 It is now time for oral questions. I recognize the member for Brampton Centre. Thank you very much Mr. Speaker and I apologize it's not Paul Miller but it's me. My question is to the Premier. Earlier this week the Premier was on Facebook urging Ontarians to get their flu shots. The Ministry of Health says it's safer and easier than ever. If that's the case why are we hearing from constituent after constituent about the challenges of accessing a flu shot for seniors in our province? I thank the member very much for the question but in actual fact we do have an adequate supply of flu vaccines here in Ontario. They were ordered in advance. We paid 54 million dollars for the flu shots that is more than adequate to get over 30% of the population to achieve the vaccine which is what has been in the past. We hope it's going to be more this year because it is so important and flu is a much more deadly disease for many people that one may think. But in actual fact you can go to your physician's office, you can go to a public health unit, you can go to a pharmacy to get your flu shot. We have not been advised in the Ministry that there have been any significant concerns with accessing the vaccine. There may be from one location to another but there are many locations where one could go to receive the vaccine and I would encourage people to continue looking, calling around to make sure that that actual location has a vaccine and quantities that are necessary. The Ministry of Health says seniors are particularly at risk of serious complications due to the flu. But seniors tell us that they're struggling to find high dose vaccines that are recommended specifically for the seniors. We couldn't find them either of the 20 clinics that we called around the province. 12 said they haven't been able to obtain any vaccines or they were already out. And so we're really concerned about that and a few of them did have vaccines but warned us that they would be running out of that supply very soon. So Minister, are we ready for flu season or not? We are absolutely ready for flu season. That is why we have made the vaccine available. That is why we have boosted locations and hospitals across the province to make sure that we can handle the extra volumes. But in terms of the actual high dose flu vaccine for seniors 65 years and older, it's not for every person but many seniors should get that one. It's not available in pharmacies. It's only available at doctor's offices. So there may be a little bit of confusion about that. If they are looking, they should probably call their doctor's office to make sure that they can get the high dose flu vaccine there. To the minister, thank you very much. Perhaps we can make that information more readily accessible and available to seniors so that there is no confusion on where they should be accessing their shot. A flu shot is the best defense when it comes to reducing the risk of getting and spreading the flu. The minister has been quite rightly urging people to get their flu shots. But when they go to get them, as we were mentioning, some seniors are actually being turned away. If there's a shortage, why has the minister not informed the public? Well, I stress to say there is no shortage. We have an adequate volume of flu vaccines for anyone. If there are seniors who are having difficulty accessing the high dose flu vaccine, they are welcome to call my office and we will connect them with a physician who is able to provide them with it. Because it should not be that anyone who wants the vaccine can't get it. We want everyone in Ontario to get the flu vaccine. It's simple to do, and it's free, and everyone should avail themselves of it. Next question, the member for Tamiskaming. One more question to the Premier. A shortage of flu vaccine highlights just how important our health system is to people who rely on it. Since the election, the Minister of Health has told hospitals to tighten their belts and is promising more so-called efficiencies. Does the minister think cuts in privatization will improve our health care system? Minister of Health. Well, I think the flu vaccine should be something that is basic for everybody in Ontario. And I cannot understand the controversy on the other side about that. It is simple to obtain, it's free, it is your best defense against the flu. You can get it anywhere you can get it at your doctor's office, at a public health unit, at a pharmacy. We need to encourage more people to get the flu vaccine. And we have more than inadequate supply for this season. Supplementary. For people who are reliable public health services when they need them, the signs are not encouraging, Speaker. The government has assembled the same experts who helped close 28 hospitals and fire 6,000 nurses. And local hospitals from the West Lincoln Memorial in Grinsby to the Ross Memorial in Lindsay are already being targeted for merger. The minister has called for efficiencies. Are these the kind that she has in mind? It's a bit of a stretch from the flu vaccine to go to hospitals, but okay, I'll give it a try. Make sure that people receive excellent quality health care throughout this province. We are working with hospitals across the province to find out what they need in order to stay up to date with their capital projects. We are looking for internal efficiencies, of course, in the way that we do things, not in terms of lowering health care available to people. What we want to do is increase the level of health care services that are available in Ontario because we know we have a rapidly aging population. We have medications that are coming on stream that are extremely expensive. There are more and more pressures being placed on our system, but we are coping with them internally because we want to make sure that people in Ontario continue to have excellent quality health care now and into the future. Final supplementary. People want a health system that's there when they need it, whether they need a flu shot or a hospital bed. While hospitals across Ontario continue to operate above capacity, patients wait for care in hallways, and seniors can't even seem to get the flu shot the government is promoting where and when they need it. It's clear that our system can't afford another round of reckless conservative cuts. Will the Premier reject that agenda? The reason why we have so many strains in our health care system right now is because we've been left with a 15 billion dollar debt is what we are going to do. And we are going to make sure that our public is protected against the flu shot and other health issues that they're going to be faced with. And that is what we are doing and that is what we concentrate on each and every day. And we are working with our health care partners to make sure that not only will we have a health care system now, but we will actually have a health care system for the future. It's not sustainable the way we're going. Members, to make their comments through the chair. Start the clock. The member for Brampton North. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Premier regarding the government's policy on ethics and integrity of their ministers. Order on the government side. There was a disturbing media report yesterday, Mr. Speaker, revealing that the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services and his law firm have been embroiled in multiple legal procedures. Order on the government side. That includes serious allegations of misconduct and fraud over a period of almost two decades. Was the Premier aware of this history when he appointed this Minister and put him in charge of overseeing Ontario's police services? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That's nothing but a smear campaign. That's all there is. That's a smear campaign. The Minister of Community Safety Services is the most credible Minister down here. Supplementary. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. While the people of Ontario have a right to know, the Minister in charge of overseeing Ontario's police services must be above reproach. But yesterday, or actually two days ago now, we learned of multiple allegations made against the Minister over several years, including a finding by the Ontario Securities Commission that the Minister had ordered for at least three years that his business associates were illegally selling shares in Saxton Securities, a company at the centre of a massive stock fraud. This Minister has already come under serious scrutiny when, as Minister responsible for the OPP, he campaigned for a candidate at the centre of an OPP investigation. Does the Premier still have confidence in this Minister? Mr. Speaker, I have a thousand percent confidence in a credible man. He has honesty. And to put up a smear campaign like that, you should be ashamed of yourself. You should be ashamed. Once again, House will come to order. Once again, I'll remind all members, make your comments through the chair. Start the clock. Member for Mississauga soon. Four months ago, our government for the people was sworn in. Back in June, people from all walks of life packed the front lawns of Queen's Park to meet the Premier and hear him speak. After an exciting campaign, the people of Ontario were eager to hear about our plan for the people. Since that day, we have begun putting more money into taxpayers' pockets. We have sent the message that Ontario is open for business and we have taken action to restore accountability and trust in our province's finances. Could the Minister please inform the House of our government's next upcoming milestone? Which Minister? Minister of Finance. Thank you, Speaker, and thank you to the member from Mississauga Centre. It has been a long and exciting road since the day we were all sworn in. Our government has taken swift and decisive action to reverse 15 long years of damaging liberal policies in our province. Although there is much, much more work to be done, the people of Ontario can rest easy that their government is finally working for them. We are excited to continue our work for the people with our government's first fiscal update, the fall economic statement. Speaker, we intend to table the fall economic statement on Thursday, November 15th when we will share more of our plan to help families and make Ontario open for business. Start the clock. Supplementary. Speaker, and thank you to the Minister for his response. I am very excited to hear that our government's fall economic statement is coming on November 15th. If our accomplishments to date are any indication, I know that this fiscal update will send a clear message right across Ontario. People now have a government that respects their tax dollars and takes the fiscal challenges ahead seriously. We have learned over the past few months just how damaging and devastating 15 years of liberal government have been for our province. It is a relief to hear that help is here and not a moment too soon. Could the Minister please inform the House about what we can expect from the fall economic statement? Minister. Thank you, Speaker. The fall economic statement will turn the page on 15 long years of tax and spend liberal policies. Speaker, the days of attempting to balance budgets through one time revenue are over. Hidden deficits are a thing of the past. As our first fiscal update, it will lay the groundwork for the continued relief we are bringing to families and businesses across Ontario. Every decision that we make is for the people. And the fall economic statement will be no different. We understand the responsibility that people have given us and we intend to get our province back on track. Speaker, we are prepared to clean up the mess the Liberals left behind on November 15th, Ontario will know that help is on the way. Start the clock. Next question, the member for Hamilton West and Caster Dundas. Morning, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Premier. My question is about the Premier's Select Committee on Financial Transparency. There are no witnesses appearing this week. Yet when the new Democrats proposed hearing from Hydro One's $9 million man, the former CEO, Mayo Schmidt, the Conservative MPP has blocked it. So if the point of this committee is to let the sunshine of transparency in, why are government members trying to close the curtains? Premier. Minister of Finance. Minister of Finance. Thank you very much. We began with an inquiry commission that showed us, Speaker, that there is a $15 billion deficit. We followed that up with the line by line review, which has revealed a tremendous amount about the state of the liberal finances. Speaker, we know that all this has led, Speaker, to the Select Committee. This Select Committee's job is to get to the bottom. What happened? How did this happen? And how can we ever stop this tragedy from happening again? Speaker, not only did the Liberals tell us they had a balanced budget in 2017, when it is now proven by the committee that it was a $3.7 billion deficit, they left this, the people of Ontario, with a $15 billion hole to dig out of. Minister Tallad, and I'm back to the Premier, the Standing Committee on Fiscal Transparency is a serious exercise in fiscal accountability. But that's not what it looked like this week. After insisting that commercially sensitive documents obtained from the IESO be made