Growth is absolutely a moral imperative. But do you know what is also a moral imperative? Making sure that people have protections. The NDP has suggested a number of different things. This government, if they had morals, would protect tenants. They would pass the NDP legislation that will re-establish rent control, plug vacancy decontrol to make sure that all the places that were built after November 2018 have rent control again. That would be a moral choice.

But this government has instead made a different choice. They’ve made a choice not to protect tenants. We have a number of different solutions on the table which could be passed immediately. It’s really shocking to think that this government is talking about growth. Growth without protection is unsustainable. People will be in a situation where once their lease is up, they will be subject to massive rent increases because of this government’s neglect, this government’s willful ignoring of the affordability issues that affect newcomers, that affect young people, that affect families, that affect seniors. This government has ignored people, and I think it’s deeply immoral.

Next question?

I absolutely, categorically support increased protections for tenants. It’s a little bit hypocritical to hear from the other side that they support those protections when they have, for example, done away with rent control and implemented policies that have resulted in unprecedented economic hardship for my constituents in Don Valley East.

I’m proud to stand here on behalf of those same constituents to hold this government to account, to point out that they have made life more difficult for tenants, more difficult for renters, more expensive for renters, and to point out that, unfortunately, to call these piecemeal efforts that are unclear—it’s inappropriate to do so.

I was just in St. Catharines and in the Niagara region within the last few days. I’ve heard from your constituents—who thank you for your advocacy, by the way—but who point out that housing is out of control for them, that rent is out of control for them and that this government, the present government, hasn’t done anything for them in order to make that issue go away. This bill certainly won’t.

I rise today to speak about the Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act, 2023, also known as Bill 97. This legislation is a cornerstone of our latest housing supply action plan which aims to create a solid foundation for growth while providing enhanced protection for renters and homebuyers.

Ontario is experiencing remarkable growth, with 445,000 new residents in 2022 alone. Our province is growing, attracting newcomers, job creators and entrepreneurs from all around the world who seek to make Ontario their home. However, this rapid growth has exacerbated an ongoing and severe shortage of housing options.

Madam Speaker, our growth plan is a provincial plan. More growth means more people, more opportunities. The previous Liberal government miserably failed for 13 years of planning and managing growth in our cities and the region and the province, especially the growth plan for the greater Golden Horseshoe area. However, for the greater Golden Horseshoe, there is an additional set of planning rules contained in A Place to Grow, the growth plan. That’s why they call it the greater Golden Horseshoe.

The greater Toronto area, which is just one area in the greater Golden Horseshoe, is expected to grow by 2.9 million people by 2046. I want to say that again. We will need homes to accommodate an additional 2.9 million people within the next 23 years, Madam Speaker.

This is not just a housing issue. The member opposite talked about the housing issue as a human rights issue. It’s also an economic problem that can affect the entire country. The greater Golden Horseshoe generates more than 25% of Canada’s gross domestic product. It is the economic engine of Ontario. But this economic engine needs workers who, in turn, need a place to live.

We are also asking our municipality to plan for 25 years’ growth. It’s never happened before. If you don’t plan, you can’t get it. We would also continue to encourage the municipality to build where it makes sense, such as major transit corridors and residential development near transit areas.

We are streamlining the land use planning policy and working on key priorities to increase the housing supply.

Madam Speaker, our government is fighting back. The people of Markham—I come from Markham and the Markham–Thornhill riding, a wonderful riding—are not immune to these challenges. Markham is the fastest-growing municipality in all of Canada. It’s also the most ethnically diverse riding in all of Canada, and 61% of Markham residents were born outside of Canada. What does that mean? They need more housing, more opportunity to fulfill their dreams.

Markham is also a thriving hub of innovation and advanced technologies in the greater Toronto area. The demand for housing has changed alongside the influx of residents and businesses. As such, our government recognizes the urgent need to address the housing supply crisis, not only in my beautiful riding of Markham–Thornhill and the city of Markham, but in the entire province, ensuring that our residents have access to affordable and accessible housing options.

