I’ll ask the House to come to order so that I can hear the member who has the floor or the minister who has the floor.

The next question.

To reply, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

I’ve said in this House there are properties that are part of that posting that local mayors have asked to be developed. The one property in Pickering in particular has been the subject of discussion since the early 2000s. The property the member talked about in York region, at the end of the day, would be an opportunity to build the new Southlake hospital, something that the local council member wrote to me about.

Over and over and over again, there is a chorus of voices—not New Democrats, granted—who actually want to get shovels in the ground and build homes so that new Canadians who are coming to our wonderful province, the best place to live, work and raise a family—I want to make sure we get housing for them, Speaker—

Interjections.

We’re committed as a government to meeting the province’s constitutional and other obligations as outlined by the member, and our government is committed to honouring the principles of truth and reconciliation and focusing on Indigenous priorities—specifically, sharing our prosperity with them.

We continue to work with all Ontarians. I appreciate the question from the honourable member.

I want to thank my honourable colleague the member for Mississauga–Erin Mills for the question and the great work that he does on behalf of his constituents.

It’s no secret that a lot is currently at stake with the global economic markets. Inflation is high and food prices have skyrocketed out of control around the world. However, when it comes to housing, we are doing everything we can to deliver on the promise that we made to Ontarians. We have taken important steps forward through legislation like strong mayors, the More Homes Built Faster Act and the Better Municipal Governance Act to get shovels in the ground faster than ever before.

To give an example, we have removed development charges for affordable housing units and provided discounts for rental housing options because we are committed to solving the housing crisis. We believe every single Ontarian deserves to have a home.

Ontario’s population is projected to grow by as much as six million over the next two decades, with the greater Toronto area experiencing the most significant increase. According to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corp., Ontario has seen over 7,200 housing starts for October. While this is a positive development, more needs to be done to help reach our goal of building 1.5 million homes in the coming decade. Can the Associate Minister of Housing please share what our government is doing to increase housing construction in our province?

While the leadership we have shown is encouraging, the people of my riding are concerned about their ability to own a home in their local communities and neighbourhoods. They want to see all levels of government working together to address this issue. Once again to the Associate Minister of Housing: How is our government providing immediate support for Ontarians looking for a new home?

Again, I thank my colleague for the question. The short answer is, yes, we are in a housing crisis, so we have to look at existing homes and structures so that we can provide more relief to Ontarians. Ontario is expected to grow by more than two million people by 2031, so all options are on the table that will help us add more existing housing supply.

We are already looking at options by introducing as-of-right zoning. Ontarians are now able to create and rent up to three units in their existing home. This will not only add to our provincial housing supply, but will also help pay for the high interest rates Ontarians and others around the world are forced to pay.

We will continue to look for other solutions that will help us add more homes to the market and help us build 1.5 million homes across the province. As we’ve said time and time again, letting Ontarians down, on this side and in the middle there, is not an option.

The Minster of Long-Term Care and government House leader.

The division bells rang from 1145 to 1150.

On November 23, 2022, Mr. Clark moved third reading of Bill 23, An Act to amend various statutes, to revoke various regulations and to enact the Supporting Growth and Housing in York and Durham Regions Act, 2022.

On November 24, 2022, Mr. Quinn moved that the question be now put.

All those in favour of Mr. Quinn’s motion will please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.

Mr. Clark has moved third reading of Bill 23, An Act to amend various statutes, to revoke various regulations and to enact the Supporting Growth and Housing in York and Durham Regions Act, 2022.

Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? I heard some noes.

All those in favour of the motion will please say “aye.”

All those opposed will please say “nay.”

In my opinion, the ayes have it.

The division bells rang from 1155 to 1156.

All those in favour of the motion will please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.

Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.

Third reading agreed to.

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

Bill 4, An Act to amend the Employment Standards Act, 2000 with respect to paid leave / Projet de loi 4, Loi modifiant la Loi de 2000 sur les normes d’emploi en ce qui concerne les congés payés.

The division bells rang from 1200 to 1201.

All those in favour of the motion will please rise and remain standing until recognized by the Clerk.

Second reading negatived.

The House recessed from 1204 to 1300.

Ms. Karpoche moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 49, An Act respecting the establishment of an Early Years and Child Care Worker Advisory Commission / Projet de loi 49, Loi concernant la création de la Commission consultative des préposés aux services pour la petite enfance et la garde d’enfants.

First reading agreed to.