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.

I have a petition here, “To Raise Social Assistance Rates,” and it reads:

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas Ontario’s social assistance rates are well below Canada’s official Market Basket Measure poverty line and far from adequate to cover the rising costs of food and rent: $733 for individuals on OW and $1,227 for ODSP;

“Whereas an open letter to the Premier and two cabinet ministers, signed by over 230 organizations, recommends that social assistance rates be doubled for both Ontario Works (OW) and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP);

“Whereas the recent small increase of 5% for ODSP still leaves these citizens below the poverty line, both they and those receiving the frozen OW rates are struggling to survive at this time of alarming inflation;

“Whereas the government of Canada recognized in its CERB program that a ‘basic income’ of $2,000 per month was the standard support required by individuals who lost their employment during the pandemic;

“We, the undersigned ... petition the Legislative Assembly” of Ontario “to double social assistance rates for OW and ODSP.”

I’d like to thank Dr. Sally Palmer for sending me these petitions, and I fully support it. Thank you.

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.

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.

Speaker, if you seek it, you’ll find unanimous consent to allow members to make statements in remembrance for the late Mr. Bruce Owen, 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.

Thank you very much. We give thanks for the life and public service of Larry South.

Today we are honoured to remember and pay tribute to a former Member of our provincial Legislature, the late Mr. Bruce Owen, who was the MPP for Simcoe Centre during the 34th Parliament.

Joining us in the Speaker’s gallery are Mr. Owen’s family and friends: his son, Trevor Owen; his daughter-in-law, Heather Owen; his grandchildren Jonathan Owen, Benjamin Owen-Kelly and Alexandra Kelly; and his friend Brian Dixson. Also in the Speaker’s gallery today, we have with us David Warner, who was the Speaker during the 35th Parliament, and Steve Gilchrist, who was the MPP for Scarborough East during the 36th and 37th Parliaments. Welcome.

I recognize the member for Simcoe–Grey.

I’m honoured to rise today to pay tribute to a remarkable community champion who worked tirelessly to make his community and Ontario a better place. As a colleague from the Simcoe region, I want to acknowledge his contributions to our community and the legacy that he has left, which we will measure ourselves by as we move forward.

A local lawyer, deputy judge and former MPP for Simcoe Centre, Bruce Owen served his community for over six decades with integrity and compassion, and through his passion for music. Bruce put service above self, and he dedicated his life to serving his community through various roles.

Bruce passed away at the age of 90 on Monday, February 7, 2022, leaving a proud legacy and family that has left our community a better place. I want to welcome his family here today.

For over 20 years, Bruce practised law in the city of Barrie, serving his clients, particularly in the areas of wills, estates and real estate law. He also served as a deputy judge in Small Claims Court.

Bruce served as a leader in the community through various roles before getting into politics. He was president of the Barrie Chamber of Commerce, the Kiwanis Club and the mental health association local chapter. He was involved in the Barrie Concert Association, Georgian Music and as a director of the Ontario Heritage Foundation.

Bruce left a lasting legacy, as in 1972 he was part of the Kiwanis Club and was one of the first volunteers to help establish Kempenfest, which is now known as the city of Barrie’s signature event. I’ve been there many times, and this year Kempenfest will be celebrating their 51st year from August 4 to 7. If you’re in the area, I invite you to come out.

Bruce also served as a member of provincial Parliament, and his determination and resilience in politics led to his election in 1987 after a number of failed attempts. But Bruce distinguished himself as a staunch community advocate who never turned a blind eye to those in need, and demonstrated his unwavering commitment to serving his constituents and making his community stronger and better.

In that role, he championed the introduction of the legislation that prohibited smoking in Ontario workplaces. That was controversial legislation at its time, but now, many years later, it is seen and taken for granted, and has improved the health of Ontarians across the province.

Bruce was also a staunch advocate for the current location of the Royal Victoria Hospital building in Barrie, a significant regional hospital that serves the health needs of many in the region. Bruce also worked tirelessly to successfully attract funding for the development of more than 1,000 not-for-profit housing units in the area, and we know with the crisis we are facing today that that is a critical piece of a contribution to his local constituents.

