IT IS TIME FOR ORAL QUESTIONS. I RECOGNIZE THE LEADER OF HIS MAJESTY'S LOYAL OPPOSITION. [ Applause ] >> THANK YOU GOOD MORNING SPEAKER. MY QUESTION IS TO THE PREMIER: ANY DISILLUSION OF PEEL REGION WILL REQUIRE SERIOUS THOUGHT AND CARE FROM THIS GOVERNMENT. THERE ARE A LOT OF MOVING PARTS AND BILLIONS OF DOLLARS ARE AT STAKE FOR TAXPAYERS IN BRAMPTON, IN MISSISSAUGA, AND IN CALEDON. BUT AS WE HAVE SEEN, WHETHER IT'S WITH BILL 23 OR THE CANCELLATION OF PEEL CHAIR ELECTIONS OR THE ENDING OF REGIONAL PLANNING RESPONSIBILITIES, THIS PREMIER HAS A RECORD OF IMPOSING SUDDEN MASSIVE CHANGES ON MUNICIPALITIES WITHOUT CONSULTATION OR CAREFUL REVIEW LEAVING MUNICIPALITIES AND TAXPAYERS TO DEAL WITH THE RESULTING CHAOS. HOW CAN THE PEOPLE OF PEEL TRUST THE PREMIER TO GET THIS RIGHT? [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: REPLY THE MINISTER OF MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS AND HOUSING.
>> I DISAGREE WITH THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION. THE PREMIER HAS BEEN CLEAR ON THIS ISSUE. AND WHAT OUR SHARED INTENTIONS ARE. WE'RE COMMITTED TO WORKING WITH ALL OF OUR MUNICIPAL PARTNERS TO ENSURE THEY HAVE BOTH THE TOOLS AND THE AUTONOMY TO DELIVER EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE SERVICES TO THEIR CONSTITUENTS. THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT'S LONG BEEN DISCUSSED WITHIN PEEL REGION AS I SAID EARLIER. THE PREMIER HAS BEEN VERY CLEAR ON HIS INTENTIONS AND WE'LL HAVE MORE TO SAY LATER IN THE DAY SPEAKER. [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION. >> SPEAKER, BACK TO THE PREMIER. LAST WEEK WE REMINDED THE PREMIER AND THE MINISTER OF MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS OF THEIR PROMISE TO MAKE MUNICIPALITIES WHOLE FOR REVENUE LOSSES THAT WERE CAUSED BY BILL 23. WE TOLD THEM THAT BRAMPTON WOULD NEED TO RAISE TAXES BY 80%. 80% TO COVER THESE LOSSES. NOW THEY'RE WORRIED ABOUT LOSING AS MUCH AS A BILLION DOLLARS IN INFRASTRUCTURE. BUT THE MINISTER SEEMS TO FORGET ALL ABOUT HIS PROMISE TO MAKE MUNICIPALITIES WHOLE. THE PREMIER EVEN COMPARED PEEL MUNICIPALITIES TO BEGGARS SEEKING A HAND OUT.
HOW CAN PEEL RESIDENTS HAVE ANY CONFIDENCE IN THIS RESTRUCTURING PROCESS WHEN THE PREMIER AND THE MINISTER HAVE SHOWN THEM SUCH DISRESPECT? [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: MINISTER. >> THE REGION OF PEEL HAS SOME OF THE LARGEST AND FASTEST GROWING COMMUNITIES IN OUR PROVINCE. WE HAVE BEEN VERY CLEAR THAT WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK WITH THEM. WE RECENTLY APPOINTED AN AUDITOR FOR ALL FOUR PEEL COMMUNITIES WITH A VERY CLEAR VISION THAT WE WANT TO SET THOSE MUNICIPALITIES UP FOR SUCCESS. ALL THREE OF THE MUNICIPALITIES, MINISTER, BRAMPTON AND CALEDON ALL ARE PART OF THE EXPANSION OF STRONG MAYOR POWERS. ALL OF THEM HAVE BEEN CLEAR BACK TO US. THEY COMMITTED TO OUR HOUSING TARGETS AND THEY'RE READY FOR SUCCESS.
[ Applause ] >> The Speaker: THE FINAL SUPPLEMENTARY. >> I ENCOURAGE THE MINISTER TO GO LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE OF BRAMPTON. THEIR MUNICIPALITY IS INDEED GROWING AT AN EXTRAORDINARY RATE. BUT TIME AND TIME AGAIN THIS GOVERNMENT MAKES BRAMPTONIANS — >> The Speaker: ORDER. >> — PROMISES BUT DELIVERS HALF MEASURES. >> The Speaker: ORDER. >> I GET WHY PEOPLE ARE WORRIED ABOUT THIS GOVERNMENT'S LATEST PLAN. THEY DESERVE BETTER. IN 2019 THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED REGIONAL GOVERNMENT REVIEW. THREE MONTHS OF CONSULTATIONS AND THE REVIEW RECEIVED OVER 8500 WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS BUT THEN THE GOVERNMENT SUDDENLY DROPPED THE WHOLE IDEA. THE REPORT AND THE RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE BEEN KEPT SECRET EVER SINCE. JUST SO PEEL RESIDENTS AND OTHER ONTARIANS HAVE ACCESS TO ALL THE RELEVANT INFORMATION WILL THE PREMIER ORDER THE RELEASE OF THE 2019 REPORT? [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: MINISTER OF HOUSING.
>> THANKS SPEAKER. DO YOU KNOW ONE THING THAT THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION DIDN'T TALK ABOUT? THE RESULTS OF LAST YEAR'S ELECTION. RIGHT NOW, ALL OF THOSE SEATS IN PEEL REGION ARE GOVERNMENT SEATS. >> ALL BLUE. >> THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION, LET'S FACE IT. THERE'S REVISIONIST HISTORY OVER ON THE BENCHES OVER THERE. WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK WITH THE OUTSTANDING PEEL REGION MPPs IN THE GOVERNMENT. >> HERE HERE. >> WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK WITH OUR THREE GREAT MAYORS AND THOSE GREAT COUNCILS IN CALEDON, BRAMPTON, AND MISSISSAUGA. WE WANT TO GIVE A CLEAR MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN PEEL REGION: NO MATTER WHETHER YOU LIVE IN CALEDON OR BRAMPTON ON MISSISSAUGA, WE WANT TO ENSURE THAT THE PROCESS RESULTS IN THOSE SAME FRONT LINE SERVICES THAT THE PEOPLE EXPECT TODAY AND THEY'LL EXPECT IN THE FUTURE. [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: THE NEXT QUESTION ONCE AGAIN THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION. >> THANK YOU SPEAKER.
BEFORE I GO TO THE NEXT QUESTION I WONDER HOW THE PEOPLE OF BRAMPTON WILL FEEL IN THE NEXT ELECTION WHEN THEIR TAXES HAVE GONE UP 80% UNDER THIS GOVERNMENT. [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: ORDER. >> The Speaker: OH, YEAH. ON SEPTEMBER 15TH. >> The Speaker: ORDER COME TO ORDER. >> ON SEPTEMBER 15TH, 2022 A COMPANY CONTROLLED BY MICHAEL RICE OF THE RICE GROUP BOUGHT 687-ACRES OF PROTECTIVE FARMLAND IN KING TOWNSHIP. LESS THAN TWO MONTHS LATER THE GOVERNANCED THIS PROPERTY WOULD BE REMOVED FROM THE GREEN BELT. NOW WE LEARNED THAT Mr. RICE DISCUSSED THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS LAND WITH KING TOWNSHIP AND FELT LIKE HEALTH OFFICIALS IN JUNE BEFORE HE BOUGHT THE LAND AND PERHAPS EVEN AS EARLY AS JANUARY OF LAST YEAR.
IT MAKES NO SENSE FOR Mr. RICE TO PROPOSE A DEVELOPMENT OF PROTECTED GREEN BELT LINE HE DID NOT EVEN OWN YET UNLESS AND MY QUESTION IS TO THE PREMIER, DID SOMEONE IN THE GOVERNMENT TIP HIM OFF ABOUT THE GREEN BELT PLAN? [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: REPLY. GOVERNMENT HOUSE LEADER. >> SPOKER Mr. SPEAKER, THAT SOMEBODY WAS TALKING ABOUT BUILDING A NEW HOSPITAL IN YORK REGION — SHOCKING. THE SOUTH LAKE ONTARIO. IN FACT Mr. SPEAKER, WE WERE TALKING ABOUT BUILDING A SOUTH LAKE HOSPITAL BEFORE THE LAST ELECTION Mr. SPEAKER. IT'S BEEN NO SECRET AND NEVER MADE A SECRET THAT THE PEOPLE OF YORK REGION ESPECIALLY SOUTH LAKE NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW IT IS THAT THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION IS NOT AWARE OF THIS.
WE HAVE NOT TRIED TO HIDE THE FACT. WE WENT INTO AN ELECTION TELLING THE PEOPLE OF THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO THAT WE WERE GOING TO MAKE $50 BILLION WORTH OF INVESTMENTS IN HEALTH CARE BECAUSE WE HAD TO REBUILD A HEALTH CARE SYSTEM THAT WAS LEFT SO SORELY LACKING BY THE NDP AND LIBERAL COALITION THAT IGNORED HEALTH CARE FOR 15 YEARS. NO SECRET. WELCOME TO THE PARTY. PERHAPS NOW YOU WILL CONSIDER VOTING IN FAVOUR OF THE MASSIVE INVESTMENT NOW THAT IT'S NO LONGER A SECRET. [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTION. >> SPEAKER, IT'S NOT ABOUT WHAT THIS GOVERNMENT SAYS IS GOING TO BE BUILT OR NOT. IT'S ABOUT WHO HAS ACCESS TO THIS GOVERNMENT TO GET THESE FAVOURS? THAT'S WHAT THIS IS ABOUT. SHORTLY BEFORE THE JUNE MEETING, THE CHIEF OF STAFF TO THE MINISTER AFFAIRS AND HOUSING LEFT THE MINISTRY AND TOOK A JOB OF THE NEW CEO OF THE ONTARIO HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION.
