 Okay, it is now time for oral questions. I recognize the leader of the official opposition Speaker my questions to the acting premier on Friday I had a chance to meet with workers at GM as they came on to shift They took a big hit last week speaker But they know that they have the skill and talent to build some of the best cars in the world Even if the government side don't think so and they want to fight GM's decision to shut down operations in Oshawa Their question to me was why is the government so determined to throw in the towel? Can the deputy premier tell us? Minister finance thank you very much Certainly when premier Ford was there when this first occurred he acknowledged Immediately acknowledged that it is a difficult time for workers at General Motors Oshawa assembly plant and for the thousands of workers At hundreds of auto plant parts suppliers across Ontario and their families and their friends and It is disappointing that GM failed to see the competitive advantage that Oshawa's highly trained Staff brought to the operations in Oshawa now, of course GM says that this move is part of a global Restructuring and that is why we need to make sure Speaker that the world knows response after 15 years of job-killing policies that Ontario is open for business Well speaker, there's a huge amount at stake here GM employs Thousands of people directly, but there are thousands more who work in companies that supply GM and Not withstanding the government not allowing me to get my question out municipal and business leaders The ripple effect could lead to 20,000 job losses in Oshawa in the Durham region The premier may be resigned to letting those jobs go to Mexico and China But we think that they're worth fighting for at a time when people in Oshawa are looking for leadership speaker Why is this government throwing in the towel? Speaker we have authorized the premier Ford immediately Authorized employment Ontario to deploy our rapid Reemployment and training services program to provide Impacted local workers with targeted local training and job services to help them regain employment as quickly as possible We've also asked the federal government to immediately extend Employment insurance eligibility to ensure the impacted workers in the auto sector can fully access EI benefits when they need them the most And to work with the US counterparts speaker to remove all tariffs That are impacting auto parts suppliers so that we can remain Competitive in the Oshawa assembly as the Oshawa assembly plant closes its response What they told me is that they want good jobs, and they want their government to fight for those good jobs World-class auto industry a university that produces cutting-edge research and technology and a skilled workforce That is second to none general motors might think that they can walk away from that But the premier's job is to tell them that they're wrong and use every tool at his disposal to keep those jobs in Oshawa and keep work in that community. Why is the government so determined to side with GM's plan to abandon Oshawa? Members please take your seats Minister Speaker we've been working since day one to reverse 15 years of bad policies now. I appreciate the Leaders comments, but the NDP continue to want the highest carbon tax in the world They want Ontario to be a place where it's unaffordable to make cars Unaffordable to buy cars and unaffordable to drive cars So when the NDP number one here and say they're fighting for the workers We know two things one they don't have a plan and two their policies would kill the automotive sector speaker Now I can appreciate the leader is here to make her comments But it did take her almost a week to get to the plant and she did refuse a briefing by our minister Smith Okay Speaker my next question is also to the acting for King Vaughan Understand GM's new Investment is going to be in green cars for King Vaughan is more electric vehicles and in Autonomous vehicles, but this is a question for the acting premier regarding leadership and the premier standards for his staff on Friday Ali Conval she worked his last day as an executive at Ontario power generation. He was fired And given up to half a million dollars in severance in what he called quote-unquote unusual Circumstances will the government finally admit that those unusual Circumstances were that the premier's chief of staff Dean French called OPG to demand that he be fired after a single day on Minister of energy, thank you, mr. Speaker Hydro one is responsible for its own staffing decisions and they've made their own staffing decisions and We respect that. Thank you, mr. Speaker Speaker on Friday the Globe and Mail reported that once again the premier's chief of staff was intervening in the electricity sector this time To land a job for Anthony Haynes the former CEO of Toronto Hydro a man who the premier just happened to work closely with for many years Can the government tell us what the premier's chief of staff is up to these days? Minister As he said Previously mr. Speaker Hydro one is responsible for their own hiring decisions Following years of outrageous liberal standards and six million dollar salaries the government for the people has taken measures to improve accountability and transparency at Hydro one this includes a legislative provision to approve a responsible and reasonable Compensation package for the CEO and the board selects which we will proceeding with be proceeding with in the near future. Thank you Well, it sounds like it depends on what kind of a people you are if you're a friend the Doug Ford to get a job And if you're not a friend you lose a job Mastery leader the opposition to refer to the premier by by his ministerial title by premier Uh speaker the Fact of the matter is that intervening in the hiring process is actually a violation of the government's agreement with Hydro one That is the reality Especially if he's intervening to land a job for an associate of the premiers Why is the premier's chief of staff Dean French intervening in this process? Thank you mr. Speaker following years of outrageous liberal scandals and The six million dollar salary of its former president CEO opposition governor for the people has taken measures to improve accountability and transparency at Hydro one this includes a legislative provision to approve a responsible and reasonable compensation package framework For the CEO and those boards board of directors selected and we're proceeding with that now. Thank you