Good morning. Let us pray.

Prayers.

Today I stand in this House to reflect on the incredible life of my friend and mentor the fearless, courageous and one-of-a-kind Hazel McCallion. With the passing of Hurricane Hazel, Mississauga, Ontario and Canada have lost a visionary, a trailblazer, a mover and shaker and a force of nature. Today, I join thousands of Canadians in mourning her passing and send my sympathies to the McCallion family who are currently grieving the loss of their mother and grandmother.

Hazel was a remarkable lady who held many titles, including politician, businesswoman, athlete and one of Canada’s and the world’s longest-serving mayors. She was known as Hurricane Hazel because of her fearless political stance. During her tenure as mayor of Mississauga, from 1978 to 2014, Hazel McCallion oversaw the city’s development from a bedroom town to the sixth largest in Canada. She led the charge to transform Mississauga from farmland into a thriving world-class city with its own identity. As the member from Mississauga Centre, I am delighted that the city became well-known for its robust economy, flourishing diversity and first-class public services under her leadership.

She was a tenacious teammate who had a powerful political influence that helped Mississauga grow into a thriving metropolis. We were friends, not just political colleagues. Her energy was as bright as ever, and I was delighted to just have had the opportunity to have her at my wedding.

She would always say, “Do your homework,” and “Every day is a great day,” before going to sleep, and I strive to do well and bring flourishing ideas to Mississauga Centre as Hazel McCallion had. She will be remembered as a pioneer who inspired us all with her political career and community involvement, but above all, I will cherish her as a close friend and confidant. Her legacy will live on forever. Rest in peace, dear Hazel.

I have more great news from the riding of Essex. We have two wonderful doctors in our region—their names are Dr. Tayfour and Dr. Emara—and they do cataract surgery, giving sight back to those who are losing it. They’re modern-day miracle workers. They do these surgeries at a clinic and they have served literally thousands of people in our region.

Now, we know that the opposition doesn’t support this, but thanks to the progressive and compassionate policies of this government, Drs. Emara and Tayfour will now be allowed to continue this practice and give sight back to people who are losing it, serving thousands of people in my riding and in the region. Best of all, they’ll pay for this with their OHIP card, not their credit card.

I would like to thank the Minister of Health for providing us with this policy—this compassionate and progressive policy—which will serve thousands of people in the riding of Essex and in the surrounding region, giving them health care where and when they need it.

Today I want to talk about the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Most people call it NOSM University. Last week I met with Dr. Verma. She’s the president of NOSM. She took the opportunity to brag about her students. Speaker, 100% of NOSM’s graduating class passed the provincial exam, 100% secured residency placements and over 57% of the graduating class chose family medicine. In fact, NOSM generates more family doctors than any other Ontario medical school. As well, NOSM has continuously proven to attract and retain medical doctors in northern Ontario: 87% of NOSM graduates stay to practise medicine in the north.

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine, NOSM, contributes to care in northern Ontario’s urban, rural and remote communities. That’s a northern Ontario solution that we can all be proud of and we can all support.

Around the world the 21st of February, or Ekushey February, is recognized as International Mother Language Day, to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and to uphold multiculturalism. It is also an important day to reflect on the sacrifices made to preserve Bangladeshi and Bengali people’s unique cultural identity. On this day, 71 years ago, language martyrs, or bhasha shohids, lost their lives protesting the oppressive regime that prohibited Bangla from being used as an official language. Their sacrifice, their fight and the movement for their mother tongue was heard across the world, sparking International Mother Language Day.

As the MPP and long-time resident of an incredibly diverse and multilingual community, I know how important language access is to our community members and how empowering and essential it is for people to have information and services in their native languages.

I would like to thank the United Committee for Observance of Ekushey and International Mother Language Day, who put together an incredible commemoration at Dentonia Park last night at midnight. I also want to thank the Language Access Coalition, who are currently hosting their annual Language Advocacy Day conference to continue championing this issue.

Let’s all work together to preserve our languages and continue advocating for language access across Ontario and build an equitable province for all.

Speaker, it’s good to see you and good to see all of my colleagues in the House today.

It’s my pleasure to rise in the House today to speak about an exciting development in my riding of Brantford–Brant. As you all know, Brantford is no stranger to hockey, being the birthplace of the Great One, Wayne Gretzky. We have a deep and successful tradition with the sport.

It was recently announced that the Hamilton Bulldogs will be relocating to Brantford for a minimum of three years as their home arena undergoes major renovations. Rebranded as the Brantford Bulldogs, this OHL team will bring a re-energized level of hockey excitement to the area. Their new home will be the Brantford and District Civic Centre, which will undergo some much-needed upgrades as a result of this venture.

