 It is now time for all questions. I recognize the leader of the official opposition. Thank you, Speaker. My questions for the Premier's Speaker. All week the Premier has been laying the groundwork for cuts to our schools, our hospitals, and the services that families rely on. This week we heard from the Premier's Bay Street consultants. They were supposed to produce a line-by-line audit, and instead they produced a laundry list of schemes that will work wonders for the Premier's wealthy friends but leave families falling behind. Does the Premier support this plan for deep cuts, new fees for families, and a fire sale of public assets? Premier. Through you, Mr. Speaker and the Leader of the Opposition, what we support is putting money back into the taxpayers' pocket, reducing taxes, reducing hydro bills, reducing the gas price by 10 cents a liter, and we're halfway there. We're about respecting the taxpayers. We aren't about taking care of the backroom deals and all the insiders and all the lobbyists that the Leader of the Opposition is working with. We're for the people, we're for the little guy, and we're going to continue being for the frontline workers and everyone in Ontario. It's about for the people. Well, Speaker, it looks like the Premier's Bay Street consultants came up with the real Tory platform. Unfortunately, people didn't get to see it until after the campaign. Page 38 proposes new user fees, new user fees on services the families rely on. Page 41 calls for reduced tax credits to businesses like, for example, the film and television tax credit. And Page 43 proposes a sell-off of the OLG, LCBO and Ontario Power Generation for a one-time cash payout. It's a platform that will make the Premier's Bay Street buddies very happy, but it will leave families and businesses paying higher fees, hydro, higher hydro rates and cuts to their schools and hospitals. Is the Premier going to reject these ideas today, or is he ready to admit that this was the real Tory platform all along? For you, Mr. Speaker, I just want to remind the Leader of the Opposition we actually froze the fees, the license registration fees that you approve that the Leader of the Opposition approved, the Minister of Transportation actually froze them. So we aren't increasing them. But the Leader of the Opposition actually voted to increase it. We're going to make sure that we freeze all user fees and make sure that we put money back into the taxpayer's pocket once again. No supplementary. Not true. Basically not true. People, Speaker, I believe that the Premier is out of order in his accusations and I take them very personally. He hasn't been here. He knows very well that New Democrats never support him. So I don't appreciate his untruth, Speaker. People were hoping for help with... I have to ask the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw. Oh, withdraw, Speaker, but you should pay attention to what the Premier said. I did. People were hoping for help with their schools, investment in their hospitals and a plan to create jobs from this government. Those are the priorities they were hoping that the government would look at. But they're quickly learning that in Doug Ford's Ontario, change means a heck of a lot more of the same. Insiders get rich off fire sales of public assets. The wealthy get another round of tax cuts. And families get higher fees, higher hydro rates and funding cuts to their schools and hospitals. If this is the change that the Premier was planning, why didn't he say so during the campaign, Speaker? Premier, through you, Mr. Speaker and the Leader of the Opposition. The Leader of the Opposition propped up the liberal budgets. Minority budgets supported every single tax increase they put in. Made sure they stood shoulder to shoulder propping up the liberals to a tune of 97%. The Leader of the Opposition is responsible for the financial disaster this province is facing today. Next question. It's also for the Premier, Speaker, but you know ignorance is no excuse for a misinformed Premier. Speaking of the back room meetings, Speaker. Can the Premier tell us who he's been meeting with concerning his plans to cut the minimum wage and take away vacation days for single moms, sick time for parents and fair wages for temporary workers? Through you, Mr. Speaker, again to the Leader of the Opposition. We need to turn this province around. We need to create jobs. There was 300,000 manufacturing jobs that were lost because of the Leader of the Opposition supporting the Liberal government. Every step of the way. Sported the Carbon Tax, the Green Energy Act, they're destroying this province, destroying jobs. Endless companies are heading south of the border because it's more feasible to do business down there. We're going to make sure we attract new businesses, attract new jobs by getting rid of the Carbon Tax, Green Energy Act, lowering gas prices, lowering electricity costs. That's what we're going to do. We're going to sell them to foreign people. We're going to make sure Ontario flies as a province. A flimentary. You know, Speaker, I think it's important that the Premier knows that his party supported the Liberals 49% of the time. And we admit to himself, Speaker. Today's news reports, though, that lobbyists are frantically working the back rooms, trying to cancel the scheduled increases to the minimum wage and to take away the new sick days and pay equity protections granted to Ontario workers this year. The Premier talks about standing up for the little guy, Speaker, but the working moms who need a raise and a sick day don't have lobbyists in his back rooms to try to get him to do the right thing. Why is the Premier ignoring those moms, Speaker? Through you, Mr. Speaker, again, 97% of the time. I know it's tough for the leader of the opposition to do the math. During the election, there were $5 billion off on their budget. I can assure you, every business I talk to, no matter if it's small, medium or large, they're struggling right now. They're struggling with Bill 148. Tens of thousands of people lost their jobs when it came to Bill 148. We will make sure Ontario is competitive. We'll make sure we attract businesses from all over the world to open up here in Ontario. And attract good paying jobs. I have to remind the leader of the opposition. It was up to the leader of the opposition. There'd be 7,500 people unemployed right now at the Pickering Nuclear Facility. The leader of the opposition didn't worry about that. They worry about lining the pockets of their buddies, making back... Thank you. Well, Speaker, the priorities of this government are becoming more and more clear. The Premier is hearing from his Bay Street consultants and lobbyists, and he is delivering for them. But the working mom