Thank you very much for the question.

As the member knows, that is not part of this bill.

I will say that the minister, Minister Rickford, is undertaking discussions led by not only Minister Rickford but spearheaded, really, by Chief Maracle of the Mohawks of Bay of Quinte with respect to housing on reserves. We understand that, obviously, this is an area of federal jurisdiction, but I think at the same time, there is a role for the province to play and that is why the minister is working closely with Chief Maracle to undertake a tripartite discussion on how we can improve housing on reserves across the province of Ontario.

I’m hearing about housing forum this and housing forum that, and I think it’s fabulous; I actually have FOMO.

I wonder if you can tell me who was invited to the party, what kind of feedback you got, and when we will be briefed on it—because I’m here with all ears.

I really enjoyed the opening hour-long debate from the two ministers and the parliamentary assistant and I’m so pleased to see that our government continues to take the housing supply crisis very, very seriously. The reality is, Speaker, that too many families across the province are struggling to find a home that meets their needs and their budget, and if we don’t take decisive action now, a generation of Ontarians will never have the same opportunity for stability, and the dream of home ownership will slip further and further out of reach.

I was wondering if either of the ministers or the parliamentary assistant could elaborate on why the government is moving on Ontario’s housing supply crisis so quickly and introducing yet another piece of legislation.

Thank you to my colleague for the question.

Other than to keep the PA busy, I think this bill, obviously, as was mentioned in all of our remarks this morning, really was feedback from municipalities on getting affordable homes built and providing that definition. But it really is getting more homes built, and that includes a variety—the life lease community was at the housing forum yesterday as well—and ensuring that we have a variety of options for young people, for seniors, for families to get into the housing market in communities across Ontario.

Obviously, I represent a rural riding, and I tell my communities, “It’s not just housing for Toronto. We’re looking at housing in Harriston, in Listowel, in Stratford.”

Speaker, I know this government will use everything in our power to help support our homebuilders and our municipalities to get homes built quickly.

But then also, which I always go back to, after the recent announcement in March of this year, I believe, around Volkswagen, I was at a community event in my riding, which is close to St. Thomas obviously, and one of the car dealers told me this is great news for our region because they’re going to sell those cars that we make in St. Thomas at their dealership. Across the entire supply chain, from the beginning to the end, it will be of benefit across Ontario.

Meegwetch, Speaker. Good morning. Remarks in Anishininiimowin.

It’s always an honour to be able to listen about the government’s plan—especially on this Bill 134, Affordable Homes and Good Jobs Act.

In the Far North of Ontario, we have the communities I represent, the reserves I represent. There are 31 First Nations, but there are also 24 fly-in First Nations. There’s a housing crisis happening, and it filters down to the northern municipalities. I know that, for example, in Sioux Lookout, there is a 6,000-person population and there’s a real need for housing, and I’m not sure what the plan is for Sioux Lookout to be able to address the housing crisis.

I’m just wondering if this government would start looking at maybe creating an urban reserve where you give back the land to the people, the land that was taken away long before. Because we’ve got to be part of the solution. We have to be part of the economic spin-off. So, urban reserve—what are your thoughts?

This question is for the PA.

In his presentation, he talked about the initiative to build the Volkswagen Group and PowerCo SE’s facility. As an EV driver, I’m very interested in when the government is proposing the legislative changes that, if passed, would support Volkswagen Group and PowerCo SE’s historic investment to build an electric vehicle battery cell manufacturing facility in the city of St. Thomas. Can the PA share with the House what the benefit is of this initiative to Ontarians?

Thank you for the presentation on Bill 134.

I have a question about the government’s proposed plan to upzone and increase density near transit stations, and also allow municipalities to move forward with inclusionary zoning. It’s a measure that was introduced in Bill 23; it will be affected by this bill. Cities have been waiting for upwards of two years for these proposals to be permitted by the provincial government.

My question is to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. When are you looking at approving inclusionary zoning laws?

My understanding is that they actually have not applied for funding, but having said that—what we’re debating today is a very clear and very concise bill with respect to a definition of affordability. It is a bill about improving the OLT, Ontario Land Tribunal. It’s about supply in Ontario and it’s about economic development in St. Thomas. Should the member opposite wish to speak about issues that are not relevant to this bill, I invite the member to do so at the appropriate time.

Right now, we’re dealing with something that I think is very important to many different communities, including communities in the north, and that is the definition of affordable housing which takes into account the differences from community to community, both market conditions and income conditions in that community. So I’d really like to hear the member’s thoughts on the bill that’s before the House.

I’d like to ask my question to the associate minister. One of the constant issues that I hear from my constituents is, indeed, that there is a worry about the provision of housing. Parents are worried their children will not have the same opportunities. They’re priced out of the housing market and their local school closed due to lack of families in the neighbourhood, so unable to find a dream home, unable to have the life that their parents had growing up.

I’m wondering if the minister might be able to explain how this proposed legislation will help Ontarians find a home that meets their needs and budgets and brings the dream of home ownership back into reach.

A recent report by the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis found that the burden of government fees on housing “has significantly increased and now accounts for 31% of the purchase price of a new home in Ontario.” That’s why we’ve tabled this legislation.