Through the Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act, we are taking bold steps to ensure that more homes are brought online, directly benefiting the people of Ontario. This legislation will lay the groundwork for an increased housing supply, offering relief to those struggling to find suitable and affordable housing in our vibrant communities.

Our Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing stated, “Too many Ontarians have been priced out of the housing market through no fault of their own.” We acknowledge the challenges faced by Ontarians and are committed to providing them with the opportunity to access affordable housing.

Unfortunately, Madam Speaker, the opposition New Democratic Party has shown a concerning disregard for the urgent needs of our province’s housing crisis. Shockingly, they have voted against housing supply plans put forward by our government on four separate occasions, disregarding pressing needs of Ontarians. We recognize the importance of supporting new homebuyers and safeguarding the rights of tenants in Ontario.

In my riding of Markham–Thornhill, we have received numerous complaints from our residents regarding the slow hearing process at the Landlord and Tenant Board. One of my constituents who submitted his application in November 2021 was originally scheduled for an early September 2022 hearing. Unfortunately, due to a delay in combining his two applications, he has been forced to wait for over four months. This extended waiting period has significantly impacted his well-being as he has been facing mental and medical health issues. Madam Speaker, it is crucial that we prioritize our people’s urgent need for a stable living situation.

Under the leadership of our Premier and the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, our government is unwavering in our commitment to truly listen to the voice of our people. The proposed changes to the Landlord and Tenant Board, driven by the feedback we have received from both landlords and tenants, are specifically designed to address the unique needs of our local communities. By enhancing the legal protections for tenants and clamping down on bad landlords, we are a fostering a safe and secure environment for all residents in this province.

Additionally, our government’s commitment to investing an additional $6.5 million to hire new adjudicators—

If you care about renters, then how is it that the average rent in Toronto is $3,000? What new Canadian or young person can afford $3,000 for their rent right here in Toronto? What are we doing? You’re not protecting renters. You’re not protecting young people. You’re not protecting families in the province of Ontario when $3,000 is the average of rent here in Toronto.

My question is—in my riding in Niagara Falls, I’m hearing from residents that are facing significant rent increases because they live in units built after 2018. In some cases, they can’t afford to rent anymore. Do you think we should have rent controls for all units built in the province of Ontario?

The member for Don Valley East I’m sure is aware that there are thousands of residential tenants—families in rental accommodation—that they call home. Our government has in the past brought in measures to strengthen protections for tenants, including fines for bad landlords and measures to prevent evictions. Unfortunately, the opposition chose to vote against those measures. This time, there’s an opportunity for the member opposite to support better protections for tenants in this province once again.

My question to the member from Don Valley East: On behalf of his constituents, will he join us in supporting these enhanced protections for tenants?

We’re going to move to questions.

Sri Varasiththi Vinaayagar Hindu Temple in Scarborough–Agincourt is an outstanding institution providing spiritual, educational and cultural guidance to many diverse generations of the Tamil and Hindu communities. Their 17th annual cultural day festivities were one such forum to showcase their work. The Sri Varasiththi Vinaayagar Hindu College students, aged four to 14, performed more than 20 cultural displays to celebrate Tamil culture and heritage. About 200 students participated in this day-long celebration. I commend the chief priest, the teachers, the clergy and the organizers for bringing together the community and passing the torch to the next generation. Scarborough–Agincourt is proud to host such a great organization.

A week later, I had the honour of participating in a sombre Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day commemoration to uphold the memory of the victims, pay tribute to the survivors and send a message to deniers that their efforts to negate the facts will not be successful. The most impressing aspect of the night was the visit to the genocide memorial wall—

Over 1.5 million Canadians are battling sight loss. An estimated 5.6 million Canadians across our country suffer from eye disease that could lead to blindness. The annual cost of vision loss in Canada is approximately $32.9 billion. Vision is vital, as it synergizes with our other senses, amplifying hearing, touch, taste and smell to enrich our perception of the world.

