 It is now time for oral questions. I recognize the member for Spadina, Fort York. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Training Colleges and Universities. During this year's election campaign, the Conservatives promised that if elected, they would honor commitments to fund post-secondary expansion in Brampton, Markham, and Milton. Will the minister depart from her talking points today and justify the government's decision to break this promise? Minister of Training Colleges and Universities. Thank you, Speaker. And thank you to the member opposite for the question. Our government has had to make tough decisions about projects across Ontario. However, I want to share a quote from a letter sent to me from the President of the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance, Danny Cheng, which represents 150,000 students. He says, quote, At USA, we believe in responsible investment that will effectively improve the lives of students and the future of our society. That is why our students wanted to communicate alignment with your decision on October 23rd. We believe that the Ontario university sector should ensure that any new or growing university institutions and campuses are financially sustainable. Speaker, Ontario students know the importance of fiscal sustainability. And it is time for the NDP to recognize that as well. Mr. Clark, supplementary. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Three months ago, the government knew, the conservatives knew, that these campuses were sustainable. And I quote a member of the Conservative Party during the election campaign. He said, we will do everything we can to make this project a reality, whether it takes $90 million or there's more we need to do when the conservatives needed votes in these communities, they promised everything to everyone, but now they're in a position to deliver and it's another promise broken. Why is the government taking these 905 communities for granted? Minister. Thank you, Speaker. And thank you to the member opposite for the question. Our government, again, has had to make tough decisions about projects across Ontario. I want to share the perspective of Leo Groke, President and Vice Chancellor of Trent University. He says, quote, in a situation in which the system is characterized by a lack of students creating entirely new campuses take students away from existing campuses. At a time when they are scrambling to find students, they need to fill the spaces they already have available. He goes on to say that we, quote, cannot expect a provincial government that is trying to wrestle with its deficit to pay for new campuses, bracket, at a time when there is no pressing need to establish them. The Ford government has made the right decision, unquote. Final supplementary. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The government has not provided any numbers to justify their decision. These campuses were to create educational opportunities and economic growth in some of the fastest growing communities in Canada. Hundreds of people invested countless hours and millions of dollars. And then without providing a cost-benefit analysis or without providing an opportunity cost analysis, the government has made this decision. Later today, all members of this House will have a chance to reconfirm their support for these projects, including members of the Conservative Party who promised to keep these campuses going when they were on the campaign trail. We're calling on all members from both sides to stand up for students and parents in these communities. Will the minister stand and vote against these cuts? Thank you, Speaker, and thank you to the member opposite for that question. We are standing up for students. We have been clear to enhancing financial accountability and transparency. The previous Liberal government propped up by the NDP who supported them on 97% of their votes, made empty promises in an election year for programs and projects that they knew they could not afford, leading to a $15 billion deficit while hiding costs from the public. The Liberals shattered the trust of Ontarians, and our focus is on restoring trust and accountability in Ontario's finances. Thank you, Speaker. Next question. The member opposite talks about empty promises when her member said, we will do everything we can to make this project a reality, whether it takes $90 billion or more, that's needed to be done. The other question that Ontario students and parents have because they've seen the broken promise to the parents in Brampton, Milton and Markham, they worry about more cuts coming. Last week, the minister was evasive when asked whether she would be maintaining grants that cover the cost of tuition for thousands of students. Can the minister provide an answer now? Will she be maintaining... Which minister are you referring to the question? The colleges and universities. The universities. Mr. Thank you, Speaker. And thank you to the member opposite for the question. I want to remind the member opposite about the state of Ontario's finances and the importance of returning Ontario to sound financial footing. Speaker, we know thanks to the Independent Commission of Inquiry that our government needs to take action. And the inquiry found that the Liberals made empty promises to Ontarians for programs and projects they know they could not afford, creating a $15 billion deficit. To make matters worse, we know from the select committee on financial transparency that senior public servants warn the government that their plan, quote, could put pressure on the province's credit rating and overall borrowing capacity, unquote. Speaker, Ontarians know they can't trust the Liberals to manage the province's finances. And they cannot count on the NDP to make the tough decisions to get Ontario back on a sound financial footing. We... Thank you. Mr. Speaker, students and their parents are worried in for good reason. They've already seen this promise, break their promise to the students in Brampton, Milton and Markham. And instead of providing answers, the minister is repeating the same talking points. She owes the students of Ontario an answer. What is she planning to cut next? APPLAUSE Minister. Thank you, Speaker. Thank you to the member opposite for the question. Speaker, the people of Ontario know that we need to bring Ontario back to sound financial footing. We were elected to restore accountability and trust in Ontario's finances. And that's exactly what we're doing. Speaker, our government received a clear mandate from the people to fix Ontario's dire financial situation. And that is in clear juxtaposition for the NDP. The NDP showed during the campaign that Ontarians cannot trust them to manage Ontario's economy. In fact, they had a $7 billion hole in their platform's budget. Meanwhile, the previous Liberal government and a few members who are sitting in this legislature sat at the cabinet table, hit a $15 billion deficit and made empty promises to the people of Ontario. Ontarians know that our government for the