mr. Speaker Speaker my next question is also to the acting premier, but I have to say after years of scandals Ontarians certainly deserve much better than more of the same Mr. Haynes had a troubling record at Toronto Hydro pushing privatization while his salary grew 32% To 1.1 million dollars a year and the premier than a Toronto councillor was his staunch defender Does the acting premier think this is appropriate for the premier's chief of staff to meddle in the hiring process to get mr. Angel job Minister of energy thank you mr. Speaker as a private corporation the board of Hydro one is responsible for their own hiring Decisions following years of outrageous liberal scandals and six million dollar salary for its CEO the government for the people Has taken measures to improve accountability and transparency One and this includes a legislative provision to approve a responsible and a reasonable compensation Framework for the CEO and the board of directors selected which we are proceeding with now as we speak. Thank you mr. Speaker the people of Ontario want to know that when it comes to important positions like this one that the person was That's hired was the actually the best person for the job not the best friend of the premier Why is the premier's chief of staff meddling in the higher hiring process to get mr. Haynes the job? Minister It was abundantly clear that a government for the people needed to take measures to improve Transparency and accountability at Hydro one and we move forward with the legislative Never for timmins come to prove a responsible and reasonable compensation package for the CEO and the board selected But you want to talk about a political party who really wanted to get involved in the operational decisions of a company? Talk about part of their campaign platform to cancel 7,000 jobs in the beautiful riding of Pickering up oxbridge mr. Speaker that's not a decision And it wouldn't have been had she become premier we stood up for those workers We stood up for an asset that provides 60% of Next question the member for Perth Wellington. Thank you speaker speaker my Question is for the minister of community safety and correctional services mr. Speaker Ontario's government for the people was elected with a mandate to improve Public safety across this province and to improve the to provide the brave men and women of our police services With the tools and resources they need to perform their duties safely and effectively After 15 years of liberal neglect our government is making investments in the key priority of keeping community safe Earlier this year our government announced a 182 million dollar investment to replace aging OPP facilities with nine new detachments province-wide Mr. Speaker could the minister please update the members of this legislature and how these new OPP detachments will improve public safety Appreciate the question from the member from Perth Wellington because I know that he understands how important Pleasure actually on Friday to go to Clinton and join my friend and colleague the minister of education and Minister of infrastructure to announce Clinton's new OPP detachment Resources they need to do their job to serve their community the The infrastructure is going to make a real difference to the community of Huron And I was just pleased to be part of it this on Friday. So thank you Thank you very much speaker for that answer Thank you very much minister for that answer and for your continued advocacy when it comes to ensuring the safety of our province Projects like the new OPP detachments are key to ensuring the safety of our province and providing much needed support To our brave men and women in uniform For far too long it seemed that the wherever you would go in our province the key government buildings and Infrastructure projects would be left in a state of disrepair Could the minister elaborate on the role that the minister of infrastructure infrastructure played regarding the impact that Infrastructure projects like this will have for our communities like Clinton and across the province The member of Perth Wellington for a strong leadership in in these projects and others Mr. Speaker infrastructure for the people means giving our police forces including the brave men and women of the OPP The tools they need to keep all of our communities safe Services and the minister of education and announcing a 20 million dollar investment in a new OPP detachment in Clinton, Ontario I would also like to thank the bird construction crew for working with the local workforce and building the attachment Which is strategically located next to the fire hall and EMS Mr. Speaker our government was elected with a strong mandate to rebuild this province whether it's a Clinton OPP detachment New Groves Memorial Community Hospital the expansion of Credit Valley Hospital or the rebuild of the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Start the clock next question the member for Brampton North Thank You mr. Speaker my question is for the acting premier We're going to continue along the same line as the question from from our leader It's all I can say is here. We go again Late Thursday, Mr. Speaker the government announced that Ron Taverner had been chosen as the new commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police Among others Chris Lewis the former commissioner of the OPP has serious concerns about this appointment Calling it quote simply not right and not what's best for the organization Unquote like many he has raised concerns about the new commissioner his close relationship with the Premier Can the acting premier tell us who was on the selection committee and how they arrived at their selection? Through you speaker, I think the only accurate part of that question was yes on Thursday afternoon We were proud to announce that Ron Taverner will become the new Commissioner incoming commissioner has a 50 year history and the frontline of policing all weekend I have spent answering calls saying from frontline officers saying thank you You have done exactly what we need the choice was made by an independent commissioner and it was Approved by cabinet on Thursday. I'm proud of the OPP commissioner, and I look forward to working with him in the coming years Thank You mr. Speaker that was the answer I expected to get and no answer I Stopped the clock Once again the non-answer restart the clock member can put his question Thank You mr. Speaker when it comes to keeping families safe and