I want to talk about housing and, as the member has talked about, people getting their children out of basements to find housing.

Teresa and Kevin Rodger want their son to have a home too. Their son is named Patrick. Patrick’s mother has ongoing chronic pain that is causing problems for caring for Patrick. As a family, she says, they’re aging and it’s difficult to find appropriate alternate care. “To be honest,” she says, “at times I think about abandoning my family. Taking care of Patrick is exhausting and drains our energy.”

By now you know that Patrick is an adult child with development disabilities. Where in this housing discussion is there building for assisted living for families like the Rodgers?

Mr. Rice bought 700 acres of the greenbelt. He paid $80 million this September, two months before this bill came to this House. It will be worth millions of dollars more if this bill is passed. It just happens, Madam Speaker, that he is a big donor to the PC Party.

We’re losing 319 acres of prime farmland every single day in the province of Ontario. COVID should have taught us that if you can’t feed yourself, what are our kids and grandkids going to do?

My question is very clear: Why did the Conservative government never, never consult with AMO on this bill?

So I agree we’ve got a crisis in housing, and I agree that we should be building housing. What we don’t agree upon—which I think is fair and reasonable and accurate, by the way—is that we know today that there are 880 acres of land that they can develop immediately. I do not agree, and I know my other colleagues here from Niagara—he’s from Niagara as well—and right across the province of Ontario don’t agree that we should be developing on the greenbelt.

I believe that’s fair and reasonable, because if we really care about the kids and the new Canadians coming to this country, we need to make sure that we protect the greenbelt. We need to make sure we protect our air source, our quality of air. We need to protect our food source. I already said it in one of my questions today, although the Conservatives never answered: We’re losing 315 acres of prime farmland every single day in the province of Ontario.

Madam Speaker, I believe you’re around the Burlington area, or in that area. You understand how important it is to have a food source, an affordable food source. And what we should have learned during COVID is that if you don’t protect the citizens of the province of Ontario and Canada—by the way, 5,000 seniors died of COVID. Some of them died unnecessarily, and they died because we didn’t have PPE, because we didn’t manufacture PPE in the province of Ontario, which made absolutely no sense, because it was taken out of the country and shipped somewhere else. And then, when we needed it, we weren’t manufacturing. So what happened is we decided to build our own PPE, and the problem was that we couldn’t do it quick enough. And who suffered, where the military had to be called into our seniors’ homes, where seniors died terrible, terrible deaths because we didn’t have the PPE?

Why are we destroying our farmland? Why are we developing on the farmland? Why are we developing on the greenbelt if your own task force said that we have enough land to build, that we have enough land to meet what we need in the province of Ontario?

But I want to say, because I listen to these guys all the time—it drives me nuts, by the way. Well, not really, but I do listen to you guys.

Interjections.

But I want to say this clearly, and I think this is important to say, because I listen to that side of the House talk about this all the time. They talk about our skilled trades all the time. But let me tell you: I agree that our skilled trades should be building these homes. And I talked to the trades yesterday, by the way.

They had a luncheon, and I went to talk to them. They don’t want to be developing on the greenbelt. They don’t want to be ripping up farmland, because they understand how important the greenbelt is to our environment. They understand how important it is to have food, and they understand that they have kids and grandkids and they want to make sure their kids are going to be okay. Because we all—I don’t think there’s anybody in this House; I don’t even think anybody who is sitting in the gallery wouldn’t agree that when we leave this earth, we want to make sure that we leave it better than when we got here, that we make sure our kids and our grandkids can have the same quality of life we’ve had. Because quite frankly, everybody in this room is privileged. Everybody in this room makes—well, not everybody, because I don’t know what the Clerks make, but I would say everybody makes above $116,000. On that side of the House, they probably make a little more.

We need our skilled trades working in the province of Ontario. So I agree our skilled trades should do it, but I also agree that as we build these homes or, quite frankly, if we build other infrastructure—in my area I’ve been waiting 15 years for a hospital to get built. But I believe local workers should do it. Do you agree with that, Madam Speaker? I don’t know if you can answer, but I’m sure you agree that local workers, local companies, local engineers should be doing the work.

IBW: I talked to them yesterday. I talked to LiUNA yesterday. They’re all in agreement. So when you stand up here, like you did last night—late at night, by the way—and say, “Well, that side is just the party of no,” it’s not accurate. It’s wrong. It’s misleading. I am not a party of no. I’m saying build the houses. I’m saying use our skilled trades. I’m saying our kids need it. I’m saying our new Canadians need it. What we don’t need to do is build on the greenbelt. Ripping up our farmland—what are we doing? Why are we destroying our food source?

