 It is therefore time for question period, the member from Nipissing. Thank you very much and good morning speaker. My question is for the finance minister. Ontario PC leader Patrick Brown was in Scarborough this morning. He was talking to middle class families. He was telling them about the people's guarantee. The guarantee that a PC government will cut taxes for the middle class by 22.5% and reduce taxes for first income tax bracket by 10%. Giving a break to those who need it most. Mr. Speaker, a PC government will cut taxes and make life more affordable for middle class families. Why won't this Liberal government? Mr. Finance. Mr. Speaker, not one single Ontario will receive a tax cut that this member is advocating for or advertising. Even before the election has even started, they are making promises that they can't keep. I would argue step down now. Thank you Mr. Speaker. Supplementary. Thank you Mr. Speaker. Back to the Minister of Finance. The people's guarantee offers a reasonable response to years of government mismanagement. Kevin Page, the former parliamentary budget officer, had this to say, quote, the fiscal estimates underlying the Ontario PC platform have been deemed reasonable by nonpartisan Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy, University of Ottawa. Mr. Speaker, Kevin Mulligan, Professor of Economics at the Vancouver School of Economics, says, in my view, quote, a government with firm attention to cost management can achieve savings in the range proposed in the PC platform, quote. Mr. Speaker, which one of these esteemed, respected Canadian economists does the Liberal government disagree with today? Can you say it, please? Minister? Thank goodness, Mr. Speaker, that Kevin Page was there to keep an eye on these folks and use notes at the end of their glossy magazine to tell the truth. And the truth is there's $12 billion in cuts under their plan, Mr. Speaker. The truth is the effective marginal tax rate that they're proposing is not true. It can't happen, Mr. Speaker. And Kevin Page insisted upon that in order to provide his name. I would ask the member opposite, what is it that you're going to cut and how much is the carbon tax that's tripled out of cap and trade is going to cost families on their gas bills, Mr. Speaker? Start the clock. Final supplementary? Back to the minister, you know, Speaker, I must say the Liberal spin is embarrassing. John Michael McGrath pointed out the facts. The Liberals are lying about a hidden quote. The member will withdraw. Withdraw. If it happens again, I'm going to warn the person who chooses to use that language. Final, no, not final supplementary. You're finished? Finished. Speaker, we will also increase the Ontario sales tax credit by $100 per adult and $100 per child in order to bring real relief to Ontario's low-income residents. That's money back in their pockets and that's money that will combat the unaffordable policies created by this Liberal government. The people who need it most will get it. Mr. Speaker, does the minister not agree that lower and middle-income families finally deserve a break? They illustrated for the rest of the public to acknowledge that the 22.5% that they're proposing is false. It's completely untrue and cannot be achieved for the people of Ontario based on what they've said. Furthermore, the member opposite has just cited our fiscal plan and he's building his proposals and his assumptions on our fiscal plan, Mr. Speaker. What they've done just does not add up. They're cutting revenues, they're cutting expenses, but they're increasing carbon tax substantively. They cannot be trusted. They're making guarantees that they cannot fulfill. Step down, Mr. Speaker. You are talking to me. With an honest attempt to try to see if the members themselves could take care of themselves in decorum. One round is finished. You cannot. We are in warnings and I will use them immediately. So you've had your fun for one round. It's over. A new question. The member from Nipissing. Thank you, Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Finance. The Toronto Star editorial headline read that the People's Guarantee quote deserves a serious look from voters. That's because it offers real solutions to make life affordable for middle-class families. It deserves a look, Speaker, because the People's Guarantee offers real much-needed and much-deserved tax cuts, 22.5% for middle-class families. But instead of giving it a serious look, instead of acknowledging this is the path Ontario needs to bring real relief to families, Liberal members choose to repeat nonsense. They know it's nonsense and I hope they quickly realize, Speaker, how foolish they actually sound. Families deserve a lot better from you. Mr. Speaker, why won't the Liberal support tax cuts to middle-class families? Thank you. Well, let's quote a few other things, Mr. Speaker. Using the numbers presented in that glossy magazine reaffirmed by Kevin Page as incoherent and frankly false because they're not going to be able to achieve 22% tax cuts. Furthermore, Global Mail states this, the problem with the People's Guarantee is that it is a bit too clever, fiscally risky and economically incoherent, Mr. Speaker. They are not delivering a tax cut to the people of Ontario. In fact, they're going to deliver a net tax increase with the carbon tax that they're providing that is twice as much as what we are incurring today, Mr. Speaker. And the tax cut... The member from Simcoe Gray is warned. The question is, what are you cutting? What amounts? What hospitals are you cutting? Are you going to cut pharma care for people under 25? Are you going to cut tuition for those that are getting it free? Are you cutting health care and education? The member from Etobicoke North is warned. You have one wrap-up sentence. Their plan is all about cuts and deficits, Mr. Speaker. This member has fought for balanced budget. Thank you. Supplementary. Thank you. Well, I can tell the minister back to the minister what will be cutting our liberal MPPs. Steve Paken, one of the most respected journalists, had this to say about Kevin Page's review. Quote, one little sentence sets the Progressive Conservative platform apart. Quote, it's a thumbs up from one of the most respected economic analysts in the country. And under the PC plan, middle and lower income families benefit the most. Only our party will put money back in their pockets. That's the money to combat the unaffordable policies created by this government. Money for people who need the help most. Mr. Speaker, why is this government attacking our numbers? Is it because they don't want to bring tax cuts to middle-class families? Mr. Speaker, there's the same party that is not supporting Ontario families. The same party that is rolling back minimum wage. The same party that didn't support our plan to provide for more hospitals and nurses and education. It's the same