We have not made any changes to existing rental replacement bylaws that are currently in effect in some municipalities. They remain in place. In fact, we’re proposing to build on those bylaws by explicitly requiring that municipal rental replacement bylaws include compensation and the right for the tenant to move back in at the same rent. For example, we’re exploring right now a framework where a municipality could require that replacement units have the same core features, like the same number of bedrooms, as they did previously, and requiring that tenants are given the right of first refusal to move into that new, modern accommodation at a similar rent. Those are the facts, Speaker.

I want to thank the member opposite for her important question. Our government understands the importance of the Argyle Street bridge in her riding as Argyle Street is the main street that connects Caledonia and Haldimand county. The bridge remains safe for limited use, including emergency service vehicles. The bridge is closely monitored by MTO and load limit restrictions are enforced.

As the member opposite knows, for years the previous Liberal government simply ignored important infrastructure investments like this one in rural Ontario. This bridge, which was built in 1927, has reached the end of its service life and it needs to be replaced. That’s why our government is saying yes to making these investments in rural Ontario and that’s why we’re investing in replacing the concrete Argyle Street bridge with a new five-span steel arch bridge.

I can assure the member opposite, as well as all members of this House, that safety has always been and will continue to be our top priority.

My question is to the Premier. A new report by the city of Toronto is raising fears that the Conservatives want to override Toronto’s laws and make it easier for developers to knock down rental buildings, kick out tenants and replace rent-controlled homes with luxury condos. When renters are facing a demolition, they need better protections, not an eviction notice.

To make our city more affordable, can this government commit to strengthening municipal rental replacement laws instead of weakening them?

My question is back to the Premier. Average rents in Toronto have reached an alarming high of $3,000 a month, which means losing your home to demolition is devastating. Right now, there are 73 rental homes approved for demolition and conversion in Toronto, putting over 3,400 rental homes at risk. Tenants living in these buildings, like those at 55 Brownlow, 25 St. Mary and 145 St. George, are rallying at city hall today because they want to save their homes.

I’m going to ask the minister again: Can you commit to strengthening rental protections when a tenant is facing a demolition instead of weakening them?

Again, another great question from the member from Brampton East. As we see the population grow, as we see the economy grow, we need to get people from point A to point B. Through our great Minister of Transportation and Minister of Infrastructure, we’re spending over $184 billion not just building new highways like the 413 or the Bradford Bypass, but also, where I was yesterday in Kitchener-Waterloo, we’re building Highway 7; in southwestern Ontario, we’re widening Highway 3.

Mr. Speaker, we’re pouring money into infrastructure, no matter if it’s 50 projects and the $50 billion through new hospitals and expansions, or long-term care through the Ministry of Long-Term Care. The previous government built, what, 618 in 12 years? We’re building 68,000 new long-term-care beds to make sure that when the population grows, they have a place to live and call home.

Right now, Ontario is on fire and we’re going to continue making it sure the economy grows, putting money back into people’s pockets.

It’s good news that so many housing projects are under way and that our government is creating conditions for more construction to take place. This will benefit my community of Brampton East and benefit other communities across our great province.

Rapidly growing communities like mine need access to convenient transportation networks. The previous Liberal government ignored the need to build and expand vital transportation infrastructure, like roads and highways, to keep up with future growth. Their failure to address the needed expansions to public transit and highway networks is making life inconvenient for individuals, families and businesses. Transportation infrastructure is vital to address the highway congestion, create jobs and support Ontario’s economy.

Speaker, can the Premier please explain how our government is building stronger transportation networks which will further support our communities?

I’m very happy to talk about transit this morning—a much better subject than talking about hockey.

Speaker, through last summer and into this winter, we introduced Presto’s credit card tap option for riders on the GO network and the 905 with terrific success, and over one million credit card taps have successfully been logged.

I’m happy to say that last Tuesday, our government, under the leadership of this Premier, launched a debit card tap feature on Presto and GO Transit and major local transit agencies in the 905—that includes York region, in that member’s riding. This is game-changing stuff, changing the way that people are able to get from point A to point B and pay their transit fares. With a simple tap of a debit card or a credit card, riders can now take transit and get to work, school, appointments, everything in between—

Interjection.

