At the outset, let me just say that I will be sharing my time with the Associate Minister of Housing, the member for Elgin–Middlesex–London, and the parliamentary assistant, the member from Perth–Wellington.

Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to speak today on what has become a very, very important subject for all Ontarians—if not for all Canadians, frankly. We have seen, over the last number of years, a number of issues which have led us to a housing crisis not only in the province of Ontario, but very much across many parts of Canada. Since the outset of our government, back in 2018, we have talked about removing obstacles so that we could begin the process of unleashing the economy, but also of helping to ensure that as the economy began to grow and prosper, we could also ensure housing for the people of the province of Ontario.

So this bill here will, in part, help us. It is another step on the way. There have been a lot of steps, as I said. Each year that we have been in office, that we’ve had the honour of serving in office, we brought forward different proposals, housing supply action plans, which are meant to move and unleash that housing construction, but also very much to remove the obstacles which have become a fixture and have really blocked the construction of housing.

So this bill has a number of different parts to it—primarily, two really important parts, of course—which are an updated definition of affordable housing and some changes to the St. Thomas-Central Elgin Boundary Adjustment Act, which I know the associate minister and parliamentary assistant will be talking about in more detail than I am. There are also a number of other additional elements which are meant to consult, to help make the process better. We’ll be, of course, working with the Attorney General to look at how we can change the Ontario Land Tribunal to make it more responsive to both sides. It’s also an opportunity for us to work with our municipal partners to see if there are opportunities and advantages for them working through Supply Ontario to help them reduce costs.

So I just want to give a bit of context, again—I referenced this a little bit in a question the other day—on why we are so focused on building homes across the province of Ontario. I talked about how my parents, when they came here—my dad in the late 1950s and my mom in the early 1960s—that one of the bargains that they did when they came to this country—Canada was growing. It was prospering like never before, frankly. And when they came here, one of the bargains for them to leave their home in Italy and to come here was that they could build a better life for themselves and, ultimately, for their children. But one of the bargains that that included was that, if they worked hard, they would have the opportunity to have their own piece of the Canadian dream. For them, that meant home ownership. That has been the dream of many, many people for generations.

So when my parents came to this country, they did like so many immigrants did. My dad came; he came into Halifax, took the train and got off in Toronto, where he had a job working in a barbershop—a barbershop which still exists on the Danforth. My uncle had come first. A couple of brothers followed and a sister afterward. They all lived in one home that was rented out by my uncle first. They were all in this one home. It was on Dentonia Park. I’ve driven by it a number of times, and it’s hard to imagine all of them in this one home. But they did what so many immigrant families did; when one worked, the other would take the bed and sleep, and the other would go to work. They supported each other. They helped save money.

Each of them helped the other save money, and the first one to leave the home was my uncle. He settled on a home in Scarborough, on 26 Stevenwood. After that was my dad’s turn; he moved to another home not far from there, on Lombardy Crescent, in the riding of Scarborough Southwest. But that was part of the bargain: One at a time they moved out, and one at a time, they were able to get their own little piece of the Canadian dream, which was home ownership. From there, they were able to continue to contribute to ensure that their kids had a better life than they did. But again, that was part of the dream.

Now, we all remember, and we’ve all talked about it—at least in the context of Toronto—about wartime housing. I’m sure that’s the same description in many parts of the province of Ontario. As the troops were coming back, there was a huge demand for housing across Ontario, and we moved heaven and earth to make sure that there was a good supply of housing across the province. But they removed obstacles at that time in order to ensure that it could be done, Madam Speaker.

That, in essence, is what we’re trying to do here today. Now, there are a number of constraints. I will say this: We have seen economic growth unlike any time, frankly, in decades. I know the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade has been extraordinarily successful in helping to turn around our economy, bringing back thousands of jobs to the province of Ontario, bringing back billions of dollars of economic activity.

With that comes the need to bring people from across Canada and across the world to live and work and help us grow our economy. We are seeing people from all over come to Ontario because they want to take part in what is the economic growth that has been ushered in by this government under the leadership of the Premier and the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade: $25 billion in investment, just in the one sector alone. It is absolutely huge. I know the associate minister will talk about what that means to the people in his area, but the spin-offs are enormous.

As Minister of Long-Term Care, I was criss-crossing the province. We were opening up long-term-care homes. We were sod-turning in a number of different communities. One of the principles that the Premier said to us when we started this massive investment in long-term care was to make sure that we brought long-term care into small, rural communities across the province, so people could live and work in the communities that they helped build.

Very much what we’re hearing from a lot of these long-term-care homes in a lot of different communities is that they also will need the housing because the increase to four hours of care means a dramatic increase in the staffing that they will need in order to support long-term care. The same goes with our redevelopment of the hospital sector. It is a very real need, not only in our largest cities but across the province of Ontario.

Frankly, as much as it is a challenging problem to have, it is also very much a good problem to have. It is a good problem to have because people want to come to Ontario to participate in what is, really, a reenergizing of the province, as I said, like we have never seen before.

I just want to say one thing before I move on to another topic: We talk a lot about people coming from around the world to be here to participate. It’s something that the Premier talked about a lot, that we have to make sure that we have housing for the people who want to come here to build a better life. We heard a question last week from a member of the opposition suggesting that perhaps we should ask the federal government to slow down immigration so that we could deal with the housing crisis, Madam Speaker. I absolutely flat-out reject that premise, as has the Premier, because to be clear, if we would have thought that back when my parents came, I wouldn’t be here. Many of the members on this side of the House, and presumably on that side of the House, would not have been here. We cannot build a bigger, better, stronger province of Ontario without people coming from around the world to help us to do that. So it is also for them that we make these investments in building homes and untangling the burden that has gotten in the way of building homes across the province of Ontario.

I just want to also really briefly speak to some of the other challenges that we’re seeing in the homes sector. I talked, again, about this really, really briefly in a question in question period. There is no doubt, there is absolutely no doubt—and I’m sure you’ll agree, Madam Speaker—that the high-debt, high-tax, red-tape policies of the federal government have led to a challenging environment for people across this country. You will know, Madam Speaker and, as I said, I’m sure you’ll agree, that we had said right from the beginning in 2018 that a carbon tax would be a challenge for the people of Canada and an extraordinary challenge for the people of the province of Ontario. We have fought that tax tooth and nail because we knew it would lead to poor outcomes for our province.

Now, under the great leadership of the Minister of Environment, we have seen Ontario’s greenhouse gas emissions on the back of our nuclear program—we are continuing to be leaders. But the carbon tax has caused out-of-control inflation, high taxes and big spending, which is leading to higher interest rates and is putting thousands of people out on of the market for homes. We certainly can’t allow that to continue. So I wanted to just suggest that we will continue to fight that as well, because it’s not just about getting shovels in the ground. There’s no point in getting shovels in the ground if people can’t afford to buy the homes that you are building in communities.

And it is really one of the reasons why we updated the definition of affordable housing, because we want to do it not only as part of what the housing market is in a local community as the definition has been, really, since 2005; we wanted to go one step further. Recognizing the high-tax, high-interest-rate policies of the federal government were having a dramatic impact on people across the province of Ontario, we knew that we had to change that definition of affordable housing to also include income. This is something that we worked very closely with our partners on, and it will vary from community to community.

Median income in Toronto is certainly higher than it might be in Kawartha Lakes or in other parts of the province, so we’re going on a community-to-community basis to see what that means and to ensure that people in every part of this province can participate, whether it’s your first ownership of your first home or in the rental market. Because, let’s not forget, it’s not just about home ownership; for many people; it’s about getting their first apartment. More often than not, that is the first step that leads, eventually, to home ownership.