running a police force of 9,000 people the people of Ontario need to know the best person was hired for the job And when a former OPP commissioner raises serious concerns about the hiring process, they cannot be simply dismissed they Mr. Speaker will the government commit to a transparent and impartial review of the hiring process for this incredibly important job Minister number opposite doesn't want to take my word for it So allow me to share some of the quotes Bruce Chapman president of the Ontario police Association I've known superintendent Ron Travner for 30 plus years. He's a hard-working Progressive and Saunders chief of police from the Toronto Public Service after serving Toronto police for more than 50 years There are few people who will leave behind our legacy so rich and community service as well and Travner I wish him every success as he begins a new chapter with the OPP That this independent selection committee made an excellent choice and we are proud to stand Minister of natural resources and forestry come to order Start the clock next question the member for Mississauga Erin meals. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of environment conservation and parks Speaker Ontario is blessed with magnificent forests lakes and rivers Those of us who call Ontario home could not ask for a better place to live work and raise a family The quality of life enjoyed by our people as well as the success of our businesses Debend on having clean air to breathe save water to drink and well protected lands and parks Ontarians recognize the role we play and their Responsibility we all share to protect and preserve the province we know and love Can the minister tell this house what role Ontario has played to ensure we all have a healthy environment to enjoy Mr. Speaker through the member for Mississauga Erin Mills. Thank you for that question As the member knows as the house knows we introduced our made in Ontario environment plan on Thursday And mr. Speaker that plan will ensure that we protect and conserve our air our water our land that we fight climate change That we produce litter urban litter and waste But mr. Speaker the member is quite right Ontario has a has a history in terms of environment in fact with regards to climate mr. Speaker Ontario since 2005 has reduced It's emissions by 22% and mr. Speaker This is at the same time as the rest of Canada has increased it by 3% So mr. Speaker the plan that we presented on Thursday It's a plan that balances a healthy economy and a healthy environment It does not impose a job-killing tax on on terrarium, but it does protect And it does fight climate change supplementary Thank you. Mr. Thank you mr. Speaker the minister makes some great points about the progress this province has made Every time we fill up our tanks. We were met with increasing gas prices Every time we turn it up our heat. We knew it would cost us more Families They should never have to feel deciding between putting food on their tables and heating their homes It is time that Ontarians receive some recognition For the sacrifices they have made and the ones they continue to be for every day Minister highlight for us how our plan focuses on striking the right balance between a healthy environment and a strong economy Mr. Speaker and again, thank you to the member for the question mr. Speaker our made in Ontario plan is a great plan because it was built by Ontarians over 8,000 Ontarians contributed over 150 stakeholders made Contributions to discussions and we looked at the best global plans in terms of how to approach this for Hampton That's why mr. Speaker and we will be able to say that our plan through a straightforward Ununderstandable a common-sense approach is going to take Ontario to the Paris targets that our nation agreed to We will see reductions of 30% from 2005 levels by 2030 and our plan is thoughtful But our plan also deals with litter our plan also dears with waste it deals with pollution in our rivers and lakes It deals with our air it deals with excess soil It deals with the range of issues that Ontarians are concerned to get again a plan that balances a healthy economy and a healthy environment Next question the member for Toronto Danforth. Thank you speaker speaker my question to the minister of the environment Last week the government revealed a climate change plan that forces taxpayers to give large emitters Millions of public dollars instead of making polluters pay Ontario's taxpayers must now pay the polluters Mr. Speaker our plan strikes a balance It's a balance that the opposition made on understand but mr. Speaker our plan in a sensible Common sense way takes the hard work that Ontarians have put in and adds that additional 8% mr Speaker 8% 18 megatons of greenhouse-class reductions that will get us to the Paris targets that our national government agreed to Mr. Speaker for months now the NDP have talked about a plan and targets and asked us where there are Mr. Speaker our plan and our targets are on the table as of Thursday. Where are there? Thank you speaker speaker the NDP supports climate change action that is fair effective and transparent Premier's plan is not fair because instead of making polluters pay the Premier's forcing the people to pay Polluters the plan is not effective because Australia already tried this and it didn't work Greenhouse gas emissions there are going up not down and this plan is not Transparent because it has no details about how the Premier will decide which insiders will get these payments Will the minister withdraw this plan and replace it with a fair effective and transparent plan that does not force taxpayers to give millions of dollars to big polluters Minister mr. Speaker our made in Ontario plan does take the best ideas from on the round the world including the New York Green Bank Where we will get four dollars of private money for every one dollar of public investment Mr. Speaker for the first time there will be a comprehensive impact assessment about climate change So we can understand the impacts on communities and mr. Speaker We will work with communities and we'll work with individuals to deal with the impacts of climate change Unlike what the opposition suggests and mr. Speaker as I said they've been calling for a plan They've been calling for targets our targets are the Paris targets our plan is a sensible plan that gets to those reductions Mr. Speaker their plan is a carbon tax. There's plans punishes families $150 a ton mr. Speaker 30 That's