This is something that the Liberals simply didn’t do. They left behind the commuters of this province. This government won’t do the same. We’re building record transit and making the experience better all along.

The government has a responsibility to keep up with the times. That’s why we can’t limit ourselves to just paying for transit through physical cards. That’s why people on the GO, 905 and UP Express network can now use their credit and debit cards and smart phones or smart devices—with a simple tap of your smart device—to ride transit.

It doesn’t end there, because new Presto devices are also being installed on the TTC to deliver new payment options—like credit, debit and smart pay—to Toronto riders later this year. Progress has been very solid. In fact, I’m glad to update the House that the hardware refresh has been completed on buses and streetcars; the work is ongoing for stations.

Unlike the down bad opposition, this government is getting it done for commuters in Ontario.

The supplementary question.

The supplementary question.

Start the clock. The next question.

I appreciate the question from the member opposite.

Let me be very, very clear: The Premier of this province gave me a very clear mandate to ensure that I build 60,000 new and upgraded long-term-care beds across the province of Ontario. Part of that mandate was to increase the level of care to four hours. Part of that mandate was to hire 27,000 additional health care providers, health care workers, for those 60,000 new beds.

Let me be clear to the people of Pickering: They are waiting for a long-term-care home. What we are talking about here is tearing down an old, outdated home, Orchard Villa, and replacing it with a brand new, state-of-the-art home for the people of Pickering. And let me be very clear to the member opposite: Although he is opposed to this, I will do whatever it takes to remove the obstacles, to make sure that that home is built, because the people of Pickering deserve nothing less.

Interjections.

What we are talking about in Pickering is tearing down an old, outdated home that should have been torn down long before we came to office. That is what he is advocating against.

This really isn’t the first time in Pickering. We have two applications for brand new homes in front of Pickering council. One was this brand new Orchard Villa. The second home was an Afro-Caribbean-centred home, the first of its kind in Ontario, and they turned it down. That is who the NDP are protecting, Mr. Speaker.

What I’m going to do is tell this member, tell the NDP, and tell Pickering council very clearly: The Premier gave me a mandate to build 60,000 new beds for seniors across Ontario. I’ll remove the obstacles and I will get it done despite the fact—

Interjections.

My question is for the Solicitor General.

Sadly, I’m hearing concerns from the people of my community about increased criminal activity. Of course, the issue extends beyond our local community of Brampton East. We’ve all heard media reports about a rise in attacks on religious institutions and hateful graffiti. Hate-motivated incidents that target individuals, families and businesses based on their ethnicity, religion, race or gender have many feeling vulnerable and threatened.

The public safety of all Ontarians must be our government’s highest priority. The people of my community and all Ontarians are counting on our government for support and solutions.

Speaker, can the Solicitor General please explain how our government is addressing crime and increasing protection for Ontario communities?

It’s reassuring that our police services are well-trained and well-equipped to protect our communities. We value the dedication and service of our front-line police officers.

Ontario is one of the most diverse places in the world, and everyone is responsible to be respectful and welcoming to all. The words and actions that we all use must help build stronger, safer and more inclusive communities across our province.

Speaker, can the Solicitor General please explain what other actions our government is taking to support the safety and protection of all Ontarians?

I want to thank my friend from Brampton East for his question. As I said before, everyone in Ontario has a right to feel safe and free from harassment, hate and discrimination. That’s why we’re building an Ontario for everyone, where everyone belongs and everyone can contribute and prosper. This is our Ontario.

Mr. Speaker, I want to assure this House that our police work day and night to protect all Ontarians from violence, and this government will always have the backs of everyone that keeps Ontario safe.

Recently, I visited the Ontario Police College, where I saw for myself the police training—the training for investigations and hate crimes, so that they are prepared to keep us safe.

Mr. Speaker, let me be clear: Our government has a zero tolerance towards hate and violence of any kind.

Let me be clear: There is no excuse for anti-Semitism, Islamophobia or racism of any kind. It’s totally unacceptable. Hate is toxic to our democracy. And if anyone here or anywhere engages in this type of behaviour and feels you can double down or triple down on this, we have a message for you: We will call you out.

My question is to the Premier.