Attending today—I don’t know if they’re all here yet in the gallery, but I am grateful to Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis, as well as councillors Rose Sicoli, Richard Carpenter, Mandy Samwell, Gino Caputo, John Sless, Greg Martin, Dan McCreary and key staff; also, members of the senior leadership team of the Bulldogs organization, Jeff Elia and Peggy Chapman. Without unanimous council approval we would not be here today. Thank you to you all.

As the Brantford Bulldogs take the ice for the 2023-24 season, I am confident the residents of Brantford–Brant will welcome them with enthusiasm and support, as we have seen the unprecedented interest in season’s ticket sales and reservations. Go, Brantford Bulldogs!

It’s great to be back. Although I’m glad to be back, I was grateful for the time to meet with the constituents in my riding during the break. It was indeed a busy time.

Speaker, I was invited to the Thunder Bay Police Service’s exemplary service awards ceremony this past Thursday where members of the Thunder Bay Police Service were recognized for 20 years and 30 years of service. It was my honour to represent our government and bring greetings and recognition on behalf of Premier Ford. The individuals recognized at this event have served their community and the people of Ontario with distinction, dedication and commitment.

Policing is not an easy job. In fact, I would say it’s not a job at all, but rather a calling and a commitment to serve your community. This career is dangerous and emotional. It can also be a very satisfying experience as well. Many times, all of these feelings are experienced in a single shift.

At the event, we heard stories of such risk, but none as telling as that of Constable Craig Town, who, while on duty in September 1991, was shot twice. He sustained life-threatening injuries that have left him with paralysis from the neck down. His life was saved that evening by his supervisor, Sergeant Mel Vilcek. Constable Town received his 30-year exemplary service medal on Thursday evening.

I also wanted to recognize and thank the family members of those who have served in the police services. The wide range of emotions experienced by police officers can, and often does, impact on family life. You provide the love and support needed as your spouse, parent or sibling deals with the demons following a difficult shift, while at the same time, you deal with the fear and worry every time they are on duty. That cannot be forgotten and I want to thank you for being an unsung hero.

I want to highlight an incredible not-for-profit in my St. Paul’s community that I’ve met with, Cystic Fibrosis Canada. CF is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting children and young adults in Canada. Ontario has an estimated 1,500 people living with CF. There is currently no cure.

CF mainly affects the digestive system and lungs. It causes chronic lung infections which destroys lung function, and eventually leads to death for most people with CF.

The drug Trikafta has been a game-changer for people with CF. At list price, it costs approximately $300,000 per patient per year. Ontario provides the drug for free through OHIP+ to those 24 years and younger who don’t have private insurance.

However, many parents are faced with a dilemma that must be fixed: If you have private insurance that won’t cover Trikafta, your child cannot access the drug through OHIP, so you can either pay two deductibles, one for private insurance and one for the Trillium Drug Program, or remove your child from your private insurance to access the drug through OHIP, leaving your child without dental coverage, paramedical supports and other important pieces. This is a decision no family or single parent should have to make.

Cystic Fibrosis Canada is calling on the Ontario government to create a new deductible-free specialized drug program for drugs for rare diseases so all who need them can get them, and to coordinate with private insurers and drug manufacturers to immediately reduce the financial burden Ontarians face in accessing life-saving medicine.

I hope this government will listen and help save lives in my community and across the province.

I would like to introduce Émile Maheu and Anne Vinet-Roy from AEFO to Queen’s Park today.

I’d also like to welcome Janine Le Forestier, mother of my friend the late environmental activist Jenni Le Forestier, to Queen’s Park today, as well as Deborah Martin-Downs, a respected Canadian aquatic biologist and former chief administrative officer for the TRCA and former member of Ontario’s Greenbelt Council, and all the people who are here today as part of the Greenbelt Promise coalition.

I want to thank our friends from the Lung Health Foundation that met us this morning. Charmaine, it’s nice to see you particularly from Ottawa Centre. You left behind your kit, so we’ve got to get that back to you, because it’s got information I think you need for the rest of the day.

Also, I want to thank my very good friend Fred Hahn for being here in the House. You play a big role in giving us the best advice. Thank you, Fred. We love you, CUPE.

I’d like to welcome Michael and Lorraine Harris, sitting over here. Their organization is My Place in This World, which is a school program to celebrate Black excellence and achievement in our society. Thank you for coming today.

I’d like to introduce my new legislative assistant Daniel Jolic. I’ve known him since 2017. I’ve watched him grow into an exceptional young man. He’s now in his first year of law school at U of T and I know he has a very bright future ahead of him. Welcome to the Ontario Legislature, Daniel.

It’s a real pleasure to welcome to this House members of the Ontario Federation of Labour executive: Patty Coates, Ahmad Gaied, Janice Folk-Dawson and Rob Halpin.