THE PRESIDENT OF THE OHBS AT THE TIME WAS BOB WHOSE COMPANY OWNED THE KING TOWNSHIP PROPERTY THAT WOULD THEN BE SOLD TO MICHAEL RICE ON SEPTEMBER 15TH. AND THEN REMOVED FROM THE GREEN BELT LESS THAN TWO MONTHS LATER. FOLLOWING ALONG HERE SPEAKER. DID HE OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL KNOW ABOUT ANY OF THE GREEN BELT REMOVALS PRIOR TO SEPTEMBER 15TH, 2022? [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: THE HOUSE LEADER. >> Mr. SPEAKER, AS IMPORTANT AS IT IS THAT YOU FOLLOW ALONG, I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT THAT PEOPLE IN ONTARIO FOLLOWED ALONG IN THE LAST ELECTION, RIGHT? SHE SAYS NOT IMPORTANT. WHAT GETS BUILT AND WHAT DOESN'T GET BUILT IN THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO. I DISAGREE. IT ACTUALLY IS IMPORTANT WHAT GETS BUILT AND DOESN'T GET BUILT. UNDER THE LIBERAL AND NDP COALITION NOTHING GOT BUILT, Mr. SPEAKER. THAT'S WHY OUR HOSPITALS WERE CRUMBLING, THAT'S WHY WE DIDN'T HAVE SUBWAYS FOR OVER 30 YEARS.
THERE'S A DELEGATION HERE FROM GREAT BRITAIN, THEY MANAGED TO GET SUBWAYS BUILT IN LONDON. WE HAD TO WAIT 30 YEARS FOR TORONTO FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! YOU KNOW WHO GOT THE JOB DONE THIS? MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION, THIS PREMIER, THEY GOT SUBWAYS BUILT IN ONTARIO. SO I WOULD SAY TO THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION, IT DOES MATTER WHAT GETS BUILT AND WHAT GETS DONE AND WHAT IS NOT BUILT. UNDER THIS GOVERNMENT, THINGS GET BUILT AND WHEN THEY'RE IN CHARGE, NOTHING HAPPENS! [ Cheering and APPLAUSE ] >> The Speaker: FINAL SUPPLEMENTARY. >> SPEAKER, BACK TO THE PREMIER: THE CONSERVATIVE NARRATIVE IS TOTALLY OFF HERE. THEY BETTER GET THEIR STORIES STRAIGHT. LAST WEEK THE NARWHAL REPORT — THE OFFICIAL IN THE PREMIER OFFICE — >> The Speaker: GOVERNMENT SIDE COME TO ORDER. >> GREEN BELT AS EARLY AS AUGUST. MICHAEL RICE WAS PITCHING THE DEVELOPMENTAL PROPOSAL FOR THE GREEN BELT LAND AS EARLY AS JUNE OR JANUARY OF LAST YEAR. THE TIMELINE HERE DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE. WHY DID THE PREMIER AND THE MINISTER TELL THE INTEGRITY COMMISSIONER THAT THEY ONLY KNEW ABOUT THE GREEN BELT REMOVAL SCHEME IN NOVEMBER WHEN THE PREMIER'S INNER CIRCLE CLEARLY KNEW LONG BEFORE THEN? THANK YOU.
[ Applause ] >> The Speaker: GOVERNMENT HOUSE LEADER. >> THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION SUGGESTS THE NARRATIVE IS OFF. I SUGGEST IT IS THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION AND THE NDP HAVEN'T GOTTEN THE NARRATIVE. WE WENT TO THE PEOPLE OF ONTARIO AND SAID WE WILL BUILD PROSPERITY BUILDING ROADS AND HIGHWAYS AND LONG-TERM CARE AND INVESTING IN THE AUTO SECTOR AND BRINGING JOBS BACK TO THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO. WHAT WE HAVE SEEN IS RECORD GROWTH IN THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO Mr. SPEAKER. THIS IS AN OPPOSITION PARTY THAT WENT TO THE PEOPLE WITH THE MESSAGE THAT SHE IS DELIVERING NOW AND THE PEOPLE OF THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO MASSIVELY TURNED THEIR BACKS ON THAT PARTICULAR PARTY Mr. SPEAKER. THEY TURNED PROGRESSIVE CONSERVATIVE PARTY TO THE LARGER MAJORITY THAN WHEN THEY LEFT. THEY REDUCED THE OPPOSITION BY TEN SEATS. THIS IS A LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION WHO RAN UNOPPOSED FOR THE LEADERSHIP BECAUSE NOBODY ELSE WANTED TO LEAD THE PARTY Mr.
SPEAKER. I THINK WE GOT THE NARRATIVE RIGHT. THE ECONOMY IS SHOWING THAT WE'RE GETTING IT RIGHT. AND THE PEOPLE OF THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO ARE — [ Cheering and Applause ] >> The Speaker: MEMBERS PLEASE TAKE THEIR SEATS. ORDER. ORDER. ORDER. START THE CLOCK. THE NEXT QUESTION. >> MEEGWETCH SPEAKER. [ Speaking Indigenous LANGUAGE ] MY QUESTION IS TO THE PREMIER: SPEAKER, THE LEADERSHIP AND THE MEMBERS FROM THE OJIBWE OF GARDEN RIVER FIRST NATION TRAVELLED HERE TODAY TO ENFORCE A LONG OVERDUE PROMISE OF THE 1850 TREATY TO THEIR PEOPLE. THAT THAT TREATY PROMISED THEM LAND THAT ONTARIO AND CANADA TOOK BACK FOR MINING, TIMBER, AND FARMING. Mr. SPEAKER, WILL THIS GOVERNMENT HONOUR THE 1850 TREATY AND GIVE BACK THE LAND ONTARIO OWES TO GARDEN RIVER FIRST NATION? [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: GOVERNMENT HOUSE LEADER.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH Mr. SPEAKER. I THANK THE MEMBER FOR THE QUESTION AND LET ME TOO WELCOME THE DELEGATION, THE CHIEFS AND THE ENTIRE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY THAT HAVE COME HERE. LOOK, WE HAVE I THINK A VERY GOOD TRADITION OF WORKING WITH INDIGENOUS PARTNERS TO ENSURE THAT IN FACT I THINK THIS GOVERNMENT HAS SECURED MORE AGREEMENTS THAN ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT IN THE PAST. THAT DOESN'T SUGGEST THAT THE WORK IS DONE BY ANY COUNT Mr. SPEAKER. I KNOW THIS IS SOMETHING THAT IS BEFORE THE COURTS RIGHT NOW. AS YOU CAN APPRECIATE Mr. SPEAKER, WHEN SOMETHING IS BEFORE THE COURTS, IT'S VERY LITTLE MORE THAN WE CAN SAY ON THE MATTER. THE PREMIER SAID THAT THE MINISTER HAS SAID WE REMAIN COMMITTED TO WORKING WITH INDIGENOUS PARTNERS TO NOT ONLY SETTLE LAND CLAIMS ACROSS THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO BUT ENSURING THAT OUR — THAT INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES PARTICIPATE IN THE ECONOMY GROWTH. THEY ARE THE LEADERS THAT WILL HELP US SHAPE ONTARIO OF THE FUTURE, Mr. SPEAKER. >> The Speaker: RESPONSE. >> SUCH AN IMPORTANT PART OF IT. WE OWE THEM THAT Mr. SPEAKER. I KNOW THEY ARE EXCITED TO WORK WITH US AS WE ARE TO WORK WITH THEM.
[ Applause ] >> The Speaker: SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION. >> WE NEED TO START TALKING ABOUT SELF DETERMINATION. WE NEED TO START TALKING ABOUT SELF GOVERNANCE. WE NEED TO START TALKING ABOUT TREATIES, HONOUR THE TREATIES. SPEAKER, FIRST NATIONS IN ONTARIO ARE FOUNDING PARTNERS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS PROVINCE. WE KNOW THAT. YOU KNOW THAT. THE FUTURE PROSPERITY FOR ALL OF US DEPENDS ON IMPLEMENTING THE SPIRIT AND INTENT OF THE TREATIES. AGAIN, THE PROSPERITY OF NORTHERN ONTARIO DEPENDS ON THE RESPECT OF THOSE TREATIES. DOES ONTARIO AGREE THAT THIS MEANS RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT SO ANY AGREED UPON DEVELOPMENT IN THE NORTH CAN HAPPEN SUSTAINABLY, RESPONSIBLY, AND WITH THE FULL INVOLVEMENT AND THE FULL CONSENT OF FIRST NATIONS? >> The Speaker: QUESTION.
[ Applause ] >> The Speaker: GOVERNMENT HOUSE LEADER. >> THANK YOU SPEAKER. LOOK, REALLY GOOD QUESTION FROM THE MEMBER. I THINK HE HITS THE NAIL ON THE HEAD IN A LOT OF RESPECTS. I DON'T THINK WE NEED TO START WORKING WITH FIRST NATIONS, I THINK WE NEED TO CONTINUE WORKING WITH FIRST NATIONS. I THINK HE HIGHLIGHTED IT ON MANY OCCASIONS AS HAVE THE PARTNERS SPEAKER THAT THIS IS A PARTNERSHIP. THIS IS A NATION TO NATION DISCUSSION, SPEAKER. FIRST NATIONS ARE IN MANY RESPECTS NOT ONLY OUR PARTNERS BUT THEY ARE OUR TEACHERS WHEN IT COMES TO HOW TO ENSURE THE ECONOMIC PROSPERITY NOT ONLY NORTH ONTARIO BUT ALL OF ONTARIO.
WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK WITH OUR PARTNERS NOT ONLY FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITIES BUT ACROSS THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO TO ENSURE THAT AS THE ECONOMIC RICHES OF THE NORTH WHICH BECOME SO IMPORTANT IN THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NOT ONLY OF SOUTHERN ONTARIO BUT ALL OF CANADA, THAT IT IS THOSE RELATIONSHIPS THAT WE HAVE WITH FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITIES TO HELP GUIDE US AND LEAD US THE WAY TO THE ECONOMIC PROSPERITY THAT IS SO IMPORTANT TO ALL ONTARIANS. >> The Speaker: NEXT QUESTION. THE MEMBER FOR BRAMPTON. >> THANK YOU Mr. SPEAKER. MY QUESTION IS FOR MINISTER OF FINANCE. MUCH LIKE THE REST OF THE WORLD ONTARIO IS EXPERIENCING THE EFFECTS OF GLOBAL ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY. ONGOING SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTIONS AND INFLATION AND INCREASED INTEREST RATES HAVE CREATED FINANCIAL PRESSURES FOR PEOPLE ACROSS ONTARIO. INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES AND BUSINESSES ARE LOOKING TO OUR GOVERNMENT FOR HELP DURING THESE CHALLENGING TIMES TO PROVIDE THEM WITH MUCH NEEDED SUPPORT SO THAT LIFE IS MORE AFFORDABLE.
THEY NEED TO SEE THAT OUR GOVERNMENT IS CONTINUING TO FOCUS ON LEGISLATION, INVESTMENTS, AND OTHER INITIATIVES THAT WILL PROVIDE REAL RELIEF FINANCIALLY AND THAT OUR GOVERNMENT HAS A STRONG PLAN FOR THE FUTURE. SPEAKER, CAN THE MINISTER PLEASE EXPLAIN HOW OUR GOVERNMENT IS CONTINUING TO WORK ON BEHALF OF ONTARIANS DURING THESE CHALLENGING ECONOMIC TIMES? THANK YOU. [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: REPLY. THE MINISTER OF FINANCE. >> THANK YOU SPEAKER. THANK YOU TO THE TERRIFIC MEMBER FROM BRANTFORD FOR THAT QUESTION. Mr. SPEAKER, THE PEOPLE OF ONTARIO RE-ELECTED OUR GOVERNMENT WITH A PLAN TO GET IT DONE AND KEEP COSTS DOWN AND SUPPORT THE PEOPLE OF ONTARIO WHILE GETTING ROADS AND HOSPITALS AND SCHOOLS AND INFRASTRUCTURE BUILT THAT ONTARIO NEEDS.
WE HAVE A RESPONSIBLE PLAN TO ENSURE THAT THE PROVINCE REMAINS ON A STRONG AND STEADY ECONOMIC PATH FORWARD. IN FACT, Mr. SPEAKER, I WAS VERY PLEASED TO SEE THAT MOODY, THE CREDIT RATING AGENCY RECENTLY CHANGED ONTARIO'S CREDIT FROM STABLE TO POSITIVE. [ Applause ] Mr. SPEAKER, THIS REFLECTS OUR GOVERNMENT'S COMMITMENT TO PRUDENT, RESPONSIBLE FISCAL MANAGEMENT AND A STRONG ECONOMY. >> The Speaker: RESPONSE. >> WE HAVE LAID A STRONG FOUNDATION ON WHICH WE WILL CONTINUE TO BUILD ONTARIO. [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION. >> THANK YOU SPEAKER. THANK YOU MINISTER FOR THE RESPONSE. IT IS GREAT TO HEAR THAT OUR GOVERNMENT IS CONSISTENTLY INTRODUCING MEASURES THAT WILL PUT MONEY BACK INTO THE POCKETS OF TAXPAYERS. AND IS BUILDING UP ONTARIO'S FUTURE WITH INFRASTRUCTURE AND INVESTMENTS THAT WILL BENEFIT EVERYONE.
THAT SAID, THE PEOPLE OF ONTARIO EXPECT THAT THEIR GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO LOOK FOR MANY WAYS TO REDUCE COSTS SO THAT LIFE IS MORE AFFORDABLE. UNLIKE THE PREVIOUS LIBERAL GOVERNMENT THAT WAS OUT OF TOUCH WITH THE PEOPLE OF ONTARIO, OUR GOVERNMENT MUST REMAIN COMMITTED TO FOCUSING ON ISSUES THAT WILL HELP TO IMPROVE EVERY DAY LIFE. SPEAKER, CAN THE MINISTER PLEASE EXPLAIN HOW THE PRIORITIES IN THE 2023 BUDGET WILL HELP TO MAKE LIFE MORE AFFORDABLE FOR THE PEOPLE OF ONTARIO. THANK YOU. >> The Speaker: MINISTER OF FINANCE. >> THANK YOU Mr. SPEAKER, THANK YOU TO THE MEMBER FOR THE QUESTION. Mr. SPEAKER, WE ARE MAKING TRANSIT MORE AFFORDABLE BY ELIMINATING DOUBLE FARES FOR MOST LOCAL TRANSITS SERVICES AND THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE AREA, WHEN COMMUNITIES ARE ALSO USING GO TRANSIT SERVICES.
Mr. SPEAKER, FOR LOW INCOME SENIORS IN ONTARIO THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE EVEN MORE CHALLENGING. THAT IS WHY WE ARE TEMPORARILY DOUBLING THE GUARANTEED ANNUAL INCOME SYSTEM KNOWN AS GAINS, THOSE PAYMENTS UNTIL DECEMBER OF 2023. AND Mr. SPEAKER, WE ARE PROPOSING TO EXTEND THE GAINS PROGRAM STARTING IN 2024 TO 100,000 ADDITIONAL SENIORS ELIGIBLE FOR THE PROGRAM FOR A 50% INCREASE IN RECIPIENTS SO THEY CAN DEAL WITH INFLATION Mr. SPEAKER. THIS ALL BUILDS ON THE PREVIOUS MEASURES INCLUDING CUTTING THE GAS AND FUEL TAX UNTIL DECEMBER 2023 AND ELIMINATING LICENCE PLATE — >> The Speaker: THANK YOU.
THE NEXT QUESTION THE MEMBER FOR WINDSOR WEST. >> THANK YOU SPEAKER. MY QUESTION IS TO THE PREMIER: RESIDENTS OF WINDSOR ESSEX ARE DEEPLY CONCERNED TO KNOW THAT NUMEROUS CODE RED AND CODE BLACKS HAVE BEEN DECLARED DUE TO SHORTAGES OF AVAILABLE AMBULANCES AND THIS GOVERNMENT'S CONTINUED SYSTEMIC UNDERFUNDING OF HEALTH CARE IN ONTARIO. FROM 2021 TO 2022, ALARMING INCREASE OF 4833 CODE RED MINUTES. THREE MONTHS INTO THIS YEAR, WINDSOR ESSEX IS AT NEARLY 900 CODE READ MINUTES PLUS ANOTHER 2257 CODE BLACK MINUTES. THIS THE DANGEROUS REALITY IN WINDSOR ESSEX. THIS GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO FAIL TO ADDRESS IT. SPEAKER WILL THE PREMIER COMMIT TODAY TO ADDRESSING THIS DISTURBING REALITY AND ENSURE RESIDENTS IN MY COMMUNITY HAVE ACCESS TO TIMELY EMERGENCY SERVICES WHEN THEY NEED IT. [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: REPLY. THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSISTANT TO THE MINISTER OF HEALTH. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH Mr. SPEAKER. THANK YOU TO THE MEMBER OPPOSITE FOR THE QUESTION. OUR GOVERNMENT KNOWS THAT THE STATUS QUO IS NOT WORKING AND WHY WE HAVE BEEN MAKING ALL THE CHANGES WE HAVE AND WHY WE INTRODUCE THE YOUR HEALTH ACT AND WHY WE HAVE THE LARGEST HEALTH HUMAN RESOURCES RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING IN ONTARIO HISTORY TO ADDRESS ANY CONCERNS SUCH AS THE ONES THE MEMBER OPPOSITE MENTIONED.
RECENTLY AND IN FACT THIS TUESDAY OUR MINISTER OF HEALTH AND OUR MINISTER OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES WERE IN OWEN SOUND TO ANNOUNCE TRAINING PROGRAMS LEARN AND STAY PROGRAMS TO ENSURE 2500 POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS IN NURSING AND PARAMEDIC AND MEDICINE LABORATORY STUDENTS WOULD GET TRAINING COVERED BY THE GOVERNMENT. AND WHAT WE'RE DOING IS MAKING SURE THAT THOSE PROGRAMS ARE AVAILABLE. THIS IS BUILDING ON PROGRAMS THAT WE ANNOUNCED IN MARCH OF 2022 AND WE THINK THIS IS PART OF THE SOLUTION TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE THE HEALTH HUMAN RESOURCE AND MAKE SURE THAT THE EMERGENCY ROOMS ARE OPERATING. >> The Speaker: SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION. >> THANK YOU SPEAKER. THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF ESSEX PASSED A MOTION THIS WEEK AND HAVE WRITTEN A LETTER TO THE PREMIER CALLING FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION FOR OUR REGION.
MAYOR BONDY SAID AND I QUOTE WE IMPLORE THE AUTHORITIES TO APPLY IMMEDIATE AND COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE HOSPITAL OFF LOAD DELAYS AND STAFFING CRISIS IN THE FRONT LINE. AMBULANCE OFF LOAD PROCESSES AND HOSPITAL VOLUMES ARE MERELY TWO CONTRIBUTING FACTORS. IF NOTHING TANGIBLE IS DONE, LOCAL FAMILIES RISK EXPERIENCING CATASTROPHIC CONSEQUENCES AND QUOTE. SPEAKER, WILL THE PREMIER IMMEDIATELY ADDRESS THE CONCERNS OF THE ESSEX COUNCIL AND THE ALARMING HEALTH CARE CRISIS WE'RE EXPERIENCING ACROSS WINDSOR ESSEX WITH THE INCREASING CODE READS AND CODE BLACKS? [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: MEMBER FOR EGLINTON NORTH.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH SPEAK. OUR GOVERNMENT IS TAKING ACTION TO MAKE SURE ONTARIANS HAVE THE ACCESS TO THE CARE THEY NEED. WHEN IT COMES TO THE AMBULANCE OFF LOAD DELAYS, WE HAVE MANY STEP PROCESS WE PUT IN PLACE. WE'RE RETURNING AMBULANCES TO COMMUNITIES FASTER THROUGH TO DEDICATED OFF LOAD NURSING PROGRAM AND INCREASED AMBULANCE AVAILABILITY BY ABOUT 600,000 HOURS WITH THE PROGRAM AND PROVIDING TIMELY AND APPROPRIATE CARE IN COMMUNITY THROUGH THE EXPANSION OF OUR 911 OPTIONS, WE'RE INVESTING IN NEW TECHNOLOGIES THROUGH THE CENTRAL AMBULANCE COMMUNICATION CENTRE AND WE'RE DOING ALL THESE THINGS TO MAKE SURE AND ALSO HELPING WITH TRANSPORT OF NONMEDICAL — FOR MEDICALLY STABLE PATIENTS SO THEY DON'T HAVE TO USE AMBULANCES AND MAXIMIZING OUR HEALTH HUMAN RESOURCE CAPACITY. SPEAKER THIS YEAR WE INCREASED DEDICATED OFF LOAD FUNDING TO OVER $23 MILLION FOR 27 MUNICIPALITIES. AND THAT'S 7 ADDITIONAL MUNICIPALITIES RECEIVING THE FUNDING FOR THE FIRST TIME. WE WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR AMBULANCES CAN BE IN THE COMMUNITY NOT WAITING IN HOSPITALS AND THAT OUR EMERGENCY ROOMS ARE WELL STAFFED.