publicly available on Monday, government members on the committee decided to make them secret again on Tuesday. And then they blocked witnesses who could shed some light on the issues that were supposed to be investigating. New Democrats want to hear from witnesses who could shed light on what's happening at Hydro One and what has happened. Why are conservatives blocking an appearance from Mayo Schmidt? Speaker, what we are witnessing is without precedent in recent Canadian history. It is more than just the number, it is about the abuse of the public trust by the Liberals backed up by the NDP. Their accountability did not end, Speaker, on election day. Accountability in Ontario began on election day. We now have a far better understanding of the breadth and depth, the waste, the management at the highest levels of the previous Liberal government. And Speaker, the NDP can continue to deal in chaos. We will deal in confidence. The NDP will deal in resistance. We will deliver results. Opposition come to order. Start the clock. Next question. The member for Berry, Springwater, Oroa McGonfrey. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Government and Consumer Services. As my father was in the Navy and I'm a member of Legion 147 and an honorary member of Simple and Great Foresters, I'm proud to see the poppy being worn by so many in the House. It's a clear sign to remember and stay as fast approaching. Remember stay, formerly known as Armistice Day, was born out of the Armistice signed at the end of the First World War. Remember stays especially important as it marks 100 years from the signing of that Armistice and the end of the First World War. With that being said, can the Minister explain why it's so important for Ontarians to take a pause or a remembrance day and remember the sacrifices by the brave men and women of the Canadian forces? Thanks very much, Mr. Speaker. And thanks to the member from Berry, Springwater, Oroa McGonfrey for that very thoughtful and, of course, a very important question this morning is the proud member for Bay of Quinty, which is home to Canada's largest Air Force base at CFP Trenten. I'm very pleased to have military members living in my community that I call friends. From the World Wars through to modern-day conflicts, including the war in Afghanistan, and keep in mind that as our brave men and women of the Canadian forces were being returned home after paying the ultimate price in Afghanistan, they were repatriated at CFP Trenten. The courageous people within the Canadian Armed Forces have kept us safe and far removed from war in our daily lives. Whether it be in the Canadian Army, the Royal Canadian Air Force, or the Royal Canadian Navy, these incredible troops have kept our country strong and free. That's why as Ontarians, on November 11th, we take time to pay a moment of silence at Senataps and Assembly halls across Ontario. It's a small gesture, Speaker, that goes a long way and brings us together as Canadians and Ontarians to show our shared gratitude for their service. Through you, Mr. Speaker, thank you to the Minister for that response. It's my hope that Ontarians across the province will attend a Remembrance Day ceremony this year, whether it's here in Queens Park or at home in their writings. This government understands the importance of not only remembering, but also commemorating the bravery and courage of our Canadian Armed Forces. That is why, during the campaign, our Premier and our party promised to build the War Memorial to the veterans of the war in Afghanistan who fought to promote and protect our democracy. Can the Minister please tell this House, our government, what we'll be doing to inform Ontarians of Remembrance Day and how they can honour the sacrifices of our military in their own writing? Thanks again to the member for the question. Our government is launching a comprehensive campaign. We have actually already done that, Mr. Speaker, to inform people about Remembrance Day and ensure as many Ontarians as possible get out to honour our veterans. As the member alluded to before, our government will be paying tribute to all veterans of the war in Afghanistan by building a memorial in their honour on the grounds here at Queens Park. And beginning on November 5, next week, Remembrance Week, will be an opportunity for Ontarians to unite and pay tribute to members of the Canadian Armed Forces for their courage and sacrifice in serving Canada at home and abroad. During this time, Ontarians can participate by organizing a Remembrance Day, a Remembrance Week event, and share their gratitude and respect online by using the hashtag Remembrance Day. Residents can also visit the interactive map at ontario.ca slash Remembrance Day speaker to easily find a Remembrance Day ceremony that's near them in their community. And I encourage all members of the House and everybody watching to find your own way to honour our veterans a week from Sunday, November 11. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This question, the member for Brampton Centre. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Attorney General. This summer, the government called emergency sessions to ram through unilateral cuts to Toronto City Council. Yet this government chose not to spend any time preparing for the legalization of cannabis, something we had all known was coming for years. Now, media report after media report shows that the government has botched the rollout of cannabis legalization. With over a thousand complaints to the Ombudsman about the Ontario Cannabis Store in just two weeks, why is this government so wholly unprepared to handle the rollout of legal cannabis? The Attorney General. Minister of Finance. Thank you very much, Speaker. Thank you for the question. It is our understanding that the Ontario Cannabis Store is indeed working with the Ombudsman on this matter. You know, Speaker, customers have a right to great customer service and we expect the Ontario Cannabis Store to deliver. But I will say that Ontario received more orders from cannabis online. A hundred thousand orders on the first day. That is more than every single other province combined. So it is a lot of holy smokes. We continue to work very closely with all stakeholders. These are uncharted waters. We've been in prohibition for a hundred years. We've rolled out a multi-million dollar business in a multi-billion dollar sector. And we know that the Ontario Cannabis Supply will continue to provide good service to our customers. Thank you, Speaker. Clementary. Through you, Mr. Speaker. You know, other provinces are not having the backlog in delivery that our provinces and the media are reporting that the Ontario Cannabis Store customers are so frustrated by the current system that they are actually going back to the illicit market and black market in order to access legal cannabis. Every time the Ontario Cannabis Store botches or delays in order, they are encouraging that customer to return to the black market. Minister, what is this government doing to curtail the black market of cannabis and why are we not prepared to offer a legal alternative? Minister. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Well, certainly we are prepared to offer a legal alternative. The OCS.ca, the Ontario Cannabis Store, is open for business and making deliveries on a daily basis, despite the postal disruptions, Speaker. But look, when it comes to these illegal dispensaries, let us be absolutely and crystal clear with this. If you are operating an illegal dispensary today, you will never, ever, ever have the opportunity now to own a legal brick and mortar store. We are crystal clear on that. And you asked about the tools. We have given municipalities the tools to act. It is up to a $250,000 fine, not only on the illegal dispensary for continuing to offer cannabis illegally, but it is also up to a $250,000 fine for the landlord. And this is one way that we are moving, Speaker, to curb this. If the building is owned by a corporation, it is up to a million-dollar fine. So the tools are being made to municipalities to thwart this. The whole goal is to curb the illegal dispensary. Mr. Member for Ottawa State. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Premier. Morning, Premier. I hope you had a fun Halloween. Speaker, yesterday was a really scary day for Ontarians. And not because of all the little ghosts and goblins that came to the door, but because Ontario became the largest jurisdiction in North America without a plan for climate change. We're likely the largest place in the world. Climate change presents a danger right now to our way of life. And I know the Premier is busy with his federal leadership campaign. But Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, it's sheer madness, sheer madness that we have no plan for climate change here in Ontario. So through you, Mr. Speaker, can the Premier tell us if he has a plan for climate change and if he does what it is? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Premier. Through you, Mr. Speaker, our government was elected to get rid of the inefficient cap and trade, a tax grab, a tax grab that this province and this country has never seen. It's about making businesses more competitive, about taking the burden off the backs of each individual in Ontario. It's about making Ontario thrive once again. And as the financial accountability officer said, confirming that we're going to save the taxpayers $1.3 billion, that's $264 a household, until they might be able to go out and do the things they may not be able to do under the cap and trade, the carbon tax. It's an absolute worst tax ever. Well, I have your answer for you, Mr. Premier. You do have a plan for climate change. And as a matter of fact, your Ministry of the Environment signed on to it sometime last year and I think the Attorney General did and the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing actually the whole front row signed on to the People's Guarantee that had a plan for climate change. Well, you did. Probably most of your caucus. You did. You did. There's one that didn't. There we go. We do have the anomaly. So the question is this, what's changed in the last 12 months? What's the big change? So the CD Howe Institute tells us we need a plan. Two of this year's Nobel Prize winners. They told us we need a plan. Speaker, you're the Premier's own budget advisor has been telling people we need a plan. So how is it that the Premier can find the time to find jobs for his friends but can't find time to have a plan for climate change? Premier, Minister of Environment. To the Environment, Conservation, and Health. Mr. Speaker, I'll tell the leader of the Independent Liberals on what changed. What changed was an election, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we've been clear. We will bring forward a plan this month, a plan this month that does not punish Ontario taxpayers, that does not punish Ontario families. What we won't have is out of control spending that was a part of the cap and trade program. Money going to Warren Buffett to help him build an electric truck factory. Hundreds of millions of dollars on windows programs that were out of control. Our program won't punish Ontario families. It rewards Ontario families. It rewards Ontario for the work it's already done on climate change. We'll help reduce greenhouse gases. We'll plan for the future, but we won't punish Ontario families. Next question. Start the clock. The member for Aurora Oak Ridge is Richmond Hill. Thank you, Speaker. My colleagues are ready for this. Thank you, Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Finance. The nearly 10 million drivers across Ontario have sent us a strong message. They want an auto insurance system that meets their needs and works for them. We have heard a lot of ideas over the past weeks about the need to improve our auto insurance system. Some of these ideas, however, have been better than others. I'm concerned that the member from Brampton East has brought forward a plan that would exacerbate existing insurance within the system, Speaker. As the private members bill introduced by the member from Brampton East will be debated this afternoon. Could the Minister please inform the House about the shortcomings of the proposed legislation? Mr. Finance. Thank you, Speaker. Thank you to the member from Aurora Oak Ridge is Richmond Hill for the question. The NDP member from Brampton East has introduced a bill that would cause auto insurance rates to increase across the GTA. The member proposes that the GTA be considered a single geographic area when insurance companies set their rates. However, his failed attempt to address rate discrimination would only serve to spread the issue to more communities. In fact, his plan would cause rates to rise in NDP ridings such as Toronto Danforth, Beaches East York, Toronto St. Paul's, Parkdale High Park and University Rosedale. Speaker, I wonder if these members will be supporting their colleagues' bills and voting for higher auto insurance rates for their own constituents. Supplementary. Thank you, Speaker. And thank you to the Minister for his response. It's unfortunate that the member from Brampton East is promoting a policy that would only serve to increase insurance costs across the GTA. After the failed stretch goals of the