Last year, we learned that Orchard Villa, owned by Southbridge and one of the worst private long-term-care operators in our province, wants a 30-year licence renewal. Now Southbridge wants an MZO from the province to expedite a planned expansion. Pickering council saw first-hand the neglect at this company and firmly said no to their plan at a recent council meeting.

Will the Premier listen to the concerns of residents, families and the city of Pickering, or does he plan to renew these dangerous for-profit homes with a 30-year licence renewal and fast-tracked expansion?

Back to the Premier: The Premier wants to build more beds, but under a private, for-profit owner-operator, those are just more beds for seniors to die in.

To the minister and the Premier: Look at the history of this company—military intervention, bedbugs, a staff shortage, rotten food, residents left in soiled diapers, a class action lawsuit. Eighty residents died, some from dehydration. It seems likely the government will not only grant them a 30-year renewal, but are advocating for them to expand further.

We know the public, not-for-profit system is safer. How can the Premier justify even considering renewing the Orchard Villa licence? How can you even consider that?

My question is for the Associate Minister of Housing. As Ontario faces an affordable housing crisis, individuals and families are struggling to keep pace with the costs of housing due to rising mortgage and interest rates. These economic challenges are, unfortunately, preventing many hard-working Ontarians from achieving the goal of home ownership.

Unfortunately, years of inaction by the previous Liberal government left vulnerable individuals without the housing supports that they desperately need. That’s why it’s crucial for our government to take immediate action to increase the construction of safe, stable and affordable housing for those at risk.

Speaker, can the associate minister please share what steps our government is taking to deliver great housing supply to Ontarians?

These investments are welcome news and demonstrate our government’s commitment to provide support to the housing needs of all Ontarians. However, many constituents in my riding of Brampton North are very concerned about the surging costs of rent and mortgage interest rates. Now, many individuals and families are worried about finding an affordable place to live. That’s why our government must take urgent action to support those who are experiencing hardships and implement practical and long-term solutions to address homelessness.

Speaker, can the associate minister please elaborate on what our government is doing to improve housing services for the people of Ontario?

Minister of Northern Development.

Ma question est pour le premier ministre.

Premier, once again, due to flooding, the community of Kashechewan had to be evacuated to multiple communities across northern Ontario. Families with children are bound to live in hotel rooms for a recurring issue: the spring flooding.

Five years ago, the federal and provincial governments, with Kashechewan, signed an agreement to move the community to a safer location. My question: Premier, what has your government done in those five years to move Kashechewan to their new location?

Premier, what will your government do to expedite the moving of the community that has to be evacuated year after year due to flooding?

I thank my honourable colleague for the question. It’s been this government that has been there for every single Ontarian when we said we’re not going to leave them behind. I will just remind the member of all the decisions that they have voted against.

First of all, the largest increase to support the most vulnerable here in the province—what did the opposition do? They voted against it. Then the rates were aligned to inflation, which was the right thing to do to provide more support for Ontarians at a time of high costs and everything as a result of the carbon tax that they supported, that we are against, Mr. Speaker. Time and time and time again, it’s this government that’s fighting for Ontarians. The NDP will say one thing when the lights are on and the cameras are rolling, and then when it comes to actually voting and supporting Ontarians, they’ll continue to turn their back on them, just like they failed, supporting the Liberals in 15 years, Mr. Speaker. We said from the beginning—

Interjections.

My question is to the Premier. Last week, the Middlesex-London Health Unit wrote to this government urging an increase to social assistance rates. Their letter states, “Middlesex-London residents with low incomes cannot afford to eat after meeting other essential needs....” At a time of unprecedented inflation, food insecurity is higher than ever before. Our health unit is telling this government that people on ODSP and Ontario Works are not eating.

Speaker, why is this government keeping social assistance rates so low that those who rely on social assistance are force to go without food?

I really do want to thank the member from Brampton North for this very important question.

It was a pleasure to be joined by my Peel caucus colleagues and representatives from the region’s municipalities last month to echo our government’s investment of an additional $202 million every year in our Homelessness Prevention Program and Indigenous Supportive Housing Program. This brings our total annual investment to nearly $700 million. It’s record investments.

