Thank you for the question.

I get excited when we start talking about the Ontario Science Centre and what it means. It has been a beacon for not only Ontario but across Canada for the tourism industry for a lot of years—for over half a century, actually.

When you talk about space, you’ve got to talk about workable space. We won’t get to that—because you were speculating.

But what we will talk about is what the Ontario Science Centre represents to Ontario and the rest of the country, and the upcoming move to a world-class situation down in Ontario Place. When we talk about that move—that beacon that I spoke of is going to get even brighter for tourism.

Tourism supports almost 400,000 jobs, and when we talk about what’s going to go on in Ontario Place—that raises the bar for everybody. I get really concerned and almost take it—not quite—personally when we talk about not developing tourism in this province, because it drives industry, it drives the GDP, and it’s important. It lands in every riding that we represent—every one—so let’s not keep saying no—

When we talk about the Ontario Science Centre as it stands right now—which is, by the way, still opening and doing a great business. The people there are doing a fantastic job, whether they’re building the exhibits or they’re opening the doors for spectators. Let’s make that clear.

The other side of it is usable space—having opportunities for more exhibits, better-placed exhibits, the next generation of exhibits, and building them on-site. Just because something gets a little bit smaller doesn’t mean we’re taking away usable space to either display or build. Don’t make those assumptions. That’s the wrong road to go down.

To reply, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

The division bells rang from 1147 to 1152.

On May 10, 2023, MPP Stiles moved second reading of Bill 100, An Act to amend the Members’ Integrity Act, 1994 with respect to fees, gifts and personal benefits. All those in favour will please rise one at a time and remain standing until recognized by the Clerk.

Second reading negatived.

The House recessed from 1157 to 1300.

My question is for the Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.

Speaker, we all know that across Ontario, many people are affected by mental health issues or addiction challenges, and this can have a serious impact on their quality of life and that of their families and everyone around them.

We know that Indigenous communities have been disproportionately impacted by mental health and addiction challenges, and sadly, many of these individuals face barriers in accessing safe and effective care. For Indigenous peoples, mental health and addiction care must respect the unique needs of their communities and honour their culture and traditions.

Speaker, can the associate minister please explain how our government is expanding access to critical mental health and addiction services for Indigenous communities?

“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”—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 ... 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, ... CSPA, and if passed, the act would amend the ... 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 fully support this petition, affix my signature and provide it to page Cole.

The ayes are 30; the nays are 71.

Bill 91, An Act to enact two Acts, amend various Acts and revoke various regulations / Projet de loi 91, Loi visant à édicter deux lois, à modifier diverses lois et à abroger divers règlements.

I beg leave to present a report from the Standing Committee on Justice Policy and move its adoption.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let me just thank all members for another very productive week on behalf of the people of the province.

On Monday, May 15, after the routine, we will have a ministerial statement on Police Week; and in the afternoon, we will commence third reading of Bill 85, which is the budget bill.

On the morning of Tuesday, May 16, we will have third reading of Bill 85; in the afternoon, we will continue with Bill 85; and in the evening, private member’s motion number 51 standing in the name of the member for Oakville.

On Wednesday, May 17, we will continue with Bill 85 in the morning; we will continue with Bill 85 in the afternoon; and in the evening, we will have a private member’s bill, Bill 101.

On Thursday, May 18, we will continue again on the budget bill, Bill 85; in the afternoon routine, a ministerial statement on the Ministry of Francophone Affairs annual report; and in the afternoon of that day, we will deal with private bills.

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

Bill 100, An Act to amend the Members’ Integrity Act, 1994 with respect to fees, gifts and personal benefits / Projet de loi 100, Loi modifiant la Loi de 1994 sur l’intégrité des députés en ce qui concerne les honoraires, les dons et les avantages personnels.

I wanted to table the following petition on behalf of the residents of Barrie–Innisfil:

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the federal government is increasing the escalated carbon tax by 14%, on April 1, 2023;

“Whereas carbon tax cost increase will put more pressure on consumers who are already struggling with inflation;

“Whereas we call on the federal government to stop the carbon tax, which is a tax hike that Ontarians and Canadians cannot afford;

“Whereas the government of Ontario is helping to reduce the cost of living by keeping taxes low, freezing and eliminating licence plate renewal fees and scrapping the requirement to have licence plate stickers for passenger vehicle, light-duty trucks, motorcycles and mopeds and building on these measures in Bill 85, Building a Strong Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2023, the government continues to help Ontarians with the cost of living;

“Whereas we call on the Ontario government to urge the federal government to halt the carbon tax increase, that will raise the cost of everything;

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

“To support the passage of Bill 85, Building a Strong Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2023.”

