Point of order.

Mr. Fraser moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 104, An Act to amend the Employment Standards Act, 2000 with respect to personal emergency leave and the establishment of an employer support program for such leave / Projet de loi 104, Loi modifiant la Loi de 2000 sur les normes d’emploi en ce qui concerne le congé d’urgence personnelle et la mise en oeuvre d’un programme d’appui des employeurs relatif à ce congé.

Pursuant to standing order 36(a), the member for Scarborough Southwest has given notice of her dissatisfaction with the answer to her question given by the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services concerning the ODSP clawback. This matter will be debated on Tuesday, May 9, following private members’ public business.

Please stand.

The House observed a moment’s silence.

The division bells rang from 1145 to 1150.

On April 26, 2023, Mr. Kerzner moved second reading of Bill 102, An Act to amend various acts relating to the justice system, fire protection and prevention and animal welfare.

All those in favour of the motion will please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.

Second reading agreed to.

The House recessed from 1154 to 1300.

Report deemed adopted.

Mr. Glover moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill Pr23, An Act to revive Ice Hockey Resources Ltd.

First reading agreed to.

First reading agreed to.

It’s just to, on standing order 59, outline the order of business for the week when we return and to thank all members, again, for what was a very productive week for the people of the province of Ontario.

On Monday, May 8, when we return: In the afternoon routine, there will be a ministerial statement on sexual abuse prevention month; in the afternoon, third reading of Bill 71, Building More Mines Act.

On Tuesday, May 9: In the morning, third reading of Bill 71; in the afternoon routine, a ministerial statement on the Ministry of Francophone Affairs’ annual report; in the afternoon, third reading of Bill 71, Building More Mines Act; and in the evening, the member for Hastings–Lennox and Addington’s Bill 99, Garrett’s Legacy Act.

On Wednesday, May 10: In the morning, there will be third reading of Bill 75, Queen’s Park Restoration Act. In the afternoon, third reading of Bill 75 will continue. And in the evening, the member for Davenport will be debating Bill 100.

On Thursday, May 11: In the morning, third reading of Bill 75, Queen’s Park Restoration Act. In the afternoon, colleagues, there will be five tributes to deceased members of provincial Parliament. Then, we will continue on with third reading of Bill 75, Queen’s Park Restoration Act. Additionally, in the evening, the member for Brampton East will have private member’s motion number 49 concerning mental health initiatives in schools.

At the same time, Madam Speaker, I hope all members will—and, of course, I know all members will—be taking time out on May 6 to enjoy celebrations across the province of Ontario and right here at Queen’s Park in honour of the coronation of His Majesty, King Charles III.

Finally, to the colleague in Scarborough–Guildwood and the colleague for Kitchener Centre, both who have indicated that they will be leaving their seats at—I guess in the member for Scarborough–Guildwood’s case, prior to the final registration, and Kitchener Centre at the conclusion of this session—we will be allotting both of those members time to give their farewell addresses, as has become the custom in this place, on our return.

Deferred vote on the motion for second reading of the following bill:

Bill 102, An Act to amend various Acts relating to the justice system, fire protection and prevention and animal welfare / Projet de loi 102, Loi modifiant diverses lois relatives au système judiciaire, à la prévention et à la protection contre l’incendie ainsi qu’au bien-être des animaux.

Just to remind everyone that Monday, May 1 is D-day—it’s Doctors’ Day. So don’t forget to say thank you to all of the physicians and doctors who have helped you.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Haliburton Highlands Health Services board of directors has, without consultation with the affected stakeholders, announced the permanent closure of the emergency department located in the municipality of Minden Hills, Ontario, effective June 1, 2023;”

They petition the Legislative Assembly as follows: “that a moratorium of this decision be implemented by the Ministries of Health and Long-Term Care immediately for a period of a minimum of one year to allow for consultations with” the “affected stakeholders to occur.”

I fully support this petition, will affix my name to it and ask page Christopher to bring it to the Clerk.

I’d like to welcome to the House, from the “save the Minden ER” group, Richard Bradley and Laura and Patrick Porzuczek. Welcome to the House, guys.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Haliburton Highlands Health Services board of directors has, without consultation with the affected stakeholders, announced the permanent closure of the emergency department located in the municipality of Minden Hills, Ontario, effective June 1, 2023;

“We, the undersigned, petition” the Legislative Assembly “that a moratorium of this decision be implemented by the Ministries of Health and Long-Term Care immediately for a period of a minimum of one year to allow for consultations with” the “affected stakeholders....”

I fully support this petition, will affix my signature and pass it to page Akshitha to take to the table.

I have an incredibly important petition on the Minden ER.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Haliburton Highlands Health Services board of directors has, without consultation with the affected stakeholders, announced the permanent closure of the emergency department located in the municipality of Minden Hills, Ontario, effective June 1, 2023;

“We, the undersigned, petition” the Legislative Assembly of Ontario “that a moratorium of this decision be implemented by the Ministries of Health and Long-Term Care immediately for a period of a minimum of one year to allow for consultations with all affected stakeholders to occur.”

I fully support this petition, will affix my signature and deliver it with page Maya to the clerks.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Haliburton Highlands Health Services board of directors has, without consultation with the affected stakeholders, announced the permanent closure of the emergency department located in the municipality of Minden Hills, Ontario, effective June 1, 2023;

“We, the undersigned, petition that a moratorium of this decision be implemented by the Ministries of Health and Long-Term Care immediately for a period of a minimum of one year to allow for consultations with all affected stakeholders to occur.”