But this funding is vital as it helps service managers, like the regional municipality of Peel, provide supportive housing and other supports for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Speaker, we know that supportive housing provides stability that opens doors to better health, employment and independence for those in need. That’s why our government is stepping up and delivering greater investments to the people of this province, which benefit our communities and our economy as a whole.

Our government met with partners and stakeholders right across our province this past fall, and their valuable feedback was key to our improvements to Ontario’s supportive housing system. We recognize that the availability and affordability of housing are closely linked to the supply of homes in our communities. That’s why we’re committed to increasing the supply of housing in the coming 10 years.

We’re pleased to see that many municipalities in Ontario share this goal, like Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon, who have collectively pledged to build a total of 246,000 homes. These pledges demonstrate a solid commitment to increasing housing supply and ensuring that residents have access to affordable housing.

Speaker, only by working together can we ensure that all Ontarians have access to safe, affordable and suitable housing.

As we support the ongoing logistical challenges of that community, there is no question that there is a need for us to move on that location—“us” involves the community itself and some neighbouring communities. The federal government and the provincial government remain committed to that process and continue to work with not just Kashechewan but Fort Albany First Nation to ensure that they actually want to do this and we can proceed with a couple of important processes to make that move. Our door remains open, and we’d like to facilitate that process. It shouldn’t take this long. It’s twice in my own political career that this has happened.

I can assure the member opposite that we remain committed to facilitating that, providing it has the support of the nearby communities to Kashechewan.

Frankly, we continue to urge, particularly, Fort Albany First Nation to work with Kashechewan First Nation so that we can proceed with things like the environmental processes that are required to actually build the road that the member speaks about. It’s not that nothing is being done. Efforts are being made to get things started. That has been going on for a couple of years. I suspect the member knows that.

We would be happy to have a conversation with the leadership of those First Nations communities to trigger those processes and move that community to a place where we signed on the dotted line that we were committed to do that.

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Red Tape Reduction. Reducing red tape is a key part of building a stronger economy and improving services for all Ontarians. That’s why our government must bring forward red tape reduction solutions to deliver on our promise to improve government services and make it easier to do business in Ontario. The Less Red Tape, Stronger Economy Act should help to pave the way for better services, provide greater support for businesses to grow and help to save people time and money. While it is unfortunate that the opposition does not believe in the benefits of cutting red tape, this legislation could help ensure Ontario remains a key destination for investment, opportunity and prosperity.

Mr. Speaker, through you, can the minister please explain how our government is reducing regulatory burdens on people and businesses in Ontario?

Through you, Mr. Speaker, can the minister please explain how these red-tape-reduction changes can create real benefits for people and businesses in our province?

“To the Solicitor General:

“Whereas the government of Ontario is committed to ensuring the safety of Ontario communities; and

“Whereas the government of Ontario is committed to supporting our hard-working women and men in blue, who put their lives on the line every day in police forces across the province of Ontario to keep our communities safe;

“Therefore, we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly as follows:

“To support the passage of Bill 102, Strengthening Safety and Modernizing Justice Act, 2023, to ensure the following:

“(1) Make it easier for police services across the province to recruit and train more police officers by removing tuition fees for the basic constable training program at the Ontario Police College, known as OPC, and immediately expand the number of recruits that could be trained each year;

“(2) To expand the Basic Constable Training Program at the Ontario Police College, OPC, immediately to accommodate an additional 70 recruits per cohort from 480 to 550;

“(3) Starting in 2024, expand the Basic Constable Training Program to four cohorts per year instead of three;

“(4) Additionally, to support recruitment efforts at a time when local police officers have signalled challenges in doing so, introduce legislation that, if passed, will eliminate the post-secondary education requirement to become a police officer as set out in the Community Safety and Policing Act, also known as the CSPA, and if passed, the act would amend the Community Safety and Policing Act, CSPA, to provide that a secondary school diploma or equivalent is sufficient education for the purposes of being appointed as a police officer; and

“(5) To make the elimination of the tuition fee for the basic constable training program at the Ontario Police College retroactive to January 1, 2023, and recruits who paid for their 12-week basic constable training earlier this year to be reimbursed.”

I proudly affix my signature to this petition, and I will give it to page Sophie.