We saw that, again, the continued red tape and obstacles that were in the way created a rental housing crisis across the province of Ontario as well. And we are seeing, because of the changes that this government has made since 2018, people come back into the rental housing market like never before, and by that, I mean the builders. They’re coming in and they are building purpose-built rental housing, and we have the highest starts that we’ve seen, I think, in over 15 years. That is really, really good news, and it is in all parts of the province.

But that is not to suggest that the work is done there, because there is still a lot of work to do on that front, Madam Speaker. But I have been very, very encouraged by what we’re seeing on that side.

At same time, the changes that we’ve made so far with respect to the previous housing supply action plans have led to the highest housing starts that we have had, also, in 15 years. So it is no coincidence that when you remove red tape, when you remove regulations—out-of-date regulations, as the Minister of Red Tape Reduction has been doing—it brings people back into the market. It brings people back into the market. But it’s also, again, about taxation, right? It’s about taxation.

Now, I really was encouraged—I have to say this. I know, gosh, for years, we had been struggling with a federal government that just did not seem to understand we were in a housing crisis. I will say that I am optimistic with the new federal Minister of Housing, Minister Fraser. He seems to be prepared to help remove obstacles, even if the rest of his government is not. I am very much looking forward to working with him.

In fact, as you will recall, Madam Speaker, we brought forward, in our last year’s budget, that we wanted to remove the HST from purpose-built rental. We knew that that would be an opportunity to unleash housing starts across the province of Ontario and another boost, really. Now, this was a promise, of course, that the federal Liberals had made in 2015 but that we could never get actioned. We could just never just get action. We needed them to remove the GST; we would remove the HST. We’re moving on our own.

I will give Minister Fraser credit. Having coffee with him in Windsor, talking about how important this was to the province of Ontario and suggesting that we were prepared to move on our own, he was able to break the logjam that had been in front of him, his government since 2015, and was able to get that done so that more provinces could unleash this opportunity.

But what really was important, I think, on that, was the acknowledgement from the federal government that cutting taxes will help unleash the economy. That is as much as it is important—

Interjections.

I recognize the Associate Minister of Housing.

Thank you, Speaker, and good morning. Thank you to the associate minister and the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for their remarks on Bill 134. I particularly like the associate minister’s terminology of raising the roof. I think we need to do that more across Ontario in getting homes built.

It’s an honour to share the government’s time today as parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and speak to the Affordable Homes and Good Jobs Act. This is an important piece of legislation. If passed, it would complement other measures our government has put in place to help increase housing supply across the province—four housing supply bills already and I know we’re moving forward with the next one as well in our ministry.

Today’s proposed changes are meant to support building more affordable homes in Ontario, helping to make it easier for communities to build the housing that Ontario desperately needs, as the minister alluded to in his remarks, and the associate minister as well.

The proposed changes are also meant to support municipalities as they attract and create jobs. As my colleagues Minister Calandra and Associate Minister Flack have already spoken about this morning, the proposed measures demonstrate our government’s strong commitment to working closely with our municipal partners. We’re committed to making life better for everyone in Ontario, no matter where they live, whether it’s in downtown Toronto, in downtown Listowel or up in Thunder Bay. We are supporting our municipalities with the tools they need to build at least 1.5 million homes by 2031—at least. I know our government has set that goal and I know all opposition parties in the last election agreed to meeting that goal of 1.5 million, but it’s a minimum, in my view, that we need to meet. I know our government will strive to do more.

I’m proud be part of this government that is taking historic action to tackle the housing supply crisis and build more homes Ontarians need. Our government understands the difficulties Ontarians are facing when it comes to housing, and our housing supply action plans have made great progress. As the minister alluded to in his remarks, we’re seeing historic highs with new homes built but also with purpose-built rentals—historic highs in 30 years, I believe.

Our government understands the difficulties Ontarians are facing when it comes to housing and our housing supply plans have made great progress in addressing these challenges. But obviously there is more that can be done. The challenges and measures proposed through the Affordable Homes and Good Jobs Act are forward-looking. They would help communities meet their housing needs today and well into the future.

Our government recognizes the growth demands being placed on large and fast-growing municipalities in Ontario. For example, the greater Toronto area alone is expected to grow by 2.9 million people by 2046. That is not all that far away in the grand scheme of things. This means that within the next 23 years, we’ll need homes to accommodate an additional 2.9 million people just in the greater Toronto area, let alone any other growth down in Windsor or up in Ottawa. So there is a massive need, as demonstrated by the record number of people coming to our province. As the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing alluded to, it is great to see so many people across Canada and from around the world coming to Ontario because of our government’s work in attracting good-paying jobs and retaining those jobs in Ontario.

Interjections.

It’s more than just a housing issue; it’s an economic problem that can affect the entire province and even the entire country, Speaker. Ontario is the economic engine, and because of our government, it’s becoming an even stronger economic engine of Canada. To meet this growing demand and ensure we attract these companies and retain these companies, we need workers. Ontario requires workers. I hear this in my riding all the time. A company wants to come to Perth–Wellington, either expand or set up a new facility, and usually, their second question is, “Do you have workers?”

These workers obviously require a place to live. Our government is supporting our municipalities and helps make it easier to attract and create more jobs all across the province. However, we need to ensure that our communities have the housing they need to support the workforce of tomorrow.

Speaker, our government is a top-tier destination for investment and strategic business growth, and our government is committed to supporting and growing the province’s workforce. Ontario is ready to help with the creation of good-paying jobs in our communities and help rebuild our economy, and we’re taking concrete action to attract jobs and investment. The proposed changes in the Affordable Homes and Good Jobs Act are meant to further support municipalities as they work to attract and create good jobs.

A critical factor in securing new investment opportunities is having suitable industrial sites ready for companies to build on. In November 2019, Ontario launched the Job Site Challenge to create an inventory of investment-ready mega sites. It was designed to attract large-scale, advanced manufacturing investments that have the potential to create hundreds of new jobs across the province, Speaker. It’s great to see a government that’s finally focused on retaining and attracting these advanced manufacturing jobs in Ontario.

Unfortunately, under the former Liberal government, supported by the NDP, we lost 3,000 advanced manufacturing jobs, some from my own riding. So it’s great to hear when we have attracted 70,000 new jobs since 2018, 40,000 of those jobs in the manufacturing sector alone. I know our Minister of Economic Development continues to work with our Premier to attract even more of those jobs to our province.

As part of this initiative, municipalities, economic development agencies and industry property owners have put forward large tracts of land, between 500 to 1,500 acres, that would support large-scale manufacturing operations. A site in St. Thomas and Central Elgin was identified early on—approximately 1,500 acres—as one of the most investment-ready mega sites in Ontario and, I would argue, Canada, at the time. However, with the land divided between two municipalities with different permitting requirements, we recognized that potential investors could face red tape and delays from unnecessary disruption. This is why our government took immediate action and decisive action and introduced legislation to adjust the municipal boundaries so the sites identified fully resided in the city of St. Thomas. This change was meant to help speed up the construction timelines and ensure the site was truly shovel-ready for potential investment. Speaker, this was a collaborative approach across government with our municipal partners to cut red tape and ensure the benefits of economic growth are enjoyed across the province. It was the right thing to do. Soon after we made this change, the Volkswagen Group, Europe’s largest automaker, announced its subsidiary PowerCo SE would establish an electric vehicle battery cell manufacturing facility in St. Thomas, Ontario.