Bruce was also very involved in making sure that one of our biggest employers in my riding of Simcoe–Grey, in Alliston, came to Alliston. Today, the Alliston Honda Canada manufacturing plant employs approximately 4,200 associates, has the manufacturing capacity to produce 400,000 units every year and is now part of the drive to make Ontario one of the top EV producers worldwide, with the electric CR-V unit coming off production in the Alliston plant today.

Though Bruce was known mostly as a community leader, many people remember him for his passion for music as a lifetime musician. Bruce toured the Barrie area as a soloist and visited virtually every Barrie church, singing Ave Maria at Protestant churches and the latest gospel hits at Roman Catholic churches. He performed a solo in the papal choir when Pope John Paul II visited the Martyr’s Shrine in 1984. He was an accomplished musician who left a lasting impact on all who heard his wonderful voice.

Speaker, in recognition of Bruce’s extraordinary career and his multidimensional personality, he was awarded the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award and the June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award, recognizing his unfailing dedication, commitment and exceptional achievements as a volunteer in Ontario and across his riding. Let us remember Bruce Owen as a remarkable man who dedicated his life to serving others and making his community stronger and better. Let us honour his memory by continuing his work by striving to make our communities better places for everyone.

Bruce’s impact on the city of Barrie, Simcoe county—including my riding of Simcoe–Grey—and Ontario will be lasting, indelible and not forgotten. His legacy will continue to live on through the lives that he has touched and the work that he has accomplished.

We rise today to commemorate the life of a lifelong public servant and champion of the arts, Mr. Bruce Owen, member of provincial Parliament for Simcoe Centre from 1987 to 1990.

Bruce’s life was spent in service of his community as a lawyer, a judge, a city alderman and an MPP. His career was defined by a passion for improving the lives of others.

At Queen’s Park, Bruce was widely respected by his colleagues of all political stripes. He was a passionate, community-oriented politician who used his position to effect meaningful change. He was part of the leadership that brought Barrie Centennial Park, Kempenfest, the current RVH building and an MRI to Barrie. He also helped to bring Honda to Alliston and legislation that banned smoking in the Ontario workplace.

Bruce’s community involvement saw him assume a wide variety of roles, whether it was his involvement with the local chamber of commerce, his position on the Industrial Commission and Planning Board or his advocacy for mental health during his time with the Kiwanis Club—he was always working with and for his community.

His advocacy for the arts was an enduring theme throughout his life, and it was said that Bruce’s love for the arts was really demonstrated by the fact that he was always ready to solicit support for the local symphony.

His musical passion matched his ability and he was, at various points, a soloist in nearly every church in Barrie. He sang classic hymns at the Catholic parishes and Ave Maria at the protestant churches—maybe he was sending a message. In 1984, Bruce performed a solo in the papal choir when Pope John Paul II visited Canada.

Bruce proudly used his musical abilities as a tool to grow closer with the community he loved so dearly. His commitment to the growing arts was recognized in 2000 when he became the first community volunteer to be awarded the National Arts Centre award for Distinguished Contribution to Touring. Bruce opted to give his cash prize towards a new performing arts centre. Similarly, he was the recipient of the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award and the June Callwood leadership award.

As I said a bit earlier, I like to call some colleagues who knew the person we’re giving tribute to. I was talking to Jim Bradley today and I asked him about Bruce. He shared some of his memories about Bruce’s tenure here at Queen’s Park, and what he said was that Bruce cared deeply about the community he represented and served. He made friends across party lines and was well liked and well respected by his peers in this Legislature. He was not shy to let you know where he stood on an issue. He was dedicated to our party—as Jim said, he was as Liberal as they come—and he worked really hard to get elected to this Legislature. He ran a number of times. On top of that, he said Bruce was a community builder, whether it was his work or his volunteer efforts or his public service.

As I said earlier, our families and families of members past have to give up a lot. I know his son, Trevor, is here today. So, to Trevor and his family, some of whom aren’t with us, I just want to thank you. Thank you for sharing him with us here in this Legislature. He made a difference.

To Trevor; his daughter-in-law, Heather; grandchildren Jonathan, Benjamin and Alexandra: We are honoured to celebrate the life and service of your father and grandfather. He is remembered by his friends, colleagues and the people of Simcoe county whose lives he touched and improved with his kindness and dedication to service.

Applause.