Madam Speaker, with great admiration and gratitude, I would like to acknowledge the visionary leadership of Senator Dr. Asha Seth, who is here today, for proposing the designation of May as the national Vision Health Month a decade ago. Dr. Seth’s tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to this cause were recently recognized in Ottawa, and her exceptional contribution.

Dr. Seth’s current focus involves promoting comprehensive eye exams for children to detect and intervene at an early age, safeguarding their future. Thank you, Dr. Seth, for your unwavering dedication and impactful contributions. Your efforts have profound impact on the lives of countless individuals, and we are grateful to your leadership. You are a true vision champion. May God keep giving you the energy to serve the community. Thank you so much.

I apologize to the member from Markham–Thornhill. It is 10:15. We need to move to members’ statements.

Third reading debate deemed adjourned.

Madam Speaker, an investigation from the Hamilton Spectator recently found that over the last year a group of men have been responsible for a white nationalist vandalism campaign in Hamilton and recently emerged from the shadows to use public parks for combat training. This investigation found that they are a part of a vast global network of neo-Nazis spreading hatred against Jewish people, Black people and the LGBTQ+ community while the social media platform they call home takes no steps to stop it.

We need this government, and I call on this government, to denounce all forms of hate in our communities across this province and call and speak against the rise of white nationalism in our communities.

The Workers’ Compensation Board of 1914 represents a historic compromise between employers and workers. In a non-adversarial system, employers would be protected from lawsuits and injured workers would receive prompt benefits for as long as their disability lasted. However, beginning with the Mike Harris Conservative government, continued by the Ford government, these principles have been turned on their head, betraying at every turn workers injured or made ill on the job.

The WSIB now looks for every means to suppress claims. They call on doctors who have never met the worker to decide if an injury has taken place. They push people back to work against medical advice, resulting in further injury. They reduce supports based on phantom jobs. The Minister of Labour promises to increase wage-replacement rates but breaks his promise. They cut the cost-of-living allowance for injured workers. Then, incredibly, the government gives $1.2 billion to employers, money that injured workers and their families need and are entitled to. Now this government plans on reducing the time to appeal to one month.

These are crimes against all workers. Today, let us demand a return to the original purpose of workers’ compensation: respect and care for injured workers, and prompt benefits for as long as the disability lasts. Thank you. Merci. Meegwetch.

I’d like to welcome, from the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association, executive director Stephanie Donaldson, Jennifer McIntyre, Shane Gonsalves; and from Wilfrid Laurier University, students Adam Sutherland, Justin Doolittle and Ranjit Saini. Welcome to your House.

Mr. Speaker, this past weekend I had the pleasure of attending two events that demonstrated the great energy, character and generosity of the people of Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound. The first was Saturday morning at the Walk for Alzheimer’s at the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority near Inglis Falls outside Owen Sound. It was a beautiful morning, and there was a huge turnout of walkers, volunteers and supporters. This great event was organized by the Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce and was supported by IG Wealth Management. Amazingly, it was one of four walks they organized that day. Alzheimer Society does such important work to support those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia in our community, and it was great to see such active community support for this important work.

Next, it was off to beautiful Harrison Park in Owen Sound for the Hike for Hospice in support of Grey Bruce Hospice and Chapman House in Owen Sound. Again, there were many hikers and volunteers supporting a great organization. Grey Bruce Hospice provides comprehensive and compassionate care to residents and families in communities during their journey with life-limiting illness. Our friend former MPP Bill Murdoch received great care at the Grey Bruce Hospice before his passing last August. Thank you to all who supported the Hike for Hospice.

These two events demonstrate the great character of our great community in Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound, so thank you to all who were involved.

It’s my distinct pleasure to congratulate Dr. Jennifer Kagan, who was honoured with the Attorney General’s Victim Services Award of Distinction. This award recognizes the dedication and achievements of individuals and organizations working to support people who have been victimized due to crime, and to raise awareness of victims’ issues in Ontario.

From the tragic death of her daughter Keira, Dr. Kagan has been a tireless advocate for women who are victims of intimate partner violence and for children traumatized by the violence. She has called for policy and legislative change to better protect victims of domestic violence in the family courts and child protection system.