Selecting St. Thomas as the location to build the company’s first overseas battery cell plant was a major vote of confidence in Canada and Ontario. I know we outbid a lot of American states, and they’re still scratching their heads on how Ontario was able to attract and retain this investment, Speaker. It speaks—

Interjection: Fedeli factor.

It is our shared work with our federal colleagues and the province to ensure that we’re a global leader in the electric vehicle supply chain. It’s a testament to Ontario’s competitive business environment, which our government has helped create, as alluded to by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, when we’re cutting red tape, and we continue to cut red tape under the great leadership of our Premier and our Minister of Red Tape Reduction.

This investment was welcomed by many local business leaders for the dramatic and positive impact it will have on the community. As the associate minister alluded to, it will not only just benefit Elgin county and St. Thomas and London; it will actually benefit all of Ontario. I know, in particular, when this site was announced—the weekend after, I remember, I was at a couple of community events in my riding, and I heard auto dealers saying, “This is great news, because we’ll sell those cars at our auto dealerships.” So it’s great to see the entire supply chain, as the Associate Minister of Housing alluded to, will benefit from this investment, not just in St. Thomas but across Ontario.

Volkswagen Group and PowerCo SE’s historic investment to build an electric vehicle battery cell manufacturing facility in St. Thomas will create thousands of jobs. This manufacturing facility will be the largest of its kind in Canada, and it has the potential to become one of the largest electric vehicle battery plants in the world. The plant will have six production lines and make enough batteries for one million cars every year. What’s more, Volkswagen Group has plans to make 25 new electric vehicle models in the coming decades, and most of those batteries will come from St. Thomas.

The plant is expected, as the associate minister alluded to, to employ up to 3,000 people and create thousands of spin-off jobs across Ontario. It is estimated that it could be worth as much as $200 billion to the Canadian economy over the coming decade—$200 billion, Speaker. This investment represents the largest auto investment in our province’s history, and it’s a big win for the people of Ontario, the people of St. Thomas and all the surrounding communities.

Volkswagen Group’s historic investment will strengthen Ontario’s end-to-end electric vehicle supply chain and create more good-paying jobs for workers in St. Thomas and across the province. This is an example—one of many—of how our government continues to work to create the right conditions for businesses and workers to succeed now and into the future. We’re revitalizing Ontario’s auto sector and making Ontario a powerhouse in North America. The cars of the future will be made in Ontario from start to finish, from the minerals in northern Ontario to the battery cells in St. Thomas, and the auto dealers in my riding of Perth–Wellington will sell them.

Speaker, our government wants to help St. Thomas move forward with this investment which will significantly strengthen the local economy and Ontario’s economy. Through the Affordable Homes and Good Jobs Act, Ontario is proposing changes to help support this investment. The agreement was negotiated in partnership with the city of St. Thomas and provides for the city to grant assistance as part of the PowerCo SE project. However, the current rules against municipalities providing financial assistance to any industrial or commercial enterprise limit the city of St. Thomas from providing some assistance outlined in the agreement.

The changes we’re proposing through the Affordable Homes and Good Jobs Act would give the city of St. Thomas the authority to provide PowerCo SE municipal-based incentives that were negotiated in partnership with the municipality. This new authority would be restricted to St. Thomas only. The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing would provide the regulation-making authority to impose restrictions, limits and other conditions as needed on the new authority. In addition, the province will be consulting on the proposed changes through a public posting on the Regulatory Registry of Ontario for a 30-day period.

Creating and supporting more shovel-ready mega sites like St. Thomas will help Ontario remain competitive as the province competes for major global investments. I know our Minister of Economic Development continues to travel the world, selling the great story we have in Ontario and attract more investments to Ontario, and I know we will have more good news in the months and years ahead.

These proposed changes represent our government’s efforts to attract new investments and create more good-paying jobs and strengthen the economy. To complement the legislative proposals in the Affordable Homes and Good Jobs Act, our government will also be consulting on other changes that can be made to help get more affordable housing built in Ontario and increase municipal efficiencies.

We’re committed to working closely with our municipal partners to ensure that they have the right tools and processes in place so they can build at least 1.5 million new homes by 2031. Our government will be consulting on proposed regulatory changes as part of the ongoing strategy to streamline hearings and speed up decisions at the Ontario Land Tribunal.

The Ontario Land Tribunal may seem like some mysterious committee that is set up that most people wouldn’t really understand the impact of. I have a great example from my riding in Perth–Wellington on the delays and inefficiencies—which we are consulting on how we can streamline and decrease—and how this prevented homes from being built. There was a proposed development in my community—the town I actually live in, in the riding, in Mitchell—for, as the associate minister mentioned, seniors looking to move out of their current homes into a smaller unit, usually two-bedroom, retirement-type living. One of the proposed developments was rather modest for Mitchell: four storeys tall—I know. Very small for Toronto standards, but very big for Mitchell standards. But someone took them to the Ontario Land Tribunal—NIMBYs. We’ll just say what it is: It’s NIMBYs. They took them to the Ontario Land Tribunal and they delayed the project for years.

The community builder now says this delay added an extra million dollars to the project, and the project hasn’t broken ground. So those individuals want to stay in their community because their children and grandchildren live in the community, but they can’t because they don’t have anywhere they want to downsize to. They’re over-housed, as it’s sometimes referred to.

These delays prevented this apartment building from being built, which I live down the street from. I’ve been at many public events and tell people I’m 100% in favour of this, even though I know it will increase traffic a little, that there will be more people. But that’s great to see: more homes being built in our rural communities. And these individuals, then, would leave their houses, and those houses would be available for families.

But that hasn’t happened, Speaker, because of these delays at the Ontario Land Tribunal, so this government is taking action to streamline the processes and reduce those delays. Helping resolve land use planning difficulties and disputes faster will help municipalities build priority projects quicker, including housing, as I mentioned. Supply Ontario, as well, will also be engaging and working with municipalities to look at ways to increase procurement collaboration with municipalities to allow cost savings and efficiencies by both levels of government.

To support building more homes, our government will be asking for feedback on proposed regulatory changes aimed at streamlining hearings and expediting the OLT, the Ontario Land Tribunal, as I alluded to. It is an independent adjudicative tribunal and an important piece of the municipal planning and housing framework here in Ontario. However, when people are unable to resolve their differences on land use planning issues or have disputes with their municipal councils that can’t be settled, the OLT provides a forum to resolve those disputes.

We need to improve the process, though, Speaker, which will help resolve land use disputes faster, will help minimize delays and will help get more homes built in communities across Ontario. Too many people in Ontario are struggling to find an affordable home and this proposal supports our government’s efforts to provide more certainty for municipalities and make it cheaper and easier to build affordable homes across the province.

To further streamline hearings and speed up decisions at the OLT, Ontario is consulting on and developing proposed regulations to set service standards and to prioritize resolution of certain cases, including cases that would create more housing. Consultations, for those who are watching at home, will begin this fall. This contributes to the broader goal of supporting strong, healthy communities with the public interest at heart. It also expands the important work that is already under way to improve our processes.

Ontario has made investments to help the OLT to streamline processes, improve customer service and resolve land use planning disputes more quickly. Some of these investments were made to address key recommendations in the Housing Affordability Task Force report to increase resources to the OLT so homes can be built faster. We know that principled and timely resolutions play an important role in the province’s housing supply. We will not let red tape, NIMBYs or long wait times delay critical projects in our communities, including much-needed housing.

We’ll also be engaging and working with municipalities to ensure they can benefit from provincial supply chain programs and strategies, led by Supply Ontario. A classic example I’ve actually heard from my municipality, Speaker, is the province purchases so much paper in a year: Can we get on that to reduce the cost to municipalities? Bulk purchasing, whether it’s paper, whether it’s office supplies, whether it’s—also construction material, potentially, as well.