the NDP plan Restart the clock next question The member for Ottawa venue Mr. President mr. Speaker to be able to ask a question on behalf of my friend from Don Valley East Number for Ottawa venue see me name is consent of the house to ask a question on behalf of her colleague the member for Don Valley East agreed Agreed member for Ottawa venue. Yes, Mr. President. Thank you. Thank you, mr. Speaker My question is for the vice premier or deputy premier as many of my colleagues did I participated in the protest that took place On Saturday count for four point seven percent of the population He's on the cat trace me don't it seems that 13,000 of them throughout the province took place We're in this protest. There were thousands of people Members of the National Assembly in Quebec were there to support Francobones here and throughout the country Francobones have fought many different times throughout their history for what they're required rights And they don't want to lose those rights. Well the premier deputy premier Review and reverse the decisions that they've recently made in terms of the elimination Elimination of the commissioner of French language services and not to fold it under the ombudsman There are no savings and it risks his independence And will they continue to commit to the francophone university so that it be open in 2020 and to work with the community to ensure that they continue to fund cultural institutions such as new and the bell sign Thank You mr. Speaker The member opposite is right the Franco-Ontarians are an integral part of our province of our history and Of our future. That's why our government has continued its commitment to continue to work with Franco-Ontarians that have worked very hard throughout the generations to Ensure the progress of the rights During the weekend there were Hundreds even thousands of Franco-Ontarians. They're protested and we listened We're here as a government to listen and to represent the interests of Franco-Ontarians And we will continue to do that mr. Speaker the measures that we announced won't in any way Reverse any of the acquired rights from Franco-Ontarians will continue to protect their language rights And to ensure that our government will be one day able to fund The francophone university in a concrete manner and a different manner in which the previous government had committed to do so Madam minister Franco-Ontarian community is ready to protect its rights before the courts the Appeal court in the Lalonde decision has stated that The government cannot reverse acquired rights for linguistic minorities We have to take into account their interest before implementing administrative decisions as the minister taken into account judicial risks of these decisions why Spend money before the courts instead of working with the community and recognize the mistakes that were made during the last few weeks Minister, thank you mr. Speaker. I'd like to ask the member opposite that Whether they thought about the repercussions of their fiscal budgetary decisions when they left a 15 billion dollar deficit for Ontarians to pay of Over 300 almost 350 billion dollars That's where the debt is at The former government spent a lot of money to do a lot in this province But they didn't ensure the proper funding for the francophone University. They didn't set that funding aside We are dedicated to make decisions for all Ontarians and we're gonna put Ontario back on the right path towards prosperity Next question the member for Perry Salma still Mr. Speaker our government made a clear very clear promise to the people of Ontario that we would reduce the price of gasoline We took immediate action by scrapping the previous government's cap and trade carbon tax Which has already reduced the price that Ontario families are paying at the pump and in cap and trade took 4.3 cents a liter off of gasoline and 5 cents liter off of diesel But mr. Speaker parts of northern Ontario are not benefiting from our government's action to reduce gas prices So can the minister let the legislature know what he is doing to fix this issue? Energy Thank You mr. Speaker, and I want to thank the member from Perry Sound, Muskoka for bringing this issue to light Mr. Speaker, there's no question that we've taken concrete action To reduce the price per liter of gasoline in the province of Ontario and many parts of the province have Seen that reflected in the price per liter when they go to the gas pump pumps And I heed the concerns expressed by my colleagues across the way from northern Ontario that not all of that Has translated to our price per liter in northern Ontario, but in northwestern Ontario in particular mr. Speaker We have not seen any of these savings from Thunder Bay West mr. Speaker Saw only a drop of a third of that over the same period. It's clear to me that these savings are not being passed on I'm speaking today not just on behalf of the people from the great Canora Rainey River districts mr. Speaker, but also up in Kiwetnum where the prices are grossly distorted and Unfair mr. Speaker as they relate to other pricing that goes on in product Solution is not state intervention is response that has not proven to work for the provinces that use it Or the states that have used this model mr. Speaker, we're going to stand up for fair price. Thank you Supplementary Thank you mr. Speaker and thank you to the minister for addressing this issue that is so important in the north I appreciate having a minister with so much experience standing up for northern Ontarians interests mr. Speaker, it's incredible that while average prices of gasoline have fallen the rest of Ontario northern Ontario is not Benefiting from these reductions. I know the minister will continue to fight for northern communities and make sure everyone in our province Benefits from our government's policy decisions Residents of the north relying gasoline to drive long distances to work to put food on the table They drive their kids to hockey practice. They drive to the grocery store There are very few alternatives to driving in northern Ontario Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank the minister for his hard work on this file and ask him what next steps The government is taking to a question northerners benefit from lower gas prices Perry sound muskoka is right to point out that in order for our children to travel for competitions and sports and other other Activities cost us considerably more money to get to those destinations where