earning a minimum wage won't be getting the sick day she needs or the pay raise she deserves. Or the pay raise that she needs, and instead of a hand up, she's going to get hit with new service fees and hydro bills from a privatised electricity company. It doesn't have to be this way, though, Speaker. Will the Premier move ahead with the increase in minimum wage and commit to maintaining job benefits like sick days? Premier. Through you, Mr. Speaker, and to the leader of the opposition, the single mom lost her job under the Liberals and the NDP regime. The single mom wants a job to make sure that she can put food on the table. The leader of the opposition supported the outrageous hydro rates that were the highest in North America. I had people come up to me single mums all day, all night, when I was campaigning saying, I can't afford my hydro bill. I have a choice between heating and eating. But that was all right for the leader of the opposition. As long as she makes sure she takes care of her buddies, the special activists, the back room deals. We know what it's all about. You know, the party's over with the taxpayers' money. It's about time. Start the clock. Next question. Leave the opposition. Mr. Speaker, my next question is for the Premier. And I have to say again, ignorance is no excuse for an uninformed Premier who doesn't know what happened here. Here's that he was nowhere to be found. But yesterday, after four days... Again, I have to remind all members that the personal insults do not elevate the debate. And we have to try to keep our questions focused on government policy. But as small members keep that in mind, I recognize again the leader of the opposition to put her question. After four days of refusing to do so, the Premier tweeted a denunciation of hate speech. Will he now say out loud and unequivocally that he does not support Faith Goldie's campaign for mayor? Oh, right. Premier? Through you, Mr. Speaker, I've been clear over and over and over again. Every single day, I condemn hate speech, anti-Semitism, racism from all forms, be it from Faith Goldie, be it from anyone. But let's talk about the haphazardest... Parliamentary comment. Withdraw. Next question. For people in Ontario concerned about the rise of organized hate, this week has been very, very concerning. The government was already cutting support to programs like the anti-racism secretariat. But then, they watched this week as the Premier refused again and again... To distance himself from a candidate for Toronto mayor who promotes a white nationalist agenda and makes common cause with neo-nazis. Will this Premier say now, out loud and unequivocally that he does not support her campaign? Mr. Speaker, again, I find this so ironic. You have members there from Ottawa Centre passionately supports the radical and extreme boycott, divestment and sanctions, known better as BDS movement against Israel. I want you to denounce your own members. You have another member from Brampton East that police demonstrated with F the police sign. Another member from Toronto St. Paul used racial slurs against our police chief. I'll tell you, the Centre of Israeli and Jewish Affairs has subscribed one of your members as anti-Semitism disguised as anti-Zionist. I would like to know if the Leader of the Opposition is willing to denounce your own members. You have another member. Once again, the personal insults and attacks do not elevate the debate. It diminishes the debate. And anybody watching would be most unimpressed. I'd ask all members to remember that. Next question, start the clock. Member for King Bond. Thank you, Speaker. To the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, Speaker, this Parliament should be seized with the success of our young people. There should be unity of purpose in this legislature, focused on the enablement of our young people to learn, to develop and to compete and succeed. For students, the metric of success is not only the attainment of knowledge in the classroom, but the application of that knowledge into the workforce. Progressive Conservatives on this side of the House are determined to give our students in this province every tool to achieve. Because this government is resolutely focused on enabling the next generation to pursue their full, God-given potential. Speaker, later today I will join the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities at Seneca College in my riding of King Bond for the official opening of Magna Hall. Minister, through you, Speaker, can the Minister outline why this investment in our colleges will support our students, strengthen our knowledge economy and give our young people the tools to get a good, paying job? And thank you to the member opposite for the question and the strong advocacy for the people of King Bond and the young people of this province. Speaker, as the member said, our government is focused on creating jobs and opportunity for our young people. And I want all the people of Ontario to reach their full potential. And that is why I'm so excited that later today I will join the member from King Bond, Seneca College President David Agnew and others to officially open Magna Hall. And the new Magna Hall sitting at 200,000 square feet is home to a new library over 25 classrooms and computer and healthcare labs providing hands-on learning for Seneca students. Magna Hall is providing the education, training and support that students need for the workforce of tomorrow. To bring well-paid jobs back to Ontario, grow our communities and make Ontario open for business again. Thank you, Speaker, back to the Minister. Minister, on behalf of students across the province, I say thank you for investing in their success, not indebted them to failure. Mr. Speaker, young people in my riding of King Bond across the province remain concerned about the inheritance as a generation, as inherent a legacy of liberal debt, of spending more on interest on debt than on funding of colleges and universities in this province. The next generation asks one thing of this generation, that we never mortgage their future. Let me assure the young people in this province, we hear you, we are with you and we will fight to protect your futures every single day. Mr. Speaker, youth employment remains stubbornly high, effectively twice the provincial average. Young people cannot find good-paying jobs. The skills mismatch in our economy impedes our students' ability to find employment related to their skills. This undermines our economic competitiveness. Through the Minister, could she outline how our investment in Seneca College will provide the next generation with job skills they need to attain good-paying jobs? As I said before, my focus is on making sure that Ontario students reach