family that voted against university free tuition. The same family that voted against free tuition and free prescriptions for those under 25. It's the same family that, the theme party that... Mr. Member from Renfrew Nipissing Pembroke is warned. Kevin Page, in his notes, made it clear that their proposal, their plan doesn't add up. That they can't be trusted because what they're proposing is a tax that will not be achieved by any Ontarian. They're misleading the province. They shouldn't... The Member will withdraw. I withdraw, Mr. Speaker. Member from Elgin, Middlesex, London is warned. Finish. A finance critic should take every precaution to be physically prudent and bill contingency to their plan. They have none in this plan and their guarantee will illustrate the fact that they should step down. Final supplementary. Thank you, Speaker. Well, obviously the minister is reading a different book, Speaker, because Kevin Page calls our plan reasonable. That's something he could never call their plan, Speaker. Our people's guarantee offers a 22.5% tax cut to middle-class families. Our plan offers an increase to the Ontario sales tax credit of $100. Meanwhile, the Liberal government demands higher taxes and higher fees. That's the way it always is, Speaker. They can't afford to pay their Liberal insiders any other way. But we think it's time to put the people first. Not the insiders, Mr. Speaker. I ask one more time, why won't this government support tax cuts for middle-class families? Thank you, Minister. Mr. Speaker, on this side of the house, we have taken steps to support middle-class families. That party voted against every one of those very measures, Mr. Speaker. And instead, they're pretending... I can do this all day because I feel fit. A member from the neighbor West Landbrook is warned. Carry on. They're pretending to provide tax cuts when in fact they're not. In fact, their plan is both a social and fiscal deficit to the province of Ontario. There's no prunes. They're going into deficits. They're putting in assumptions for $12 billion that they're not able to achieve. It's reckless, irresponsible. It puts us in a hard way. We'll do this all day long. A member of the Minister of Agriculture, Tourism, Agriculture, Rural Affairs is warned. New question, the Leader of the Third Party. Thank you, Speaker. Speaker, my question is for the Acting Premier. Members of the Ontario Health Coalition are joining us today in the galleries, and I want to thank them for being here. Year after year, we've seen this Liberal Government and the Conservatives before them cutting public hospitals and pushing healthcare services into private clinics. And now this Liberal Government wants to open the doors even wider and roll out the red carpet for even more for-profit private clinics. Buried deep inside Bill 160, the Premier's Harper-style Health Omnibus Bill is Schedule 9, a plan to clear the way for new private clinics and make it harder for ordinary families to get the healthcare that they need. Why is this Government, like the Conservatives before them, intent on privatizing even more of our healthcare system? Thank you, Deputy Premier. Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. Minister of Health, Long-Term Care. Well, Mr. Speaker, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, I welcome the members of the Ontario Health Coalition that are here today. We've been, over the past number of days, working closely with the Ontario Health Coalition and other stakeholders for a common agenda and a common goal. One of the things that this Act, if passed, will actually provide through Schedule 9 is that it will prevent any further private hospitals in this province. We currently have six private hospitals that were grandfathered into legislation from 1931 in the previous government, Mr. Speaker, not our own. And what this legislation does is it actually it requires that those six entities transition out into a new regulatory and oversight regime and no further private hospitals will be allowed in this province. Mr. Speaker, it is an important measure, and I want to thank the Ontario Health Coalition for proposing additional language amendments that we're going to introduce to make that crystal clear to it. Thank you, supplementary. Truth is the Ontario Health Coalition says, and I quote, this new Act is essentially a new private hospitals and clinics Act. And you know what? More privatisation is absolutely the last thing we need in our healthcare system in the province of Ontario. Thanks to the Liberals and the Conservatives, there are over a thousand for-profit private clinics in Ontario today taking scarce healthcare dollars out of our public system and handing that money right over to private corporate profits. The Premier's Healthcare Privatisation Bill allows private clinics to apply to open their doors at any time they wish, Speaker. And by repealing the Private Hospitals Act, this omnibus bill actually removes the 44-year-old ban on future private hospitals in Ontario. Why is this government opening its arms to more private clinics when private clinics only make it harder for Ontario families to get the healthcare they need? Thank you. Mr. Speaker, under this government and hopefully all future governments, there will be no more private hospitals in this province. There are six that exist that were grandfathered into legislation many, many decades ago, as a leader of the third party rightly points out, we are making it crystal clear that we are not going to allow any further private hospitals. We've got legislation that will require that. We're repealing an act that allows for private hospitals. We're requiring all the existing six to transition into, say, long-term care or others, but with enhanced oversight and accountability and transparency that they currently don't have, Mr. Speaker. And we're working with the Ontario Health Coalition and other stakeholders to add additional language to make it crystal clear to all of us that we not only share the same goal, we're going to attain that goal of no more private hospitals. Thank you. Mr. Speaker, the first thing this government did after getting elected last election is turn around and privatize Hydro One without a mandate. And now on their way out of office with no mandate, they're trying to privatize more of our public hospital services. And, Speaker, we will not let them get away with it. The National Union of Public and General Employees says this. Bill will, quote, make it easier for private hospitals and clinics to expand and more difficult for the minister to stop them. It allows anyone to apply to open a private clinic at any time, Speaker. It changes the name of private clinics to community health facilities, which will be laughable if it wasn't so offensive to not-for-profit community health care. And despite what the minister says, the health privatization bill that