kids can be exposed to the kind of caliber that others Take for granted down here in southern Ontario and furthermore It's true mr. Speaker that we've been tracking for the past several months the unfairness and price per liter at the gas pumps Particularly in northwestern, Ontario the state intervention proposed by the member of dimmins has proved to not work for several Provinces and the few states that use that so he can tell the chairman Sorry, the leader of his party that this is not an effective way to reduce the price per liter of gas That's why I called the competition To launch a full investigation Into the entire supply chain as it relates to the price of gas in northwestern, Ontario We hope that the competition bureau will take this request seriously mr. Speaker, and we'll get some answers Thank you mr. President my question. Thank you, mr. Speaker The question is for the minister of francophone affairs last Saturday 13,000 15,000 people Gathered to oppose the decision of your government It's about suppressing the office of the French language services commissioner as an autonomous organism Mr. President and the cancellation of the funding of the francophone University, mr. Speaker This is a linguistic crisis. This is an attack towards the Franco-Ontarians. There is only one solution The government must reverse his decisions Here is my question Have you listened to the request of the Franco-Ontarians? Thank you mr. Speaker, and I thank the member for his questions. Yes, we are listening to the Franco-Ontarians We will we keep listening to them and we will keep working for them We offered last week amendments to bill 57 We want to reassure Franco-Ontarians that the position of the French language services commissioner Relying on the abutment will be the way it is We want to find the best way to protect the rights of Franco-Ontarians while being responsible fiscal speaking The commissioner will keep presenting his report to the legislative assembly He will keep his independence from the government. The commissioner will also have the right to Give recommendations to improve services And our government will listen to these recommendations Once they're presented by the commissioner, mr. Speaker. We're here to listen to the Franco-Ontarians Mrs. Minister on November 26 the ombudsman of Ontario was interviewed and there He says that the Franco-Ontarian community is right to be fearful in an article the ombudsman and I quote The ombudsman admits that his role is not to be the advocate of the francophony As for the consolation of the funding of the francophone University, and I'm quoting still The ombudsman explains that it's not his place to meddle in this The words of the ombudsman are clear So why do you keep supporting the consolation of the only office that is? Able to work independently to support an advocate for the rights of the Franco-Ontarians The minister Mr.. Speaker we haven't cancelled the office of the French language services commissioner We will integrate his office in the ombudsman office The commissioner will be able to keep his independence the current power to Make reports and to make recommendations all the work that is currently done by the commissioner will keep with Will be done again still Through the ombudsman the Linguistic rights will be protected the same way as it is So I would like the member to stop spreading lies. We will protect the independence of the linguistic rights in Ontario. Thank you Attorney general will Order Order thank you start the clock The next question member from markham thornhill Thank you, mr. Speaker my question is for the minister of environment conservation and power For too long Ontario families were faced with the process of rising cost of living as well as skyrocketing energy cost That have heard our economy and our competitors They understandably frustrated to see their heart and tax tellers being put forward Policies and program that don't deliver the result With the passing of the cancellation of liberal Carpentry carpentry tax families are finally able to feel some relief Last week the minister brought forward is made in Ontario environmental plan Can the minister tell the people of Ontario how our governments need plan for the environment will also make life more affordable Mr. Speaker and I thank the member from markham thornhill for his question, but mr. Speaker We now have a balanced plan a panel that balances the economy in the environment and to his question The way that that makes life more affordable for Ontarians is we will hit our Paris targets We will hit the objectives our country is set. We will reduce greenhouse gases We will protect the environment and we will not charge Ontarians a regressive job-killing tax That we know is going to save Ontarians $264 per family. We know that the Trudeau carbon tax would be $648 by 22 per family That's why we'll fight that tax. Mr. Speaker are also plan our plan also calls for the increased use of ethanol for cleaner fuels In gasoline and that will reduce gasoline prices. So mr. Speaker at every moment We are balancing an account the economy and the environment at every part of our plan We are making sure that we protect our beautiful environment, but also protect the financial health of families Thank you, mr. Speaker. Thank you for minister for that answer I know my constituents will be happy to hear that our government has kept our promises to not place an unnecessary Recursive tax on them They will be pleased to know that they have a ability to do their part without the burden of a carbon trade tax The effect of climate change is concerning and I can assure you our government take this concern very seriously However, this plan is so much more than just climate action It is a plan for conservation a plan that will protect our lakes rivers land and air Can the minister tell the member of this last lecture what other concern this plan will to be better to protect our environment? Mr. Speaker and again, thank you to the member he is quite correct our plan is an environment plan It's a plan that deals with clean air clean water clean land It's a plan that does address the vital issue of climate change Vital issues like water security for water loo. It's about sewage in our water Certainly something that I'm sure the NDP cares about it talks about soil and what we do with excess soil It talks about our parks and expanding by one million the number of Ontarians and visitors that can enjoy our parks every year Mr. Speaker