Has anybody gone to the grocery store lately? They came out with a poll yesterday—I’m not sure it was a poll, but it said that food prices are going to go up another 5% this year. Does it make sense getting rid of our local food? Why are we not supporting our farmers? It makes no sense.

So when you come here and talk about building houses, I agree 100%. What I don’t agree with is tearing up the greenbelt. I think it’s fair, and I think it’s reasonable. I’ve already said, Madam Speaker, a developer, Mr. Rice—think about this. Again, I know you can’t talk, but I appreciate you looking at me because I’m talking to you like I’m supposed to be, right, unlike other people who kind of do this all the time.

Mr. Rice bought 700 acres of the greenbelt. He paid $80 million in September of this year. If this bill gets passed, do you know how much that land is worth? A lot more than $80 million. He just happened—and it’s in the record, so I’m not talking out of school. I believe it’s accurate. I don’t want to say anything here that isn’t accurate, unlike some people in this House do quite regularly, quite frankly. It will be worth millions of dollars more—millions. He was a donor to the PC Party. I asked the question, because I thought it was fair to ask that question, how can you support that? Do you know what happened? Nothing. They never answered; never said a word on it.

I’ve got two minutes left. I should probably start my speech. But it’s frustrating to sit here and listen every day that we don’t believe in building homes. We absolutely do. I’m going to start—I’ve got a couple of minutes left. I’ll try and get through some of it.

If Bill 23 was the nail, Bill 39 is the hammer. This legislation tightens the grip that this government has on municipalities and strips communities of local decision-making powers. It’s an anti-democratic approach to local government. I’m going to try and talk about two things: first, the construction of this bill and how it affects our municipalities, and second, the effects that this government will have on the province in the name of getting their developers and friends even richer.

I’m going to ask anybody here—and I don’t know about the people who are sitting up here, whether you guys are businesses or not, but I’ll ask anybody—because they talk about interest rates; you know, we’ve got interest rates and how hard it’s going to be for our kids to buy. We have another developer that borrowed $100 million to buy greenbelt land and—get this—do you know what it was at? Can anybody answer what the interest rates were? Anybody? Because I’m struggling to pay an interest rate if it’s 5%. He borrowed $100 million at 21%. Who does that if they don’t have advanced knowledge of what’s going on? I just wanted to get that out, because that’s exactly what happened.

Twenty-one per cent—holy God. And we remember—remember, going back in the 1980s? Anybody that old? I’m sure there are a couple on that side that are. Remember when interest rates were 21%? When you had to borrow for your house, it was 21%. How many remember that? And what happened? The government was giving people money to buy their homes—$5,000, grants and stuff like that—so people can get into, in some cases, a semi or a small house. Remember that? This guy borrowed $100 million at 21%. But he didn’t know anything. He didn’t know you were going to develop on the greenbelt. He was just lucky—lucky guy.

Anyway, I’ve got four seconds left. I appreciate you giving me the time to speak this morning. Thank you very much. I appreciate it.

Thank you to the member opposite for the question. I will point out that the person that you mentioned in your question has donated to all political parties.

I’d like to remind the member that the status quo is not working. We are in a housing crisis caused by a severe lack of supply. That is why our government introduced the Better Municipal Governments Act, which, if passed, takes decisive action to address the housing supply crisis by working together with our municipal partners with the aim and goal of building 1.5 million homes over the next 10 years.

With the province set to grow by nearly two million people over the next decade, Ontarians are counting more than ever on all governments at all levels to work together to increase the supply of housing. Once again, that’s why our government is taking bold action to address this crisis, and we’re working to get 1.5 million homes built in the next 10 years.

Questions?

The evening of December 18 will mark the start of Hanukkah for members of the Jewish community within my riding of Eglinton–Lawrence and across our province. Also known as the Festival of Lights—“chag urim” in Hebrew—this holiday commemorates the rededication of the holy temple. Hanukkah candles are a symbol for the enduring spirit of the Jewish people, standing defiantly against persecution and discrimination, and I am proud that our government continues to stand with them in defence of freedom and against the scourge of anti-Semitism. To those celebrating, let me say: Chag Chanukah sameach.

Later this month, Sunday, December 25, will mark Christmas in the Christian calendar. On this holiday, Christians gather to share meals, exchange gifts and celebrate the birth of Jesus. To those celebrating Christmas, let me wish you a joyous and blessed Christmas season.

Last Saturday, I joined the chair of the Fairbank Village BIA, Enzo Torrone; his organization; and lots of community members, young and old, at the annual festival of lights on Eglinton, which I faithfully attend. I had the pleasure of meeting many neighbours at the events, dancing with them to a great live band and participating in a tree-lighting ceremony.

However you celebrate this holiday season, I extend my best wishes to you, to the constituents of Eglinton–Lawrence, of course, and to all Ontarians for a joyous holiday season and a happy and prosperous new year.