their full potential. Our government has promised the people of Ontario to create good jobs so our young people can find high-quality employment. And I want to make sure that our young people have the skills they need to fill those jobs and build a career for themselves in their communities. And while the previous Liberal government accumulated massive debt loads which will be a burden on future generations, our government is listening to the people of Ontario, to the business community and post-secondary institutions to ensure that our young people can find a good job in Ontario and have a good future. Speaker, I congratulate Seneca College on the opening of Magna Hall and its focus on real-world, hands-on learning for students. I look forward to touring the facility later today and continuing to work with Seneca and all our institutions to ensure that Ontario is home to the best education system and workforce in the world. Next question, the member for Ottawa Centre. Thank you, Speaker. Before I get into my question, I have to say two words on behalf of the Jewish community where I'm from, given what the Premier just said. Oy Gevault. Goodness gracious. People here stand up against hate, Premier. We really reject your slurs. I also have to say my question, speakers, for the Deputy Premier. Earlier this week, the government released a report outlining privatisation and outsourcing. Meanwhile, the wet-law for enquiries taking place and they say we should be focused on public delivery. Every dollar that goes into private care is a dollar taken away from public care. Will the Deputy Premier expand the mandate of the wet-law for enquiry to include quality care and funding models so we can ensure Ontario seniors and their families have access to the highest quality of long-term care? Deputy Premier. Well, the terms of reference for the wet-law for enquiry were set long ago and in fact they're almost finished hearing evidence and they're continuing to do their work, preparing their report and recommendations and we're awaiting those recommendations which we take very seriously. The safety of our seniors is a primary concern for us and we are going to wait for the wet-law for enquiry to finish and see what the recommendations are and we will take them into consideration and take that report very seriously. So thank you for that. Deputy Premier. Thank you, Speaker and Deputy Premier for that answer but we know that people deserve dignity as they age and despite the fact that the wet-law for enquiry is coming to an end, we need to ramp up on that model. What we need to make sure is that public dollars go towards front-line care and staffing. It shouldn't disappear into private profit margins. The wet-law for enquiries are a testimony that says quote, all roads lead to problems with staffing and funding. Given the testimony to the wet-law for enquiry, will the Deputy Premier agree to expand the enquiry's mandate after its completion to ensure it looks at the impacts of privatization and long-term care across our province? Deputy Premier. Well, what I certainly can't tell the member is that we are working on those issues every day at the Ministry of Health. One of our primary mandates and what we ran for on June 7th was to expand long-term care to create 15,000 new beds in five years and another 15,000 in 10 years. We take that seriously. We are working on that every day to try and build up that capacity because we do know that there are over 30,000 people that are waiting for spaces and that's causing problems in our hospitals. It's causing problems in our communities. We are working on that. But you are right. We do know that there's a shortage of personal support workers. For example, many of whom work in long-term care. We are looking at understanding why, although people are graduating, they're not continuing to work in the sector. There's lots of reasons for that and we're looking to correct that so that when we have those beds ready they will be able to operate with qualified healthcare professionals to take care of the people who have worked hard all their lives and who deserve to be treated in comfort and dignity. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Labour. Yesterday it was announced that the WSIB had eliminated its unfunded liability which in 2011 was as high as $14 billion. It was also announced that the higher-than-average premium rates paid by Ontario employers will be reduced by an average of 30% beginning in January of 2019. All in all it was great news for Ontario. Since yesterday I have heard from businesses and workers in my riding of Flamborough-Glanbrook who are interested in what this could mean for them. Can the Minister explain why the elimination of the WSIB's unfunded liability was so important for the sustainability of the WSIB and why a rate reduction for employers is great news for all of Ontario? Mr. Speaker, and I thank the member for the great question and for her work representing her constituents. I'm honoured to rise in the house to speak about yesterday's announcement. Our government has long advocated that an unfunded liability was unacceptable. The elimination of the WSIB's unfunded liability means that the WSIB has enough money set aside to provide the benefits that injured workers are entitled to. It also means that workers can now have the confidence that if they are hurt on the job or develop illnesses related to the work that they will receive the benefits to which they are entitled. We will continue working with the WSIB to serve workers well whether it's return to work or recovery outcomes or customer service. Our government will also work with the board to ensure modern, financially and sustainable accountability workplace safety and insurance system now and for generations to come. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, to the Minister. Clearly, both employers and workers will benefit from yesterday's announcement. I've heard from many businesses, again in my writing of Flamborough-Glanbrook about the excessively high premium rates that they've been paying for many years. It seems to me that these high rates have hindered Ontario businesses. Local businesses across Ontario like bakeries, mom-and-pop shops, diners need to have the resources to invest back into their businesses to attract investment and to have a strong, confident workforce that is assured that if the unthinkable happens benefits to which they are entitled are there for them. Can the Minister please explain to this House how businesses and workers will benefit from this announcement? Mr. Speaker, and again to the member for the question, it's true, Mr. Speaker, businesses across Ontario have been paying higher premium rates than other provinces for many years. This was a definite barrier for businesses to grow and expand. So with the elimination of the unfunded liability, Mr. Speaker, the premium rate reduction for businesses across the province means that employers will be able to keep more of the money that they've used to invest right back into their operations and to help grow their businesses and create jobs for the people of Ontario. Resulting in a $1.45 billion injection into the Ontario economy, that is good news for the people of Ontario. Thank you. Next question, the member for Davenport. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Education. Mr. Speaker, tucked into the erst and young members' report amongst sweeping recommendations to sell off public assets like the LCBO, there's one line that should give all parents pause. It calls for alternate arrangements, quote-unquote, for funding education including, and I quote, providing funding to individuals who can then choose their service providers through a form of market activity. Will the Minister tell us now if she plans to bring American private schools to Ontario? Is the Minister really planning to funnel public dollars to private education? Mr. Education. Thank you very much, Speaker, and to the member opposite through you, I would like to share that what we're doing right now is absolutely focusing on preparing our students for the best path forward to be equipped for 21st century jobs. You know, the fear-mongering the propaganda that comes from that side of the house from that opposition party is just non-stop, and I want to assure people that as we embark on our consultation, we are going to be working on a path forward with educators, with parents, with students, with interested organisations that want to make a difference and that are wanting to work with us. Just yesterday I met with the Public School Board Association and they reported publicly that we had a fantastic meeting. And honestly, Speaker, we are moving forward in a positive manner setting all the fear-mongering aside. Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, it's right there in the report. It's right there in the report and though it is just 48 pages long, the government's $95,000 commissioned report calls for radical changes of a state, Ontario's public education system. This approach in the United States has decimated public education. You only have to look to the south to see that. I'm actually really surprised, Mr. Speaker, that the Minister of Education wouldn't just end this conversation by saying, no, we're not thinking about privatising education. We're not thinking about charter programmes. We're not thinking about vouchers. But you won't say that. The Minister of Education will not say that. I know families and reject the privatisation of education now. Will she do that now? Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I'll tell the member opposite what I reject. I reject the fallacies that they're trying to project into the conversation. And the fact of the matter is that's not our report and they need to stop the falsehoods that they're perpetuating. I ask the Minister of Education to withdraw the unparalleled remark. Thank you. Next question. The member for Ottawa South. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions for the Premier. Mr. Speaker, this morning I spent time with my friend Bernie Farber who's here with colleagues. They're here, they're concerned. They're calling on the Premier to disassociate himself with Faith Goldie, a known white submersionist. I know that the Premier sent out a tweet last night denouncing hate speech even if coming from Faith Goldie. He said yes or no. Mr. Speaker, that is not enough. It's not enough for those people who are truly and frightened by seeing their Premier standing shoulder to shoulder with a white supremacist. Mr. Speaker, the Premier needs to say those words here. And I'm calling on the Premier today to be a true leader to say those words here in the people's house to say I denounce Faith Goldie and what she stands for. I do not stand shoulder to shoulder with her and I do not support her campaign and I apologize to those people who are frightened and deeply hurt. Thank you, Speaker. Listening, Premier. Through you, Mr. Speaker and to the member of the Tobacco South Ottawa South. Sorry to insult the people in the Tobacco. Ottawa South. Through you, Mr. Speaker. It's not helpful, Premier. Complete your answer, please. Maybe the member from Ottawa South should talk to his friend from Ottawa Center over there. Ottawa Center that passionately supports the radical BDS movement against Israel. Maybe you should be talking to your friend in the far corner over there. Please make your comments through the chair and depersonalize him. Through you, Mr. Speaker. Maybe the leader of the opposition should denounce one of her candidates in Scarborough Aging Court Tasleem Riyaz shared an inspirational quote from Adolf Hitler on her face. We'll take a seat. Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I thank the people for his response and Order. I recognize the member for his supplementary. Over here, not over there. So, Mr. Speaker, that's not the response that I expected. That's not what a true leader does. My father taught me that when you've done something wrong, when you've hurt someone, when you've made a mistake that you need to apologize. And when you make that apology, you need to do it in front of the people that you've hurt. Two days ago in this legislature, the minister of municipal affairs said those words. He said those words out in the hall and I know if I asked him today, he'd say those words right here. So, Mr. Speaker, through to the Premier, again, I call on the Premier to denounce Faith Goldie, to denounce what she stands for, to renounce her campaign and to apologize to those people who are hurt and deeply concerned. Thank you. I would like the leader of the opposition to denounce one of her candidates, Taslim Riyaz, shared an inspirational quote from Adolf Hitler. From Adolf Hitler, the leader of the opposition stood side by side, campaigned with this candidate, took pictures with this candidate. I'd like the leader to denounce the member from Scarborough. I'd also like the leader of the opposition to denounce the Ottawa candidate. I think all members know that you're not allowed to hold up props and signs. I would ask members on both sides of the house to stop putting up signs. Premier, if you will briefly conclude your comments. The member from one of our centers sitting in the corner again supports the radical BDS. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the minister. The Premier will withdraw. We can do better than this. Next question, member for Peterborough Corridor. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the minister of economic development, job creation and trade. A month ago, our government announced a province-wide consultation with businesses across Ontario to reduce red tape. 15 years of failed liberal policies are now chasing job creators out of this province. In Ontario, the regulatory burden is getting worse every year. Yet across the border in the United States, they're reducing it. And it's making it attractive for Ontario investment to leave this province. Could the minister give us an update on what he's heard and how our government will make Ontario more competitive? Thank you, my honourable colleague for the question. Business owners have described toxic environment here in Ontario created by the former Liberal government and propped up by the NDP. In my own riding, burger, bistro, a long-time fixture of downtown Alliston, shut down after the implementation of Bill 148, skyrocketing costs left a number of people unemployed. Joe Lipschitz, an accountant and owner of Lake Simkel Arms Pub and restaurant employees expressed his frustration to me recently. He and his wife put everything on the line and in their own words were treated like pariahs by the former government. Speaker, hardworking people who risk money and put their livelihoods on the on the line to pursue their dreams should be rewarded encouraged, not suffocated by red tape and over-regulation. We have 380,000 accounting pieces of red tape that we're finding. BC has 200,000 and no one's told me where that place to live in. So Mr. Speaker, we have to work hard. Every cabinet minister, every member of our caucus is working hard to cut that red tape not down the center, but right across get out of the way of business. It's a great job. Let's start the clock supplementary. Thank you Mr. Speaker. Minister, those stories sound like they came from a horror movie. Ontario used to be the economic engine of Canada. People flocked to Ontario to pursue their dreams, build their lives for their families. The Liberals lost sight of the fact that the Treasury is the people of Ontario's money. Far too many provincial regulations are inflexible. They duplicate each other. They're out of date and misaligned with other jurisdictions. Our government for the people has begun to implement policy to restore accountability and open Ontario for business once again. Can the minister please update the legislature on Ontario's changing economic climate? That's a great question from my colleague. I also want to shout out to MPP and parliamentary assistant Michael Parse. He's been doing these roundtables. They've been a huge success providing us with great examples of red tape and where we can cut and get out of the way of business so they can create jobs. It's all about putting food on the table for families. That's what we're all about. We can do that and we will do that. We are doing that. I don't want to be all doom and gloom. I want to congratulate Microsoft. We're creating 500 full-time positions and additional 500 positions for co-ops and interns. Uber is creating 300 jobs for technicians and engineers. Amazon is creating 1500 construction jobs and permanently employing 600 people with fulfillment centre in Ottawa and there's another one to come in Miss Jones' riding in Calibre. Instacart recently announced that they'll be hiring 200 employees. Congratulations to all these great job creators to all these great employers who are open to business. They're getting the message and I hope soon will even be more open for business. Next question, the member for Kee-it-wedden-Omen. My name is Kee-it-wedden-Omen. I'm Kee-it-wedden-Omen. This question is for the Deputy Premier. Your ancestors in mine signed Treaty Number 9 in 1905 with adhesion essentially additions made in 1929. The basis of that treaty is how together we manage and share the benefits from the land and then do so in a way that is mutually beneficial. A recent court decision on the Ontario Divisional Court ruled that the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines failed to properly carry out the Crown's constitutional duty to consult with Yabba Tong before approving the Land or Gold Exploration Project. Deputy Premier, do you intend to respect the court's decision and live up to the obligations under the treaty and properly consult the community as per court's decision? Deputy Premier, Mr. Natural Resources and Forestry. Thank you very much Mr. Speaker and thank the member opposite for that question. You know, Ontario is blessed with incredible opportunities when it comes to our natural resources and it's true not only for us but also our Indigenous communities who stand to benefit from economic development and mining forestry and natural resource development and we are committed as a government to bring good jobs back to this province in Northern Ontario by developing our natural resources working with our strong local partnerships our municipalities, our Indigenous communities to make Ontario open for business again and we will duly consult with Indigenous communities as well as Northern Ontarians and rural municipalities going forward as we develop our Northern resources. Thank you. Sublimatory. Speaker, back to Deputy Premier on July 9th, 2018 the Matawa Chiefs sent a welcoming letter to the Premier asking to re-engage the vital regional negotiations in order to set up the Ring of Fire. The Premier's office wrote the Chiefs to say that Ministry of Indigenous Affairs would follow up. That was on August 9th and scheduled. The historic regional framing agreement is for the Ring of Fire has stalled because the government hasn't engaged with the Matawa Chiefs since this election. As noted, Mr. Speaker, Yapma Tung First Nation Chief Adlukan is here today. Will the Premier direct the Minister of Indigenous Affairs not to get on the bulldozer but to meet with Chief Adlukan today to begin a dialogue as affirmed by the courts so that future minds may someday go forward in a way that honors the treaty and that is mutually beneficial to all parties. Mr. Speaker. Thank you again for that question, Member Opsitz through you to Speaker through to you to the Member the Ring of Fire has great potential for the province of Ontario and unfortunately over the past 15 years it's been stagnant not only because of lack of consultations but also the government opposite promised that it would take time again but failed to follow through which is the problem with Ontario in general we need a province that's open for business we need a province that's growing the resource development throughout Northern Ontario and our rural communities that is what's going to make Ontario strong again that's what's going to make Ontario open for business the Minister of