it addresses a range of issues important environmental issues Including climate change, but not exclusively climate change Mr. Speaker these are the issues that Ontarians are worried about a balanced plan Balancing the environment the economy making sure we protect our environment and protect families pocket the member for Brampton Center Thank you very much mr. Speaker my question is for the Attorney General a few weeks ago regional senior justice Peter Daly addressed the courts to bring attention to the abysmal state of Brampton Court facilities Daly stated and I'll quote the Ontario government past and present is either willfully blind to the erosion of trust caused by its Failure to take timely steps to address the facilities crisis in Brampton Or it believes that spending on this courthouse will not result in more votes Since the minister declined an invitation from mr. Daly to hear his remarks and to tour the courthouse in Brampton Is the minister willing to visit the courthouse to learn how first-hand? chronically underfunded facilities in our city are blocking access to justice Thank You mr. Speaker and I thank the member for the question and for the invitation I am looking forward to touring the Brampton courthouse in that February last year construction Commenced on a six-story addition to the Brampton courthouse We are taking a fiscally responsible approach to the Brampton addition where the basement first and second floors will be completed now To address immediate needs while the remaining floors will be fit up to will be fit at a future date The previous level got liberal government as you know, mr. Speaker left us with a 15 billion dollar deficit and 340 billion dollars in debt for us to pay back We were given a mandate from the people of Ontario to clean up the financial mess And we are working to do so while finding ways to deliver efficient and effective services to meet the needs of Ontarians The ministry will continue to review and respond to the facility needs of the Brampton courthouse as we move forward And I look forward to touring Minister you know my colleagues and I from Brampton on both sides of this house are very proud of our fast-growing city But we all acknowledge that our city needs the services to grow with us I've personally heard stories about serious cases being stayed or even dismissed because the courtrooms are not available or trial dates Cannot be secured in a timely manner the government has failed to address the lack of resources To the courts in Brampton and we are witnessing significant impacts to our justice system What is the minister willing to do to ensure that the people of Brampton and people across the region appeal have timely access to justice? Minister as I said we are We are Building the process of constructing a new courthouse in Brampton to address this issue Access to justice for people of Brampton and people across this province is a priority for our government And so while the government has left us with a fiscal mess to clean up We're trying to find other approaches to improve access to justice including investing in technology and finding other ways to make sure The Ontarians can access court and services they need Mr. Mr. Speaker, this is what we have been doing on since we were elected on day one We will continue to do that and addressing the the facilities needs in this province is part of that plan And as I said I look forward to Start the clock next question the member for Mississauga streets My question is to the Honourable Minister of Children Community and social services Last week the Parliamentary Budget Officer tabled his report Detailing the costing of irregular migration across Canada's southern border The PBO estimates that the average cost for each irregular migrant will rise to an average of $16,666 next year Wow, this amounts to a total variable cost of $340 million this year and is projected to rise to $396 million next year unbelievable these figures only account for the costs incurred by the federal government Not the provincial government Can the Minister please tell us when Ontario expects to be reimbursed by the federal Liberal government's failed border policies? We have this question on the floor of the assembly. I only wish it had come from the opposition who be as diligent in Their work as a member from our party because what happened last week is the Parliamentary Budget Officer and the Toronto Street needs survey Validated what this government has been saying since June 29th that because of the illegal border crossing in Quebec There was substantial pressure on our shelter system in the city of Toronto Which is 40 percent And there is substantial pressure on our provincial government the Parliamentary Budget Officer validated our $200 million and growing costs in the province of Ontario We are simply asking the Minister of Immigration and the Prime Minister to make us whole as every single Premier in every single province and territory has suggested when they stood side by side with our Premier What's also troubling is the fact that the Premier the Parliamentary Budget Officer suggested This is going to cost taxpayers a billion dollars just for the federal government alone Thank you, Mr. Speaker minister that wasn't the only discouraging report released last Thursday The city of Toronto also released findings from their street needs assessment Which surveyed the city's homelessness back in April The findings clearly show that the city's shelter system is struggling to meet the increased demand and that roughly 40% of occupants identify as refugees or asylum seekers. I Imagine other municipalities across the province are facing the same predicament Minister how are Expected to operate under this added strain as the temperature falls. Good question. Wish Paul minister important to one that I've recently met with both Mayor Tory and their Watson in our two largest cities Who have said that their their capacity is at 40% I want to be perfectly clear the federal Minister of Immigration May like to call people names when they disagree with them, but the facts don't lie In fact, we know for example that the ministry order that the Toronto needs survey Parliamentary Budget Officer has validated our number So what I'd like to see from Prime Minister Trudeau is a tweet and a pledge for the 200 billion dollars To get I apologize to the minister for having to cut her off in mid-sentence When her colleagues rose with the standing volume of the