people is the only... Mr. Speaker, if the Minister of Training Colleges and Universities wasn't aware that the Liberals were not telling the truth about the deficit, then she was the only member in the... APPLAUSE And that's the member you thought. Put your question. The government promised to build these new campuses during the election campaign, knowing full well that our deficit was what it is now, $15 billion. The government broke that promise without warning. And instead of giving parents and students in Ontario honest answers, she repeats the same talking points over and over. Now the Minister is refusing to say what else she plans to cut. She, the Minister of Training Colleges and Universities, has a responsibility to the students and parents of Ontario, and it goes beyond simply reading talking points from the Secretary's office. Will the Minister be maintaining the grants for students in Ontario? APPLAUSE Minister. Thank you, Speaker. We promised the people of Ontario to restore accountability and trust in Ontario's finances. Part of that process means making tough decisions about projects across Ontario. Our government is being forced to clean up the irresponsible and reckless financial decisions of the previous Liberal government. And we now know, thanks to the Independent Commission of Enquiry, the depths of the waste and mismanagement of the previous Liberal government. And to describe the previous government's actions, the Auditor General used words like conceal, bogus, deceptive and unreliable. In an election year, they made empty promises to Ontarians for programs and projects they knew they could not afford, leading to a $15 billion deficit while hiding the cost from the public. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question to you is the Minister of Labour. Mr. Speaker, last week we learned that the Minister of Labour proactive workplace inspections were scrapped back in August. Will the Minister please tell us, one, what is the cost to businesses to have proactive inspections and employment standards of temp agencies? For example, two, what consultation or data was used to arrive at the decision to scrap these inspections? And three, what cost was this measured against? Minister of Labour. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the member opposite for the many questions in the question. This was a memo, and question was a bureaucratic memo from August. The decision made by the Ministry when employment standards claim backlogs do occur, the decision was actually made to ensure that those affected by employment standard claims are provided the service that they need and deserve. So if monies are owed to workers in the province through employment standard violations, we need to ensure that they're being provided the service they need and deserve. So, Mr. Speaker, I think that answers some of the questions that the member opposite, but what we're doing here in just over 100 days in the province of Ontario is the Ford government is making a better business climate. We're open for business in the province of Ontario. So we have better training jobs. Order, opposition benches will come to order so that an opposition member can ask his question. Member for Timmons, come to order. Government side, come to order. Start the clock, supplementary. Back to the ministry. Let's be clear, Minister. Inspections save lives, period. Last Thursday, there was another workplace death of a temporary worker at Fiera Foods. This is the fourth, the fourth death of a worker at Fiera Foods businesses. A workplace death is a terrible cost, Mr. Speaker. Four deaths and someone should be in jail. Patrick Harris, a longtime conservative strategist who is running to become a member of the Ontario PC Executive. Registered as a lobbyist representing Fiera Foods. Around the same time, the memo was any proactive workplace safety inspections was written. What does the minister plan to say the next time she's lobbied by Mr. Harris? Well, Mr. Speaker, we are all saddened to hear about this. Opposition, come to order. Our thoughts, and I'm sure all the colleagues in the legislature are with the family and colleagues of the person who passed away. But, Mr. Speaker, I think the member opposite's a little confused. There are children, community, and social services come to order. It's unrelated to health and safety inspections. And, you know, he's politicizing a very serious tragedy that occurred last week. So the official opposition is doing that. I will not be part of that. I'm very proud of the legislation that we brought in last week, Mr. Speaker. I won't allow the opposition to attempt to politicize this tragedy. Our thought, the Ministry of the Labor is doing their inspections. Mr. Speaker, health and safety inspections continue to go on. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, to the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. After hosting a series of roundtables and meetings with small, medium-sized businesses and their workers, it is clear that Ontario has lost its competitive advantage. Unaffordable electricity rates, labour rates, tax rates, job-killing red tape, and a lack of access to skilled labour are having the aggregate effect, Mr. Speaker, of driving investment outbound and killing jobs for the next generation of workers. Speaker, since 2015, Canadian investment in the United States has increased by 66% while US investment in Canada has plummeted by 52%. We are determined to reverse this trend to confidently, boldly put our province on a pathway to prosperity. Speaker, can the Minister outline how he plans to create an Ontario at advantage for these young workers at excellent school and aspiring to work with the dignity of a good-paying job? Thank you. Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. Thank you, Speaker, and thank you to my colleague for the question. Yeah, the Making Ontario Open for Business Act, this is a piece of legislation and it's a huge step towards restoring Ontario's competitiveness and returning our province to its rightful place as the economic engine of Canada. We've snipped badly, Mr. Speaker, over the years. As the Honourable Member has mentioned, this legislation will get government out of the way of our job creators and let them do what they do best and that's create jobs and hire our young people. Let's listen to one of those job creators. From Power, Tech, Electrical Services, quote, restrictive ratios are the number one barrier to hiring young apprentices at my company and we are so glad the government has taken this important step. This will lead to increased employment and opportunities for youth right across the province and to quote, from the Ontario Hospital Association. The announcement signals an understanding from government of the enormous pressures facing hospitals and will help ensure that hospital resources are directed to frontline care. We support this legislation. Start the clock. Supplementary. Thank you, Speaker. Back to the Minister. In the binary choice before this Parliament, on this side of