[ Applause ] >> The Speaker: THE NEXT QUESTION THE MEMBER FOR BRAMPTON NORTH. >> THANK YOU SPEAKER. MY QUESTION IS FOR THE ASSOCIATE MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION. MANY COMMUTERS AND FAMILIES MYSELF INCLUDED IN MY RIDING OF BRAMPTON NORTH RELY ON THE GO TRAIN NETWORK TO GET TO DOWNTOWN TORONTO AND TRAVEL ACROSS THE REST OF THE GTA. THOSE SAME COMMUTERS AND FAMILIES WERE LEFT BEHIND WHEN THE PREVIOUS LIBERAL GOVERNMENT BROKE THEIR PROMISES ON GO TRANSIT SERVICE. BECAUSE OF THEIR FAILED LEADERSHIP, OUR GOVERNMENT INHERITED A TRANSIT SYSTEM THAT WAS OUT DATED AND IN NEED OF MANY IMPROVEMENTS. THAT'S WHY OUR GOVERNMENT MUST BUILD TRANSIT INFRASTRUCTURE THAT WILL IMPROVE TRAVEL, CREATE LOCAL JOBS AND BOOST OUR ECONOMY. SPEAKER, CAN THE ASSOCIATE MINISTER PLEASE EXPLAIN HOW OUR GOVERNMENT IS BRINGING FAST AND CONVENIENT GO TRANSIT SERVICES FOR THE PEOPLE OF MY RIDING AND ACROSS ONTARIO? [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: THE ASSOCIATE MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION.
>> THANK YOU Mr. SPEAKER. THE QUESTION FROM THE MEMBER SHOOK ME. MAKE NO MISTAKE WE'RE BUILDING THE GO NETWORK AFTER THE LIBERALS FAILED TO DO SO. I JOINED THE PREMIER AND MINISTER MULRONEY TO ANNOUNCE WE RECENTLY DID TRANSPORTATION IN BRAMPTON. THESE ENHANCEMENTS IS BRAND NEW STATION BUILDING AND SPACIOUS PARKING GARAGE WITH OVER 2000 PARKING SPACES AND TREMENDOUS BUS RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE WITH A WHOOPING 18 NEW BUS PLATFORMS SO RIDERS CAN GET OFF BRAMLY GO AND CONNECT TO LOCAL BRAMPTON TRANSIT WITH EASE. UPGRADES ARE MAKING GO AN ESSENTIAL HELP FOR 12200 DAILY RAIDERS IT THAT IT WILL HAVE IN 20 YEAR'S TIME. SPEAKER, UNLIKE THE OPPOSITION WHO FAILED TO EXPAND GO NETWORK AND BUILD TRANSIT OF ANY MEANINGFUL WAY, THIS GOVERNMENT IS GETTING IT DONE FOR COMMUTERS IN ONTARIO. >> The Speaker: SUPPLEMENTARY. >> THANK YOU SPEAKER. IT'S GREAT TO SEE HOW OUR GOVERNMENT IS IMPROVING THE GO TRANSIT NETWORK THAT WILL BENEFIT — HELP TO BETTER CONNECT PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES. A NEW AND IMPROVED BRAMLY GO STATION WILL OFFER RIDERS BETTER AND MORE CONVENIENT AS FAR AS. THE PEOPLE OF ONTARIO ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO MODERNIZED GO TRANSIT SERVICE — SERVICE.
THAT WILL MEET THE TRANSIT NEEDS FOR YEARS TO COME. OUR GOVERNMENT MUST CONTINUE TO BUILD ONTARIO BY DELIVERING ON OUR COMMITMENT TO BRING RELIEF AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO TRANSIT USERS. SPEAKER, CAN THE ASSOCIATE MINISTER PLEASE ELABORATE ON THE PROGRESS OUR GOVERNMENT IS MAKING ON EXPANDING THE GO TRANSIT NETWORK TO GET IT DONE FOR COMMUTERS ALL ACROSS OUR PROVINCE. >> The Speaker: ONTARIO MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION. >> SPEAKER, LET'S BE CLEAR: THIS GOVERNMENT IS TAKING THE BIGGEST TRANSIT EXPANSION PLAN IN HISTORY AT 70 AND A HALF BILLION DOLLARS AND MAKING IT A REALITY FOR THE COMMUTERS IN THIS PROVINCE. [ Applause ] THIS INCLUDES THE GO EXPANSION PROGRAM, THE MEMBER FROM WATERLOO HECKLES BUT VOTES AGAINST TWO WAY ALL DAY GO IN HER RIDING AFTER ASKING FOR IT IN DECADES. SPEAKER WE CONTINUE. >> The Speaker: ORDER! THE FLOOR. >> THANK YOU SPEAKER. DESPITE THE HECKLING OF THE OPPOSITION WHO OPPOSE TRANSIT IN THEIR OWN RIDINGS WE ARE GETTING IT DONE. MILLGAN HAS EAST PLATFORM AND SOUTH TUNNEL FOR RIDERS. NOT THE ONLY ENHANCEMENT. WE'RE BRINGING ENHANCEMENTS SUCH AS SECOND PLATFORM AND CANOPIES AND SHELTERS AND RENOVATING THE EXISTING PLATFORM AND TWO PEDESTRIAN TUNNELS WITH ELEVATORS.
NOT JUST ABOUT EXPANDING THE GRID, IT'S ABOUT MAKING IT MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND MAKING THE RIDER EXPERIENCE MORE ENJOYABLE. THIS GOVERNMENT IS GETTING IT DONE FOR COMMUTERS IN THE PROVINCE. >> The Speaker: NEXT QUESTION. THE MINISTER FOR NICKEL BELT. [ Speaking FRENCH ] >> Voice of Interpreter: A QUESTION FOR THE MINUTE OF HEALTH. [ End of INTERPRETATION ] >> THEY HAVE A HARD TIME TO MEET THE OBLIGATION TO THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT. THEY SERVE SENIORS AND MENNONITE FAMILY WHO IS DON'T DRIVE. THEY KNOW VULNERABLE PEOPLE ARE DEPENDENT UPON THEM. CHELSEA HOSPITAL FACE HUMAN RESOURCE SHORTAGES. THEY NEED MORE RESOURCES. THEY NEED THIS MINISTER'S HELP.
HOSPITALS ARE THE BIGGEST RESPONSIBILITY OF A MINISTER OF HEALTH. WE ALL KNOW THAT THE MINISTER IS ALL IN WHEN IT COMES TO HELPING INVESTOR BUILD PRIVATE CLINICS THAT WE DON'T NEED. BUT THE PEOPLE OF CHELSEA WHO ARE HERE TODAY WANT TO KNOW WHAT THIS MINISTER IS GOING TO DO TO HELP PUBLIC HOSPITALS LIKE CHELSEA WHO IS STRUGGLING RIGHT NOW. [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: RESPOND. THE MINISTER OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES. >> THANK YOU Mr. SPEAKER. THANK YOU TO THE MEMBER FOR THE QUESTION. IT'S VERY INTERESTING EVERY DAY YOU'RE ALL TALK, TALK, TALK ABOUT MORE DOCTORS AND NURSES. EVERY TIME WE VOTE IT'S NO, NO, NO. BILL 60 EVERYONE OF YOU VOTED LAST WEEK AGAINST ADDING ADDITIONAL NURSES, PSWs, DOCTORS TO THIS SYSTEM. THIS WEEK I WAS WITH A MINISTER OF HEALTH AND WE KICKED OFF THE ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE LEARNED STAY GRANTS THAT WILL ACTUALLY AFFECT YOUR COMMUNITY THROUGH CAMBRIAN COLLEGE AND LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY WE HAVE SEEN 1300 STUDENTS REGISTER FOR THE PROGRAM.
AND VOTE AGAINST BILL 60 BUT HAVE THE CHANCE TO STAND UP AND VOTE FOR THE BUDGET THAT WILL INCLUDE MORE DOCTORS AND NURSES. I ASK YOU TODAY TO STAND UP AND VOTE AND SUPPORT THE BUDGET SO WE CAN SEE MORE HEALTH HUMAN RESOURCES ADDED TO THE SYSTEM. >> The Speaker: AGAIN, REMIND THE MEMBERS TO PLEASE MAKE THE COMMENTS TO THE CHAIR NOT DIRECTLY ACROSS THE FLOOR OF THE HOUSE. START THE CLOCK. SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION. THE MEMBER FOR OTTAWA CENTRE. >> THANK YOU SPEAKER. ONE OF THE QUESTIONS BACK TO THE HEALTH MINISTER, ONE OF TWO OPERATING ROOMS AT THE GENERAL CAMPUS OF THE OTTAWA HOSPITAL WAS CLOSED LAST SATURDAY WHEN A NURSE HAD TO CALL IN SICK. THAT MEANT ONE LESS OR FOR MAJOR TRAUMA INCIDENTS IN OUR CITY.