Indigenous Affairs Minister of Energy Minister of Northern Development Minds takes his duty to consult very seriously and he will continue to build those municipalities to build lasting partnerships my ministry has been tasked with developing resource sharing with communities across the province we are working towards that we are going to be partners in these communities with indigenous communities with Northern Ontario with rural communities Ontario is open for business under the government start the clock next question the Member for Durham My question is for the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport on all sides of this House commemorated Rowan's Law Day and I was happy to see so much purple in this place even the Minister of Finance ditched his traditional yellow tie to wear a purple one I think that's where the M around who applies Law Day isn't about clothing it's about commemorating the life of Rowan Stringer a 17 year old auto adversity rugby player who died from sustaining multiple concussions resulting in a catastrophic brain injury Rowan's Law was made to help keep people safe and ensure they know how to deal with concussions safely can the Minister outline what our government is doing to ensure we educate people about concussions and how to properly deal with them Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Thank you Thank you to the Member for Durham I know you understand how important concussion awareness is I cannot thank and acknowledge the work of Rowan's parents Kathy and Gordon Stringer for all their hard work on Rowan's Law this is something they've been working on since their daughter was lost to a preventable death I'd also like to extend my thanks to my friend and colleague the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services a member from all the last sight early for their work on making this bill a reality in the last Parliament our government is committed to making this bill a reality in the last Parliament a reality in the last Parliament a reality in the last Parliament made by the Rowan's Law Advisory Committee that includes implementing Rowan's Law Day and a multimedia campaign to ensure that children athletes, coaches, educators and parents know what to do when they suspect a concussion Thank you Thank you, Speaker I'm so glad that Rowan's I'm also encouraged that we're able to set aside our differences on all side of the house to support this specific initiative and keep Ontarians safe on the playground on the field and on the ice I've had a number of teammates whose sporting ambitions were completely derailed by this type of injury everybody needs to be on board to ensure we're keeping athletes and kids safe that includes parents educators and coaches we all need to take these steps could the minister explain what these groups should do when it comes to concussions and the role they can play in treating and preventing concussions Minister I'd be pleased to we all have a role to play in helping people stay safe when they come to concussions as an athlete if you suspect a concussion ask your health care professional for a recovery plan that you can follow you should be afraid to leave the game your safety is the most important thing as a parent or guardian ask your child support the sports club about their concussion prevention and management policies make sure they have a concussion protocol as a coach ask your organization about concussion training available to you knowing the first symptoms of a concussion can go a long way in preventing further damage as an educator you can ask your principal about your schools return to sport and return to learn concussion policies working together we will make sure that our athletes are safe and supported thank you thank you speaker my question is for the minister of health this week the premier will make a final decision on the future of Ontario's overdose prevention sites technically this decision will be based on the recommendation made by the minister of health will the minister of health tell the people of Ontario what was in her recommendation I thank the member very much for the question we have been working on this issue quite diligently over the last two months I have visited several overdose prevention sites and supervised consumption sites I have done a walk around I have consulted with experts I have neighborhood people people with lived experience who have given me their thoughts and I can tell you that I have shared this information with the premier's office we have been working very collaboratively on this issue and we expect to be making an announcement very shortly supplementary the minister of health it is no secret that the premier is firmly opposed to these sites staying open he was clear about it during the campaign the minister herself said that even with her recommendation and I quote whatever I think is really not the point that matters it is the premier's decision if the premier unilaterally decides to shut down these sites will the minister finally stand up for the thousands of families affected by the opioid crisis and demand that the premier continue to fund overdose prevention sites or will she allow extensive evidence to be overridden by his uninformed personal views minister the premier has been very clear for many months that he wanted evidence based decision on whether these sites should remain open or should be closed down that is for these past several months that I have been sharing with the premier's office the premier it is true makes the ultimate decision but that doesn't mean that we don't work collaboratively on it we have been doing that and we will be making a decision we will be making a recommendation we are working with the premier's office and the premier and I will be making a recommendation thank you next question thank you Mr. Speaker my question is for the minister of natural resources and forestry in recognition of this being national forest week it is important to appreciate the abundant amount of opportunities that are provided through our unique provincial forests in fact 66% of our province is made up of forested areas unfortunately while previous liberal government was in power the concerns of this industry were ignored according to statistics Canada under that liberal government the forestry industry lost 51,000 jobs from 2003 to 2016 that is a 51% decrease over that span during the election our government ran on a promise to consult with residents about the institute of issues Mr. Speaker will the minister please tell us how he will consult with Ontarians to attract investment and create jobs and foster those jobs in the forestry sector minister thank you Speaker and I like to thank the member from Sault Ste. Marie who is a