It’s now time for members’ statements.

Third reading debate deemed adjourned.

This festive season, I want to recognize the many London volunteers and donors who are helping bring joy to those who are struggling.

First, a huge thank you to the Hyde Park and District Lions Club and the Hyde Park BIA. This year, the annual Santa Claus parade raised 25% more money than in 2021, and 20% more food—donations that will help stock the Northwest London Resource Centre’s Emergency Food Cupboard. With the rising cost of groceries and rent, more London West families than ever are relying on the food bank, especially those who are single parents, newcomers or those living with disability or unemployment.

Next, many thanks to Wortley Pride for organizing a free Christmas dinner for 100 2SLGBTQ youth, about 75% of whom are homeless. With no family to celebrate Christmas with, the Wortley Pride dinner reminds these youths that they are loved and that their community is there for them.

Finally, a big shout-out to Life*Spin for their annual Christmas sponsorship program, which puts a Christmas dinner on the table and gifts under the tree for children from low-income families. Last weekend, London firefighters, police and paramedics held an open house to help collect toys for the program, which has the highest number of families and children registered since the program began in 1994.

Christmas is such a difficult time for those struggling with hardship and poverty. These special organizations, volunteers and donors are making the holidays just a little brighter for those in need.

Good morning, Speaker. As we approach the end of the year and the holiday season, I wanted to highlight some of the great initiatives that our government has taken since being re-elected with a larger majority back in June.

We passed Bill 7, More Beds, Better Care Act, to protect vulnerable and elderly people in our community. Bill 7 frees up hospital beds so that people waiting for surgeries can get them sooner. It eases pressure on crowded emergency departments by admitting patients sooner.

We passed Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, in order to support new homebuyers, the younger generation and new immigrants to Canada. Bill 23 will lead our province towards our goal of building 1.5 million homes over the next 10 years and towards resolving our housing supply crisis.

We passed Bill 26, Strengthens Post-secondary Institutions and Students Act. Bill 26 will protect students and strengthen supports for post-secondary students reporting sexual violence and harassment.

Our government also passed Bill 36, the fall economic statement. Bill 36 will increase ODSP payments by 5%, increase the monthly earnings exemption of ODSP recipients from $200 to $1,000, double the guaranteed annual income supplements for low-income seniors and extend relief at the pumps by cutting the gas tax by 5.7 cents a litre.

I want to thank the people of Oakville for re-electing me with an even larger plurality of the vote in 2018. It’s the greatest honour of my life, and I want to wish all the people of Oakville, all the members of the assembly and all the legislative staff a very merry Christmas and happy holidays.

Good morning. Growing concerns from parents are being shared with me about the underfunding of our public schools. Church Street, Nelson Mandela and Lord Dufferin public schools take in students from across the Church Wellesley Village, Bay Cloverhill, Regent Park, Moss Park and other communities in the downtown east of Toronto.

Parents like Ines, Murshida and Shifani are telling me how our schools need more supervisors, education workers, special-needs assistants, guidance counsellors and social workers in schools to provide additional supports for their students.

Speaker, the response to violence in schools is not more police officers. Instead, the Premier should invest in the social determinants of health, which are exactly the same as the social determinants of safety: housing, education, food insecurity, early childhood development.

This government needs to invest in high-quality publicly funded education. This government needs to invest in meeting their own standards by reducing class sizes. This government needs to invest in funding existing schools so that they are well maintained. This government needs to invest in helping students living in poverty and to lifting them out of poverty.

This government needs to do all of that and more, but they need to do this by keeping our children, our teachers and their families safe by investing in education and not in bringing more police officers back to schools.

I rise today to commemorate a hero in my community. Gerry Saxton passed away suddenly last week in his 18th year of service with the St. Catharines fire department. Sadly, Gerry succumbed to injuries he received in the line of duty.

Gerry was a husband, a father, a neighbour, a first responder, and he was also my dear friend. As I would tell anyone that asked, Gerry was a true Merrittonian. He must have coached soccer and played street hockey with half the kids in Merritton. He had an incredible work ethic. Everyone that met him instantly loved him.

As much as Gerry was devoted to his community, he loved his family the most. He was a loving husband of 29 years to Lorraine and a proud father of four.

A special thank-you to the St. Catharines fire department and the professional firefighters’ association, IAFF Local 485. Thank you to all the firefighters that came from across Ontario to celebrate Gerry’s life last week.

I will always remember Gerry as the best part of my community, that person who always encouraged others to do the things that they found difficult. I will miss him, and I know everyone he touched feels the same way.

Thank you, Gerry. You were a phenomenal firefighter. We honour you, and we will forever show our gratitude for our time we spent with you.