they've introduced removes the 44-year-old ban on future private hospitals in Ontario. Why is this government doing exactly what we expect from the conservatives and privatizing the health care people rely? Thank you. Well, Mr. Speaker, once again, the leader of the third party has it completely wrong. So we are... There are six private hospitals in this province. I was surprised to learn that when I became health minister. It was grandfathered in by a government not our own many decades ago. So we're taking measures. And the current regime through the Private Hospitals Act, which is almost 100 years old, Mr. Speaker, it doesn't provide for the requisite accountability and transparency and oversight that we would expect of all our health care facilities in this province. So we're adding that oversight and that transparency and the accountability. We're making it crystal clear that this government will not tolerate or allow any additional or future private hospitals. It will be crystal clear. And again, I want to thank the Ontario Health Coalition and other partners because over the past days, perhaps the NDP hasn't been listening, we've been working together to make that crystal clear that that will be the case. New question. The leader of the third party. Thank you very much, Speaker. My next question is also for the acting Premier. Well, the Liberals are acting like conservatives when it comes to opening the door to private hospitals. The conservatives announced this weekend that their platform is going to be acting like the Liberals when it comes to hydro policy. Conservatives are going to keep the $40 billion liberal hydro borrowing scheme that will see people's hydro bills skyrocket right after the election. And this plan is no good for anyone except bankers, Speaker. Clearly the conservatives in the Liberals see eye to eye when it comes to forcing Ontario families and businesses to pay for their pre-election political schemes. Why won't this Liberal government once and for all, Speaker? Admit that hydro should be a public good, controlled by the people of Ontario for the benefit of every single family and every single business in this province and reverse the sell-off of hydro one. Thank you. Thank you very much. Minister of Energy. Minister of Energy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Please to rise and once again talk about hydro one and what it's been doing to actually help its customers, Mr. Speaker, in the work that we have done as a government to ensure that we have reduced rates for hydro one customers between 40 and 50 percent, Mr. Speaker. And that's something that these families in northern and rural communities are seeing day in and day out off of their bills, Mr. Speaker. And that's because of this government acting. The opposition voted against that, Mr. Speaker. They voted against helping families see a reduction of 40 to 50 percent on their bills. They voted against, Mr. Speaker, helping First Nations individuals living on reserve see their delivery charge removed, Mr. Speaker. They voted against the Ontario Electricity Support Program and the enhancements to help low-income individuals, Mr. Speaker. We've ensured that we've helped families and businesses right across the province, Mr. Speaker. They have cleaner air to breathe. They have a better system to work at. And now, Mr. Speaker, thanks to this government a more affordable system. Thank you. Supplementary. Mr. Speaker, the privatized hydro one has already applied for numerous rate increases. They've invested in foreign coal-burning companies instead of Ontario families. And now they want the ability to force people who are struggling with their bills to install pre-pay meters. In short, the company is looking out for its own profits, not Ontario families or Ontario businesses. In fact, in Hydro One's proposal to install these pre-pay meters, they say that people who are at high risk for non-payment are going to be the targets. Clearly, the plan is to make money from families who are struggling and use it to line the pockets of already wealthy shareholders. Can the Acting Premier explain to Ontarians why the privatized Hydro One's priority is boosting its profits and not helping families and businesses keep the lights on? Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hydro One has come forward with the voluntary winter reconnection program, Mr. Speaker, to make sure that they can help families who are struggling. They then work with those families to make sure that they can be reconnected and come up with a payment plan, Mr. Speaker. They're working hard on being a better company for families. When it comes to the pre-paid meters, Mr. Speaker, since last week, everyone is well aware that this is an opt-in program if it is even allowed, Mr. Speaker, by the OEB. The Ontario Energy Board is the entity that is quasi-judicial, will review the program, will review the application, and then make a decision based off of its review. The OEB in the past has turned down rate applications, has turned down other types of applications like this, Mr. Speaker, because they have the best interests of ratepayers at heart. That is their mandate, Mr. Speaker. So we're going to continue to allow the OEB to do what they need to do when it comes to ensuring they protect ratepayers, Mr. Speaker. And on this side of the house, this government will continue to act to protect ratepayers. Mr. Speaker continues to call this plan voluntary or opt-in nowhere in the Hydro-1 proposal to install pre-paid meters. Can you find the word voluntary? What you will find is this exact quote, Mr. Speaker, and I'm quoting, with a pre-paid meter, electricity is paid up front. Once the pre-paid amount is used up, power is cut off until the customer is able to load the meter with more credits, end quote. Right there, in black and white, the privatized Hydro-1 says it plans to use pre-paid meters to get around the rule in Ontario, banning wintertime hydro disconnections. Instead of working with people who are struggling, Hydro-1 will let their meters simply run out. Can the Acting Premier explain again why she thinks the privatized Hydro-1 is in the best interest of Ontarians? Can you say that, please? Can you say that, please? Thank you. Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There's a lot of assumptions being made by the third party when it comes to two paragraphs and a 2,000-page document, Mr. Speaker, when the company has even been... Finish, please. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And the company is on the record saying it's not the intention of that two paragraphs, Mr. Speaker. The intention is to give people choice, Mr. Speaker. Something that that party has never done when it comes to the electricity sector. Even their pie-in-the-sky plan, Mr. Speaker, doesn't offer choice. It even excluded looking at helping low-income individuals, Mr. Speaker. But not us, Mr. Speaker. We made sure we brought forward the OESP program, which actually helps low-income individuals. We brought forward a 25% reduction for all families right across the province. And the Hydro-1, R-1, and R-2 reduction, Mr. Speaker, according to the Fair Hydro Plan, can see a 40 to 50% reduction, Mr. Speaker. That is action helping people. Thank you. New question. The member from the C&P. My question is to the acting Premier. Yesterday, my leader, Patrick Brown, joined me in the peon. He was there to stress our people's guarantee. I introduced him to a 12-year-old girl, Anna, and her family. Her family works hard as new Canadians, but because of liberal policies, they pay more and they are consistently getting less. That's why the people's guarantee will help them and why they endorsed it. It will help families like Anna's by reducing middle-class income taxes by 22.5%. It will help middle-class families by refunding up to 75% of their childcare expenses. And it will help hockey players like Anna by restoring the fitness tax credit. After 14 years of liberal taxes, families like Anna just deserve a break. They deserve a break to get ahead. Mr. Speaker, why has the liberal government for 14 years forgotten families like Anna's? Well, Speaker, we've been hearing a lot about this tax cut, 22.5% tax cut for middle-income Ontario. Well, Speaker, it's their number one promise. The only problem is, if you think, if you're promising people 22.5% cut, you think you're going to get a 22.5% cut. Speaker. Member from the PN Carlton is warned. Finish. Speaker, not one single person in the province of Ontario will get a 22.5% income tax cut, not one single person. You're telling the public one thing and you're actually doing something entirely different. It's time for your party to take a good look at this. It's simply inaccurate. It is wrong. I'm not going to use the words this week. You won't let me use. I stand you sit. Supplementary. It's accurate and full of baloney is that answer that that minister just provided this government. You have to take our word for it. You can take Kevin Page's word for it and it's on the back of that document. You can also take Kevin Milligan, Professor of Economics at the Vancouver School of Economics. He had this to say about... Stop the clock. The member from Glen Gary Prescott Russell is warned. The Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services is warned. I know they're nervous because I was at the great cup on Sunday with Patrick Brown. People were coming up telling us how much they loved our platform. I wouldn't risk it. I guess this platform cuts real deep speaker, but let's try to get back to what Kevin Milligan has said. There are two sides to this issue when the member says things that she knows will inflame. I wouldn't go there. Finish your question, please. Just trying to ask a question. First, it delivers the largest benefit to lower... I'm not happy with that. That almost challenges the chair. I'm not asking for any comments. That's it. It's over. Please ask your question. First, it delivers the largest benefit to lower and middle-income families who need help with childcare expenses. Second, it supports flexibility for those families who need part-time care, shift work, or regular care arrangements. He goes on to say the Ontario PCE Child Care Proposal offers improved, flexible benefits for all Ontario families. Why won't you endorse our plan? Thank you. Member from Timmons James Bay is warned. Minister. Speaker, I can assure you, the members opposite, the people of Ontario, we will never endorse a plan that contains $12 billion in cuts. And we will never, but it isn't. Let me repeat. Not one single person in this province, not one... Like I said, I can do this all day. The member from Whitby Oshawa is warned. Finished. One single person will see a 22.5% decrease in their income taxes. Speaker, what the PCs are talking about and what they're actually proposing to do are two totally different things. Thank you. New question. Member from Toronto, Danforth. Thank you, Speaker, to the Acting Premier. The Chief of the Grassy Narrows First Nation is in the legislature today asking that the province contribute to building and operating a health facility for the people of Grassy Narrows and Wabasi Moon First Nations. The province has known for decades that mercury is present on the paper mill site and that mercury contamination was not decreasing in the English Wabagoon River system. Last September, ministers in the Liberal government were informed that mercury contamination continued on the site, even though the Premier continued to say that any cleanup would cause more risk to the population. As many as 90% of the people in these communities show signs of mercury contamination and have been abandoned to their fate. Will the Premier today commit to making funds available for establishment and operation of a mercury care health facility in this community now? Thank you for that question, Speaker. We are deeply concerned about the challenges faced by Grassy Narrows and indeed White Dog Nation in that area. I can tell you that I have had, along with my federal counterparts, various ministers and technical people, two meetings with my federal colleagues involving the Chiefs. I can tell you, Speaker, that tomorrow we are having a meeting here in Toronto. I am meeting with my federal counterpart, Minister Phil Pot, and with the Chiefs of Grassy Narrows and with the Chief of White Dog. On the agenda tomorrow is this issue of what to do about Grassy Narrows. I have received the request for the treatment facility. This is a matter that will be discussed tomorrow between the province, the federal government and the First Nations concerned. Thank you, Speaker. Thank you. Speaker, again to the Acting Premier, pain is a constant reality for people with mercury poisoning. Lack of muscle control, tunnel vision and other symptoms make life very difficult. The Japanese long ago provided special health care for mercury poisoning people in the city of Minamata. Does the Acting Premier feel no sense of responsibility for dragging out this problem? What does the Acting Premier have to say to the generations, the young people, the elders and the leaders of the Grassy Narrows and Wabasa Moon people left with the painful and debilitating legacy of mercury poisoning of their river and lands? Thank you. Senator, please. Senator, please. Minister. As I said in my first answer, we are deeply concerned about this issue. That is why this meeting has been arranged tomorrow with the provincial government, the federal government, the federal cabinet ministers coming down Minister Philpott, who is responsible for the operations side of the federal ministry. I know that this subject matter that the member opposite has raised is on the agenda tomorrow. We will consider what we hear from both the federal government and the First Nations and the province, but we are working towards a solution for this. In the meantime, I should say that we have provided $5.2 million for some remediation work up preliminary to tackling the actual problem. We've also set aside $85 million. That's a fund that is co-managed by the province and the First Nation to address these issues. Thank you, Speaker. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Television production across North America. Last year, in fact, was the third straight record-breaking year for film and TV production in Ontario. Our government, of course, understands how strong the competition is across North America to attract film shoots, both foreign and domestic, and to provide an attractive location for local productions. And that's why we're budgeting $1 million this year for tax credits related to this. Ontario also has many other advantages. It's a great place to make films and TV, including innovative technology such as IMAX as well as a world-class creative talent and infrastructure. My question is this. Could the Minister develop on the work that the government is doing? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the Minister for his question. Thank you to the House Speaker for their inaugural Queen's Park Day and thank them for the work they do to build up our province's film and television industry. On this side of the house, we know that our Ontario screen-based industries showcase our province to the world and our true economic drivers. Investments in film and TV production support over 35,000 jobs and contribute $1.7 billion to our economy. We've spent millions of dollars across Ontario and spent over $28 million into 60 days of filming at local businesses, hotels, caterers, restaurants, lumber and construction suppliers. That's just one of the reasons that makes me so proud to work with our film and TV industry to support these productions that are garnering attention from around the world and bringing jobs and investment right here to Ontario. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Canadian and film and TV industry has never been in better shape. It's flourishing. And it's important for the people in Northern Ontario as well to know that this government, under the leadership of Premier Wynn and Minister McMahon, are making investments that help grow the economy and create jobs. Speaker, this government is committed to supporting and growing the film and television industry in Northern Ontario as well. Flagship production, such as the critically claimed hit TV series, letter canning shot in Sudbury have been made possible by the countries approved by our government. Speaker, can the minister please explain how specific programs that our government champions are working to help television and film industry in the north and what this means for people in Northern Ontario? Thank you, Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our commitments to investing in stability in terms of our film and TV tax credits is just one of the reasons why Northern Ontario is soaring, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to thank the Minister of Northern Development and Mines for this tremendous leadership in building up our sector in the north. I know that the sector is especially important to the economy in Northern Ontario, which this year invested nearly $23 million in film and TV production in Northern Ontario alone. Since 2014, NOHSC has invested $76 million supporting 136 film and TV projects in Northern Ontario. And of course, as the member mentioned, letter canning is just one of the successful shows, Mr. Speaker. We're creating jobs in the north, giving our young people a diversified economy where they can have the choice to remain at home, Mr. Speaker. That's just part of our plan to build Ontario up. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. My question is to the Deputy Premier. Ontario has a gap in its health care system. Too many people are slipping through the cracks and not receiving the mental health treatment they deserve. There is a mental health crisis in Ontario and the Ontario PC Party committed $1.9 billion over 10 years to support mental health services. This will be the largest mental health commitment in Canadian provincial history. Rob Jameson, President of the Ontario Police Provincial Association, reacted to our People's Guarantee saying, quote, great to see such a commitment to mental health. We need to invest more in those in crisis and those requiring support. We need to match the PC Party commitment to mental health services. Thank you. Appreciate it, please. Appreciate it, please. Thank you. Deputy Premier. Mr. Health and long-term care. Mr. Health and long-term care. Mr. Speaker, I'm absolutely amazed at this change of heart because it was only six or seven months ago that the PC Party, as a whole, voted against our investments in mental health. I'm so proud to be part of Canada's first-ever program for cognitive behavioral therapy that provides amazing outcomes for individuals with mood disorders like anxiety and depression. Mr. Speaker, they voted against us creating up to 10 new wellness centres for youth across this province. Mr. Speaker, but it I'm trying to figure out still with their $12 billion in cuts that are explicitly referenced on page 76 of their People magazine. Mr. Speaker, I'm wondering what cuts they're going to make to health care. What cuts they're going to make to their patients. How many nurses they're going to fire because we know when they were last in government they closed 10,000 hospital beds and fired thousands of nurses. We will never vote for a liberal budget. The minister is trying to change history. Ten years ago, select committee on mental health and addictions. For far too long, we're sitting on waiting lists without the mental health care they need and when they need it. Our plan is going to make real difference for individuals dealing with mental health illness across Ontario. But don't take it from me. Kimberly Moran, the CEO of Children's Mental Health Ontario said and I quote so pleased to see topping up elementary and secondary school supports for services targeted at improving mental health and well-being including funding awareness campaigns where the Liberal government agreed to match the PC Party's historic commitment to mental health in Ontario. Thank you. They voted against our investments in behavioral supports in long-term care. They voted against our $100 million dementia strategy to provide support for families and individuals with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. We saw a five-point plan from the PCs before. We saw it in 1995 from Mike Harris. We even have as draconian cuts as expressed in their People magazine $12 billion cuts. And Harris said he wouldn't negatively impact classroom education. Yep, member he