the House, we choose to put prosperity ahead of blind ideology and Conservatives will stand up for our workers for higher incomes and for the jobs that their families depend on every single day, Mr. Speaker, without exception. We believe if you are prepared to do the work then you deserve a shot at the job because we know that if we do not take decisive action to protect jobs and create an advantage for our job creators, investment will flow south. As economist Jack Min said, and I wish the members of the new Democrats took note of this quote, if politicians sit on their hands, the private sector won't. Canadians will see investment jobs and profit flowing to the United States, end quote. Minister, can you confirm today to simply not make this happen? You're here. Minister. Thank you, Speaker. And thank you to my colleague. Absolutely right. If you want to work in this province, you deserve a shot at the job. And that's what this is basically. In referring to the Making Ontario for Business Act from the President of the Canadian Elevator Contractors Association, quote, the new legislation will allow elevator mechanics to continue having high service standards and allow the industry to grow and hire more Ontarians into the highest paid trade in the province, end quote. From the Ontario Forest Industries Association, quote, the changes announced show that this government is committed to building a more prosperous and competitive province. This government clearly understands the significant risks that were outlined in the Canadian Center for Economic Analysis. Economic impact analysis and concerns raised. On the side, come to our OCC. Today's announcement represents a positive response to our problems and an evidence-based policy decision. I would think the NDP would like that. Here we go. Start the clock again. Member for Waterloo. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Labor. This government's choice to scrap the two paid days of personal emergency leave is going to hurt people across this province. Take, for example, my constituent, Carolyn, who used one of the two paid days to attend her mother-in-law's funeral just this past August. Without the paid day off, Carolyn would have had to make some, as she has described, tough choices. In her case, a day's pay equals a week's worth of groceries. What does the Minister have to say to Carolyn in my writing? Minister of Labor. Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. For the first time in Ontario, every worker will have job-protected, sick family responsibility and bereavement leave. It was not clear. Businesses that we've spoken to over and over again are good employers. They want to keep their employees. So, Mr. Speaker, when we talk about making Ontario open for business, we truly mean it. We are going to create better-paying jobs. We're going to let businesses expand, attract businesses, so there are better-paying jobs out there for everyone in the province of Ontario. That's what we committed to. That's what we were elected on, and that's what we're going to do. Start the clock again. Supplementary. Mr. Speaker, those days are unpaid, and that means those employees have no choices. In January, Carolyn lost her good job. She had been up for 25 years. She quickly obtained a temporary job so that she could provide for her family. But it didn't come with the same pay, benefits, or stability as her old job. But when she needed the time off, she was able to rely on a paid leave day to help her keep food on the table. That's what we're talking about here. In Carolyn's view, if the government really wants to help hardworking Ontario taxpayers, then they will reverse this decision. Will the minister commit today to keeping the two paid leave days for the people like Carolyn and millions of others Ontarians? Mr. Speaker, we have seen job losses of August 80,000 job losses. When the previous government's bill first came in in January, it was 50-some-thousand job losses. People are losing their jobs, especially part-time workers, especially youth workers, with those burdensome rules and regulations. We are going to be creating better-paying jobs in the province of Ontario because we want to partner with business, not like the previous government that was supported by you that took businesses as enemies. That's how businesses felt in the province of Ontario. Mr. Speaker, we are providing eight job-protected days for every order every year in the province of Ontario. They're going to have better-paying jobs in the province of Ontario. Remind all members, heckling is always out of order, and I'm going to ask the members again to remind them to make your comments through the chair. Next question. Start the clock. The member for Northumberland, Peter Burrow-South. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services. Police, mayors, and many constituents across my community voiced serious concern over redundant regulation in Bill 113 that would have driven third-party criminal record check providers out of this province, driven jobs out of my community, and disproportionately hit small-town police forces excessively hard. We know, Mr. Speaker, that our government is committed to reducing red tape, tackling over 380,000 regulatory burdens that cripple this economy, and opening Ontario for business. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister explain how this regulatory change to the police record check reform act will help protect and create jobs while safeguarding the privacy of Ontarians? Minister of Community Safety, Correctional Services. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I want to thank the member from Northumberland, Peter Burrow-South for that question. Mr. Speaker, our government has been sending a message that Ontario is open for business, and it's finally bringing quality jobs back to Ontario. Mr. Speaker, as of November 1st, a new amendment under the police record checks reform act will come into effect. This new amendment will safeguard the privacy of the people of Ontario while also protecting jobs throughout many smaller municipalities within the province. Mr. Speaker, the previous Liberal government passed their job-killing police record check legislation that forced businesses to choose between continuing their operations in Ontario or relocating their businesses to other jurisdictions with less restrictive red tape. That's simply unacceptable. Mr. Speaker, our government for the people will continue working hard to ensure that good jobs continue to be created here in the province of Ontario. Stop the mention. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Minister for that answer, and Minister, thank you for joining me this past weekend to make this important announcement in my community. I'm proud to be part of a government that is tackling the regulatory burdens, that is taking the time to get this right. A Minister of the Treasury Board doing a line-by-line review, examining these job-killing regulations. Mr. Speaker, the police chief in Coburg indeed said this province is open for business. To the Minister, this is going to create an additional 17 jobs. This police business services unit is now open at midnight starting January 1st. We're creating jobs. To the benefit of this house, because I know it's rich for the opposition, the order, your criticisms, this is going to create revenue, Mr. Speaker, while not giving it to the tax base. To the benefit of the member's opposite, can you explain to members of this house why this amendment to the Record Check Reform Act needed to be made? Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for that important question. Mr. Speaker, this weekend, I was proud to stand alongside the members from Northumberland, Peterborough South, Stormont Dundas South-Glengary, and the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to announce the new amendment to the Police Record Check Reform Act. Mr. Speaker, our government was elected on a mandate to put the people of this province first and to cut the red tape, grow our economy and create new jobs for our people. This amendment will create consistency with respect to how police record checks are conducted, which will ultimately result in shorter processing times and faster screening decisions. Mr. Speaker, we are sending a clear message that Ontario is open for business. It will continue to remove job-killing red tape to make it easier for businesses to hire and for workers to file. Thank you very much. Next question. Member for Niagara Center. Thank you, Speaker. Through you to the Minister of Health. During the last election campaign, the Conservatives insisted that history wouldn't repeat itself. But the people of Niagara remember that 28 hospitals closed under previous Conservative governments. And it looks like the closures are set to start again at the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, who learned they are losing their obstetrics and surgical programs. The Minister of Health provided no information Friday about the status of the plan to rebuild this hospital. Will she provide an update now? Mr. Hill from Longton Care. Well, I thank the member very much for the question because I know this has been an item of great turmoil in the region for the people of Grimsby, for the people who are strong proponents of the hospital. I can tell you that first of all, patient safety is always our primary concern. It has to be. But I can also assure you that hospital services will continue to be provided at West Lincoln Hospital. We are working right now with the Linn, with Hamilton Health Sciences, and with the administration at West Lincoln to make sure that services continue to be provided with the least disruption possible to patients. But services will continue in this location. Supplementary. Speaker, through you, the minister seems unwilling or unable to answer some basic questions. But the situation is dire. Last week, the hospital's chief of staff, Dr. Gary Benson, resigned in response to plans to move obstetrics and surgery out of the hospital. Benson wrote that he was, quote, totally blindsided by the decision. No one consulted him. The interim site lead at the hospital says that unless they receive confirmation of funding to rebuild the hospital, none of the rest of the pieces make sense. The government member from West Niagara says he's fighting for the hospital. Who is he fighting with? Does the minister have a plan? Will the minister consult with the hospital and the people of Niagara before making a decision to close this hospital? Minister. Thank you. Well, I can certainly assure you that the member from Niagara West is doing a terrific job, but both informally made it very clear to me that the people in Grimsby and surrounding area are not happy with some of the decisions that have been made. So we are working through it right now to find the best solution that balances patient safety with the needs of the people in the community to receive healthcare services. So as I indicated before, we are speaking directly with Hamilton Health Sciences, with the West Lincoln Hospital, with the land through my ministry to find a satisfactory resolution to this situation. But as I said before, hospital services are going to continue to remain open at West Lincoln. Next question, member for Ottawa South. Thank you very much, speaker. My question is for the Deputy Premier. So in response to Bill 47 and scrapping of workers protections, the Minister of Labor has said that these changes are good for workers. So I need to get this straight. The government is freezing minimum wage of $14 an hour, eliminating two paid sick days, cancelling equal pay for equal work, requiring doctor's notes, something you know as a burden on the healthcare system, okay? You're limiting bereavement leaves to two unpaid days and you're allowing employers to cancel people's shifts with virtually no notice. So through you, speaker, can the Deputy Premier explain in any way how this is good for the lowest paid workers here in Ontario? Deputy Premier. To the Minister of Economic Development. To the Minister of Economic Development. Thank you, speaker, and to the honourable member who was part of a team over there that brought in probably the greatest job-killing legislation we've seen during the 15 years that the Liberals were in office and you should be ashamed what you did to business our job creators in this province. 52,000 people lost their job in January. The first month the bill 148 was in and many of those were students. In fact, the majority were students. Another 80,000, over 80,000 in August. And for the first time in my 28 years, most of them were part-time and that had to do with equal pay provisions which meant you had to pay a part-timer, a new person, the same as you pay someone that's worked already for 28 years. Didn't make any sense, killed jobs, hundreds of thousands of jobs lost, 320,000 jobs to manufacturing. On your watch, sir, you should be ashamed of that. First of all, I have to say to the government side there were times I was having trouble, believe it or not, hearing the Minister of Economic Development because of the heckling that was coming from this side. Backbench members heckling their minister in his response. Secondly, I would remind all members to address their comments through the chair. This doesn't have to be a personal debate, it needs to be a debate of ideas and policy. Start the clock. Supplementary. Thank you very much, Speaker. And in the grocery business, we used to call that cherry picking. So you pick one month, the other month, and you know that we created over 100, this economy has created 170,000 jobs in the last year. So Premier Ford and the government could strip away workers' protections. Lowest paid workers in this province strip away their protections. But at the same time, you can find $350,000 a year for a former PC party president. And another $350,000 a year for a campaign advisor in Washington. And you can appoint the family lawyer at $667,000 a year. So it's... Stop the clock. Again, I ask the government side to please come to