standing ovation was such that I could not hear her I had to cut her off Next question the member for University Rosedale. This is to the Minister of Transportation Last week the government quietly released the terms of reference for their plan to break up Toronto subway system and take it away from Torontonians While this government has been cagey about their plans for our subway the document clearly lays Out an agenda for selling off and privatizing this valuable public asset Then on Friday, we learned that the government in commanding the City of Toronto tell the province how much the TTC is worth Step one for selling off a public asset is to determine how much it's worth Will the minister come clean and tell the public that their plan for Toronto subway system has been to break it up and sell it off The minister of transportation Thank you very much From the member opposite for that question and speaker We have no intention of breaking up and privatizing selling off the TTC What we're going to do is what should have been done long ago is to create the regional structure that this province needs by getting That is to work with the City of Toronto to look at uploading the system right now We have a special advisor point at end of August Michael Lindsay who has been working with stakeholders in Toronto to see Which is the best way forward he's come forward with a plan to put forward which I addressed my letter to the mayor of John Torrey I've spoken to mayor Torrey. He's all for working together. We're gonna work together the city council We're gonna come together with a plan that works not only for the Toronto But the GTHA as a whole and if you get that region rolling, mr. Speaker you get the province rolling and open up Ontario for business Supplementary Minister Toronto built the subway Toronto taxpayers and transit riders pay you for the subway and Torontonians govern the subway. It's ours not yours to sell Breaking up the subway Breaking I was breaking up the subway and selling off parts of it will not help overcrowding or delays Nor will it make fares more affordable on the contrary We have seen from other privatised transit lines that fares are set for what's good for the service provider and know what's affordable for the rider What Torontonians want to see from this government is investment in transit to make their commute shorter and fares more affordable Not a 1.4 billion dollar cut to transit infrastructure Will the minister do the right thing listen to the experts and riders and stop this wrong-headed decision to break up Toronto's subway Thank you very much mr. Speaker and again Thanks for that supplemental from the member opposite and and unfortunately it was missing quite a bit of Actual data that has been coming forth. So let me be clear I'll be crystal clear that the TTC will run and operate the subways And we have requested a lot of data from the TTC and the city and Metrolinx to figure out What's the best way forward and that will be coming forward? Mr. Speaker listen after the upload is completed we are gonna do to for Toronto and regional system We're gonna grow for university roads. They'll come door. We are gonna build the young extension. We're gonna build out subways out to Tobacco mr. Speaker We are gonna grow the grow transit system Yeah, once again, I'll acknowledge that some of the members are very enthusiastic and want to demonstrate their Agreement with a member who has the floor perhaps minister answering a question But once I cannot hear the minister's response because it's a volume of the standing ovation I have to stand up and interrupt the minister in in mid-sentence Next question the member for Thorne Hill Our government is working hard to make sure the whole world knows that Ontario is now open for business We are taking action so that our province comes once again We gain its place as the economic engine of Canada, but mr. Speaker in order to do so it's important Government foster international relationships to encourage investment in Ontario last week We were happy to hear that our minister of finance visited New York City Could the minister please explain the purpose of his trip and what he accomplished while he was there Thank you speaker and thank you to the member for Thorne Hill last week We were thrilled to let the investment community in New York City. Know that Ontario is open for business Fostering a culture of innovation in our province and nurturing an attractive investment climb We also discussed our government's plan for lower taxes Smarter spending and deficit reduction with international investors and we made clear that for the first time in 15 years Ontario's government wants to work with the business community after our trip to New York Everyone across Ontario can be excited for the success that lies ahead because Ontario is open for business Fox supplementary Thank you, mr. Speaker and thank you to the minister for his response We're all very excited to hear about the success the minister and his team had in spreading the message that Ontario was open for business It is only by sharing the hard work Everyone in our government is doing that we will be able to attract the investment Ontario needs to get moving again Indeed, it's been a long time since the business community saw this level of support from Ontario's government Mr. Speaker our government has taken action to open Ontario to investment with plans to continue fostering an attractive business Environment could the minister share the details of our open for business message and how the actions of our government have Resonated with the investment community Thank you speaker Our open for business approach was warmly received by the investment community in New York In fact, they said our message was the best they've heard in 15 years We were able to share that Cap and trade carbon tax is no longer punishing businesses in our province We promoted our decision to parallel the federal changes to the accelerated capital cost allowance Which makes business investments more attractive in Ontario? And we once again committed to cutting red tape by 25 percent by 2022 in order to make doing business in Ontario Easier speaker. We are restoring confidence in Ontario as the best place to invest and do business Thank you next question the member for Ottawa Center. Thank you speaker Thank you today's international day for people with disabilities and as I pose this question speaker I want to acknowledge and speakers galley some of our