said. The member from Dufferin Callitin is warned. He created an education crisis. He said that he would not close down hospitals. He closed down dozens of hospitals. Fired thousands of nurses and closed 10,000 hospital beds. This is the future under a PC government. We have to remember the past, particularly when explicitly they reference a $10-12 billion in cuts in their People magazine. Any question from the member from London West? Thank you, Speaker. My question is to the acting Premier. Years of neglect under the Liberals and Conservatives have resulted in a school repair backlog of over $15 million with serious consequences for the health and well-being of children. In the past two years, drinking water at more than 640 schools and childcare centres has failed lead tests. Under this Liberal government, school maintenance budgets are barely enough to keep schools from deteriorating further and there is no funding to proactively fix the backlog. We know that Patrick Brown and the PCs do not have a plan to fix Ontario schools. Their platform is silent on school maintenance and repairs. Thank you, Speaker. Other than flushing and testing, what is this Liberal government's plan to ensure the safety of drinking water in Ontario schools? Thank you, Patrick Browner. Minister responsible for early years in childcare. Minister responsible for early years in childcare. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank the member opposite for this very important question. I know how important it is to be responsible for early years in childcare. Safety is one of my top priorities. When we send our kids off to school or childcare centres, we want to know that they are safe and healthy and being looked after. We will continue to work with our partners to ensure all children in childcare and in schools in this province are safe and have access to clean drinking water. Our standards, Mr. Speaker, are the strongest in Canada and we have strict rules in place so parents can rest assured that their children are safe. While lead is generally not found in the municipal drinking water, Ontario still requires every single day care school and childcare centre in the province to test for it. We are the only province to do so. I want parents and kids to know that over 98% of those facilities meet or are better than Health Canada standards. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again to the acting Premier. Drinking and testing is not a solution. There is no safe amount of lead in drinking water, especially for children whose growing bodies absorb more lead than the average adult. As lead accumulates over time it can affect children's brain and nervous system development. These recent lead tests showed concentrations at some schools that was 100 to 300 times greater than the provincial standard. Professor Claire Robinson says for the lead issue there's just really no quick fix and that all plumbing and fixtures containing lead should be replaced. Speaker, what is this Liberal Government's plan to replace the plumbing and fixtures at the 640 schools and childcare centres that tested above the provincial standard? Thank you. Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to again thank the member opposite because I think it's really important for parents out there to know that right now Ontario's standards are the strongest in Canada. So we are absolutely looking at making sure that we are ensuring the safety of our children and that they are in safe and healthy environments when they head off to school or childcare. And parents can rest assured that their kids are safe. In fact, Mr. Speaker, we have a long-term plan. We have a long-term plan to address the lead in drinking water at schools and daycares. And this includes providing $1.4 billion this year for school repairs and upgrades. Absolutely important upgrades and very necessary infrastructure upgrades. And this is about this is really, Mr. Speaker, the largest investment ever provincial investment in school renewal. So let's think about that. It's historic investment. As part of the plan, we've also strengthened our standards, which are already the strictest in Canada, and we want to make sure that children head off to school. New question? Well, thank you, Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services. Now, Speaker, I know that great strides are being taken in Ontario concerning Correctional Services. And Howard Sapers, one of the leading voices in Correctional Services, was appointed on Ontario's independent advisor on Correctional Reform and delivered two comprehensive reports that are helping inform Ontario's path forward. Speaker, our government has implemented substantial change through segregation reform, new hires to support our front lines, our facility healthcare systems, and more. Mr. Sapers and many community organizations, such as the John Howard Society, have recognized our commitment and are supporting our plan. So, Speaker, with the Minister of Further Detail, our government's transformation of Ontario's Correctional Services system. Thank you, Minister. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the member from Beaches East York for this very important questions. As of today, we have a total of 7109 inmates in our custody and care at our 26 correctional facilities. 7109 inmates at our government and our dedicated correctional staff are committed to rehabilitating in a safe and human manner. Mr. Speaker, are there issues within our system? Yes. But our government is not shying away from that. But this is exactly why we are implementing the greatest change to corrections in a generation. This is not about scoring political points and certainly not about rhetoric. This is about doing what's right, Mr. Speaker. Our government has taken action by hiring more staff, increasing mental health supports, investing in correctional infrastructure and soon to come legislation to cement real and lastly change to decades to come. Thank you. Supplementary. Well, thank you, Speaker. And I want to thank the Minister for her very enlightened response and, Speaker, I particularly look forward to seeing her tonight on political blind date with the member for Parkdale High Park TV on Tarot tonight at 9 o'clock. And I appreciate her dedications. We're forming on Tarot's correctional system in the direction you see in that TV show, Speaker. And both the Minister and the Attorney General have been implementing progressive and modern changes to corrections, policing and the courts. And I know that their goal and the objectives of this government is to establish a truly 21st century justice system. And I know, Speaker, that my constituents in Beaches East York are expecting that our courts, our prisons, our policing and our support services are equitably fair and inclusive. So, Speaker, with the Minister in further detail, our government's transformation of correctional services in Ontario. Thank you, Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you again for the member from Beaches East York for the supplementary. Our government is building two new facilities in Ottawa and Thunder Bay that will serve as models of innovation and renewal for years to come where the needs of inmates and staff are put first. It is proven that warehousing of inmates simply doesn't work. But nobody seems to have told the leader of the opposition and or the party opposite that. As a federal member of Parliament and eager our per-conservative, his greatest justice legacy was supporting mandatory minimums, which only resulted in further warehousing of inmates. And we all know and you fail conservative policy isn't complete, Mr. Speaker, without a substantial misguided budget cut. The leader of the opposition voted for 10% cut in correction Canada's budget while his government was locking more people up. Mr. Speaker, we are basing our plan on the best evidence. Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, my question is the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. Mr. Speaker, Mr. David Harbeck, the manager of Somerville seedlings in Everett wrote to the Premier recently and said, quote, perhaps you're not aware that as we speak the managers in charge of the Uncherio tree seed plant closure are only giving us the stakeholders one option, not all options as Minister McGarry has stated as recently as November 15. I would suggest that the minister is grossly misinformed by her staff. The only option we are given is to get in line in hopes to get some of the seed that is left on the shelf. End of quote. Mr. Harbeck and the Ontario tree seed coalition are asking the government to accept the transition proposal they submitted to the minister on October 13th. The proposal allows the ministry to walk away from the seed business but maintains their leadership role through the fiscal support of the province's propagation and forestry genetic experts. Mr. Speaker, will the minister actually work with stakeholders and accept the transition proposal? Thank you. Thank you very much, Speaker, and thank you to the member opposite for his question today. I had an impromptu meeting recently with Rob Keane who is the head of forest Ontario as you know who had just actually had a meeting with my ministry the day before and his comments were that we were working very well with them to identify all options. So we are meeting with not only the stakeholders and the nurseries but we are identifying new opportunities for our private sector. The private sector now provides 80% of the seed extraction and 100% of the stock growing for the province. And I see this as an opportunity for private nurseries to expand operations as the ministry changes its focus to a science-based approach. So we continue to work with all of the stakeholders to develop new policies such as a new seed zone policy and create a new genetic archive. Thank you. Thank you. Back to the minister. This minister claims she is still consulting but those who have taken part in those meetings report back that her staff is just going through the motions. They are ignoring reasonable alternatives from the industry to protect jobs and the environment by keeping the tree seed plant operating. Over 2 dozen environmental groups, municipalities and private sector nurseries are opposed to the minister's plan. She mentioned forest Ontario also groups include Ducks Unlimited and the cities of Toronto and Ottawa. Ed Pacho, CEO of the Ferguson Forest Centre in my riding wrote this to me. This is really the last step in the Liberal government's abandonment of forestry in southern Ontario leaving no controls on future forest genetics. Will the minister this ill-conceived plan or does she want her legacy to be the abandonment of forestry in southern Ontario? Thank you very much Speaker and for the supplementary but the new genetic archive will be a potential news source for the type of scientific information needed to address climate change. For example, our scientists will need to know exactly where the seeds have come from as they consider migrating tree species in reaction to changes in climate. So we continue to work with all of our stakeholders with our ministry to continue all the important conversations to ensure that moving forward we have a modern seed genetic archive and that we continue to grow the seeds. It's important for me to note to speaker that the party opposite has not supported in the past under their government in the mid-90s they privatized a system that put them in the situation to begin with. We continue to work on this height of the house to ensure that we have savings for the taxpayers and the important programs that we have moving forward. My questions to the acting premier people in London are worried today about an outbreak of a deadly virus in our city. In the past 18 months the case of Streptococcus has tragically taken the lives of nine people and sent 30 to the intensive care unit. Local health officials have reached out to the US Centers of Disease Control for help. They say the outbreak is quote very unusual and that leaves people who are in hospital today or have to sit in the emergency department today worried and scared that this virus might be a fatal disease. What is this government doing to stop the deadly outbreak and keep people safe? Thank you. To the Minister of Health and Long-term Care. To the Minister of Health and Long-term Care. Well, Mr. Speaker we're very concerned about the outbreak of Streptococcus in London, Middlesex. It's a, regrettably it's an issue, it's taken many lives it's and regret unfortunately it's a an epidemic that has been going on for some time more than a year, about 18 months but I have to commend the Public Health Unit for London Middlesex are doing an exemplary job at doing everything they can to control and eventually eliminate the risks associated with Strepte in that region and of course we're working very closely as is the Public Health Unit with Public Health Ontario providing all necessary resources the best practices and activities required to get control over this epidemic. It is regrettable that this type of situation does occur from time to time in the province but we're working closely on it. Thank you, supplementary. When an outbreak happens our hospitals need to have the space and the resources to meet the demand that's true when we're talking about a bad flu season or a deadly virus like Streptococcus that can lead to toxic shock and even a flesh-eating disease but under this government London's hospitals have been pushed to operate far above beyond their capacity our hospitals are overcrowded every day and even at the best of times people are being forced to wait in hallways and the ER for care they need what is this government why has this government pushed our hospitals