We’re going to consult on a variety of things that Supply Ontario oversees and how we can leverage that to support procurement across the Ontario public service and the broader public sector. It works to bring cohesion to the public sector supply chain by embracing innovation and leveraging diverse partnerships and relationships with suppliers. This can help harness Ontario’s buying power to enable economic development, province-wide resiliency and the value for Ontarians.

There is only one taxpayer at the end of the day, and I know our municipal partners always appreciate our provincial government is willing to work with them, seeing how we can help reduce costs and create more efficiencies within the way we do business at a provincial and municipal level. I know we will be consulting with them very heavily. And I know it really speaks to the theme that our government really focuses on a lot: local empowerment, as the Associate Minister of Housing mentioned.

Unfortunately, under the former Liberal government—supported by the NDP, again—they didn’t believe in local empowerment. They believed in imposing, for example, wind turbines on communities that didn’t want them; they believed in not considering municipal feedback. This government, I’m proud to say, listens to our municipal partners, supports our municipal partners and will continue to do so as we aim for our goal of building 1.5 million new homes by 2031.

Speaker, as you can see, our proposed measure will help supporting more affordable homes in Ontario, while also supporting our municipalities as they work to attract and create good jobs all throughout Ontario. The proposed changes and measures my colleagues and I described this morning would also support earlier measures made through the government’s housing supply action plans.

Speaker, I’m one of the younger members of this place currently. I know I hear often from my colleagues that they want to own a home. They want to be able to call a place their own. This government will continue to stand with those new Canadians, those young Canadians and those seniors looking to downsize, to ensure we get homes built in communities across Ontario.

Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity. A question for the government: You’ve talked about this bill; you’ve talked about your housing plans. Can you tell us what percentage of the homes you expect to be built will be targeted to those in the bottom half of income earners and what percentage of their after-tax income you expect they will be spending on these homes?

My question is to the Associate Minister of Housing. Speaker, like all Ontarians, post-secondary students have been struggling in particular with the impact of the government’s failure to tackle the housing crisis. We’ve heard of students paying thousands of dollars to rent a bed in a crowded rooming house. We’ve heard of students who have been encamped outside—a post-secondary student. We’re also hearing that young people are more discouraged than ever about their prospects of being able to afford a home.

My question is, given that Ontario funds post-secondary education at the lowest across Canada, what is this government doing to enable post-secondary institutions to build the housing that students so desperately need?

Housing is more than just a structure; it’s the very foundation for families. When we fail to provide it, it reverberates and disrupts our collective communities and ideals. While private development is vital, building houses remains a paramount public responsibility. It’s about championing purpose-built houses. A balanced approach is essential, yet our current provincial strategy leans heavily on private incentives, sidelining public housing investments.

This week, as we discuss housing affordability, we must remember, if Ontario’s strategy primarily incentivizes private developers to build affordable housing, leaving municipalities to shoulder the burden, we’re missing the mark. In Niagara alone, the wait-list for affordable housing spans two decades.

Municipalities still feel the weight of transferring social housing funding responsibilities by Mike Harris.

Premier Ford, the time has come to honor your commitment to make municipalities whole for the development charges. Ontario has the potential to do more. We need a comprehensive governance framework and provincial funding to address the housing crisis. It is critical we bolster the construction of non-market homes, particularly for young families and low-income households.

We must champion a grant-based approach for the non-profit and co-op sectors, support community land trusts and devise a robust rental housing strategy. If we are not building non-market housing, we risk not doing enough. Let’s refine Ontario’s approach and build a housing future that services all Ontarians.

You know, the Minister of Housing was talking about how his family emigrated here from Italy. My family emigrated here from Italy, and to be honest, our towns are next door to each other in Italy. But my family came here in 1950 and my father ended up buying a house in 1953 in Port Credit. We’ve been living there for 70 years; he paid $14,000 back then. My two sons—one is becoming a CPA and the other is becoming an engineer. They want to live in the riding their great-grandfather, grandfather and father have lived in, and they cannot afford it. How will this bill help build more affordable housing for our future and our immigrants that are coming into this country?

Thank you very much to the member for the question. The answer is simple: It is another in a series of bills that we’ve put forward to eliminate red tape and remove obstacles. The member is absolutely correct; it was the bargain that people made when they came to this country: You work hard, play by the rules and you will have the opportunity to succeed. But after 15 years of Liberal and NDP mismanagement of the economy, they’ve forced us into a housing crisis. We are untangling that mess.

We have one more mess to untangle, and that’s the federal government’s refusal to eliminate the carbon tax and to help us remove obstacles federally so we can get not only this crisis resolved in Ontario, but across Canada.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today because we need to address the housing crisis, and we must do it urgently, with partnerships across all sectors.

My riding, Scarborough–Guildwood, is at the forefront of the housing crisis, where 45% of residents spend more than 30% of their income on housing. The only way out of this mess is by building more housing, but while we need quantity, we also need quality. We can’t just keep sprawling outwards, and we shouldn’t develop the greenbelt. We need dense, complete communities, communities that have frequent, fast transit access, neighbourhoods that have enough schools to support the student population.

We need our cities to have an abundance of housing that is affordable, with rent control, so that residents aren’t driven away, so that they can spend their hard-earned money investing in their family’s future, communities that have jobs within them, not an hour commute away, and that sustain local business and the entrepreneurial sprit that radiates in Scarborough.

As a female entrepreneur, Mr. Speaker, I saw first-hand how important local business is to the spirit of the community. There are good projects that take it upon themselves to provide for this. And we need a government that is willing to prioritize this modern way of housing, not by building new sprawl or paving the greenbelt.

Well, we know, the public knows and this government knows that the greenbelt grab was never about housing. Instead of building affordable and sustainable housing, this government is spending taxpayers’ dollars on a PR campaign to distract from their scandal.

The people of Ontario deserve clear, decisive answers on how public dollars are being used. Will this government tell Ontarians how much this ad campaign is costing them?

In fact, what we’re doing is highlighting for the people of the province of Ontario that this government is focused on their priorities. Housing is a priority not just for Progressive Conservative voters, but it’s a priority for all Ontarians. Regardless of what side of the House you come on, you should be focused on that.

Mr. Speaker, we know that the NDP and the Liberals have voted against every single measure that we have put on the table to help unleash the housing sector in the province of Ontario. In fact, it has literally taken us five years to undo the damage that was done by the Liberals, supported by the NDP. And it’s going to take us still even more, because we’re going to be bringing even more bills forward to help ensure that we can get homes built in communities across Ontario, who are calling us and saying that they want to participate.

I don’t know why the NDP are against—well, I do know why the NDP are against building homes, because it’s the same thing: They want people to be dependent on government. We want people to be able to flourish on their own with the support of the government when they need it. That’s the difference between us and them.

But here, it comes down to one thing: Over and over and over and again, tax, spend, doom and gloom. What we’re going to focus on is building Ontario stronger than it was before. We’re going to be working with those businesses that want to invest here, the people around this country who are looking at Ontario and saying, “We need you to continue to prosper,” because it’s not only for the people of the province of Ontario; it is good for all of Canada when Ontario prospers.

We will not be deterred in our mission to build more homes, to get kids out of their parents’ basements so they can have all the same benefits that we have had. Only the NDP want to keep them in the basements, and of course the Liberals will help them do it.