BUT YOU KNOW WHAT WAS OPEN SPEAKER LAST SATURDAY THE FOR PROFIT CORPORATION OPERATING AT THE RIVER SIDE CAMPUS OF THE OTTAWA HOSPITAL AND POACHING NURSES FROM THE EXISTING HOSPITAL INFRASTRUCTURE. THIS MINISTER AND THE GOVERNMENT I'M GOING TO ASSUME INSIST THERE'S NO LINK BETWEEN THE THINGS. I BELIEVE THAT THE PRESIDENT OF THE OTTAWA HOSPITAL WHO SAYS THERE IS. SO SPEAKER, WILL TODAY BE THE DAY FINALLY THAT THIS GOVERNMENT COMES TO GRIPS WITH THE OBSESSION OF FOR PROFIT HEALTH CARE AND HOW IT IS HURTING OUR HOSPITALS? [ Applause ] >> The Speaker: THE MEMBER FOR NIAGARA WEST WILL COME TO ORDER. MINISTER OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES CAN REPLY. >> THANK YOU TO THE MEMBER AGAIN FOR THE QUESTION. AND YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT HEALTH HUMAN RESOURCES AND ADDING MORE ADDITIONAL HEALTH HUMAN RESOURCES AND MORE — >> The Speaker: THE MEMBER FOR KITCHENER CENTRE WILL COME TO ORDER.
SORRY, THE MEMBER FOR KITCHEN CONESTOGA WILL COME TO ORDER. I THINK HE KNOWS WHAT HE SAID. MINISTER OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES. >> THANK YOU Mr. SPEAKER. [ Please Stand BY ] >> The Speaker: THE NEXT QUESTION, THE MEMBER FOR ORLEANS. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH, MR. SPEAKER. MY QUESTION IS FOR THE PREMIER. MR. SPEAKER, EARLIER THIS YEAR, THE EMERGENCY ROOM IN CHESLEY, ONTARIO HAD ITS HOURS LIMITED FROM 7 a.m.
TO 5 p.m. MONDAY TO FRIDAY. CHESLEY RESIDENTS WHO HAVE EMERGENCIES OUTSIDE OF BANKERS' HOURS, ACCORDING TO THIS GOVERNMENT, THEY'RE OUT OF LUCK. COUPLED WITH THE FAMILY DOCTOR SHORTAGE, ONTARIANS ARE LEFT WITH FEWER AND FEWER OPTIONS AND RESIDENTS OF CHESLEY ARE UNDERSTANDABLY ANGRY. LAST MONTH, HUNDREDS OF CHESLEY RESIDENTS PROTESTED THE ER's EXTENDED CLOSURES, EVEN ORGANIZING THE PETITION THAT WILL BE READ IN THE RECORD LATER TODAY. MR. SPEAKER, THE PEOPLE OF CHESLEY HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF THIS GOVERNMENT'S INACTION AS THE PROVINCE'S HEALTH CARE CRISIS SWEEPS THROUGH THEIR COMMUNITY. WILL THE PREMIER DROP HIS APPEAL TO BILL 124, ADDRESS THE STAFFING CRISIS, ADEQUATELY FUND THE HOSPITALS AND KEEP EMERGENCY ROOMS OPEN ACROSS ONTARIO. >> MR. SPEAKER, HONESTLY, IT'S BAD ENOUGH WHEN THE NDP ASK QUESTIONS BECAUSE THEY HELD THE BALANCE OF POWER, BUT THE LIBERALS WERE ACTUALLY IN POWER FOR 15 YEARS ACROSS THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO, AND WHAT DID THEY DO? NOTHING.
ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. WHEN THE NDP WERE IN POWER, THEY REDUCED ACUTE CARE BEDS IN OUR HOSPITALS, THEY TOOK THOUSANDS OF BEDS OFFLINE. THE LIBERALS DOUBLED DOWN AND ACTUALLY HUT HEALTH CARE SPENDING ACROSS THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO WHILE THEY WERE IN POWER AND WHILE THERE WAS A FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, A CONSERVATIVE GOVERNMENT INCREASING FUNDING BY 6% A YEAR TO HEALTH CARE. THAT IS THE RECORD OF THE LIBERALS. THE LIBERALS HELPED BRING THIS PROVINCE TO ITS KNEES.
THEY UNDERFUNDED SMALL HOSPITALS ACROSS THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO AND NOW THIS MEMBER HAS THE NERVE TO SAY, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT? WE STARTED ON DAY ONE BY MAKING INVESTMENTS, NOT ONLY IN SMALL AND MEDIUM HOSPITALS, BUT BY REBUILDING THEM AND BRINGING THOUSANDS OF ADDITIONAL HEALTH CARE WORKERS. >> THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. YOU KNOW WHAT THIS GOVERNMENT HAS DONE? THIS GOVERNMENT HAS ENSURED THAT THE E.R. IN ALEXANDRIA HAS BEEN CLOSED 38 TIMES FROM LAST YEAR TO THIS YEAR. THE HEALTH CARE CRISIS IN CHESLEY IS NOT A ONE-OFF. IT'S MERELY THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG. UNLESS THIS GOVERNMENT CHANGES COURSE, IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN.
MR. SPEAKER, FOR THE PEOPLE IN CHESLEY WITHOUT A FAMILY DOCTOR WHO CAN'T DRIVE A HALF AN HOUR WHEN THEY'RE HAVING A HEART ATTACK AND NEED EMERGENCY ROOM ACCESS, MR. SPEAKER, WHAT DOES THE PREMIER RECOMMEND THEY DO IN A MEDICAL EMERGENCY? >> THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO DID THE RIGHT THING IN 2018 WHEN THEY ELECTED A CONSERVATIVE GOVERNMENT TO FIX THE BUNGLING OF 15 YEARS OF LIBERALS. HOW DARE THIS MEMBER STAND UP AND TALK ABOUT SMALL TOWN ONTARIO.
THIS IS A MEMBER WHOSE GOVERNMENT CLOSED SCHOOLS IN SMALL TOWN ONTARIO. THIS IS A MEMBER WHOSE GOVERNMENT STARVED SMALLTOWN ONTARIO HOSPITALS TO DEATH SO THEY COULD TAKE FUNDING AND PUT IT IN TO HOSPITALS IN THEIR OWN RIDING. THEY CLOSED DOWN ACUTE CARE BEDS, LAID OFF NURSES, DIDN'T BUILD LONG-TERM CARE. THAT IS THE RECORD OF THE LIBERAL PARTY. WE'RE BUILDING 50 GRAND NEW HOSPITALS ACROSS THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO. WE'RE EXPANDING THEM. WE PLEDGED TO OUR SMALL HOSPITALS AND SMALL TOWN ONTARIO, CAN IS ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE THAT FOR 15 YEARS THEY STARVED YOU, WE TOOK THEIR BUDGETS AND EQUALED THEM TO WHAT IS HAPPENING IN BIG ONTARIO COMMUNITIES.
WE HIRED MORE DOCTORS, WITH MORE DOCTORS, MORE MEDICAL SCHOOLS, MORE NURSES… >> The Speaker: THE GOVERNMENT SIDE WILL COME TO ORDER. THE NEXT QUESTION, THE MEMBER FOR SCARBOROUGH-AGINCOURT. >> THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. MY QUESTION IS FOR THE MINISTER OF RED TAPE REDUCTION. AFTER 15 YEARS OF PREVIOUS LIBERAL GOVERNMENT, ONTARIO WAS LEFT WITH THE HIGHEST REGULATORY BURDEN IN THE COUNTRY. COMPANIES FOUND THEMSELVES TANGLED UP IN ENDLESS AND COMPLICATED REGULATIONS. WHAT'S WORSE IS THAT UNDER THE WATCH OF THE LIBERALS, MORE THAN 300,000 MANUFACTURING JOBS PACKED UP AND LEFT ONTARIO.
THAT'S WHY IN 2018, ONTARIANS ENTRUSTED OUR GOVERNMENT TO CLEAN UP THE MESS THAT WAS LEFT BEHIND. THE PEOPLE OF OUR PROVINCE EXPECT THAT OUR GOVERNMENT WILL IMPLEMENT MEASURES THAT WILL PAVE THE WAY FOR BETTER SERVICES AND MAKE IT EASIER FOR BUSINESSES TO INVEST IN ONTARIO. SPEAKER, CAN THE MINISTER PLEASE SHARE SOME OF THE STEPS OUR GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN TO MAKE BUSINESSES MORE COMPETITIVE IN ONTARIO? THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. I WANT TO THANK THE MEMBER FROM SCARBOROUGH-AGINCOURT FOR THAT IMPORTANT QUESTION.
WE ALL KNOW THE PREVIOUS LIBERAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORTED BY THE NDP SPENT 15 YEARS CREATING UNNECESSARY BURDENS FOR PEOPLE IN THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO. AS A MATTER OF FACT, ONTARIO HAD THE LARGEST REGULATORY BURDEN IN THE COUNTRY, MR. SPEAKER, WHEN WE TOOK OVER IN 2018, BUT WHAT HAVE WE DONE SINCE 2018, MR. SPEAKER? WE BROUGHT FORWARD TEN DIFFERENT PIECES OF LEGISLATION IN THIS HOUSE TO HELP REDUCE THAT REGULATORY BURDEN, MR. SPEAKER. TEN PIECES OF LEGISLATION THAT HAVE HELPED REDUCE OVER 16,000 RED TAPE REQUIREMENTS THAT ONTARIANS AND BUSINESSES HAVE TO FACE IN OUR PROVINCE AND WE CONTINUOUSLY ENCOURAGE ONTARIANS AND BUSINESSES TO BRING FORWARD IDEAS THAT WE CAN WORK ON AND MAKE LIFE EASIER FOR EVERYONE, MR. SPEAKER. I ALSO WANT TO POINT OUT THAT WE HAVE NOT TO INDICT — TO DATE RECEIVED A SINGLE IDEA FROM MEMBERS OPPOSITE SIMPLY BECAUSE I DON'T THINK THEY CARE ABOUT RED TAPE OR NOT.