I’d also like to recognize members of Greenbelt Promise who are joining us here today—it’s a long list: Brad Merrill, Lilly Noble, Katie Krelove, Marilyn Osborne, Janet Patterson, Dave Pearce, Brody R., Karen Rathwell, Wendy Roberts, Lisa Schumph, Catherine Scott, Sharon Sommerville, Robert Spence, Marta Stiteleler, Carolyn Stupple, Michelle Tom, Peter Varty, Elizabeth Ward, Roz Vincent-Haven, Marijan Vranic, George Wheeler and Nelly Young. Thank you, and welcome to our House.

Today, I focus on our government’s support of workers. Career training and skill development opportunities change life for the better.

Ontario invests in workers to provide job prospects, career training and education options such as the PSW training fund program. This investment reaps rewards. Karen, a constituent in my riding of Don Valley North, received financial support from the $54.7 million in funding our government invested in the PSW training program. Karen is grateful for the help, and today, she contributes as a working PSW in health care.

People like Karen who benefit from paid training programs also strengthen our health care system by addressing a shortage of PSWs in the province. Together, we work hard to inspire optimism and promote excellence in Ontario’s workforce. We rely on the skilled workforce to deliver the services we need, especially as we rebound post-pandemic.

As Ontario continues to stimulate and fuel the resilient economy, we will continue to invest in workers and their promising future and ours.

I beg to inform the House that Marit Stiles, member for electoral district of Davenport, is recognized as the leader of His Majesty’s loyal opposition.

Applause.

—a request by the member for Davenport, Marit Stiles, to the Integrity Commissioner for an opinion pursuant to section 30 of the Members’ Integrity Act, 1994, on whether the member for Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, Steve Clark, has contravened the act or Ontario parliamentary convention;

—a report entitled Costing Climate Change Impacts to Public Infrastructure: Linear Storm and Wastewater from the Financial Accountability Office of Ontario;

—a report concerning the Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, and the Honourable Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, from the Office of the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario;

—a request by the member for Whitby, Lorne Coe, to the Integrity Commissioner for an opinion pursuant to section 30 of the Members’ Integrity Act, 1994, on whether the member for Thunder Bay–Superior North, Lise Vaugeois, has contravened the act or Ontario parliamentary convention;

—a report entitled Ontario’s Credit Rating: Winter 2023 Update from the Financial Accountability Office of Ontario; and

—a report entitled Economic and Budget Outlook: Winter 2023 from the Financial Accountability Office of Ontario.

Also joining us in the Speaker’s gallery today are members of the Ontario Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

I rise with a heavy heart to commemorate the life of OPP officer Greg Pierzchala. The 28-year-old was fatally shot on December 27 while responding to the call of duty. He saw a vehicle in a ditch near Hagersville and wanted to help. That is the kind of person he was. It was Officer Pierzchala’s first official day on the job, and it was his childhood dream since he was five years old to be a police officer. His whole life was dedicated to service.

His memory will always be alive and well in Barrie, Ontario, where he attended St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School. There, he participated in numerous teams because he believed in teamwork and helping everyone reach their full potential on his team. His mindset and discipline were driven by his love for martial arts. He served in the Canadian military; he was a member of the Grey and Simcoe Foresters. He served as a Polish Highlander. He will always be remembered as someone who had a strong sense of duty for his country and community and was an exemplary police officer.

We have never lost so many police officers in this province in such a short period of time. The death of Officer Pierzchala could have been avoided, since the two individuals who murdered him were out on bail for heinous crimes and should have been behind bars. That is why our Premier joined the Ontario police and Premiers from across the nation in a plea for the federal government to address our country’s failed bail system.

I want to ask all members of this Legislature to not forget Officer Pierzchala, who was the embodiment of putting service above self, was a true hero in life in everything he did. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and the Polish community who will always remember his acts of kindness and his deep sense of duty.

I just wanted to welcome the members of the AED Foundation and CARE who are having an MPP reception at lunch in room 230. I would like to see everybody come out and thank them for all the great work they do for cardiac in Ontario.

If you seek it, you will find unanimous consent for the House to observe a moment of silence in remembrance of Provincial Constable Grzegorz “Greg” Pierzchala of the Ontario Provincial Police who was tragically killed in the line of duty on December 27, 2022, in Hagersville, Ontario.

Good morning, everyone. It’s lovely to see you and be back here with you, and I’m looking forward to building a better Ontario with you. Hope you had a great break.

Today, I would like to introduce some more crusaders for the vital greenbelt, and I don’t have all their names, but I have their ridings, so that you are well aware of who’s here, because they’re your lovely constituents. They’re from the wonderful ridings of Kitchener Centre, Wellington–Halton Hills, Guelph, Cambridge, Parkdale–High Park, Mississauga Centre, Kitchener–Conestoga, Don Valley North, Don Valley East, Willowdale, St. Catharines, Dufferin–Caledon, Oakville North–Burlington, Stormont–Dundas–South Glengarry and beautiful Beaches–East York.

Also in the chamber is a former Liberal MP for King-Vaughan, Deb Schulte. She was also a cabinet minister and Greenbelt Task Force member.