I was just in Ottawa, actually, last Thursday, speaking with Mayor Sutcliffe, and he is every bit as excited as we are to help build more homes in his community because he understands how important it is. Now, the one thing he did say to me is that federal government policies are hurting his city. There’s not a return-to-work in a lot of instances, so it’s really hurting the people of downtown Ottawa. So we’re going to do our part to ensure that Ottawa prospers, that Ottawa grows. We have incredible members—the member for Nepean and the member for Carleton—who are helping every single day.

Despite the fact the member opposite does nothing to help us, we’re building long-term care homes, we’re building transit, we’re building transportation, we’re making incredible investments in Ottawa to help the city grow, Mr. Speaker. I hope he’ll get on board and help us do the same.

As I just said, look, the city of Ottawa remains in control of when or if those lands will be developed or serviced, for that matter. But here again is another question from the opposition, from the Liberals, who for 15 years put obstacle after obstacle after obstacle in the way and led us into a housing crisis.

But I know why they’re having such trouble, right? Because this Minister of Finance cut taxes for purpose-built rentals. Do you remember when he did that? And what did we say? We said to the federal government, “You have to come on board. You have to help us by matching that with a GST cut.” But we know Liberals hate to cut taxes, but thanks to one person in the Liberal government, Minister Fraser, they finally had to admit that cutting taxes means improving an economy. Now, they did it only once, and that’s because of the leadership of this Minister of Finance.

We’re going to work with Alberta and every other province to cut taxes for all Canadians to unleash the economy so that everybody can participate in the Canadian dream that they took away.

My question is for the Associate Minister of Housing. For nearly two decades under the previous Liberal government, propped up by the NDP, housing construction suffered in our province. Because of the indifference and inaction demonstrated under their watch, building homes in Ontario was not a priority, creating the crisis that continues to pose challenges for many of the individuals and families in my riding of Brantford–Brant.

The seriousness of this housing crisis is not just felt in southwest Ontario. Communities across our province are facing similar challenges. While our government has made major progress by passing new housing legislation, the people of Ontario are looking to our government to produce even more results and continue to show bold and decisive leadership.

Can the associate minister please explain what actions our government is taking to increase housing construction in the province of Ontario?

I thank the member from Brantford–Brant for his question. Yes, Speaker, the member is spot on. We have a housing crisis in this province like we’ve never seen, and we have to fix it. But it’s results that count, and this government has delivered four housing supply action plans. We’ve delivered $700 million this year—up $200 million year over year—for the Homelessness Prevention Program, $1.2 billion for the Building Faster Fund to support our municipalities, and we’ve cut red tape to get shovels in the ground faster. It’s results that count: more homes built, more rental starts in the last two years than in over 30 years.

We also know that there is more to do. But while the opposition raises doubts, we’re busy raising roofs over the people of this province. There’s more to do, and more will be—

Individuals and families across Ontario should be able to find a home that fits their needs. From the associate minister’s response, it is clear that our government is making progress in boosting housing starts. However, there needs to be a significant increase in the overall housing supply across Ontario, especially rental housing. More needs to be done to boost rental housing starts and to reduce barriers in their construction so that more Ontarians have more choice and access to affordable housing.

Speaker, can the associate minister please explain what measures our government is implementing to increase rental housing supply throughout Ontario?

I would like to thank Kevin Lomack for signing the petition Housing for All.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas all Ontarians have the right to adequate housing;

“Whereas to ensure an adequate supply of housing, Ontario must build 1.5 million new market and non-market homes over the next decade; and

“Whereas the for-profit private market by itself will not, and cannot, deliver enough homes that are affordable and meet the needs of Ontarians for all incomes, ages, family sizes, abilities and cultures;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to implement a comprehensive housing plan that ensures the right of all Ontarians to adequate housing, including:

“—ending exclusionary zoning and enabling access to affordable and adequate housing options in all neighbourhoods;

“—stabilizing housing markets and stopping harmful speculation; establishing a strong public role in the funding, delivery, acquisition and protection of an adequate supply of affordable and non-market homes;

“—protecting tenants from rent gouging and displacement, and ensuring the inclusivity of growing neighbourhoods; and

“—focusing growth efficiently and sustainably within existing urban boundaries, while protecting irreplaceable farmland, wetlands, the greenbelt and other natural heritage from costly and unsustainable urban sprawl.”

I fully support this petition, sign it and give it to page Isabella to give to the table.

I’ll use my time today to continue to speak about the dream of housing stability and home ownership for all Ontarians in this great province. I rise out of a sense of duty, purpose and urgency as I address this assembly in response to the opposition motion, not merely as a representative of this government, but as a voice echoing the hopes, dreams and frustrations of countless Ontarians who feel the weight of the housing crisis.

Let me be clear: While the opposition may be content with crafting and bringing motions, this government is committed to forging solutions. Mr. Speaker, we bring action. We are the architects of action, the bearers of change—not change for the sake of change but as champions of the people’s will.

Let me take a moment to reflect on the past. For the last decade, the previous Liberal government, supported by the opposition today, had a front row seat and watched the housing crisis unfold, and what did they do? Respectfully, not much. What’s left? To use an agricultural term, the fields were fallow; the crop wasn’t planted, and we did not have a housing harvest that could benefit the people of this province.

But under this Premier and this government, we’ve chosen a different path. We don’t just identify problems, we roll up our sleeves and tackle them head on. While they watched, we worked; while they deliberated, we delivered; and while they hesitated, we’ve hustled and we’re getting it done because that’s the Ontario spirit, and that’s how we’re going to get houses built in this province.

I’d like to take this opportunity to reflect on what my ministry and our government have done to address the housing supply crisis since 2018. It’s been a journey of commitment, of relentless pursuits of solutions and an unwavering dedication to the people of this province.

Since 2018, we’ve been on the ground listening to the real stories of Ontarians. We’ve seen the struggles of families priced out of their dreams, young couples delaying life’s milestones and seniors grappling with skyrocketing rents. But there’s been a difference. We didn’t just listen, Speaker; we’ve acted. We’ve taken these stories, we’ve taken these pleas for help and turned them into policies and actionable steps that will really make a difference. And we will continue to act.

In 2021, we didn’t just set records, we shattered them. Record housing starts in 2021 and in 2022: That’s 100,000 families in each year with a new beginning, a new chapter. It’s 100,000 testimonies to our commitment to the people of Ontario. And in 2022, we kept that momentum going. Why? Because for us, every housing start isn’t just a statistic, it’s a story, Speaker. It’s a story of a child’s first steps, of a family’s gatherings, of dreams realized. It’s a testament to our government’s dedication to ensuring that every Ontarian has a place they can call home.

Mr. Speaker, make no mistake: There is still much work to do and, as associate minister, I’ll work around the clock with Premier Ford, Minister Calandra, our municipal partners and our community homebuilders to get shovels in the ground through every means necessary, through every means possible. We’re here to deliver results, and while the opposition may question our methods, they cannot question our commitment to get the job done.

As the Associate Minister of Housing, part of my new mandate is modular and attainable housing. This isn’t just a new direction; it’s a revolutionary approach to addressing the housing crisis. I’m excited to tackle this challenge, not only because it’s a new avenue, but it’s a tool in the tool box to help get shovels in the ground and people living in homes.

Innovation: Our goal is to construct modular and innovative housing at attainable prices, addressing the pressing need for affordable homes right across Ontario. This is not just thinking outside the box, Speaker; we’re redesigning the box altogether. Modular housing isn’t just a buzzword for us, it’s a game-changer, and again, it’s a tool in the tool box to get the job done. By harnessing the power of off-site construction, we can speed up the building process, making homes more affordable and showcasing Ontario’s manufacturing sector.