Liberals and the NDP drivers across Ontario demand better, Speaker, and they deserve better. Thankfully, we have another option available to us. My caucus colleague, the member from Milton, has introduced a private members bill ending discrimination in Automobile Insurance Act 2018 that if passed will actually make a positive difference, Speaker. Could the Minister please remind the House about the thoughtful proposals of the member from Milton? Thank you, Speaker. I'll begin by once again thanking the member from Milton East, rushed to introduce his bill after the PC member from Milton introduced his thoughtful proposal. The member from Brampton East again was a few days late and many, many dollars short. However, the member from Milton, got this right. He took the time to consult, to listen, to develop a plan to the system. His bill proposes fundamental changes to the Automobile Insurance System. We truly look forward to further discussing his bill when it comes to debate. Together we will ensure fairness in rate setting and discriminatory practices and work towards the systems that puts drivers first. We start the call. Next question, the member for Windsor to come see. Thank you, Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Education. Good morning, Minister. Speaker, I know you've heard that the Government helps fund them to provide a mentoring program in the schools. It's cost efficient and provides essential prevention and intervention to children already demonstrating negative behaviors towards teachers and their peers. Speaker, some of these kids are already engaging in risky behavior such as drug or alcohol abuse or they face mental health challenges. Can the Minister tell us why she is considering ending the funding to such a valuable mentoring program? Minister of Education. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I'm pleased to stand and address this because we need to be sure that, first and foremost, big brothers and big sisters, they're supported by amazing corporations and communities throughout this province and I tip my hat to those communities and those corporations like Westcast there's a bolathon going to be coming up shortly and I applaud everyone that reaches out and support big brothers and big sisters from one end of this province to another. But I need to be crystal clear on this, Speaker, when it comes to transfer payments. We are absolutely taking our time and making sure that after a $15 billion deficit that we get it right in education we're working through a line by line audit to make sure that the programs that we support align with our education priorities. Thank you very much. Speaker, cutting this mentoring program will cause a great deal of damage. It could well end up costing society much more in the long run. Let alone breaking the mentoring bond, sometimes these are the only reliable, consistent influences in a troubled life. Speaker, thousands of troubled young people need this service including more than 500 in my area alone. Will the minister do the right thing and protect this valuable service offered through big brothers and big sisters? Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, and I'm going to do the right thing by clarifying and making sure every member in the opposition party knows we are reviewing all of our transfer payment programs. We have hit pause so we can do a line by line audit to make sure it's a responsible thing. You know, it's actually embarrassing for this opposition party to be fear-mongering like they are because they're saying things that are absolutely wrong. And so our number one priority, as I said before, is making sure that our transfer payments align with our priority in ensuring a safe, supportive, meaningful learning environment for our students across this country. So, Mr. Speaker, again, we are working very diligently to make sure as we conduct our line by line audit that we have programs that align with our education priorities. Thank you very much. Start the clock. Next question, the member for York Centre. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Honourable Minister responsible for citizenship and immigration. It's moving forward between 450 to 600 illegal border crossers are looking for accommodations now that the federal government's October 31 deadline to cover their hotel bills has come and gone. Since crossing illegally into Canada, they went from sleeping in temporary holding facilities to college dorms, to hotel rooms, and now potentially to Ontario's homeless shelters. The illegal border crossers crisis is out of control. Could the Minister update the House on what he is doing or isn't doing to address this crisis? Opposite from our own caucus who's been a strong advocate for immigration and refugees in the province of Ontario. So, thank you very much for that look. Today, the federal Minister of Immigration who has some responsibility for immigration but they have played musical ministers there gave a speech at the Canadian Club but he failed to address the illegal border crossing issue that has made our budget here in the province of Ontario up to the tune of $200 million the lack of respect for Ontarians by the federal government is unacceptable and I will continue to challenge the Trudeau Liberals. It's important to note that all premiers of all political parties right across this country stand shoulder to shoulder with Ontario and our Premier forward to call on the federal Liberals for leadership on this file. This is an issue that's not even suggested by government's own internal it's also by their own Liberal Cabinet and their own little government where John McCase is the only fair thing for everybody to process. Thank you Thank you Supplementary Back to the Minister. Canadians are losing confidence in the federal government's ability to manage the crisis of irregular border crossers. We expect, no, we demand better from the federal government and we in this House certainly expect the federal government to pay their bills. Could the Minister update the House on what our government for the people is doing in response to the crisis created by the federal government? It's very much the member opposite of course we have spoken very loudly and clearly with the other provinces that this is a crisis it is a strain on our budget up to the tune of $200 million and growing in the province of Ontario. I've had discussions with numerous federal ministers but nobody wants to take responsibility on the federal level for this initiative in fact they play musical ministers I'm now dealing with I think five federal ministers on trying to obtain the $200 million they own the province of