>> THANK YOU, MINISTER. SPEAKER, IT IS ALWAYS GOOD NEWS FOR THE PEOPLE OF ONTARIO WHEN OUR GOVERNMENT IS STREAMLINING PROCESSES BY GETTING RID OF OUTDATED AND UNNECESSARY REGULATIONS. OUR GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO PROVE THAT THERE IS SOLUTIONS THAT SAVE PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES TIME AND MONEY. TO DATE, THE WORK OF MINISTRY OF RED TAPE REDUCTION HAS SAVED BUSINESSES NEARLY $700 MILLION IN ANNUAL COMPLIANCES COSTS. HOWEVER, OUR GOVERNMENT MUST CONTINUE TO LOOK FOR MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO REDUCE REGULATORY BURDENS TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR ONTARIANS TO ACCESS SERVICES.
SPEAKER, CAN THE MINISTER PLEASE SHARE HOW OUR GOVERNMENT'S LATEST RED TAPE REDUCTION BILL WILL DO MORE TO MAKE LIFE EASIER FOR PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES IN ONTARIO? >> The Speaker: MINISTER OF RED TAPE REDUCTION. >> I WANT TO THANK THE MEMBER FOR THAT IMPORTANT QUESTION. AGAIN, MR. SPEAKER, I WAS PROUD TO INTRODUCE OUR TEN RED TAPE REDUCTION BILL CALLED LESS RED TAPE STRONGER ECONOMY ACT. IF PASSED, IT WILL HELP GET BROADBAND BUILT FASTER ACROSS OUR PROVINCE IN VARIOUS COMMUNITIES. IT WILL HELP ORGANIZATIONS ADOPT DIGITAL MEETINGS AND OTHER PRACTICES, MR. SPEAKER. IT WILL PROTECT RATEPAYERS FROM INCURING THE COSTS OF FINES IMPOSED ON UTILITY COMPANIES, MR. SPEAKER, AND THOSE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE LATEST BILL THAT WE HAVE BEFORE THE HOUSE, MR. SPEAKER. IN FACT, I'M PROUD TO SAY THAT THIS WAS THE LARGEST PIECE OF LEGISLATION THAT OUR GOVERNMENT HAS BROUGHT IN SO FAR IN THIS SESSION, MR. SPEAKER. WHY? BECAUSE WE UNDERSTAND UNNECESSARY BURDEN, UNNECESSARY RED TAPE IS HOLDING OUR ECONOMY, HOLDING OUR PROVINCES BACK, AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK HARD EACH AND EVERY DAY TO ELIMINATE THOSE UNNECESSARY BARRIERS, MR.
SPEAKER. >> The Speaker: NEXT QUESTION, MEMBER FOR LONDON-FANSHAWE. >> THANK YOU, SPEAKER. MY QUESTION IS TO THE PREMIER. THIS WEEK, THE REPORT CONFIRMS WHAT EXPERTS HAVE BEEN WARNING THE GOVERNMENT FOR ABOUT SOME TIME. THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE $10 A DAY CHILD CARE PROGRAM IS UNDER THREAT BECAUSE OF LOW PAY AND WORKING CONDITIONS. THE AVERAGE WORKER ONLY STAYS IN THE CHILD CARE SECTOR FOR JUST THREE YEARS. DOES THE GOVERNMENT'S PLAN INCLUDE CREATING NOT FOR PROFIT SPACES WITH GOOD PAYING JOBS? >> MR. SPEAKER, THE GREATEST SINGLE THREAT TO AFFORDABLE CHILD CARE IS THE IDEOLOGICAL AVERSION OF NEW DEMOCRATS AND LIBERALS THAT WOULD HAVE OPPOSED 30% OF CHILD CARE OPERATORS FOR BEING IN THE DEAL BECAUSE YOU OPPOSED THE INCLUSION OF FOR-PROFIT CHILD CARE BECAUSE THEY'RE SO BLINDED BY IDEOLOGY INSTEAD OF PRACTICAL REDUCTIONS IN SAVINGS FOR WORKING PEOPLE IN THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO. THIS PREMIER GOT A DEAL DONE. NOT ANY DEAL, A BETTER DEAL WITH A BILLION EXTRA DOLLARS ON THE TABLE, AND A COMMITMENT TO INCREASE WAGES FOR THE VERY WORKERS WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR CHILD CARE CENTRES. WE'RE INCREASING WAGES BY A DOLLAR PER HOUR PER YEAR.
LET'S WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE CHILD CARE AFFORDABLE. THIS YEAR, THE AVERAGE RATE WENT FROM $46 A DAY ON AVERAGE TO $23 A DAY, 50% SAVINGS. A MAJOR STEP FORWARD. LET'S DO THIS FOR FAMILIES IN ONTARIO. >> The Speaker: SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION. >> THE FAO ESTIMATES THAT OVER 220,000 ADDITIONAL SPACES WILL BE REQUIRED TO FULFILL THE DEMAND FOR $10 A DAY CHILD CARE. WITH 16,000 CHILD CARE WORKERS NEEDING TO BE HIRED BY 2026 IN ORDER TO MEET THE DEMAND, EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS ARE LEAVING THE FIELD FASTER THAN THEY CAN BE TRAINED. WE'VE BEEN URGING THE GOVERNMENT TO CREATE AN EARLY YEARS AND CHILD CARE WORK FORCE ADVISORY COMMISSION. WILL THE GOVERNMENT COMMIT TODAY TO PRIORITIZING A $10 A DAY CHILD CARE AND MAKE SURE THAT CHILD CARE IS A CAREER THAT WORKERS WANT TO STAY IN.
>> APPRECIATE THE QUESTION. MEMBERS OPPOSITE, WE CAN AGREE THAT ECs PLAY A CRITICAL ROLE. IT IS A PROFESSION THAT IS WORTH ENTERING WITH GREAT OPPORTUNITY, AND OF COURSE, WHILE WE'RE INCREASING THEIR WAGES AND STRENGTHENING THE SUPPORTS WE'RE PROVIDING FOR THE WORKERS, WE'RE ALSO PUTTING EMPHASIS ON REDUCTION OF FEES AND INCREASE OF ACCESS. MR. SPEAKER, UNDER THE FORMER LIBERAL GOVERNMENT, ONE OF THE LEGACIES PERHAPS NEW DEMOCRATS AND PROGRESSIVE CONSERVATIVES COULD AGREE WAS THE INDEFENSIBLE INCREASE OF 400% IN CHILD CARE FEES FOR WORKING PARENTS. IT BECAME A CHOICE OF STAYING HOME OR WORKING. IT UNDERMINED THE LABOUR MARKET PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN IN THE ECONOMY. WE STOOD UP TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOR A BETTER DEAL THAT INCLUDES MORE AFFORDABILITY, MORE SPACES AND MORE FEDERAL INVESTMENT, AND, MR. SPEAKER, WE'LL CONTINUE TO STAND WITH THOSE WORKERS, STAND WITH FAMILIES, REDUCE FEES, INCREASE ACCESS AND THE WAGES OF PEOPLE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF OUR KIDS IN ONTARIO. >> The Speaker: MEMBER FOR PETERBOROUGH-KAWARTHA.
>> MY QUESTION IS TO THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS. ONTARIO'S GREENHOUSE GROWN FRUIT, VEGETABLES AND FLOWERS ACCOUNT FOR A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO ONTARIO'S AGRIFOOD SECTOR. THROUGH IMPLEMENTING NEW TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION WITHIN THE SECTOR, ONTARIO'S GREENHOUSE CONTINUES TO BE AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE AGRIFOODS SECTOR, CONSISTENT, RELIABLE, PREMIUM QUALITY PRODUCTS CONTINUE TO PUT ONTARIO ON THE MAP AS A GLOBAL LEADER AND OF UNIVERSALLY TRUSTED BRAND OF CHOICE. THE ECONOMIC ACTIVITY GENERATED BY ONTARIO'S GREENHOUSES ALONE CONTRIBUTES TO MORE THAN $2.3 BILLION TO ONTARIO'S GDP AND HAVE CREATED OVER 28,000 JOBS. CAN THE MINISTER SHARE WHAT THE GOVERNMENT IS DOING TO SUPPORT THE GROWTH OF THIS IMPORTANT AGRIFOOD BUSINESS? >> The Speaker: MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS. >> I APPRECIATE THE QUESTION FROM THE MPP FROM PETERBOROUGH BECAUSE THIS IS SOMETHING WE NEED TO CELEBRATE. IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT THAT PEOPLE ACROSS ONTARIO UNDERSTAND THAT ONTARIO'S GREENHOUSE VEGETABLES SECTOR AND FRESH FLOWERS SECTOR REPRESENT OVER 81% OF CANADA'S TOTAL GREENHOUSE VEGETABLE EXPORTS. 81% OF EXPORTS. WE ARE A FOOD POWERHOUSE IN CANADA, AND WE'RE WORKING WITH THE SECTOR, AN ALL OF GOVERNMENT APPROACH TO MAKE SURE THE RIGHT APPROACHES ARE IN PLACE.
WE CONTINUE TO WORK WITH THE GREENHOUSE SECTOR AND INTRODUCE PROGRAMS LIKE THE GROW ONTARIO MARKETING INITIATIVE TO HELP GROW MARKETS NOT ONLY IN ONTARIO BUT AROUND THE WORLD. WE'RE WORKING WITH OUR COLLEAGUES TO REDUCE RED TAPE, INTRODUCE RESEARCH INITIATIVES AND WE'RE WORKING WITH GREENHOUSES TO ENSURE WHEN INTERNATIONAL WORKERS CHOOSE TO WORK IN ONTARIO, THEY HAVE WORKING CONDITIONS… >> The Speaker: THANK YOU. SUPPLEMENTARY. >> GREENHOUSE GROWN FLOWERS GENERATE MORE THAN $900 MILLION IN FARMGATE SALES IN 2021 AND CONTINUE TO INNOVATE TO GROW THIS TARGET.
THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE ONTARIO CHAPTER OF FLOWERS CANADA AND THE ONTARIO GREENHOUSE VEGETABLE GROWERS REPRESENTED BY TOGA, YES, IT'S TRUE, WE HAD A TOGA EVENT, IS A FORMIDABLE ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE WITH THE ABILITY TO TRULY STRENGTHEN ONTARIO'S ECONOMY. TOGA'S MEMBERS ARE PROTECTING CROPS AND FLOWERS FROM ENVIRONMENTAL EXTREMES PRESERVING AND RECIRCULATING WATER AND NUTRIENTS AND GROWING YEAR ROUND TO ENSURE WE HAVE SAFE, LOCAL, FRESH FOOD SUPPLY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. CAN THE MINISTER HAS BEEN RATE ON HOW THIS GOVERNMENT IS RECORDING THE DESIRE TO INCREASE EXPORTS OF OUR FRESH PRODUCTS? >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH, SPEAKER, AND YOU KNOW, I WANT TO TOUCH ON THE FRESH FLOWER MARKET HERE IN ONTARIO, AND THANK YOU TO THE MEMBER OPPOSITE FROM PETERBOROUGH FOR RECOGNIZING THE TOGA PARTY THAT WAS HELD HERE BECAUSE THE ONTARIO GREENHOUSE ALLIANCE HAD SO MUCH TO CELEBRATE. IN FACT, I WAS SPEAKING TO ONE GROWER THAT SPECIALIZES IN FRESH FLOWERS, AND I WANT TO QUOTE SOMETHING HE SHARED. THEY HAD A REALLY GOOD MARKET LEADING UP TO MOTHER'S DAY, AND NOT ONLY IN ONTARIO, THEY SATISFIED DEMAND ACROSS THE PROVINCE AND HE ALSO STATED THAT $1 MILLION WORTH OF FLOWERS GROWN IN ONTARIO WAS SOLD IN TO THE U.S.
MARKET, AND I KNOW THE FINANCE MINISTER WILL APPRECIATE THIS BECAUSE SELLING IN TO THE U.S. MARKET TRANSLATED IN TO $1.35 MILLION RETURNING TO ONTARIO SO THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO BUILD ONTARIO, INVEST IN OUR GREENHOUSE BUSINESS, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY CONTINUE TO GROW GOOD ONTARIO JOBS. AND, SPEAKER, THAT'S EXACTLY WHY WE STAND WITH THE MEMBERS OF THE ONTARIO GREENHOUSE ALLIANCE AND FARMERS ACROSS THIS PROVINCE TO MEET MARKET CHALLENGES AND TO HELP THEM REALIZE GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES. >> The Speaker: MEMBER FOR NIAGARA FALLS. >> THANK YOU. MY QUESTION IS TO THE PREMIER. THE (indiscernible) RACE TRACK WILL HAVE THEIR 126th OPENING DAY NEXT TUESDAY. RIGHT NOW, THEY'RE UNDER ATTACK. AFTER REACHING AN IMPASSE THIS THEIR ATTEMPTS TO RESOLVE ONGOING ISSUES, THE RACE TRACK (indiscernible) AGREEMENTS WITH THE CANADIAN TRADE COMMISSION FOR TARGETED ANTI-COMPETITION BEHAVIOUR BY WOODBINE. WOODBINE HAS ENFORCED A STRICT HORSE STABLEING POLICY AND ROUTINELY RUNNING "B" LEVEL RACES AT AN "A" LEVEL TRACK. WILL THE GOVERNMENT STEP IN AND HAVE WOODBINE END THIS BEHAVIOUR TO ENSURE THE FUTURE OF THE FORT ERIE TRACK. >> THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER AND THANK YOU TO THE MEMBER OPPOSITE FOR THAT QUESTION.
THAT VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION. AS THE MEMBER KNOWS, THERE HAS BEEN A PLATE FILED THAT HE JUST — A COMPLAINT FILED THAT HE JUST REFERENCED BEFORE THE COMPETITION BUREAU. SO I CAN'T GET IN TO SPECIFICS AND COMMENT IN DETAILED FASHION ON THAT, BUT I WILL SAY THIS AND I THINK THE MEMBER OPPOSITE KNOWS THIS, THAT THE PREVIOUS GOVERNMENT WAS WILLING AND PREPARED TO ALLOW FOR THE COLLAPSE OF THE HORSE RACING INDUSTRY, AND, MR.
SPEAKER, THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF 23,000 JOBS AND 27,000 DEAD HORSES, MR. SPEAKER. SO WE ARE SUPPORTING THE HORSE RACING INDUSTRY, MR. SPEAKER. IN FACT, DURING THE PANDEMIC, WE HAD NEGOTIATIONS TO PROVIDE A LONG-TERM FUNDING AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT DURING A CHALLENGING TIME FOR THE INDUSTRY AND THIS WILL GIVE THE INDUSTRY TIME TO RECOVER AND PRESERVE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT AND PROVIDE SUPPORT TO ONTARIO'S 15 RACE RACKS UNTIL 2026. >> BACK TO THE PREMIER. WOODBINE HAS BEEN GRANTED TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS FROM TAXPAYERS IN PURSE MONEY BY THIS GOVERNMENT, YET THEY CONTINUE TO TAKE ACTION WHICH IS DIRECTLY HARMING THE FORT ERIE RACE TRACK.
WOODBINE REFUSES TO WORK PROACTIVELY WITH FORT ERIE IN THE SCHEDULING OF THE PRINCE OF WALES STAKES WHICH WOULD ALLOW BOTH TRIPLE CROWN RACES TO BE HIGHLIGHTED AND WELL-ATTENDED IN THE PROVINCE. THOROUGHBRED TRACKS IN ONTARIO SHOULD BE WORKING TOGETHER. WOODBINE IS DOING THE OPPOSITE. SPEAKER, I ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO DO THE RIGHT THING, SUPPORT HORSE RACING IN THIS PROVINCE AND REIN IN THIS BEHAVIOUR BY WOODBINE AND Mr. JIM LAWSON, THE CEO. THANK YOU. >> MR. SPEAKER, THROUGH YOU, THANK YOU, AGAIN, FOR THAT QUESTION, AND OUR GOVERNMENT REALLY UNDERSTANDS THE IMPORTANT ROLE THAT HORSE RACING INDUSTRY PROVIDES TO MANY IN MANY OF OUR COMMUNITIES ACROSS ONTARIO. IN FACT, A FEW OF MY COLLEAGUES WHO WERE AROUND IN OPPOSITION AT THE TIME, YOU FOUGHT FOR THE HORSE RACING INDUSTRY.
YOU STEPPED UP FOR ALL THOSE JOBS IN MANY COMMUNITIES AROUND ONTARIO, AND, MR. SPEAKER, IN FACT, IN THE MEMBER OPPOSITE'S OWN RIDING, IF IT WEREN'T FOR THE TIRELESS ADVOCACY OF MY COLLEAGUES ON THIS SIDE THE HOUSE AND THEN THE MIDDLE OVER THERE, THERE THEY ARE, THAT WOULD BE COUNTLESS JOBS THAT WERE LOST, COUNTLESS COMMUNITIES THAT WOULD HAVE SUFFERED, MR.
SPEAKER. WE STAND WITH THE HORSE RACING INDUSTRY AND CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE HORSE RACING INDUSTRY. SO THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND THAT'S ALL I HAVE TO SAY . >> The Speaker: MEMBER FOR MARK MARKHAM-THORNHILL. >> MR. SPEAKER, MY QUESTION IS FOR THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC AND BUSINESS SERVICE DELIVERY. ONTARIO KNOWS THAT TECHNOLOGIES EVOLVING, IMPROVING, AND CHANGING FASTER THAN EVER BEFORE. IN MANY WAYS, IT CAN OFTEN SEEM LIKE THE CHANGES ARE HAPPENING MORE QUICKLY THAN WHAT THE PEOPLE IN BUSINESS AND KEEP UP WITH. FOR INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, WORKERS, AND BUSINESSES WHO WISH TO ACCESS ONLINE SERVICES, THE TECHNOLOGY NEEDS TO BE CONVENIENT AND (indiscernible). IT IS IMPORTANT AND NECESSARY THAT ONTARIO KEEP PACE WITH NEW TECHNOLOGY SO THAT BUSINESSES CAN REMAIN COMPETITIVE AND PEOPLE CAN ACCESS INFORMATION SERVICES THAT THEY NEED. SPEAKER, CAN THE MINISTER PLEASE EXPLAIN WHAT OUR GOVERNMENT IS DOING TO ENSURE THAT ONTARIO ADAPT UP TO DATE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY? THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH, MR. SPEAKER, AND THANK YOU TO THE MEMBER FOR MARKHAM-THORNHILL FOR HIS QUESTION.
SPEAKER, THE POSITION OF THIS GOVERNMENT IS VERY CLEAR. AS PREMIER FORD, BOTH PREMIER FORD AND MINISTER OF FINANCE HAVE SAID IT ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, WE CANNOT AFFORD TO BE AN OFFLINE GOVERNMENT IN AN ONLINE WORLD. SPEAKER, THIS MIND SET IS DRIVING CHANGE AND INNOVATION IN GOVERNMENT AND IT'S HELPING US ADOPT CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGIES LIKE THE CROWD. BY MOVING AWAY FROM OLD OUTDATED TECH AND TOWARDS THE CLOUD, SPEAKER, WE CAN MAKING THE SERVICES THAT ONTARIANS COUNT ON MORE RELIABLE, MORE AFFORDABLE, AND ABOVE ALL ELSE, SAFER THAN EVER BEFORE. SPEAKER, I'M ALSO VERY PROUD TO SAY THIS OUR PROVINCE IS NOT — IS JUST — IS A LEADER, NOT ONLY IN CANADA BUT IN NORTH AMERICA AS WELL, AND AROUND THE WORLD WHEN IT COMES TO THE ADOPTION OF CLOUD TECHNOLOGY AND ALWAYS MAKING SURE WE ARE DELIVERING THE BEST… >> The Speaker: THANK YOU. SUPPLEMENTARY? >> THANK YOU, MR. SPEAKER. THANK YOU, MINISTER, FOR THAT ANSWER. IT IS A REALITY THAT CLOUD TECHNOLOGY EXPERIENCE TREMENDOUS GROWTH. THE MINISTER EXPLAINED THAT CLOUD TECHNOLOGY WILL PROVIDE A (indiscernible) OF SAFETY. WHILE IT'S GOOD NEWS, WE REGULARLY HEAR REPORT FROM THE MEDIA ABOUT SECURITY BREACHES, LEAK OF INFORMATION, AND IDENTITY THEFT FROM COMPUTER HACKERS.
