need for an independent review, which I struck in June. That review worked very promptly over the last 60 days, Mr. Speaker, and table this report. This is a review of five of the country's most respected structural engineers and a gentleman with 40 years of experience. This is a very serious matter. It is a safety issue. Mr. Speaker, this is a great concern. So we will advance that report. I would like the member to have full... Thank you. Thank you. Good question. The member from the York South question. Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Children and Youth Services. Ontario recently renewed its commitment to reduce poverty with the launch of province-wide consultations to hear how the government and our communities can continue to work together to break the cycle of poverty. And just yesterday evening, I had a local consultation in my writing of York Southwestern. And one of the many suggestions that came forward is that one of the government initiatives that is working the best is the students nutrition program. A child's ability to learn increases tremendously when you have access to a nutritious diet. So, Mr. Speaker, my question to the Minister is, is our government committed to doing its best to expand and give our children the best opportunity to have a good... Thank you. Minister of Children and Youth Services. Thank you, Speaker. And I'd like to thank the member both for undertaking the consultation in her community last night with respect to poverty reduction consultation and for her question with the student nutrition program. I'll say that this morning, myself and the Minister of Health had a good start to the morning. We were at Church Street Public School spending some time with the great six leaders there and talking about our commitment to providing children across the province with the best learning environment. And one of the best ways to enhance that, that we know, is to provide students with a nutritious diet. So this morning, I'm pleased to say that we announced that we are expanding our government's student nutrition program. We will be investing... We've heard the same thing about the importance of this program, so we will be investing an additional $3 million to provide students. This will create 200,000 programs for 30,000 more children across the province. Evidence shows that these programs lead to better concentration and getting more out of the school day. I'm very proud of our record. Thank you. Good work. I'm all deferred. Vote since house stands recessed until 3 p.m. this afternoon.