Let me tell you, this isn’t just about building homes; it’s about building communities, fostering economic growth and ensuring that Ontario leads the way in housing innovation. I think about the modular and attainable housing market along with job creation and economic growth, improving our labour opportunities, creating good-paying jobs, not only in the big cities but where all these modular manufacturers live throughout this province, where we can get good local jobs and get them fast. To achieve this vision, we will work closely with Infrastructure Ontario and the Ministry of Infrastructure. With the manufacturing might of Ontario—as it always has been and has continued to grow under this government—and the knowledge of industry experts, we will embark on a journey that encompasses both short-term and long-term objectives, supporting the development of modular attainable housing. We will do everything in our power create new provincial housing supply by leveraging the assets we have on hand. This collaborative effort will help us address the housing crisis as well as foster economic growth.

Our government’s plan to develop an attainable housing program, as publicly committed in the fall of 2022 as part of More Homes Built Faster, serves as the foundation of this initiative. We are also committed to further exploring modular housing and other innovative construction options, as announced in the Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act. Building these successes will scale up to develop an attainable housing program, encompassing both public and private land across all regions of Ontario. By working together, we can reshape the housing landscape in Ontario, making home ownership attainable for all and positioning our province as a leader in this important sector.

Speaker, we recognize that we must build housing that meets the needs and budgets of all Ontarians. We recognize that housing isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; that’s why we’re investing in supportive housing, ensuring that every Ontarian, regardless of their circumstances, has a roof over their head. We’re streamlining processes, cutting through the bureaucratic maze and ensuring that those who need support get it and get it fast. I would again point out my visit last week to St. Thomas and the Indwell announcement—45 spaces, with $1.2 million in funding given. Previous to that, $3 million in capital support—a great initiative and I think one that is going to be replicated throughout the province for the days, months and years to come.

We heard the calls for help from those battling mental health issues; from our seniors, who have given so much to our province; and from those that need a helping hand just to get back on their feet. Navigating this complex network can be challenging, especially for individuals with diverse needs and their families. That is why my ministry is diligently collaborating with the Ministries of Health and Children, Community and Social Services to enhance and streamline the supportive housing system—again, a big part of our plan and important as part of the Affordable Homes and Good Jobs Act we presented this morning.

Together, we have embarked on several initiatives aimed at improving Ontario’s supportive housing system. These include developing a common pre-screening approach to ensure individuals are directed towards appropriate housing and supports. We’re also working towards establishing local integrated supportive housing planning requirements, promoting coordination between the housing, health and community service sectors to provide client services with complex needs.

Additionally, we have conducted a cost avoidance review in supportive housing, which will provide valuable insights into how supportive housing can help us reduce the reliance on high-cost provincial systems such as hospitals. In line with our commitment to action, we have made significant investments in supportive housing through the Ontario Social Services Relief Fund. Service managers and Indigenous program administrators have utilized this funding to create approximately 1,200 units of supportive housing, a remarkable achievement that is already making a tangible difference.

Speaker, all of this is to say that while the opposition raises doubts, we’re raising roofs, and we’re raising them for seniors, newcomers, students, first-time homebuyers and those who need supportive housing.

We have actively sought input from key stakeholders and partners across the province by hosting supportive housing round tables. Since being appointed to my new role, I have already met with supportive housing partners like Indwell, the Learning Enrichment Foundation and the House of Friendship to build strong partnerships across these sectors.

Again, I give a shout-out to our friends at Indwell doing a wonderful job. I believe they’ve now got 24 buildings, facilities, throughout the province, and growing, with 1,200 tenants in these spaces. I know if everyone has had a chance to meet Mr. Jeff Neven, the CEO, he’s worth talking to. I have talked to all communities, and any community in this province, if you have a need for supportive housing and to work with someone like Indwell, it certainly is worth the time to speak with that group—it’s very, very impressive—along with many others, but in particular, I was with him last week and two weeks before. He’s a very impressive individual indeed.

We’ve also stepped up to ensure that Ontarians at risk of experiencing homelessness have access to safe and stable housing. When we talk about homelessness, we’re talking about our neighbours, our friends and our fellow Ontarians. And we’re not just talking; we are investing. As I said this morning, Speaker, over $700 million will be invested this year to ensure that no Ontarian has to spend a night without shelter. That’s up $200 million, a little over—a great percentage increase and a great commitment to our community folks who need to fight this crisis day in and day out. This substantial increase in funding will enable us to provide caring assistance and resources to many more individuals and families who are at risk of experiencing homelessness.

But we’re not stopping there, Speaker; we’re also investing in programs and initiatives that address the root causes of homelessness, from mental health supports to job training programs. Projects are already under way across the province to expand supportive housing options for those experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, addiction, violence or poverty. This program is a result of true innovation. It is an amalgamation of the Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative, Homes for Good and the Strong Communities Rent Supplement Program, all great programs and working well.

We did this so Ontarians are not just seen as numbers but as people in need of assistance, to whom we can provide tangible support through initiatives such as supportive housing and rent supplements or by connecting with services like Ontario Works or health care providers.

We are leveraging every asset, every piece of crown land, every opportunity to ensure that homelessness becomes a thing of the past. We will continue to implore the federal government to fulfill its responsibility in supporting municipalities and asylum claimants.

We recognize our efforts cannot be alone as we address this magnitude. I think everybody knows that Ontario is underfunded by $480 million for housing and homelessness under the federal National Housing Strategy. We need to get that funding coming our way, and that is why we continue to advocate to the federal government for our fair share of homelessness funding. We acknowledge that there is still much more work to be done. We will continue to advocate for increased federal funding and explore innovative solutions to ensure that every person in Ontario has a place to call home.

Mr. Speaker, I had the pleasure of speaking about Bill 134, the Affordable Homes and Good Jobs Act, this morning, but let me reiterate: This isn’t just legislation; it’s a commitment—a commitment to families like the ones across my great riding of Elgin–Middlesex–London, to newcomers across Ontario that we’re on their side. We’re cutting red tape, boosting construction and ensuring that the dream of home ownership is within the reach of every Ontarian.

Let me give you an example, Speaker. The folks I’m working with in my ministry now, young people, all have a dream to own their own home, and not one of them is able to do it. I think back to when I bought my first house in the early 1980s, I thought it was pretty daunting; it was crazy. Interest rates were 19%. I heard the minister here talk about when his parents bought their home. When I bought my first home, I was a young guy, and it was 19%. It was daunting, but I could still make the down payment. I could still make the monthly payment work, pay my taxes, pay my insurance and live decently. It was scary, but fortunately, I took out an open mortgage and, within a year, interest rates had dropped to 12%. I thought I had manna from heaven. I was living the dream.

Unfortunately, today, we think interest rates are high at 6%, 7%. Relatively speaking, what we’ve seen, at least in my life, throughout business and mortgages, they’re not that high, but they are high with respect to the debt people are carrying or the debt they have to carry to at least own a home and make the payments. So it’s not fair. We have to do better, and this government is focusing on making sure we do better and we get everybody in a home that they deserve. Because while it was tough back 40 years ago, it’s even tougher today. I know there’s a few in the Legislature that have experienced those times, but today, it is even tougher.

Through our proposed legislation, we’re paving the pathway to affordable and attainable home ownership for everyone. We’re not just setting targets; we’re hitting them, and while others prefer to dwell on the past, we’re focused on the future. For too long, Speaker, decades of inaction and red tape have made housing unaffordable for far too many people. That’s why, since taking office, our government has taken bold steps to cut red tape and increase the housing supply. From our housing action plans to cutting development fees, we’re building the most homes we have in over 30 years. Again, two years in a row, we’ve had record starts. We had more starts this year in terms of percentage increase in numbers built than any other province in the country.