December 7 marks the birthday of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, a spiritual leader and guru of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, a worldwide organization dedicated to promoting harmony.

Born on December 7, 1921, Pramukh Swami Maharaj followed a spiritual path from an early age, seeking purity and possessing a striking humility and selfless desire to help all. Swami Ji lent his ears to millions around the world, shared their sorrows and taught them how to overcome personal battles.

Under his leadership, BAPS has more than 1,100 mandirs, including 150 centres in North America, offering a welcoming and spiritual space for devotees. His belief was that you cannot believe in God until you believe in yourself.

With over 55,000 volunteers globally and here at home, BAPS has engaged in the art of giving, helped over 700,000 individuals from addiction and substance abuse, recycled seven million aluminum cans, planted 10 million trees and provided free medical service to 2.5 million tribal communities. Here in Toronto, it provided 4,400 hours of service, vaccinated over 21,000 people in 24 days during COVID, including many, many residents of Mississauga–Malton.

It is a pleasure to celebrate His Holiness’s birthday with his words: “Bija na bhala ma, aapdu bhalu Che.”

Lundi était la journée internationale des bénévoles. Nous avons eu l’opportunité de reconnaître plusieurs bénévoles dans toutes les circonscriptions de la province de l’Ontario lors d’une cérémonie virtuelle la semaine dernière.

C’est grâce à plusieurs de ces bénévoles que nous avons eu la chance de participer à plusieurs activités comme les parades de Noël, les illuminations d’arbres de Noël, les programmes de distribution d’habits de neige, et la distribution de cadeaux de Noël pour les familles moins favorisées. Donc, j’aimerais dire merci à ces bénévoles pour leur travail incroyable.

Sur une autre note, hier nous avons eu la visite de plusieurs membres des équipes des bureaux de députés de la province. C’était une belle opportunité pour nous et pour eux de se rencontrer entre collègues et de faire connaissance.

Merci à notre premier ministre d’avoir pris le temps de rencontrer ces gens et de les remercier pour leur travail.

À ces personnes qui travaillent à représenter les députés et qui sont à l’avant-plan pour servir les résidents de la province de l’Ontario, j’aimerais les remercier pour le travail formidable qu’ils font, jour après jour.

Je termine en souhaitant un joyeux temps des fêtes à tous les membres de l’équipe, aux employés de l’Assemblée législative, à mes collègues députés, ainsi qu’à tous les résidents de notre belle province de l’Ontario. Joyeuses fêtes.

I’d like to welcome Cynthia Lynch, managing director of FilmOntario, and Jane Tattersall, senior vice-president of Post Toronto and partner with Formosa Group. I’m going to do my best “Alistair:” Alistair Hepburn, executive director of ACTRA Toronto.

And I’d also like to welcome the Hillcrest Community School choir, who will be performing over the lunch hour, led by their amazing music teacher, Ms. Jamie Roblin, and a special shout-out to Dalia, who is one of the star singers in that choir.

I too would like to welcome all the firefighters here at Queen’s Park today, with a special shout-out to Colin Hunter and Chris Boehmer from the Guelph Professional Fire Fighters Association. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

We are joined today by the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association. Sitting in the members’ gallery, we have president Greg Horton and secretary-treasurer Bob McCutcheon. Mr. Speaker, these are the everyday heroes serving and protecting our families and our communities and our province. On behalf of the government of Ontario, Premier Ford, the Solicitor General and all MPPs—on behalf of Ontario, we say thank you.

I’d like to give a very warm welcome to my legislative assistant, Jeremy Istead; his wife, Marian Kelly; and his parents, Diane and Paul Istead. Welcome to the Legislature.

I would also like to welcome the Toronto Professional Firefighters to the House today, and a special shout-out to John Blair, John Maclachlan and James Wenger.

First, I would like to introduce Ema MacAulay, who is the page captain for the day. She comes from the beautiful riding of Sudbury.

Second, I would like to introduce a good friend of ours, Michael Squarzolo, who is the president of Sudbury Professional Fire Fighters Association, as well as Jeff Wicklander, vice-president from Sudbury. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

I would like to inform the House that the following documents have been tabled:

—the 2021-22 annual report of the French Language Services Commissioner, from the Office of the Ombudsman of Ontario; and

—a report entitled Operation of the Environmental Bill of Rights, 1993, from the Office of the Auditor General of Ontario.

It is my distinct pleasure to welcome the former MP for Waterloo, my mentor, Walter McLean, and his son, Ian McLean, who is the president of the chamber of commerce. Welcome to Queen’s Park today.

Applause.

In addition, two wonderful firefighters from Waterloo: Brett Gibson and Adam Overgaard. Welcome to Queen’s Park.