into an overcrowding and underfunding crisis that only makes it harder to respond to urgent outbreaks like the one that's happening in London today. Thank you, minister. I was actually gratified to hear the first part of this question but I'm absolutely disgusted at the second part. It is a very serious public health situation involving her constituents that has taken lives that has taken lives and devastated families many of them the most vulnerable marginalized people in her society and that she would link that to the situation in our hospitals is absolutely disgusting it is the public health unit that is well you think that's the leader of the third party is warned I would minister of municipal affairs is warned I'm going to stop carry on. There needs to be some things that are above partisan politics I'm a public health doctor myself I know precisely what's going on in London I'm watching it closely we're providing all necessary supports that tragic situation to talk about hospital overcrowding is despicable, Mr. Speaker we will end this epidemic and we will provide the maximum support to all. That will do. Thank you, Speaker my question to the Minister of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs Minister, NAFTA negotiations have left my constituents feeling concerned and uneasy free trade and economic cooperation with the US and Mexico is important hundreds of thousands of good jobs rely on it I'm sure you can agree Minister our farmers and food processors work hard each and every day and play a crucial role in the success of our $37 billion farm and food sector that is why it's important that their concerns and interests are not overlooked during the negotiation process can the Minister please update this house on what our government is doing to support the interests of our agri-food sector during the NAFTA negotiations Thank you Minister of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs Thanks very much Mr. Speaker and I want to thank the member for Northumberland and Quinty West for a very important question to the sporting Mr. Speaker, two-way agri-food trade between the United States and Ontario is worth nearly $28 billion and the significance of this number cannot be ignored NAFTA remains a foundation agreement between Canada, the United States of Mexico that works well for all three countries Over the past six months I've been actively engaged with my US counterparts and businesses to ensure that as NAFTA has modernized quote-unquote we do no harm on this side of the house will continue to promote the interests of Ontario's agri-food sector during the negotiations to meet with many US representatives but I'll continue to engage with my Agriculture Advisory Committee comprising of leaders in our sector to reinforce that our government stands with Ontario's agri-food sector Most recently I visited Mexico during the latest round of NAFTA negotiations where I continued to stand up for the interests of each and every single individual across our agriculture community I had the opportunity to meet Ontario Canada's Chief Negotiator to reiterate on this question It's great to hear that our government continues to promote Ontario agri-food interests along with meeting with your US counterparts to strengthen our trading relationship. Ministers, members of my constituency are concerned that our friends south of the border do not share our views with regards to our supply management system The supply management system provides balance and protection for our farmers and producers yet and has played an integral role in the agri-food sector Minister, can you please provide the House with an update on how you are reaffirming Ontario agriculture interests in the integrity of our supply management system Thank you, Minister I want to thank the member from Northarble Equity West for his supplementary Our government has made it clear that any proposals that threaten the integrity supply management are absolutely important to our starters for the profits of Ontario Mr. Speaker, recent proposals made by the United States during NAFTA re-negotiations competitively to the disbanding of Canada's supply management system a system that represents 25% of agriculture production in the profits of Ontario Let me be clear, supply management works well for our province producers our processors and consumers as well as our economy I would have thought there would have been sub-denunciation of one Maxine Bernier who continues to traipse across Canada every day talking about the disbanding of Ontario supply management system All of us have stand up against the kind of inaccurate facts that he continues to break Thank you Your question to the member from Leeds Grimble Thanks, Mr. Speaker My question is to the Attorney General Not almost every court in eastern Ontario has video remands but the Attorney General is keeping the Brockville Courthouse stuck in the past It takes two officers to escort prisoners from the jail to the Court's detention centre A third officer must then monitor prisoners Brockville police have done over 800 of these that is a safety issue and also a terrible waste of valuable resources All four remand appearances that last about a minute The jail is equipped to do video remands but for five years the Attorney General ignored police from the Brockville police to install video equipment in the Court Police Chief Scott Frazier all agree it's time to stop this dangerous costly and unnecessary prisoner transfer Will the Attorney General get with the times and finally press the play button on video remand system Thank you Thank you very much I think it's a very important question We continue to evaluate all our courthouses across the province make sure that they have the appropriate technology available to them We've got video remand in many parts of the province I'm not obviously at this moment speaker aware of any technical challenges or issues there may be in relation to Brockville Courthouse but I can tell the member opposite there is a very active evaluation that goes on We always want to make sure speaker that our courthouses are safe that the people who work in the courthouses are also always safe and then there is timely access to justice when issues arise I again thank the member for asking the question and of course I will look into where we are and what issue the challenges we may be facing in providing for video remand at the Brockville Courthouse Thank you The time for question period is over I will recognize the minister of tourism culture support on a point of order Welcome officially the film Ontario members joining us in the gallery they just dashed out speaker but more importantly perhaps I'd like to ask all members to join us at 5pm in committee room 230 later today for a fabulous reception Thank you Mr. Speaker Thank you There being no deferred votes this house stands recess until 3pm this afternoon