But again, we know that more needs to be done. Too many families are stuck renting month to month, with no hope of ownership. That’s why, through the Affordable Homes and Good Jobs Act, we’re proposing changes to boost affordable construction while supporting job creation. And both of those complement each other.

We’re also proposing changes to attract investments like Volkswagen’s electric vehicle plant coming to St. Thomas, creating thousands of jobs. This will strengthen communities as we build infrastructure and homes for the future.

Again, last week, in and around London and surrounding communities, I had a chance to meet with many individuals. We talked about the jobs coming to southwestern Ontario, not only through London, St. Thomas and Windsor with Stellantis—we certainly have great economic prospects ahead of us. Shovels are in the ground. The dirt is being moved in St. Thomas. It’s fascinating to see, but it’s also daunting because when you think 3,000 people are coming to work directly there, 1,000 at least to build the plant over the next three years, we’ve got to get shovels in the ground and houses built. So we’re looking at every opportunity there is throughout the province, throughout southwestern Ontario, and directly around the St. Thomas plant to find available land, available builders and available opportunities, be it single family homes, small, tiny homes or modular homes to get shovels in the ground to get these homes built so people can afford to have a place to stay and live.

And it is not only the 3,000 jobs. There are 30,000 tertiary jobs coming along with this investment. It’s fantastic. And it is not just going to be in southwestern Ontario; it’s going to be in your communities. It’s every-where, so we need to get shovels in the ground—1.5 million homes by 2031. That’s our commitment. It remains.

Complementing these changes, our government is consulting on streamlining processes at the Ontario Land Tribunal to resolve disputes faster. That’s going to help as well. We are also working with municipalities to increase procurement collaboration for savings. I talked to the mayor of Woodstock today about setting targets on things that we need to do to get shovels in the ground faster in Oxford county and we’re confident that will work.

Through these coordinated proposals, we are eliminating further cost to build while enabling job growth. Combined with our past successes that have seen record housing starts, we’re getting closer to hitting that target—or being on speed, at least, to hit 1.5 million homes by 2031. Most importantly, it means more hard-working Ontario families will have an affordable place to call home—and, again, the key there is “affordable.” I come back to when I brought my home. Yes, it was always difficult, but nothing like the daunting challenge today.

In closing, let me be clear: We acknowledge that much more is required to accomplish our housing targets, absolutely. And while others may raise doubts, we are still going to focus on raising roofs for the people of this province. Every decision we make, every policy we implement, is driven by a singular goal: to improve the lives of Ontarians. That includes letting them have the opportunity to housing stability and owning their own home.

We’re not just setting targets, Speaker; we’re hitting them. We’re not just making policy; we’re delivering results. I come from a world where you got measured monthly, quarterly, yearly, and I am used to that. I am used to that accountability, and I know this government reflects that as well, too, and will remain accountable to hitting 1.5 million homes by 2031. We won’t stop until every Ontarian has a place to call home.

And I say this to those that say no: Join us in collaboration. Join us on this mission and let’s work together to build a brighter, more prosperous Ontario for all, because, at the end of the day, it really isn’t about politics. It’s about building houses. It’s about getting people into their own homes. The people of Ontario deserve nothing but the best, so support the Affordable Homes and Good Jobs Act. It’s a great step towards getting this done. Let’s work together to build a brighter and more prosperous future. And, Speaker, we will be bold, we will be innovative, and we’ll get it done for everyone to have a positive journey on their pathway to housing stability and home ownership.

The member for Waterloo is heckling me right now—addressing recognizing gaps in middle-income housing, supportive housing and modular housing. We’re taking every opportunity and implementing every tool to ensure that Ontarians have a place to call home that meets their price point. This is so important. Last year alone, we had over half a million new immigrants come to Ontario—and that doesn’t include the hundreds of thousands more who will move here from other provinces, or international students who come here to study at our world-class colleges and universities.

The Premier said it before—and I’ll remind everyone in the chamber today: We need a wartime effort to build as many homes as possible. As our province grows and as people come here seeking a better life, we as a community need to fight to ensure that the dream of home ownership is protected for the next generation and for all those who come to Ontario.

While this side of the House and the middle over there will fight for people’s path to home ownership, the opposition continues to drag their feet on helping to house Ontarians. The members opposite said we held our housing supply action plans back five years—I find it very rich, from the members opposite who voted no on the four housing supply action plans we’ve brought to this House so far; I hope they vote for the next one we bring in. I really do hope they vote for the greenbelt bill we’re going to bring in to codify the boundaries of the greenbelt and add to the greenbelt. Time will tell.

Speaker, we’ve made it easier for homeowners to create additional residential units above garages, basements or in laneways; again, the opposition voted against it. We streamlined modular unit residential building approvals; they voted against it. It seems to be a pattern, everyone.

We took steps to bolster consumer protection around purchasing new homes—it’s a big life decision; they voted against it.

Every time we take steps to build homes, to protect tenants and streamline services, the NDP and Liberals stand against it. In doing so, they stand against a younger person just wanting to move out of their parents’ basement; they stand against the aging couple looking to downsize but who can’t afford to stay in their community where they raised their children and where their children and grandchildren live now; they stand against the next generation of Ontarians just wanting a chance at a normal life. This government will stand with those Ontarians—will stand with those young people, will stand with those seniors who want to downsize. We proudly stand with everyone looking for a path to home ownership, and we’ll continue to do so.

As I alluded to, we have tabled multiple housing supply action bills, and we’ll continue to do so and consult with our municipal partners, homebuilders and other stakeholders across the riding. Our government has already delivered on four of these bills since 2018, and we committed in an election to introduce one in each year of our four-year mandate. We will do that, demonstrating our commitment and resolve to get 1.5 million homes, at least, built by 2031.

As was referred to, I believe, earlier today in debate on Bill 134, there’s no silver bullet to the housing supply crisis. We’re doing the hard work that is necessary and working with our partners to fill our housing mandate. As circumstances and pressures change, we’re also committed to working with our municipal partners, with community builders, with—

In fact, this new Minister of Housing—when he came in, the first thing he did with our municipal partners was, he went back out to them and said, “We have 75 recommendations from our housing task force—we’re on 23 partly or almost completed. Please tell us how we reach those goals moving forward.” I know my municipal partners appreciated that opportunity to submit that feedback. They are submitting that feedback because we are listening to our municipal partners and we’re working with our municipal partners.

Interjection.

And as we do so, our government is always looking for better ways to ease the pressures on some of our most vulnerable communities.

Through our reinforcement of our supportive housing initiatives, an extra $200 million a year in the Homelessness Prevention Program, $700 million total—historic investments, which, again, our municipal partners asked for, and we listened to them.

We are confident we can build homes that meet the broad range of needs at every price point that works for residents.

We recognize that 1.5 million homes is not just a number, but it’s an offer of stability and opportunity for those families who will come to occupy them. A home is a place to start a family, to make memories, to see your children take their first steps, to clean up after your pet, to learn and grow within a community. Every Ontarian deserves that opportunity, and our government is here to make that happen.

This past summer, I had an opportunity, on behalf of the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, to make a few announcements across Ontario, where we’re putting real investments into supportive housing through the government of Ontario Social Services Relief Fund. I was in Paris, Ontario—not Paris, France, unfortunately, but Paris, Ontario is great, as well—with MPP Bouma and mayors Kevin Davis and David Bailey to announce $340,000 to help create 15 affordable housing units, to support individuals and families with a variety of accessible needs, those who have experienced domestic violence, and people of Indigenous ancestries. This is very important to ensuring, again, that all Ontarians have a place to call their own.