This is a very important petition for the people of Minden. I will add my signature to those numbers and give it to page Mridul to take to the table.

Point of order, Speaker.

The petition I am going to read is as follows:

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Haliburton Highlands Health Services board of directors has, without consultation with the affected stakeholders, announced the permanent closure of the emergency department located in the municipality of Minden Hills, Ontario, effective June 1, 2023;

“We, the undersigned, petition that a moratorium of this decision be implemented by the Ministries of Health and Long-Term Care immediately for a period of a minimum of one year to allow for consultations with all affected stakeholders to occur.”

I’m proud to affix my signature and send this back to the table with page Sophie.

I have a petition for the Minden Hill emergency department, to save the emergency.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Haliburton Highlands Health Services board of directors has, without consultation with the affected stakeholders, announced the permanent closure of the emergency department located in the municipality of Minden Hills, Ontario, effective June 1, 2023;

“We, the undersigned, petition” the Legislative Assembly of Ontario “that a moratorium of this decision be implemented by the Ministries of Health and Long-Term Care immediately for a period of a minimum of one year to allow for consultations with all affected stakeholders to occur.”

I fully support this petition, and I will give it to Leonard to bring to the Clerk’s table.

Madam Speaker, to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Haliburton Highlands Health Services board of directors has, without consultation with the affected stakeholders, announced the permanent closure of the emergency department located in the municipality of Minden Hills, Ontario, effective June 1, 2023;

“We, the undersigned, petition that a moratorium of this decision be implemented by the Ministries of Health and Long-Term Care immediately for a period of a minimum of one year to allow for consultations with all affected stakeholders to occur.”

I fully support this petition, will affix my signature and pass it to page Kate to take to the table.

I have a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Haliburton Highlands Health Services board of directors has, without consultation with the affected stakeholders, announced the permanent closure of the emergency department located in the municipality of Minden Hills, Ontario, effective June 1, 2023;

“We, the undersigned, petition that a moratorium of this decision be implemented by the Ministries of Health and Long-Term Care immediately for a period of a minimum of one year to allow for consultations with all affected stakeholders to occur.”

I’m happy to add my name to this petition and to give it to page Olivia to bring to the Clerk.

To save Minden Hills emergency.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Haliburton Highlands Health Services board of directors has, without consultation with the affected stakeholders, announced the permanent closure of the emergency department located in the municipality of Minden Hills, Ontario, effective June 1, 2023;

“We, the undersigned, petition that a moratorium of this decision be implemented by the Ministries of Health and Long-Term Care immediately for a period of a minimum of one year to allow for consultations with all affected stakeholders to occur.”

I fully support this petition. I will sign it and send it to the Clerks’ table.

I have a petition about the Minden ER closure. It reads:

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Haliburton Highlands Health Services board of directors has, without consultation with the affected stakeholders, announced the permanent closure of the emergency department located in the municipality of Minden Hills, Ontario, effective June 1, 2023;

Therefore “we, the undersigned, petition that a moratorium of this decision be implemented by the Ministries of Health and Long-Term Care immediately for a period of a minimum of one year to allow for consultations with all affected stakeholders to occur.”

I fully support this petition, will affix my signature and deliver it with page Maya to the Clerks.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas Bills 23 and 39 are the Ford government’s latest attempt to remove protected land from the greenbelt, allowing wealthy developers to profit over bulldozing over 7,000 acres of farmland;

“Whereas green spaces and farmland are what we rely on to grow our food, support natural habitats, prevent flooding, and mitigate from future climate disasters with Ontario losing 319.6 acres of farmland daily to development;

“Whereas the government’s Housing Affordability Task Force found there are plenty of places to build homes without destroying the greenbelt, showcasing that Bill 23 was never about housing but about making the rich richer;

“Whereas the power of conservation authorities will be taken away, weakening environmental protections, and preventing future development;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to immediately repeal Bills 23 and 39, stop all plans to further remove protected land from the greenbelt and protect existing farmland in the province....”

I fully support this petition, will affix my signature and deliver it with page Dominic to the Clerks.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Haliburton Highlands Health Services board of directors has, without consultation with the affected stakeholders, announced the permanent closure of the emergency department located in the municipality of Minden Hills, Ontario, effective June 1, 2023;

“We, the undersigned, petition” the Legislative Assembly of Ontario “that a moratorium of this decision be implemented by the Ministries of Health and Long-Term Care immediately for a period of a minimum of one year to allow for consultations with all affected stakeholders to occur.”

I fully support this petition, will affix my signature and deliver it with page Kate to the Clerks.

Report continues in volume B.

I have a petition.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Haliburton Highlands Health Services board of directors has, without consultation with the affected stakeholders, announced the permanent closure of the emergency department located in the municipality of Minden Hills, Ontario, effective June 1, 2023;

“We, the undersigned, petition” the Legislative Assembly of Ontario “that a moratorium of this decision be implemented by the Ministries of Health and Long-Term Care immediately for a period of a minimum of one year to allow for consultations with all affected stakeholders to occur.”

This is really the minimum the people in the province could expect—to be consulted. I’m going to add my name to this and send this with Akshitha to take to the table.

I’m proud to rise to read this petition into the record:

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Haliburton Highlands Health Services board of directors has, without consultation with the affected stakeholders, announced the permanent closure of the emergency department located in the municipality of Minden Hills, Ontario, effective June 1, 2023;

“We, the undersigned, petition that a moratorium of this decision be implemented by the Ministries of Health and Long-Term Care immediately for a period of a minimum of one year to allow for consultations with all affected stakeholders to occur.”

I will send this to the centre table with page Cole.