strong voice for Northern Ontario this morning I was pleased to announce my ministry's plan to engage with Ontarians as we work towards a provincial forestry over the covering months we're going to sit down with industry and municipal leaders to listen how we can tear down barriers and create environment for growth we're also looking forward to hearing from our indigenous communities who will also be important part of the process Mr. Speaker we want to ensure the forestry sector is driven by a long-term vision for growth and sustainability and that communities across the province share in the prosperity from this abundant renewable resource $15 billion in revenue and supports $150,000 direct and indirect jobs in 260 communities throughout this province I look forward to continuing to grow the industry and a provincial forestry strategy is an important first step in unleashing the potential for Ontario's forest industry Thank you Mr. Speaker and I want to thank the minister for his answer and I want to thank you for the great work you're doing to advance this very important cause on behalf of the people of Ontario our government for the people promised that it would work hard to make Ontario the most prosperous region in North America to do business and Ontario's forestry industry is a very important part of that forestry is vital to the social, economic and environmental well-being of the communities across Ontario excuse me and the hard-working people and families depend on the forestry sector Mr. Speaker I know that there's more we can do to grow this industry to create more jobs for the communities in Northern Ontario and across the province and to be more competitive and a stronger player in the global economy I'm pleased to hear that our government will be listening to the people in regards to creating a provincial forestry strategy Mr. Speaker will the minister please explain how this strategy will ensure that the voices of the people of Ontario will be heard to ensure the future success of this vital industry Thank you again Mr. Speaker for that question A member from Sault Ste. Marie stated over half of the forest jobs in Ontario were lost to the liberal neglect during their time of governing that is why I'm pleased to announce to the house that starting next month our government will be holding roundtables and gathering feedback online to help the province lay out a strategy for promoting economic growth within the forestry sector the first roundtable session will be held in November in Sault Ste. Marie followed by additional sessions in the new year in Kitchener, Canora, Capucacasing Thunder Bay, Pembroke, Hurst and Timmins we are also inviting people to have their say about the forestry strategy by emailing us at forestrystrategyatontario.ca I look forward to hearing how our government can reduce barriers so that industry can create jobs and prosperity not just in Northern Ontario but across the province Mr. Speaker Ontario's wood and wood products are recognized around the world as the highest standard of forest management where sustainable forest management helps Ontario's forest remain healthy and productive, grows our economy and prides good jobs for Ontario Ontario is open for business start the clock next question the member for London North Centre thank you Mr. Speaker my question is for the Deputy Premier in my community of London North Centre Dr. Chris Mackie tells me the temporary overdose prevention site has saved 35 lives and conducted 150 rehab referrals in as many days this government committed to reviewing the evidence and providing an answer by the end of September but the evidence was already clear this approach saves lives it's a well researched improvement harm reduction tool for combating this unprecedented public health crisis does the Conservative party honestly think this problem will go away if these sites are shut down will this government commit here and now to fund London's temporary overdose prevention site past the deadline of September 30 tell this house here and now thank you Deputy Premier I thank the member very much for the question I'm certainly well aware that there is a serious issue in many parts of Ontario with opioid overuse and overdoses so it is something that we are taking very seriously here the health and safety of every person of Ontario is obviously a concern to overdose prevention sites and supervised consumption sites I'm very pleased to say that Dr Mackie was actually one of the people that presented to us on the work that he's doing in London and the activities he's undertaken and the wraparound supports that he's also able to provide this is something that we took very seriously into consideration I'm very grateful that Dr Mackie took the time to come from London to provide us with that evidence and that is the kind of information that we need for the Premier to make an evidence based decision about whether these sites should continue or not and that is something that we will be announcing the Premier and I will be announcing very shortly recognizing the September 30th deadline for responding and extending the timelines if they are to be extended supplementary thank you Mr Speaker I'm glad to hear that this government is considering solid evidence because these services save lives and they make a huge difference now we're also been concerned over here in the official opposition because the 45 day pause on the overdose prevention sites has really reinforced this public health crisis this crisis is bigger than HIV in the 90s and polio in fact if you put those two epidemics together and times them by two you would get the same number of people dying in Canada from opioids so Speaker in the face of a public health crisis and the overwhelming evidence that this treatment works I trust that this government will do the right thing in continuing to fund temporary overdose prevention sites it's the right thing to do it's the humane thing to do Minister thank you the member is absolutely correct that there is a serious public health issue involved here there are different ways we have spoken with the office of the chief coroner and the chief medical officer of health for Ontario as well as many other people including people with lived experience who have told us quite directly what these sites have meant to them we are taking all of that information into consideration in terms of making recommendations to the premier much of which has already been shared with the premier and as I said before recognizing that this deadline is coming up in order to achieve the extension of that is to be done has to be done on the 30th and therefore an announcement will be made very shortly next question the member for northumberland Peterborough south thank