I strongly support this petition. I will sign it and pass it on to page Dominic.

My question is to the Premier.

The Premier’s plan to move the Ontario Science Centre to Ontario Place and cut its size by 50% has caused concern across Ontario. The Ontario Science Centre has a 20,000-square-foot workshop building world-class exhibits that are shipped around the world—Kuwait, Thailand, China, and here in Ontario, Science North. This Premier is cutting the centre in half, and it’s a pretty safe bet that the exhibit-building facilities won’t be part of the new package.

Why is the Premier putting at risk a critical piece of museum infrastructure, the Ontario Science Centre workshops, that is a point of pride for the people of this province?

Speaker, the Ontario Science Centre is not just a source of pride for educators, academics and parents, but it’s also a place where skilled Ontario workers—carpenters, electricians, electronics designers—provide science exhibits to science centres around the whole world. If the government destroys the ability to create new exhibits, then you can’t regularly upgrade and revitalize the centre with new exhibits as time goes by.

Is it the plan of the government to move the centre, let it deteriorate and then wipe it out completely at another date?

Petition to “Protect the Greenbelt.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the government has removed 7,400 acres of land from the greenbelt;

“Whereas the government says it will replace the lost land with land elsewhere—but many of the proposed additions are already protected;

“Whereas the government has eroded environmental protections to make it easier to build badly planned housing developments;

“Whereas Ontario is already losing 319.6 acres of farmland daily to development;

“Whereas the government Housing Affordability Task Force found there are plenty of places to build homes without destroying the greenbelt;

“Whereas the government’s repeated moves to tear up farmland and bulldoze wetlands have never been about housing, but are about making the rich richer;

“Whereas green spaces and farmland are what we rely on to grow our food, support natural habitats and prevent flooding;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to stop all plans to remove protected land from the greenbelt and protect existing farmland and sensitive wetlands.”

I agree with this petition, I affix my signature and I give it to page Maya for the table.

I have a petition here for better staffing, better wages and better care in Ontario’s public hospitals. It reads:

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas registered nurses and health care professionals are the backbone of Ontario’s public health care system; and

“Whereas nurses and health care professionals are fighting for better staffing, better wages and better care in Ontario’s public hospitals; and

“Whereas the government has the power to direct the funding and priorities for the Ontario Hospital Association in this bargaining process;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

“Support nurses and health care professionals represented by the Ontario Nurses’ Association in their collective bargaining with the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) by demanding the OHA reach a negotiated agreement with nurses that results in better staffing, better wages and better care in Ontario’s public hospitals.”

Speaker, I fully support this petition, will affix my signature to it and give it to page Maya to take to the Clerks.

I have the following petition to table:

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the World Health Organization (WHO) identifies intimate-partner violence as a major global public health concern, as it affects millions of people and can result in immediate and long-lasting health, social and economic consequences; and

“Whereas other Canadian provinces including Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba and Newfoundland and Labrador have passed legislation on the disclosure of intimate-partner violence history, to protect its citizens from domestic violence; and

“Whereas the disclosure mechanisms outlined in Clare’s Law would be an additional tool for police services to prevent intimate-partner violence; and

“Whereas over 43,786 people, as of April 19, 2023, have signed the petition ‘Justice for Bobbi: Adopt Clare’s Law in Ontario’ on change.org; and

“Whereas people at risk of potential harm have the right to be informed of their intimate partner’s violent past—if the partner was a repeat offender of domestic violence;

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

“To urge the government of Ontario to adopt mechanisms for disclosure outlined in Clare’s Law—whereby information relating to intimate-partner-violence convictions can be used to assess risk of and prevent harm from intimate-partner violence.”

I will heartily support this petition, and I will sign it and send the petition with Lazo.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the federal government is increasing the escalated carbon tax by 14%, on April 1, 2023;

“Whereas carbon tax cost increase will put more pressure on consumers who are already struggling with inflation;

“Whereas we call on the federal government to stop the carbon tax, which is a tax hike that Ontarians and Canadians cannot afford;

“Whereas the government of Ontario is helping to reduce the cost of living by keeping taxes low, freezing and eliminating licence plate renewal fees and scrapping the requirement to have licence plate stickers for passenger vehicle, light-duty trucks, motorcycles and mopeds and building on these measures in Bill 85, Building a Strong Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2023, the government continues to help Ontarians with the cost of living;

“Whereas we call on the Ontario government to urge the federal government to halt the carbon tax increase, that will raise the cost of” living for “everything;

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

“To support the passage of Bill 85, Building a Strong Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2023.”