Ontario. Let's go through those costs, $90 million in social assistance costs, $84 million and growing on accommodation costs, $20 million for education and growing and over $3 million that we provided to the Red Cross. So I have a message to the NDP and the Liberals over there join us, call on the federal government. Next question, start the clock member for Thunder Bay out of coconut. Thank you Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Health and long-term care Speaker 58 public health nurses servicing the greater Thunder Bay region have been on strike for over three weeks now after two years without a contract diminishing resources and dwindling numbers they're understandably have had enough but these are health professionals the front lines and often the first point of contact for thousands of Thunder Bay's most vulnerable residents what is the Minister of Health doing to bring their employer the Thunder Bay Health Unit back to the table and achieve an equitable end to the strike Minister of Health and long-term care Well the situation is most unfortunate and what we are doing now is encouraging all parties to stay at the table and discuss I know this is causing a lot of people in Thunder Bay and it's for the benefit of all patients that the parties get together and try and resolve their differences we are doing whatever we are able to do but that is a discussion that needs to happen between the parties Supplementary Speaker our public health nurses are often the first line of defense against infectious disease outbreaks just prior to the strike these nurses were dealing with a serious and potentially deadly tuberculosis outbreak tuberculosis unfortunately isn't so much a disease of the past but a disease of poverty which only stands to grow in modern day Ontario not surprisingly Thunder Bay's indigenous population has been the hardest hit the Premier makes great hay of his love and support for frontline health workers so to the Minister what is she doing to ensure that these frontline public health nurses have the support of this government to get back to work Minister value of the great work that is being done by public health nurses across Ontario we understand that there are situations where diseases that we once thought were eradicated like tuberculosis are now popping up again it's another reason why we are talking about people getting the flu shot that's another great public health initiative and announcement very similarly we heard also how valuable they were public health made a lot of inroads and good, prevented us with good evidence based information that we can make decisions on so once again all I can expect and hope for is for the parties to come together we hope that they're able to resolve their differences very soon so that they can get back to the really important work that they're doing in our community very much the next question Member for Richmond Hill Mr. Speaker my question is for the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks for months we heard that our constituents tell us that life in Ontario is too expensive with increasing few prices and inflated hydro bills the people of Ontario have been struggling to make ends meet affordability is a concern that has been expressed by all parties in this legislature Mr. Speaker I am proud to be part of the government that is attentive and responsive to the concerns of the constituents yesterday our government passed the bill for the Cabinet Trade Cancellation Act can the Minister share with us how this legislation will provide relief for the people of Ontario thank you Mr. Speaker Mr. Speaker through you to the member from Richmond Hill and I must commend her on the great work that she does for her constituents Mr. Speaker our government promised in the recent provincial election to get rid of the regressive job killing cap and trade program Mr. Speaker we promise to make life more affordable for Ontarians and that's exactly what we've done yesterday the cap and trade cancellation act and in passing solidifies that Ontarians will be getting $264 more we've already seen gas prices come down by 4.3 cents and that is part of an important first step on our way to fulfilling our commitment to reduce gas prices by 10 cents Mr. Speaker getting rid of the cap and trade carbon tax will reduce home heating by $80 for a small business that's $285 Mr. Speaker we are going to make life more affordable for Ontarians and getting rid of cap and trade was just the beginning supplementary thank you Mr. Speaker thank you the minister for his great answer this is really really good news I can't wait to go back to my constituents office tomorrow and share with them I'm sure they will be thrilled to know the savings they'll see with the passing of this legislation despite how firm of government has been in addition to the number of provinces that have been risen in opposition to his carbon pricing plan Trudeau still threatens his province with his job killing carbon tax the people of Ontario were clear they could not afford the Liberal government costly ineffective cap and trade carbon tax they could not afford Trudeau's carbon tax can the minister explain to this House what government's plan is to combat the climate plan thank you Mr. Speaker the member is quite correct when the Prime Minister talks about a plan what he's really talking about attacks it's attacks on moms and dads who need to take their kids to hockey it's attacks on families that need to compute my own riding of Ajax 70% of the folks live their work outside of the community most of them drive many of them have two cars the costs on them will be just too much when he talks about taxing polluters Mr. Speaker he's talking about taxing commuters so that is why our government has said that we will do everything in our power and led by our premier we are supporting the Saskatchewan government in its court action we have our own court action going forward but we will do every tool that we have to stop the gains that have been made by Ontario families from being clawed back by the Prime Minister by him taxing families by making life more affordable or less affordable for Ontarians and worse for Ontario businesses thank you the member for Brampton East my question is to the minister of finance today we will debate my private members bill which will finally put an end to the unfair practice of postal code discrimination in all of this which penalizes good drivers just because of where they live during the campaign the conservatives promise to end this practice and now is their opportunity will the government support my bill to end this unfair practice once and for all well I can't