Her leadership on this important issue inspired me to introduce the Kiera’s Law motion which was unanimously passed last year. My motion shone a bright light on the need for specific education and training about intimate partner violence and coercive control for judges, justices of the peace and other legal professionals. I applaud the government for including in Bill 102 the need to enhance training for judges and JPs. It is an important first step.

To Jennifer, we thank you for not giving up and being a strong leader for so many. This battle has come with the utmost pain, but let it be known, your little girl Keira is changing the world for the better.

I would like to take this opportunity to update the House on a flooding situation in Timiskaming–Cochrane, in Elliot Lake, just outside of Iroquois Falls. It has been in flood conditions for a few weeks now. A lot of my riding had the flood and the flood flowed away, but Elliot Lake is unique because, for residents around the lake now, their septic systems are flooding; they no longer work. They’re having to boil water and now it’s questionable whether the foundations around their homes are going to be maintained.

Elliot Lake is unique because part of it is in the municipality of Iroquois Falls and they have declared a state of emergency, and part of it is in unorganized territory.

I would like to say, I met with the Minister of Natural Resources and the Minister of Municipal Affairs and we are working together to try and alleviate the situation. It’s hard to find the short-term solution, but there are long-term consequences to what is happening here. It is unprecedented. Elliot Lake, in my time, hasn’t flooded and people around this area have never seen this before. There’s no such thing as an easy flood, but if a flood comes and goes, it’s one thing, but this flood came and it stayed and it’s staying.

I’m going to continue to work with the ministries to work on behalf of the people of Elliot Lake.

Not long ago, I joined colleagues to announce an investment of over $36 million to York region as part of our Homelessness Prevention Program. The issue of homelessness is complex and our government is continuously working on it. Everyone deserves a place to call home.

I’ve had many opportunities to engage with homeless support programs in my riding. I’ve joined St. Joseph the Worker Parish’s Street Patrol program, packing meals for those in need alongside remarkable Thornhill teens. And while volunteering at the Holy Trinity Church homeless shelter, I met two dedicated sisters, Miriam and Hillary, along with a remarkable young woman by the name of Cindy. Cindy arrived at the shelter back in December. She’d suffered from some very hard times and found herself homeless for the night. She showed me the exact mattress she lay on that night; she had a picture of it. She was approached by Rehana Sumar, executive director at Mosaic Interfaith Out of the Cold program. Today, just a few months later, Cindy is employed as a PSW. She’s moved into new, permanent housing and working side by side with Rehana to give back to the community.

Mosaic, part of Blue Door, recently received an OTF grant to help them continue their significant work. I am so proud to be a part of this cause, and this is not only to prevent homelessness, but to provide resources.

This morning, I’m rising in recognition that we’re rapidly coming to the end of the spring session, and while I have truly enjoyed this sitting of the Legislature, working with all of the members and moving forward with the government’s plans to build Ontario, to build homes and to bring jobs and prosperity to all parts of Ontario, I am very much looking forward to spending the summer back in my riding, visiting with our residents and working locally to achieve the very necessary goals.

From the shores of Lake Ontario, through farms and forests, villages and towns, all the way north to Algonquin Park, I have the privilege of representing what must be, in my opinion, the most beautiful and varied riding in the entire province. Over the summer, I have been invited to so many different fairs, festivals, exhibitions and social events, with summer fairs in Tweed, Napanee, Odessa, Stirling and Coe Hill, and even the World’s Fair in Shannonville, Ontario. And amazing events, like Tamworth’s 175th anniversary, the Farm to Table Community Dinner and so many more—with all of these events leading up to the Hastings County Plowing Match and then even more events in the fall. Speaker, it will be a very busy summer, because the people of Hastings–Lennox and Addington are very excited and energized, and we know that Ontario is on the right path. It’s going to be a great summer, Speaker.

I’d like to welcome to the House today my summer interns: Sam, Levi, Halle, Abi, Celina, Steve and Vanshika. Thank you for the incredible work that you’re doing in our community telling people about what we’re doing.