I sign my name on top of here and give it to page Nicholas in support of this.

It’s now time for orders of the day.

Today we are honoured to remember and pay tribute to a former member of our provincial Legislature, the late Mr. Laurence “Larry” George South, who was the MPP for Frontenac–Addington during the 33rd and 34th Parliaments.

Mr. South’s family, including his wife, Joyce, are watching from home this afternoon. But joining us in the gallery is former member of provincial Parliament Steve Gilchrist, who represented the riding of Scarborough East during the 36th and 37 Parliaments. Welcome.

I now recognize the member for Hastings–Lennox and Addington.

Speaker, if you seek it, you will find unanimous consent to allow members to make statements in remembrance for the late Mr. Laurence George South, with five minutes allotted to His Majesty’s government, five minutes allotted to His Majesty’s loyal opposition and five minutes allotted to the independent members as a group.

It is an honour to rise in the House today to pay tribute to a highly respected member of provincial Parliament, a husband and a father: Mr. Laurence George South. I would also like to recognize Mrs. Joyce South, who was married to Larry South for 69 years and who I do understand is watching from home. On behalf of my colleagues and myself, we are sorry for your loss.

Laurence George South was born on February 26, 1925, in the east end of Toronto, to Gladys and George South and was the second of three children. After graduating high school at Malvern Collegiate, he served in the Canadian Armed Forces during the end of World War II, for which I would also like to offer all of our thanks for his service. After serving, Larry returned to Toronto and was educated at the University of Toronto, receiving a bachelor of science degree in engineering and shortly after receiving his master’s degree in engineering.

But apparently education was not the only focus of those educational years in Larry’s life, for it was during this time at the University of Toronto that he met the love of his life, Joyce. They married in 1953 and raised four children: Greg, Brenda, Kevin and Nancy.

Larry dedicated 25 years to his career with what was then called the Ontario Water Resources Commission, which later became the Ministry of the Environment. Although his work was based in downtown Toronto, he was fortunate enough that his engineering work took him all around the province, to smaller rural communities and to the large cities and towns.

He had a passion for his work with the Ministry of the Environment, so it was no surprise that when he retired in 1985, he ran to be the member for Frontenac–Addington and succeeded. I am told that he had a goal in mind all along of being reunited with the Ministry of the Environment. In fact, later, Larry was named to be the parliamentary assistant to the then-environment minister, Jim Bradley. I am confident that his expertise was incredibly valuable to the minister.

One of the great things about the Internet is that it keeps people connected. It was incredible to see on Larry’s obituary guestbook all the kind words and personal anecdotes that people had to share about him.

For example, many spoke of Larry’s favourite method of transportation. He had a passion for trains and the railroads. He travelled across Europe many times by train and took a special train trip across Europe, accompanied by his nephew Gary, that was organized around the cities and places and things that held fond memories for him.

Some also commented on the profound impact and lasting impression that Larry had made on their lives, whether through his career or his political life or just as a human being. His optimistic outlook on life, sense of humour and love of politics was infectious. For so many of them, it was a pleasure to know him, even for a short while. Most importantly, there was an outpouring of affection on how much he would be missed. He will be forever remembered as a man of many hobbies and an infectious laugh.

We lost Mr. South on October 28, 2022. So to Joyce, Mrs. South, and every member of the South family, to all of Larry’s friends and colleagues, we are truly sorry for your loss. I hope that the joyful memories you have help to ease the pain of your grief. We thank you for his service to this House and to the people of Ontario.

It’s really a pleasure to join everyone here today and present this petition on behalf of the Ontario Nurses’ Association—all those fantastic front-line nurses who care for patients across Ontario. This petition includes 2,622 signatures from just the GTA alone, and it reads as follows:

“Petition for Better Staffing, Better Wages and Better Care in Ontario’s Public Hospitals.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas registered nurses and health care professionals are the backbone of Ontario’s public health care system; and

“Whereas nurses and health care professionals are fighting for better staffing, better wages and better care in Ontario’s public hospitals; and

“Whereas the government has the power to direct the funding and priorities for the Ontario Hospital Association in this bargaining process;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

“Support nurses and health care professionals represented by the Ontario Nurses’ Association in their collective bargaining with the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) by demanding the OHA reach a negotiated agreement with nurses that results in better staffing, better wages and better care in Ontario’s public hospitals.”