friends with disability rights community Thank you Today is a day that should be reminding us that our province is on a deadline My question is to the deputy premier farmers Pardon me speaker. We're on a deadline speaker the said the accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities act has to be set in place with a Legitimate plan by 2025, but every disability rights leader an organization I've met has told us that we're way behind in meeting that objective Does the minister believe that we're on track to have a fully accessible province by 2025 The minister of community safety and correctional services Glad that you've asked this question because my colleague the minister for seniors and accessibility has been working full out on these issues and Actually, he's away today doing a speech on this very This very issue. It's important that we work with all of our stakeholders We need to make sure that we have the most open and accessible province But we need to do it in a reasonable way that makes sure that no one gets hurt along the way So we're working with stakeholders. We're working with the accessibility Citizens and we're making sure that we're getting it right. Thank you Thank you. Thank you speaker back to the deputy premier Achieving full accessibility according to experts that I've talked to it requires two things a commitment and a plan But right now three out of five AODA Standards committees which actually are doing the work about accessible and inclusive health care and education for people living with the disability Their work has been frozen since the election. It's one thing to say we support accessibility But it's another thing to actually make it a priority by putting those AODA committees to work So my question is very simple Will the minister unfreeze the committees and will work will they will the minister work with people with disabilities to develop a Multi-year accessibility plan. So Ontario was fully accessible by 2025 There is no doubt speaker that everyone in Ontario deserves to fully participate in our lives in everyday lives And that includes recreation that includes our workforce that includes our families our schools are our justice system But we need to do it in a reasonable and measured way. That is what my colleague is doing That is what opposition come to order and we will make sure that work gets done But we need to make sure that the state Next question the member for Burlington My question is to the minister of the environment our government is working hard to grow economy while protecting the environment while the Prime Minister of Canada imposes a carbon tax on workers and families our government is restoring hope and Affordability for our people. I'm proud of our Minister of Environment and proud of his made in Ontario solution We are proud of our plan to ensure clean air and water and conservation of our natural heritage Can our minister confirm that our plan will help reduce emissions while growing our economy Mr. Speaker before me and let me just commend the member from Burlington for her question, but also her Her promotion there now as a PA for the Minister of Labor So let Mr. Speaker as as the member referenced Importantly in getting rid of cap and trade we saved Ontarians $260 that's money in their pockets But in addition to that we now have provided a plan a plan that balances the economy in the environment a plan that makes sure that we Reduce greenhouse gases in a sensible way that takes advantage of of the of the Sacrifices Ontarians have already made to make Ontario the leading Reduct reducing province 22% since 2005. Mr. Speaker to but to get us that laystate percent to the national international Targets we've agreed to and make sure that we balance the health of the economy the environment need our objectives We have a healthy environment as well Minister our plan our made in Ontario plan will ensure that polluters are held accountable with stronger Enforcement's a plan that is tailored to address Ontarians unique environmental and economic challenges and speaker a plan that does not Include a carbon tax on working families in this province speaker. It's time. We made life affordable It's time government is part of the solution not the problem Speaker can the minister outline the benefit of our made in Ontario plan and how it will ensure we leave the next generation better off Mr. Speaker our made in Ontario climate plan does include a plan for climate change It does include the Ontario carbon trust which will use the best models internationally to reduce gas It understands the benefits of conservation in the air of natural gas It talks about cleaner fuels, but it also talks about other things. Mr. Speaker. It talks about cleaner water It talks about being clear and transparent whether it's about sewage in our water or air pollution in our air Mr. Speaker it is a broad-based plan that deals with litter and waste It deals with the blue box a program and how we move from 30% diversion to a higher level diversion, Mr. Speaker It's a comprehensive plan. It's a plan that balances the economy and the environment here It's our time for question for you today I'm advised that we have a former member visiting us in the house today the member for Middlesex from the 36th Parliament Mr. Bruce Smith is here with us today Number for King Vaughan and a point of order Speaker mr. Speaker we have my colleague the house You'd like to recognize the family of Paige Keaton singer today's page captain and if you permit me Mr. Speaker, I'd like to seek unanimous consent to move a motion without notice regarding sign language interpretation for statements by the ministry this afternoon I move that sign language interpreters may be present on the floor First of all I have to seek you're seeking unanimous consent of the house to allow sign language Interpreters in the house this afternoon for the for the minister statement Agreed Thank You speaker. I move that sign language interpreters may be present on the floor of the chamber today to interpret statements by the ministry and responses The house has agreed to the request that you're making and we thank you very much for that point of order the member for Burlington Oakville Oakville Burlington. Yeah, thank you, mr. Speaker I also wanted to recognize the family of Paige ran and a paligan who are here with us today Alligan and Arun and a paligan. Thank you for joining us There being no deferred votes this house stands in recess until 1 p.m