believe we get to do this again Speaker somehow I think we know what we're about to say let me first congratulate the member from Brampton East wants the GTA to be considered a single geographic area when insurance companies set the rates but as I said in an earlier answer this is going to raise NDP members rates as well as others but let me just remind you from Toronto Danforth your rates will go up beaches east North York your rates will go up Toronto St. Paul's rates are going up Parkdale High Park up University Rosevale rates are going to rise this is your own member this is what you are about to do back to the minister well according to dozens of lawyers who examine both my bill and the bill put forward by the member from Milton only my bill will actually end the practice of post-ecode discrimination out of insurance on the surface they may look the same but to those of us with experience fighting for drivers there are important differences that make bill 44 introduced by Gretchen Singh superior to bill 42 the member from Milton's bill simply put bill 42 has vague language where it creates a loophole that insurance companies can exploit and bill 44 does not Mr. Singh's bill will protect safe drivers while Mr. Gill's bill will let companies continue to exploit drivers just because where they live minister why is the government allowing insurance companies to continue gouging good drivers because of where they live minister well thank you very much while I can tell the member from Brampton east with the small history lesson premier that it was the liberal government back in 2012 that was attempting to get their budget passed and asked the NDP for what concessions they could make and together they conspired to come up with a 15% savings on insurance rates there was never any plan there was never any hope of that ever happening but they got into bed with each other on this deal that was going nowhere and that's what happened why unlike our party where we acknowledge that there are 10 million drivers in Ontario who expect us to do everything we can to ensure the auto insurance system is working for them we congratulate the member next question the member for Glen Gary Prescott Russell thank you Mr. Speaker November 1st of every year marks the beginning of carbon monoxide awareness week in Ontario over 65% of all carbon monoxide deaths and injuries occur in the home thanks to our Minister of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs private members bill passed on December 12th 2013 the Hawkins-Gignac Act carbon monoxide alarms are since mandatory in all Ontario homes this law has helped ensure that Ontario families are protected in their homes and has resulted in the creation Mr. Speaker my question is for the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services can the Minister please tell us why carbon monoxide awareness week is so important in Ontario Mr. Community Safety Thank you very much Mr. Speaker and I thank the member from Glen Gary Prescott Russell for her important question about the most important week in Ontario I'm proud to have introduced the carbon monoxide awareness week act passed as my private members bill in 2013 a constituent in my riding Gloria Hawkins had faced tragic consequences within her family in 2008 when a block chimney vent had forced carbon monoxide from the gas fireplace back into her home ending in a fatality my bill required carbon monoxide alarms to be in all homes across Ontario early stages of poisonous gas in your home and are the best preventative measure to save lives as we look forward to observing the fourth annual carbon monoxide awareness week in Ontario I would like to thank all of the fire departments along with all our first responders across Ontario that help ensure Ontario's are safe each and every day supplementary Thank you to the Minister for his answer and for his hard work on his private members bill that now helps save lives across Ontario unfortunately many Canadians do not replace the batteries of their carbon monoxide detectors thinking that they last much longer than they do still many Canadians who do not replace the batteries on their carbon monoxide alarms believing that they last much longer than they actually do and still many do not have their heating systems checked annually and there are also still many who believe you only need a carbon monoxide alarm and a gas furnace Mr. Speaker back to the Minister can the Minister please tell us what this government is doing to promote best practices and raise awareness on the dangers of carbon monoxide in household appliances and in family homes Minister Thank you very much Mr. Speaker back to the Ministry of Community Safety and Corrections Thank you Mr. Speaker and thank you to the member of Glen Gary Prescott Russell for this important question I'd also like to thank the Minister of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs for being a leader on this very important issue My Ministry is committed to ensuring that all Ontarians are safe across the province and especially in their own homes since 2013 all homes across the province including apartment buildings and condos are required to have carbon monoxide detectors in their units My Ministry recommends that Ontario residents have all their fuel burning appliances and vents inspected annually and that all installed carbon monoxide alarms are tested regularly Our Ministry provides online resources and assistance in our communities to educate Ontarians on best practices to keep their families safe every day and especially during this important week I'd like to thank John Ginak and his family for raising awareness on this important issue that has tragically impacted his family and to all our firefighter departments and first responders across the province for keeping Ontarians safe Thank you Next question Thank you Speaker and my questions to the Minister of Labour Adam Brunt died tragically three and a half years ago while training to become a firefighter Five years earlier Gary Kendall also died in a safety training exercise Both men died while taking an unregulated unsafe private training course with the private company Herschel Rescue When it comes to these private training companies there are no rules or regulations but there can be tragic consequences but the Minister knows that one year ago as a PC critic for community safety she wrote a letter of support for the adoption of the jury recommendations from the inquest into the deaths of Gary Kendall and Adam Brunt She wrote Thank you Mr. Speaker As we've always mentioned public safety is a primary concern of our ministry As such we remain committed to improving