I could not be happier to support this petition. I’m going to affix my signature and I’m going to give it to page Liam to table it.

Il me fait plaisir de lire une pétition intitulée « Modifier les zones de gestion des appâts ... du Nord-Est et du Nord-Ouest.

« À l’Assemblée législative de l’Ontario :

« Alors que les zones de gestion des appâts dans certaines villes ne permettent pas aux pêcheurs d’acheter des appâts dans leur propre zone pour aller pêcher dans des lacs à proximité;

« Alors que 95 % des lacs approvisionnés à Hearst sont situés à l’ouest de la ville et les zones courantes font en sorte qu’il n’y a pas d’option légale pour les pêcheurs de se procurer des appâts et d’aller pêcher ces lacs;

« Alors que le gouvernement a investi beaucoup de temps et d’argent au cours des années pour assurer une population de truites élevée et saine pour que les pêcheurs puissent l’apprécier et en profiter;

« Alors que les propriétaires de pourvoiries dans la région ne peuvent plus se procurer des appâts en proximité de leur camp avec les zones courantes et ils n’ont aucune option routière à s’en procurer près de leur camp;

« En conséquence, nous, soussignés, pétitionnons l’Assemblée législative de l’Ontario :

« —demande d’offrir une exception ou une exemption pour les villes du Nord suivantes : Chapleau, Wawa et Hearst, où les deux zones se trouvent à être séparées basé sur la voie ferrée et les chemins routiers;

« —nous demandons au gouvernement Ford et au ministre des Richesses naturelles de modifier la législation des nouvelles zones de gestion des appâts pour faciliter l’achat de ceux-ci pour les pêcheurs, et d’assurer la continuité de ce sport et ce mode de vie qui représente tellement les gens du nord de l’Ontario. »

Il me fait plaisir de signer cette pétition et de la donner à Senna pour qu’elle l’amène à la table des greffiers.

It is such a privilege to honour the life of Larry South today. These tributes provide a moment to reflect on the duties and responsibilities and the joys of public service. It is an opportunity to give us pause, park the partisanship and acrimony, and contemplate the work that we are called to do in Ontario’s Legislature. It was with this in mind that I approached the tribute to Laurence “Larry” George South, MPP for Frontenac–Addington, who served his community from 1985 to 1990.

Larry South died peacefully in his 98th year at his beloved home, Larry’s Landing, on the St. Lawrence River near Gananoque, Ontario. This is a beautiful part of the world. I know it well and I love it, as did Larry and his family.

I want to also acknowledge that Joyce, his wife of 69 years, and his family are watching today’s tribute from home. Joyce, we send you our love and our sincere condolences on the passing of your life partner.

I truly enjoyed learning about Larry’s life of public service. I can tell you it provided a moment of hope for me. I honestly wish I’d had the opportunity to meet Larry.

It’s also worth noting that we should all be aware that at some point, as parliamentarians, someone in this place is going to get up and share information about us, so extending the effort to learn and honour the work of a former MPP is a positive way to inspire some good karma, and this was an easy task for Larry George South.

By all accounts, Larry South lived a life of service that would make any member of any political party proud. After serving in the army at the end of World War II, he pursued an engineering degree at U of T. He worked in many communities across this great province and brought his expertise as an engineer. Some of you may know that engineers in Ontario take an oath; some wear an iron ring to seal a deal. As engineers, they take a pledge to practise integrity and fair dealing, tolerance and respect and to uphold devotion to the standards and dignity of the profession, conscious always that their skill carries with it the obligation to serve humanity by making the best use of the earth’s precious wealth.

Some of the best people I know are engineers. They are smart and they’re thoughtful, and let’s be honest, sometimes they’re a little quirky, and it seems that Larry was a similar fellow. He had a 25-year career with the Ontario Water Resources Commission, later the Ministry of the Environment. His engineering work took him across the province to small rural communities, large towns and cities; in other words, he got to know this great province.

For many of us, politics is very personal. It’s why the debates get very heated at times, but the personal side of our lives helps us do this work, which is why I was so intrigued by the story of Larry and his wife, Joyce. She campaigned daily with her husband and coordinated the telephone blitzes. I think it needs to be said that none of us could do this work alone. Our partners, friends and family walk alongside us, and we are better people for it.