THE SAFETY AND SECRETARY OF PERSONAL INFORMATION IS AN IMPORTANT AND SERIOUS ISSUE. THE PEOPLE OF ONTARIO NEED TO BE CONFIDENT THAT OUR GOVERNMENT CAN ENSURE THAT PROVINCIAL SERVICES AND AGENCIES HAVE STRONG CYBER SECURITY IN PLACE. CAN THE MINISTER PLEASE EXPLAIN HOW OUR GOVERNMENT IS IMPLEMENTING TECHNOLOGY THAT WILL SAFEGUARD THE PERSONAL INFORMATION FOR ALL OF (indiscernible). >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH, SPEAKER, AND THANKS TO THE MEMBER FOR HIS QUESTION. AS THE MEMBER JUST MENTIONED IN HIS FIRST QUESTION, TECHNOLOGY IS EVOLVING VERY QUICKLY. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS ALSO MEANS BAD ACTORS WHO WANT TO STEAL ONTARIANS PERSONAL INFORMATION ARE ALSO FINDING NEW WAYS TO INFLICT DAMAGE AND DISRUPT SERVICES.
SPEAKER, THAT IS WHY OUR GOVERNMENT IS NEVER LETTING ITS GUARD DOWN AND THE ADDED BENEFIT OF CLOUD TECHNOLOGY MEANS THAT WE CAN KEEP ONTARIANS SAFE, THANKS TO THE IMPROVED STABILITY, RELIABILITY, AND SECURITY THAT THIS NEW TECHNOLOGY BRINGS. SPEAKER, AS ONTARIO'S ECONOMY AND POPULATION CONTINUE TO GROW, AS A GOVERNMENT, THE NEED FOR US TO KEEP UP THE PACE OF GROWTH AS WELL AND UNDER THIS PREMIER AND THIS GOVERNMENT, WE ARE DELIVERING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION FOR THE SMARTER, MORE MODERN, AND EFFICIENT GOVERNMENT THAT SERVES PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES OF OUR GREAT PROVINCE.
>> The Speaker: NEXT QUESTION, MEMBER FOR TORONTO CENTRE. >> THANK YOU, SPEAKER. MY CONSTITUENT ROBERT IS ON ODSB AND WAS FACED WITH AN IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE AT WALMART THIS WEEK. TO BUY DIABETIC SOCKS OR FOOD. EVERY DIABETIC KNOWS THAT PROPER SOCKS PREVENT ULCERS, INFECTIONS, AND ULTIMATELY AMPUTATIONS. SO ROBERT'S CHOICE WAS REALLY ABOUT GOING HUNGRY OR POTENTIALLY LOSING HIS TOES OR FEET. 85% OF DIABETIC AMPUTATIONS ARE PREVENTABLE WITH PROPER CARE. ODSB IS LEGISLATED POVERTY AS WE ALL KNOW. LOW RATES MEANS THAT ROBERT IS AN EXPERT AT STRETCHING A DIME INTO A DOLLAR, BUT STILL, IT ISN'T ENOUGH. WHEN WILL THE PREMIER LISTEN TO EXPERTS AND DOUBLE ODSP TO LIFT PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES OUT OF POVERTY AND TO SAVE PEOPLE LIKE ROBERT FROM LOSING HIS LIMBS? >> The Speaker: MINISTER OF CHILDREN, COMMUNITY, AND SOCIAL SERVICES. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH, SPEAKER, AND I THANK THE HONOURABLE MEMBER FOR THE QUESTION. I WANT TO REMIND EVERY SINGLE ONTARIAN OF THE DECISIONS MADE BY THIS GOVERNMENT.
MR. SPEAKER, WE HAVE MADE THE LARGEST INCREASE TO ODSB RATES IN DECADES. FURTHERMORE, WE HAVE INCREASED THE INCOME THRESHOLD FROM $200 TO A THOUSAND DOLLARS SO THAT MORE ONTARIANS CAN KEEP MORE MONEY IN THEIR POCKET. MR. SPEAKER, EVERY SINGLE DECISION THAT WE'VE MADE, YOU'LL HEAR TIME AND TIME AGAIN THE MEMBERS FROM OPPOSITE BOTH PARTIES TALK ABOUT AFFORDABILITY FOR ONTARIANS, YET WHEN IT COMES TO ACTUALLY SUPPORTING DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT, THEY VOTE AGAINST IT, MR. SPEAKER. IT'S ALWAYS WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE ON, THE CAMERA IS ROLLING, THEY'LL SAY ONE THING. WHEN IT COMES TO ACTION, MR. SPEAKER, THIS IS THE LIGHTS, CAMERA, NO ACTION PARTY, MR. SPEAKER. WE WILL STAND UP FOR EVERY SINGLE ONTARIAN, MR. SPEAKER. WE WILL MAKE SURE THAT NO ONE IS LEFT BEHIND IN THIS PROVINCE. THE NDP HAS TO STAND UP AND TELL THE PEOPLE OF THIS PROVINCE WHY THEY CONTINUE CONTINUE STERN DISCERN — (indiscernible) >> OVER A MILLION ONTARIANS ARE LEFT BEHIND BY THIS GOVERNMENT AND ARE LIVING ON ODSB AND THAT NUMBER IS CONTINUING TO FLOW.
THIS GOVERNMENT'S MINISCULE CHANGES TO ODSB IS SIMPLY NOT ENOUGH. WHEN ROBERT IS CHOOSING BETWEEN FOOD AND MEDICAL NECESSITIES, THAT TELLS ME IT'S NOT ENOUGH. ODSB BARELY COVERS A FEW PAIRS OF SOCKS A YEAR. I DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE PREMIER, BUT I NEED TO CHANGE MY SOCKS DAILY. WHY DOES THIS GOVERNMENT INSULT PEOPLE LIVING WITH ODSB BY INSISTING THEY GET A JOB, EVEN AS THE ODSB PROCESS TELLS THEM TO DESCRIBE THEIR DISABILITY IN DETAIL.
WHY? >> I THANK THE HONOURABLE COLLEAGUE FOR THE FOLLOW-UP. I WANT TO REMIND THE MEMBER. HERE'S WHAT THEY VOTED AGAINST: THE INCREASE TO SUPPORT FOR ONTARIANS ON ODSB, THE LARGEST INCREASE IN DECADES, THEY VOTED AGAINST IT. ALIGNING IT TO INFLATION, WHICH AS OF JULY 1st WILL FURTHER INCREASE SUPPORTS FOR ONTARIANS, THEY VOTED AGAINST IT. THE $200 LIMIT WHICH WAS INCREASED TO A THOUSAND DOLLARS SO THAT MORE ONTARIANS WHO CAN AND ARE ABLE TO WORK CAN GET OUT THERE AND EARN MORE, MR. SPEAKER. WHAT DID THEY DO? THEY VOTED AGAINST IT. AGAIN, EVERY SINGLE MEASURE THAT THIS FINANCE MINISTER HAS PUT FORWARD, NOT JUST IN THE RECENT BUDGET OR THE FALL ECONOMIC STATEMENT, THE BUDGET BEFORE THEN, EVERY SINGLE MEASURE THAT WE PUT FORWARD TO MAKE LIFE MORE AFFORDABLE FOR ONTARIANS, MR. SPEAKER, THE NDP VOTES AGAINST. SO, THEY'LL SAY ONE THING HERE IN THE HOUSE, MR. SPEAKER, BUT YOU HAVE NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT. THIS SIDE OF THE HOUSE AND THE MAJORITY WILL CONTINUE TO STAND UP… (indiscernible) >> The Speaker: THE NEXT QUESTION.
>> THANK YOU, SPEAKER. MY QUESTION IS FOR THE MINISTER OF ENERGY. SPEAKER, EARLIER THIS WEEK, THE MINISTER RESPONDED TO SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT ALL THE WORK THAT OUR GOVERNMENT IS DOING IN CONTINUING TO SUPPORT THE PROVINCE'S ECONOMIC GROWTH THROUGH NEW INVESTMENTS. THESE INCLUDE INVESTMENTS IN THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE AND EV BATTERY MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, PARTICULARLY WITH THE NEW VOLKSWAGEN GIGA FACTORY TO BE BUILT IN ST. THOMAS. I'M PLEASED TO HEAR IN THE RESPONSE THAT OUR GOVERNMENT IS ADDRESSING THE ONTARIO ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS THROUGH A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT MEASURES INCLUDING COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENTS. SPEAKER, WILL THE MINISTER PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT ONTARIO'S COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT PROCESS FOR OUR ENERGY RICH SYSTEM? >> The Speaker: MINISTER OF ENERGY.
>> MR. SPEAKER, I WANT TO START BY ANSWERING THIS QUESTION BY SAYING I WANT TO CORRECT MY RECORD BECAUSE ON MONDAY, I TALKED ABOUT THE ONEIDA PROJECT, WHICH WAS THE LARGEST BATTERY STORAGE PROJECT IN CANADA. BUT ON TUESDAY, THAT ALL CHANGED, MR. SPEAKER. WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A LARGER BATTERY STORAGE PROJECT IN HAGERSVILLE AND THE SECOND LARGEST WILL BE IN THAT MEMBER'S RIDE NOT GUILTY GREATER NAPANEE, MR. SPEAKER. SO WE'RE CONTINUING TO ADD CLEAN GENERATION TO OUR SYSTEM AS A RESULT OF THE IESOS COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT THAT CAME OUT ON TUESDAY. MR. SPEAKER, WITH HAVE ENOUGH TO POWER A CITY THE SIZE OF LONDON AND IT'S A 400% INCREASE IN CLEAN ENERGY STORAGE. NO, NOT LON CONDON — LONDON, ENGLAND, BUT LONDON, ONTARIO. THIS IS GREAT NEWS AS OUR PROVINCE CONTINUES TO SEE RECORD MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENTS, MR. SPEAKER, AND WE BUILD 1.5 MILLION HOMES OVER THE NEXT DECADE, WE'RE GOING TO NEED THE POWER…pe akheer THA YOUERY UCH.