order so I can hear the member who has every right to ask his question. Start the clock. I apologize to the member for interrupting. Thank you, Speaker. So it's like the gravy train has arrived here at Queen's Park and the Premier is shouting out all aboard. Next stop Ottawa. So, Speaker, I asked the minister, I asked the minister, how is any of this in any way fair, both the stripping away of workers' rights and this gravy train that's here in front of us? I don't know, who else is on board? Question. Thank you. Mr. Hatter, the question. Minister. Well, Mr. Speaker, not only through... Not only did we lose between 2003 and 2009 over 320,000 good-paying manufacturing jobs, and it's not like those jobs went to China and that. They went to Ohio and they went to Michigan. They went to Quebec. They went to other provinces. That's what the stats show. And you did nothing. The Liberal government just ignored manufacturing. There were no plans to try and bring jobs back to make our economy competitive again. They actually brought in a piece of legislation, Bill 148, that protected and nourished a minimum wage economy. What government in their right mind would aim for a policy? Next question. The member for Hastings, Lennox and Addington. My question is for the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. I know that in my writing and in the North in general, Ontario's forestry sector has been decimated. They've been left out in the cold for a long time under the previous government. We saw massive job losses in our North over regulation and neglect, simply forced all of our forest companies to just stop investing in Ontario. Mr. Speaker, the people voted for a change in Ontario, and our government is committed to delivering that change. We need to open up Ontario for business and find ways to work more efficiently with the forestry sector to help you regulate that. So today, could the minister provide an update to this house and our government's action to reverse the problems caused by the previous government and the action that he has taken to open up this vital sector for our business? Thank you. Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, and I'd like to thank the member from Hastings, Lennox and Addigan, and he is absolutely right in this question. Under the previous Liberal government, we saw half the jobs in the forestry sector disappear. 51,000 jobs gone. And what was their solution? More regulations to burden the industry. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud our government for the people has taken action to open Ontario up for business. Just last month, I announced roundtables that will be taking place throughout Northern and Eastern Ontario to find solutions in the forestry sector so we can unleash the great potential for the North. For years, these companies that employ thousands of Ontarians were ignored in favour of special interest groups and policies that were more focused on sounding good and less focused on actually helping anyone. I look forward to these meetings with these companies over the next three or six months and hearing their ideas and how we can open Ontario up for business. Thank you. Thank you. Supplemental. Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the minister for that response. And it is certainly reassuring to hear that our government is tackling the inefficient situation left behind by the previous Liberal government. Because it's been a long time, a long time coming for Ontario that are Northern Ontarians. For too long, these citizens who work so hard for our North have been neglected and they've been burdened with more and more regulations. Literally, due to the Liberal red tape bonanza, there seemed to be non-ending. Well, now we finally have a government for the people that is committed to listening to this forestry sector and finding smart and innovative new ways to unleash the economic strength of Ontario's North. But the minister provided any concrete examples of how the forestry industry is responding to our initiatives, to our government's commitment to reduce regulation and to finally open up Ontario for business. Yeah! Minister. Mr. Speaker, I'm happy to report that the forestry sector is already responding to our government's actions and commitments to reduce regulation and open Ontario up for business. Just last week, I attended an announcement with Resolute where they announced an investment of $53.5 million in the fund. I'd like to share with the House some quotes from Yves Leflam, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Resolute. And he quote, unquote, let me be clear. Today's investment builds on the momentum of Premier Ford's policies that have declared Ontario open for business. Premier Ford, you've made it clear that you will make it easier to grow and invest in businesses in Ontario and to build an economy that allows more workers to find jobs. We are pleased that Ontario is open for business. This gives us an improved level of confidence for the future. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to announce to this House that Ontario is open for business. Start the clock again. Next question, the member for Windsor to come see. Thank you, Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Finance. Good morning, Minister. Speaker, the government has been making secret deals with racetrack operators. The movers and shakers are being looked after, but the little guys, the people who breed, train and race at the smaller tracks are forgotten. Take Leamington, for example. Tracks in London and Hamilton can offer a purse of $6,000 a race, but Leamington only gets $3,500. Speaker, when will the Minister insist that the little guys in horse racing get a fair deal from the racing industry? Mr. Finance. Thank you, and good morning to the member from Windsor to come see as well. Speaker, Ontario Lottery and Gaming continues to provide funding to the track in Leamington to support live racing under their current agreements. Our government has kept its commitment to bolster the horse racing industry and repair the damage done by the previous liberal government supported by the NDP. Agreements in principle have been reached at other racetracks, but, Speaker, I want you to know that we understand how important live racing is in Ontario. It helps so many sectors from farmers, breeders, groomers, trainers, all of the support workers. Speaker, this is a very important sector, and we continue to provide the support funding. Here, here. Supplementary. Speaker, every sport needs a farm system, a training ground. You play at the junior level or the minor system before bursting into the NHL. A healthy horse racing industry needs the smaller tracks to be successful. Patrons support the 13 racing dates in Leamington. Why won't the minister tell those pulling the racing strings to negotiate a fair deal for Leamington so the local racing industry can survive? Minister. Well, Speaker, I think it's important that we review how we got to where we are today. If you recall, 2012, when a bombshell hit the racing sector, when the Liberals decimated the entire system, and it only, it only could happen because the NDP stood up and voted with them to destroy the horse racing sector, Speaker. That's just a fact that can't be changed from back in 2012. Only the PC members who were in opposition at the time stood up, stood up for Ontario, stood up for the farmers, stood up for the breeders, stood up for the groomers, stood up for the trainers, stood up for the support workers. It was only the PC members who stood up for the horse racing sector. Again, we continue to provide funding to the track in Leamington to support live racing. Thank you, Speaker. Next question, the member for Mississauga East Hooksville. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Honourable Minister of Children, Community, and Social Services. According to new numbers provided by the RCMP, there were more than 1,600 interceptions of illegal border crossers in September. Ontarians from across the province consider this a border crisis, while the federal government considers this a non-issue. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister please bring some rational thought to this issue? Thank you. Minister of Children, Community, and Social Services. Thanks very much. I appreciate the question from the member for Mississauga East Hooksville. He has been on top of this issue and has been a very strong advocate for a stronger, more confident immigration system in the province of Ontario. Unfortunately, given the lack of control at the border and the lack of respect that the liberal government federally is providing to the public, we have seen that this has escalated in cost for the province of Ontario. I highlighted this summer it's a cost of $200 million and growing on the public purse here in the province of Ontario. All premiers in all political parties agree with our stand that the federal government should be fully compensating the province of Ontario and other provinces for the breakdown in our border security. And I'll continue to press the federal government. I'll have more to say on that in the supplementary, but I think it's really important that there is increasing frustration with the federal government on this issue, and we're gonna continue to hold their feet to the fire. Supplementary. Thank you, Minister, and happy birthday. While I understand that this is a federal responsibility, we will stand up for Ontarians taxpayers. As it is getting cold outside, Ontario's most vulnerable will be looking for shelter as the winter approaches. I checked the city of Toronto's daily shelter and overnight daily service online tracker this morning. Occupancy rates are either nearing or are at capacity. These capacity rates already include 2,000 more beds than were available when this border crisis began in November of 2017. And this isn't an issue that is unique to the city of Toronto. Minister, how will Ontario's municipalities cope under this added strain? Minister. I appreciate the members. I well wish for my birthday what I'd really like is the federal government to provide me with a $200 million gift to pay for their illegal spending costs one more time. $90 million in social assistance costs and growing. $20 million in education costs and growing. And shelter costs in the city of Ottawa, in the city of Toronto, which are well over $84 million. Speaker, it's time that the federal government stands up, pays its bills, and makes Ontario whole as every single premier and every single political party that's stated when they stood side by side are premier forward. I just want to point out, it's not just us that are concerned about this matter of a liberal MP, John McKay, instead of his own government. People have come to the conclusion that these people are not refugees and they should be returned sooner rather than later. The only fair thing for everybody is to process them quickly. And I think that's where the government's weakness is. We're going to continue our strong mission. Thank you. Start the clock. The next question, member for St. Catharines. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. St. Catharines is in the midst of a mental health crisis. Whether it be those struggling with mental illness or with addiction, people across St. Catharines are not being given the care they need. Just a few weeks ago, hundreds of citizens participated individual to remember those who have lost their lives to mental illness and to call for a comprehensive action to improve mental health care in St. Catharines. Will the minister tell me what she is doing to improve access to mental health care in St. Catharines? Mr. Health and Long-Term Care. Thank you. Well, as the member will know, it was one of our primary campaign promises that we would introduce a comprehensive and connected mental health addictions program for Ontario. $3.8 billion are going to be put into this over 10 years. It's a lot of money more than other governments have put into this, and we are going to concentrate on it in a holistic way. We're not going to look at one or two, three sections of it. We're going to look at it across the spectrum from person when they're a child to their senior years. This is something that's involving almost every ministry on this side. We are going to be speaking to people who are in the ministries. We're going to be speaking to people in communities. We're going to be speaking with people with lived experience. So we make sure that we finally get this right. We've talked about this for so many years in this house from the Select Committee on Mental Health and Addictions that was almost 10 years ago that that report came out. We need to start acting on it, and that's what we're going to do. Yeah. Supplementary. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. People who need mental health care are being turned away or discharged from hospitals in St. Catharines this very moment. Families in St. Catharines often have to wait over a year for their loved ones to access mental health care and demand is only going up. For the first time in their history, the Canadian Mental Health Association chapter of Niagara has had to take a loan to fund a new expansion to help the people in need in St. Catharines. The previous government left our mental health service organization scrambling for adequate funding, and this government looks no different. Will the minister tell the people of St. Catharines that the government of Ontario will help fund this desperately needed project in our city? Thank you, minister. Well, I think one thing that the member and I can agree on is that the previous government did not do anything to improve the mental health service. We have made an announcement in the last several weeks on consumption and rehabilitation services sites, and the St. Catharines site is going to be opening as they apply to become accredited under the new plan. We know that mental health and addiction issues are interconnected, so you can't deal with one without dealing with the other. Is there more to be done? Absolutely yes. We know that we need to expand our treatment services across the province. We need to expand detox beds, mental health and addiction services. We need to make sure that people get the wrap around services access to primary care that they need. Housing is a huge issue. We are approaching all of those issues for the people not just in St. Catharines, they're important, but the people across Ontario. We are looking at it for the people and we are going to come up with a solution and it's going to benefit the people of Ontario. Question, the member from Mrs. Saga Center. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines. Mr. Speaker, it comes as no surprise that it's been a very long time since Ontario was the economic engine of Canada. In fact, it's been 15 long years which is certainly no coincidence. The mismanagement and fiscal recklessness of the previous government led to valuable investment dollars leaving our province in search of more friendly jurisdictions. These investment dollars would have brought good jobs to Ontario and helped our economy thrive. Instead, Mr. Speaker, liberals shut Ontario's doors to businesses, entrepreneurs and investment. I am proud to be a member of this government which is working tirelessly to reverse that trend. Can the Minister please tell the members of this House about developments this last week that demonstrate that our province is now truly open for business? Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I want to thank the member from Mrs. Saga Center for interest in what's going on in Northern Ontario. Mr. Speaker, I was joined with the Premier to go up into beautiful Algoma country. We joined folks from Pick River First Nation, Pick Moberg First Nation, White River Horn Pain, folks from Wawa. We were all celebrating the opening of the HeartGold Mine expansion, the Sugar Zone. And how sweet it is, Mr. Speaker. More than 200 direct jobs, 1.5 million ounces of gold anticipated for the next 10 or 11 years, Mr. Speaker. This is going to be, this represents another key opportunity for that region that's been hit hard over the past decade and a half of darkness. We worked with HeartGold to make sure that that mine was able to open up on time, Mr. Speaker, and to see the smile on the faces of those workers and those people who built those roads, cut those trees, that are now making gold bricks, Mr. Speaker. Well, I ain't got the words, thank you. Restart the call. Supplementary. Mr. Speaker, thank you to the minister for that sweet answer and for his leadership in bringing good jobs back to Northern Ontario. Mr. Speaker, our government is ensuring that businesses and investors all over the world know that Ontario is finally open for business and open for investment. We are cutting unnecessary red tape that was putting a burden on companies looking to invest in our province. Mr. Speaker, high costs and red tape have created an economic climate that makes it difficult to start mining and logging operations. These critical sectors are economic drivers, especially in Northern communities. In fact, Mr. Speaker, two-thirds of Ontario's mining jobs are located in Northern Ontario. Additionally, mining is a large employer for our indigenous communities with over 11% of Ontario's mining force being indigenous. Mr. Speaker, can the minister advise us how will these recent announcements unlock the economic potential of this important sector and get our people working? Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker. Well, it's true, Mr. Speaker. It was a great day in the sugar zone, but there were a few sour notes we heard. Well, despite the previous Liberal government, this Hart-Gold team set up that mine in three years, but it took seven years to wade through the regulatory burdens, Mr. Speaker. Seven long years, 97% of the time those regulatory burdens were supported by who, Mr. Speaker? The official opposition. Now, this no-digging party's got to take it from us, Mr. Speaker, and the people in Northern Ontario. We're going to stand up for the 26,000 people directly employed in the mining sector. 56,000 indirectly. The highest employer of indigenous people, Mr. Speaker. If they don't want to build mines over there, Mr. Speaker, we will. Thank you. Order. Start the clock. The member for Niagara Falls. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the minister of health and long-term care. Niagara's being shaken to its core by a shocking number of people who need mental health support. They can't get the support, so instead, they're taking their own lives. I've been to the funerals. I've spoken to the families time and time again. And it's clear to all of us in Niagara that the need for expanded mental health services is critical. People are struggling to get the services they need, and they need more support from this conservative government. Will the conservative government reverse this decision to cut mental health funding and instead ensure resources are there in the communities when it is needed? Thank you. Mr. Health and long-term care. Well, I know the member is talking about a very serious subject. We are losing too many people to suicide in communities all across our province. This has to stop. And that is why we made our commitment during the campaign, and we are continuing with that commitment to spend $3.8 billion over the next few services. This is an increase in services contrary to what the member indicated. This is important across the board. We know we need to have more addiction services. We talked about that several weeks ago. The two situations are commingled very often with someone with a mental health problem. Also has an addiction problem. We have to deal with both issues to make sure that people can be truly rehabilitated. So we are working on that. I am working with my colleagues on this side of the house. If any of the members of the official opposition or the other parties have any thoughts on what we should do, I would be more than happy to hear. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you again, Mr. Speaker. And again, back to the minister. $330 million. That is how much the government has cut from mental health services across the province. Government side, come to order. They have cut funding while wait. They have cut funding while wait list for young people to access mental health services. Sorry to interrupt again. Ask the government to come to order. The member has a right to put his question. I have to hear it. Apologize to the member for St. Catherine. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. They have cut funding while wait list for young people to access mental health services are as high as 18 months. That's 18 months of waiting for our young people struggling to get the services they need. Not to mention the stress and the heartache for those caring for them and our frontline workers. We can all do better. It's our responsibility to do better for these people. So again, minister, will you reverse the cuts to mental health funding by restoring the 330 million in funding and take measures to ensure that frontline services are there when people need them? Thank you. Minister. Mr. Speaker, I would like to say through you to the members of this House and to anyone watching these proceedings that the numbers quoted by the member asking the question are absolutely incorrect of money and we're going to do it in a holistic way across all the areas that need help from housing to services of mental health and addiction to primary care to addiction services. All of those services are going to be enhanced for the people of Ontario. That's what we got elected to do and that is what we are going to do. Start the car. Next question, the member for Sue St. Marie. Mr. Speaker, thank you. My question is for the minister of finance. Mr. Speaker, I know the honorable minister is a member of a northern city like myself and as such has a deep understanding of the challenges that face our northern communities. I'm sure over the last number of months all of the northern members of this household have heard from their constituents about how important it is that we protect our jobs in the north. I'm proud to say that help is on the way and in fact help is here, Mr. Speaker and protecting good paying jobs all across Ontario has been one of the key priorities of our government in order to demonstrate that we are open for business. This includes in communities like my own riding of Sue St. Marie, which is home to one of the most important industries in all of Ontario. Mr. Speaker, I was very pleased to join the premier last week for an important announcement at Algoma Steel. And the minister of finance, please tell the members of this house how this announcement will help protect steel workers in my riding of Sue St. Marie. Minister of Finance. Thank you, Speaker and thank you to the member from Sue St. Marie for his great work. When we say Ontario is open for business, Speaker, we mean all of Ontario. Last Tuesday, the premier made a significant announcement while visiting Algoma Steel Mill. Our government's proposed initiative ensures the pensions benefit guarantee fund is in place to support the pensions of Algoma Steel's 2100 current and 6300 former or retired employees. Our government is committed to protecting jobs and ensuring Algoma remains competitive in a tough market. This proposed initiative protects workers and pensioners at Algoma, supports our steel industry and contributes to economic growth and development all throughout the North. Speaker, our government for the people is committed to making Ontario open for business. D supplementary, the member for Simcoe North. Answer. I am proud to be part of a government that keeps the promises it makes. This includes protecting good jobs and encouraging employers to set up shop in Ontario. After 15 long years, Mr. Speaker, we want the world to know Ontario is open for business. We take great pride in making sure these pensions are protected, but our government is not stopping there. Mr. Speaker, our steel industry is experiencing a difficult time right now. New tariffs are making it harder for this Canadian steel industry, but our government stands with our Northern businesses and partners in these tough times. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines. How is our government working to support Algoma Steel with so much uncertainty in the steel market? Mr. Finance. Northern Development and Mines. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I want to thank the member from Simcoe North for her question. No better words than the CEO of Algoma Steel, Kailin Goh. She said of our government's commitment, we're providing a big benefit to retirees who have a secure retirement going forward, protecting jobs, giving those workers the assurances they need today, and the ones who've already done their time in that steel mill a secure future for tomorrow. You know, all these questions about horse racing this morning, Mr. Speaker, got me thinking about a Northern Ontario trifecta. Algoma Steel on Tuesday, Sugar Zone on Wednesday, Resolute on Thursday. Mr. Speaker, we call that a Northern Ontario trifecta. And we're proud to stand up for the jobs that make the difference for families of Northern Ontario, forestry, mining, topping into our resources and insurance that our workers, Mr. Speaker, have a secure job today and a great future when they retire tomorrow. Next question, the member for York, Southwestern. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Labour. Freezing the minimum wage hurts the lowest paid workers in our society. These are the people in this government should be looking out for. But instead, a growing number of Ontarians are working full-time or juggling multiple jobs but still struggling to feed their families. One of my constituents, Paul Miller, who is the Executive Director of Food Share Toronto, works every day to address the problem of food insecurity. He recently wrote an open letter to the Premier with a simple challenge and I put this challenge today to the Minister. If the Minister believes that $14 per hour is an adequate minimum wage, will she live on $14 per hour for the remainder of her term? APPLAUSE Minister of Labour. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we campaigned on maintaining the minimum wage at $14 an hour, Mr. Speaker. We said that businesses deserve to have time to catch up of the 21% increase in minimum wage that occurred just this year. Mr. Speaker, we recognise that lower-income families do deserve a break, Mr. Speaker. That's why we're committed to ensure that minimum wage earners pay no provincial income tax. But we're also decreasing their hydro bills, decreasing their grass bills. The people of Ontario spoke. They said they want Ontario to be more affordable place to live and that is exactly what we're doing in this side of the house. That concludes the time for question period. Point of order, the member for Bruce Greer wants out. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. In addition to Scott Allinson, VP of Public Affairs with the Human Resources Professional Association, I'd also like to welcome Louise Taylor-Green, Chief Executive Officer, Karen Stone, Chair of the Board and Claude Balthazard, VP Regulatory Affairs and Registrar and remind everyone in the House that there is a Human Resources Professional Association luncheon in room 228 from 11.30 to 1.00 p.m. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of order, Mr. Speaker. Leader on a point of order. Point of order, Mr. Speaker, who was mentioned earlier, but this is the day every year that the member from the PN, our Minister of Children, Youth and other things, celebrates her 29th birthday, Mr. Speaker. She does the least in the cloud. Pursuant to Standing Order 38A, the member for Niagara Falls has given notice of his dissatisfaction with the answer to his question given by the Minister of Labor concerning proactive workplace inspections. This matter will be debated tomorrow at 6 p.m. There being no deferred votes, this House is in recess until 1 p.m. this afternoon.