In the early 1970s, Larry and Joyce discovered the waterfront property on which they would build their dream home. He and Joyce created a special place at Larry’s Landing. People from all walks of life enjoyed Larry and Joyce’s hospitality at social events, political events, reunions, parties and weddings. These were my kind of people. One of Larry’s favourite lines while sitting by the river was, “It would take a lot of this to kill a man.”

A firm believer in civic duty, democracy and advocacy, Larry worked tirelessly for his constituents. This is what they said about him:

“South was the only candidate to come and see me. He is visible, and he helps with local issues.” Public Service 101: Show up, listen, be respectful. This was Larry South.

“Politics for South is the art of being able to do for others, and his political motivation arises from what he calls a simple wish ‘to help people with the little things.’”

In addition to enjoying painting as a hobby, Larry designed and constructed a number of beautiful stone features throughout his and Joyce’s property.

Life for us in politics sometimes ends—it comes a little faster than we thought. But I will say that Larry filled his life with family and friends, and he continued to weigh in on politics in Ontario from his beautiful Larry’s Landing.

His infectious laugh and love of a good story ensured he was a popular person in the community. He was well respected because people saw him as somebody they could trust and someone who was in politics for the right reasons.

On behalf of His Majesty’s official opposition, I want to extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire family. Our province is a stronger, more vibrant place because of Larry George South.

Further debate?

It’s an honour to rise today to pay tribute to a veteran, a community booster, a father, a husband and an honourable member of this Legislature, Mr. Laurence George South, member of provincial Parliament for Frontenac–Addington from 1985 to 1990.

Larry South was born and raised in Toronto’s east end. He attended Malvern Collegiate and went on to serve his country in the army in World War II. When he returned, he got his education, getting a bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Toronto. But it wasn’t the most important thing about attending U of T. It was there that he would meet Joyce. Joyce and Larry would spend the rest of their lives together and raise four children.

Joyce and Larry built their dream home on a waterfront property that became known as Larry’s Landing where they raised Greg, Brenda, Kevin and Nancy. It’s where they watched their family grow with the arrival of their grandchildren Heather, Jack, Evan and Fiona, and great-grandchild Jonah.

Larry was passionate in everything that he did and, as I’ve been told, was a master storyteller. Larry knew what he wanted, where he stood, and he would let you know with a smile and a story. He liked to laugh.

An engineer by trade, Larry was passionate about serving his community and, like every good politician should be, he had a positive vision for the future. He saw, at a time when most people didn’t, that we needed to protect our environment and natural resources. Larry had a 25-year career with the Ontario Water Resources Commission and brought his expertise to this Legislature and to the work here. He understood that governments had to take action to protect our natural spaces and ecosystems and to reduce waste.

I like to look back on Hansard when we have a chance to do these tributes and read some of the things that, in this case, Larry had to say. You can see in the Hansard his passion and sense of humour, and here’s a really good example. When debating the budget in November of 1989, the topic was a tax to help with the disposal of tires—I think we can all remember that. Larry had this to say to his colleagues across the aisle: “I ask the member opposite who disagrees with this position whether he has travelled on the Toronto subway recently and seen the caption: ‘Politicians are like disposable diapers. They will take 70 years to become environmentally friendly.’” And it’s still true today, maybe.

Then he went on to say, “I wish to repeat that the opposition has failed to understand the problem that presently exists. This measure will reduce the potential environmental hazards of used tires. It will cover the disposal of the tires and research into innovative recycling methods. Is this an unfair tax? I do not believe that it is.”

And from that same debate, Larry’s quoted as saying “A clean and safe environment is one of the cornerstones of our efforts to improve the quality of life in Ontario.” Some 30 years later, I think we’re all still fighting that battle.

I spoke to Jim Bradley who served with Larry, and here’s what Jim told me: The riding that he served was a big riding, and not an easy riding to run as a Liberal, and in parts of it, it’s true today. So Larry worked hard to get elected and then to serve the people of his community. Larry knew that the important things in our job here are those everyday things that we can help people with.

To Joyce, who I know is listening today, and to all his family, the life of an MPP isn’t easy. Many of us have to leave our families and travel great distances to be here at Queen’s Park. It’s hard for us. It’s even harder for our families. So I want to thank you on behalf of this Legislature and our party for sharing Larry with us.

Applause.