you Mr. Speaker my question today is for the minister of community safety and correctional services minister a few days ago we heard the deeply disturbing and shocking news that Terry Lynn McClintic who is convicted of the kidnapping, murder and rape of young 8 year old Tory Stafford was to be transitioned into a healing lodge I am aware that our minister of agriculture rural affairs wrote to the letter of the minister of public we always know that the federal liberals put the interest of criminals above those of victims so I would advise you to just listen in fact we knew that the minister of agriculture spoke to the father and our premier spoke to the father as well Mr. Speaker and has made it clear that we will do everything to ensure that justice is served as originally attended for Mr. McClintic Mr. Speaker can the minister give this place an update on what he is doing to urge the government to take immediate action to reverse this shameful decision Mr. Community Safety and Correctional Services Mr. Speaker I want to thank the member for this question I want to begin by reiterating that my thoughts and the thoughts of our government remain with the family of Tory Stafford we're shocked Mr. Speaker and saddened that such a change in direction was taken by the federal government bringing back feelings of anger and despair for all of those affected as I mentioned before in the legislature decisions like this made by our federal government can seriously impact the public's confidence in our correctional systems I'll be writing a letter myself to the federal minister of public safety and emergency preparedness Mr. Ralph Goodale to get clarification on how such a decision could possibly have been made and what can be done to reverse it our government has remained committed to improving our community safety and correctional services this includes working with our federal counterparts to do the same and to ensure that justice is served as intended Canada can do better and our government here in Ontario will encourage the federal government to do so as well we must do better thank you Minister Minister thank you for that answer and thank you for your swift action on this thank you as well to the premier for his swift action as well Mr. Speaker I'm proud to be part of a government that has stood on principle on this issue that has made it clear in this place on record that we will not stand by as this shameful decision by our federal government has been made Mr. Speaker in fact we've also heard the attitude of the federal minister of public safety and his initial remarks on this who described the crimes committed by Terry Lynn McClintock as bad practices Mr. Speaker can the minister reassure this legislature that this matter is being taken with the seriousness it deserves and can you give us an update on what he and our government is going to do to ensure the rights of victims before those of criminals Minister Mr. Speaker I refer this to the minister of agriculture of agriculture food and rural affairs and thank the member for the question and I thank the minister of community safety and correctional services for treating this matter with utmost importance upon hearing about the sudden and disturbing news in the change of direction taken by the federal government regarding this matter of management of Stafford family the family expressed that they are grateful to finally have a government that cares, takes action and works for the people our government stands behind the stafford family and I am encouraged to see that the community of Woodstock taking action to call on the federal government to change its decision the residents in my riding are watching this matter very closely and we are all hoping to see quick action taken so that justice can family of Tory Stafford. Together with the Premier, the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, we are taking real action to see what can be done to correct this poor and unfortunate decision. And Mr. Speaker, earlier it was mentioned that yesterday we were all wearing purple for Roman's law and I just want to say I'm still wearing it today. It was Tory Stafford's favourite colour. Thank you. Next question, the member for University Rosedale. Speaker, my question is to the Premier. Transit experts and the head of the TTC have said that breaking up Toronto's transit to upload the subway to the province is a disaster in waiting. The people of Toronto deserve to know what's happening with their transit system. Can the Premier share the details of this Government's plan to upload the TTC? Premier? For you, Mr. Speaker, during the election we made it very, very clear we need a regional transportation system to get people from point A to point B in a rapid fashion. Our number one priority is going to build that downtown relief line. We're going to make sure there's a three-stop subway in Scarborough and over the years, over the years we haven't been able to build transit in this city. We have not been able to build transit. We're going to build a regional transportation system, a great subway system, one of the best in the world, but we're going to start getting the shovels on the ground. Years ago, Mr. Speaker, when the province downloaded the transit, there was an outcry when they downloaded the transit. Now we're going to support the TTC. We're going to make sure we keep the workers there. We're going to make sure we support the frontline workers, and we'll build the best regional transportation system in the world. Member for Bruce Gray Owensound has a point of order. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I'd just like to remind everyone of the Childhood Cancer Awareness Month photo that will take place on the grand stairway at 1150 to honor all those children fighting this terrible disease. Thank you. Point of order to the Member for Guelph. That Dr. Karen Mark is in the Members' Gallery. I would like to welcome her to Queen's Park and thank her for the great work you've done with JSpace and other organizations. Pursuant to Standing Order 38A, the Member for Ottawa South has given notice of his death's dissatisfaction with the answer to his question given by the Premier Concerning Denouncing Faith Goldy. This matter will be debated Tuesday at 6 p.m. It is my pleasure to introduce a former Member of Provincial Parliament who served in this House for many years, and I might add, always demonstrated respect for Parliament in the way he behaved. The Member for York Mackenzie and the 36th Parliament, the Member for Oak Bridges, 37th and 38th Parliament, and the Member for Newmarket, Aurora, 39th and 40th Parliament, Mr. Frank Cleese. Welcome to the Legislature. There are being no deferred votes. This House stands in recess until 1 p.m.