and improving and improving and improving and improving and improving and improving and improving and improving and improving and enhancing public safety Over the last few months including at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario's annual conference we heard very clearly from municipalities and stakeholders that the certification regulation would present significant challenges for fire services and municipalities in particular small rural and northern municipalities with volunteer fire departments We intend to and work with municipalities and with the fire departments to ensure that adequate training is presented but it will be based on a timely a timely with taking into account the finances and Thank you Supplementary Thank you very much Speaker and with all due respect for that answer it is absolutely irrelevant The question is about unprotected private safety trainees not about firefighters not about certifications that is completely a separate issue So back to the Minister of Labour Since the tragic and preventable death of 30 year old Adam Brunt I have called on the government three and a half years to regulate this rogue industry We regulate and license driving instructors but not private instructors of safety and rescue courses Adam was not yet a firefighter did not die in a workplace or well-taking a college course so he wasn't protected by the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services or by the Ministry of Labour or by the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities but he did deserve to be protected Last year my motion to adopt the Inquestory recommendations was unanimously adopted by all parties Now I'm asking this government to support my bill the Brunt and Kendall Act to regulate, license and oversee private safety and rescue services in Ontario As the Minister of Labour once said we should quote, protect our brave first responders from unnecessary risk of loss of life end quote Will the Minister and this government support my bill to protect future firefighters and firefighter trainees in going forward in their careers to keep us safe Good question Thank you Mr. Speaker and respectfully I disagree with the premise of the question In effect public safety is something that concerns the province and we are looking at the entire the entire issue relating to fire renovations and we will deal with the issues Turner Next question the member for Durham My question is the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities Buildforce Labour Market Forecast says that 250,000 construction workers or 21% of Canada's construction workforce will retire this decade Meanwhile youth unemployment is consistently double the unemployment rate for the rest of the population I know from speaking with our job creators in Durham that many businesses find the current regulation of skilled trades specifically the Ontario College to be ineffective The College's overly burdensome red tape drags down Ontario's economy and negatively impacts businesses' ability to grow and create good jobs The government recently introduced a bill which has passed will wind down the Ontario College of Trades Can the Minister tell us how the bill would help address the skills gap create good jobs for our young people and make Ontario open for business And thank you to the member for the question and the work they do every day for the people of Durham Our legislation, if passed, will wind down the Ontario College of Trades and we've heard from employers that the current system is not delivering for Ontario's workers, employers or its economy Patrick McManus from the Ontario Skilled Trades Alliance has said I'm very encouraged by the proposed changes with a particular interest in the Ontario College of Trades which created a mountain of red tape and added an administrative burden to employers The Making Ontario Open for Business Act will bring us into modern times and reduce barriers to enter the skilled trades Speaker, we promise the people of Ontario to create good jobs in Ontario fill the skills gap and make Ontario open for business That concludes the time for question period. A number of members that inform me they have points of order they would like to raise First one is Mrs. Saga, you're in Mills Mr. Speaker I would like to welcome the students from Loyola Catholic Secondary School from my writing, great ten under teachers who are coming to visit the Legislative Assembly today Welcome in Queensborough The member for Hamilton West and Castro Dundas Mr. Speaker, I'd like to say the name of my great uncle in this house. He was killed 100 years ago this week in action and it was just a few short days before Armistice Day He was only 18 years of age and his name was Adam Shaw Thank you. Next we have the member for Windsor to come see Mr. Speaker, Toronto's now magazine has just published its best list and I'd like to congratulate the member for Toronto Danforth Peter Tavins for being named now's magazine best member of Provincial Parliament Congratulations to the member for Toronto Danforth Next the Minister of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs Thank you very much Mr. Speaker I would just like to ask all members of the Legislature to join us on the grand staircase for a picture to commemorate or to recognize Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week Next we have the member for Grantford Grant Thank you Mr. Speaker. Just want to take a moment and welcome my friend Mr. Girish Davan to the house this morning in the members gallery Next we have Scarborough Agent Court Mr. Speaker I would like to add the name of the Canadian soldiers who paid the ultimate price during their peacekeeping mission in Cyprus to the list of the Canadian soldiers who perished serving our country Thank you Any other points of order? I'm going to The speaker can't read your mind If you want to do a point of order it would be helpful if you would stand in your place and shout out point of order so the speaker can hear you Are there any other members who would like to do a point of order? Member for Mississauga Centre Yesterday we celebrated Halloween but today we are celebrating All Saints Day and in the Catholic tradition in the Christian tradition today we offer our prayers for the graves of our beloved deceased so I just wanted to remind all members that today is All Saints Day Thank you Pursuant to standing order 38A the member for Ottawa South has given notice of his dissatisfaction with the answer to his question given by the premier concerning climate change this matter will be debated Tuesday November 13th, 2018 at 6pm This house stands in recess until 1pm this afternoon