Just a few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to announce a similar investment in my own riding, in Stratford, in one of the communities that I have the great honour of representing in this place. The governments of Ontario and Canada are providing more than $3 million to build 33 affordable housing units in Stratford, and our government is providing an additional $1 million through the social services relief fund to create six additional affordable units. I know the chattering classes on Twitter like to say, “Oh, it’s the federal government,” but in this case, the province is actually contributing more to these projects than our federal partners. Speaker, I don’t have to tell you what it means for these communities. While they are going to be able to welcome more individuals and families to their communities, they are also being given the tools to ensure their most vulnerable residents are looked after in a way that is comfortable and affordable.

We know we have to build homes, and that’s why we’re also here to stand up for the little guy and girl, the members of our communities who have been priced out of the housing and real estate markets because of the decades of Liberal and NDP mismanagement and carelessness. The Liberals added mountains of red tape to the community building process during their time in government, and the only problem the NDP had with this is that they didn’t add more.

We’ve talked a lot about red tape here in this chamber, and all too often it may lose its meaning to the members of the opposition, but that red tape is exactly what stands in the way of young families purchasing a starter home or a family of a new Canadian getting into their first apartment or home. The red tape has real consequences, and under the current circumstances of a generational housing crisis, we just can’t afford these consequences. It’s not going to be easy. Since 2018, this government has worked day in and day out to jump-start our economy from the grinding halt the Liberals and the NDP brought it to. We’ve brought in record investments and job creation to the province of Ontario. We’ve got job offers, but we need the people for those jobs.

We’re thrilled to welcome hundreds of thousands of new Ontarians each and every year—including more than 500,000 last year, as I alluded to earlier. We need them to come to Ontario to join our workforce because that means our small businesses are growing, our tech and innovation sectors are growing—the great innovation happening in the region of Waterloo is growing—and we’re going to be able to better compete on a global stage, and that will be able to generate more wealth for our communities. But that doesn’t happen without new homes.

This past summer, many Torontonians saw the unfortunate reality many immigrants and asylum seekers face upon arriving to Canada. Many of them had nowhere to go but the streets of downtown Toronto.

Last month, our government announced an additional $42 million through the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit program to support the city of Toronto and other impacted municipalities in ensuring newcomers to Ontario have the supports they need to build a new life here in communities that are safe, welcoming and full of opportunities. Mayor Chow came to the table in good faith, and two levels of government were able to work together to address a pressing issue in Toronto. I wish the NDP would show the same commitment in helping newcomers find a home.

About a month and a half ago, I had the opportunity to meet many municipal partners at the Association of Municipalities Ontario annual conference. I know members of the opposition were also there, but obviously many government colleagues were there as well. I met communities—from St. Catharines to Sioux Lookout, the region of Waterloo and Kirkland Lake. Municipalities across the province are ready to build, and our government is constantly ready to hear feedback and advice from our municipal partners to ensure that we are all on the same page and on the right track towards meeting our commitments.

Municipalities large and small, right across Ontario, are fully on board with our government’s plan to build at least 1.5 million new homes by 2031. There is no way around it—for our communities to grow and prosper, we need to make room for more people, and that’s a good thing.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Infrastructure, we’re unlocking new opportunities to build our communities. Through the Transit-Oriented Communities Program, our government is ensuring residents are served conveniently and comfortably within their communities, reinforcing communities alongside major transit corridors, including subway and LRT lines. By building communities along these corridors, we are working to increase transit ridership, stimulate local economic development, and most importantly, we are increasing housing supply. When we build communities around convenient transit corridors, we’re providing a sense of stability and belonging for residents; we’re building a place where people can work, play and raise a family. These priorities are so important for the people of Ontario. Far too often, when parents are stuck in gridlock trying to get home to their families after work, they are missing out on time spent with their families—and that’s what a community is supposed to be all about. But we also know that not everyone can or wants to live in an urban core.

I was born and raised in Harriston, Ontario. You probably don’t know where that is. It’s a very small town in Wellington county.

I can say—I live in Mitchell now—that growing up and building a life in any of our vibrant rural communities in Ontario is truly an exceptional experience. We are truly blessed to live in Ontario.

The rural way of life is something that we must protect and cherish for our next generation, but it is also something that we must preserve for new Canadians to join and be a part of. The housing crisis is not just something experienced in the greater Toronto area; it extends to every community and every small town in this province.

I speak to young people regularly in my community, and I hear them saying they want to stay and raise a family in the communities where they grew up, but it’s becoming harder and harder to find a home that they can provide at a price point that they can afford.

We provide incentives to large municipalities across the province through a variety of programs—but most recently through the Building Faster Fund, which is $1.2 billion devoted to rewarding municipalities for reaching and exceeding their annual housing targets. Along with these incentives, we’ve also allocated 10% of that program, or roughly $120 million, to smaller municipalities that have not been allocated housing targets. I know our rural and smaller municipalities appreciate this because, unfortunately, under the federal Rapid Housing Initiative, they do not qualify and would not be able to compete with the larger urban centres in Canada. So we’re really trying to address the missing middle with the funding gaps through that by providing these funds in a percentage of the Building Faster Fund, and I know we’ll continue to consult with our rural and northern municipalities on how to best utilize this for themselves. This will allow small towns in Perth and Wellington counties as well as other small municipalities right across the province to increase their capacity to service new homes and build new communities.

Every time I get to rise in this House, as a young person from rural Ontario, to speak about our growing needs of the next generation, it’s an incredible honour. The great thing about Ontario, whether your family has been here for generations or if you immigrated here last week, is that the opportunities are endless; if you work hard, you can achieve anything. Under the leadership of Premier Ford and his Minister of Economic Development, we have worked hard to ensure that that dream is still alive and well in Ontario. By attracting the good manufacturing jobs back to Ontario, the 300,000 that left under the former Liberal and NDP-propped-up government—attracting 700,000 new jobs since 2018, good-paying jobs. And people having a job to provide for their families is so important. We will continue to do that, moving forward, in everything we can do—but we had to bring it back, as I alluded to earlier in my remarks, from what was left when former Premier Wynne left office in 2018. We had to bring it back from the brink.

They have talked about the scandals under the former Liberal government as well today, but we can go back in time a little more, when there was a Rae government—not me, but a Bob Rae government. I was only zero at the time when he came into office, so I don’t remember much—but I read it in the history books. I find it ironic that they refer to this—that we’re not building up housing, but they vote against every housing supply action bill we bring to this place. When they held government—not the balance of power—three things happened: We lost jobs in Ontario, we lost businesses in Ontario, and we lost homes in Ontario.

We are not going to return to the Rae days of Bob Rae. We’re going to continue to build 1.5 million homes to ensure that my colleagues can find a place to live, new Canadians can find a place to live—young people like Brampton North over there can find a place to live and own a property. We’re going to continue to get it done for the people of Ontario.

They talk about taking time away from when they could bring forward legislation to make housing more affordable, to get more homes built—and they don’t do that.

They already highlighted—at a committee before this House, we’ll hear and study the Auditor General’s report, at the public accounts committee. This committee will hear that report. That is in their mandate, and they will discuss this report at that committee.

I also find it very rich, from the opposition—when they want to regulate Airbnb, essentially. I will let the opposition know that municipalities can actually bring in a bylaw already that can regulate Airbnb, and some have. So it’s not the province’s mandate to regulate Airbnb. But maybe under an NDP government, they’ll want to regulate Airbnb.