It’s an honour to rise again in the Ontario Legislature, and I’d like to take this opportunity to share with the Legislature an update on an important infrastructure project in Sarnia–Lambton. This week, our government wants public consultations into the much-needed and much-discussed Highway 40 widening project in Sarnia–Lambton. Expanding the seven-kilometre stretch of highway that links Lambton county’s chemistry valley and Highway 402 is a critical infrastructure project that will support future growth in the chemistry industry in Sarnia–Lambton and Ontario and improve highway safety for residents of Lambton county.

Our government began the preliminary design and environmental assessment work for the Highway 40 widening in April 2022. Public consultations are the next step in delivering on this important project. I encourage all interested residents of Sarnia–Lambton to visit the website highway40widening.ca to review the project documents and to add their input on how best the Ontario government can expand this highway in the best way possible for our community.

Again, please visit highway40widening.ca before December 10 to share your opinion on the design and build of this future highway expansion.

Mr. Speaker, expanding Highway 40 is another example of this government’s plan to build Ontario with investments in our transportation system that will reduce gridlock, improve economic productivity, and get drivers home to their loved ones faster.

It’s my privilege to rise here today to highlight the amazing work of a constituent in my riding of Perth–Wellington: Jacqueline Ussher, a paramedic with Perth county emergency medical services. She recently won the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs—OAPC—Humanitarian Award. The award was introduced in 2012, and it recognizes acts of unselfish donation of time or money by paramedic or emergency medical services professionals to relieve the suffering of humanity.

Jacqueline has shown an unwavering commitment to the well-being of the community of Perth county, particularly during the tough times of COVID-19. Not only did Jacqueline serve our community as a paramedic, but during the chaos of the pandemic, she identified a local issue that was exacerbated by the pandemic: food security. Jacqueline proceeded to dedicate her time and effort, working with the House of Blessing to ensure a continuous supply of food for people in need in Perth county.

Her volunteerism and dedication to the well-being of our community is commendable, and she is a great role model for many who want to see our neighbours and friends prosper.

I know I speak for our community when I say that we are grateful for the hard-working and caring people in Perth–Wellington, like Jacqueline.

Jacqueline, thank you for making our community a better place to live and raise a family.

Last night, I had the great pleasure and privilege of attending the Order of Ontario ceremony, for the province’s highest civilian honour. I was attending specifically to join Elizabeth Witmer and her family, but I must say, I was so pleased to bear witness to the strength and intelligence of the 26 appointees.

Elizbeth Witmer, as you know, is well-respected in Waterloo region. She was our first female MPP and is known as a quiet trailblazer who always carried a spirit of thoughtful leadership and reform. She continues to serve the public and is currently the chair of KidsAbility.

Elizabeth was in good company—amongst others, Marva Wisdom, Cindy Adams, the Honourable Rosemary Moodie. She was also joined by former MPP Dianne Cunningham from London.

Some of the appointees have spent their entire lives working to make Ontario a better, healthier and more inclusive place: Arthur Lockhart, who established the Gatehouse—included advocacy to move the shame of sexual abuse to a place of courage; Pauline Shirt, who is described as a wisdom keeper; Eric Lindros, for his charitable work and game-changing advocacy on concussion reform, through Rowan’s Law; and restaurateur Biagio Vinci, who is involved in the Out of the Cold program and extended his work to feed hot meals to front-line health care workers during the pandemic—he does so to honour his mother—and last night, it was said that his greatest dish is compassion.

Speaker, there are too many to highlight.

Many of the Order of Ontario recipients were visibly uncomfortable in the spotlight. They are just good people doing good work, and our province is a better place because of them.

Next question.

Third reading debate deemed adjourned.

People are hungry. Feed the Need in Durham is seeing unbelievable increases in visits. In 2019, they had 75,000 visits, and they are on track to hit 240,000 this year, so the growth is exponential. And despite the generosity of our community, food and funds cannot match the demand, which has grown so quickly. I have faith in the great work that Ben Earle, his team and all the volunteers are doing, but the needs are overwhelming our safety nets. More clients are fully employed and own homes. They just cannot make ends meet as their cost of living has increased over the past few years. We are seeing this across the country.

Speaker, 96% of food bank users in Durham indicate that the reason for their visit to the food bank last year was due to the rising cost of food needed to support themselves and their families. One in four food bank users last year were first-time clients.

The bottom line is that Feed the Need, like food banks across Ontario, is being asked to respond to challenges that are the result of policy failures at the provincial level. Social assistance rates are woefully insufficient, to say the least. Housing policies will not actually address the challenges faced by residents in Durham. And employment standards do not ensure good work that pays, at minimum, a living wage.

Carolyn Stewart, the CEO of Feed Ontario, answered reporters at Queen’s Park about what the government can do to support food banks. They don’t want government funding for food banks; they want government to fund people. They want better policy that addresses underlying causes of poverty, and to look at social assistance and a proper housing plan.

So, Premier, please invest in communities, people and the systems they rely on so people can feed themselves.

On Saturday, I was proud to attend the grand opening for the new Art Shelter in the sunflower field at Lakeview Village. Thanks to the $103,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to the dance-theatre company Frog in Hand, this will be an exciting new community space for local art programs.

Since last summer, I had the opportunity to announce over $3 million in OTF grants to over 20 local non-profits in Mississauga. This includes $411,000 for DEEN Support Services to expand their program for people living with intellectual disabilities. This includes $350,000 for Armagh House, the only transitional shelter for domestic violence victims in Peel region. This includes $149,000 for Team Unbreakable to expand their free mental health program. The Eagle Spirits of the Great Waters received $21,000 for Indigenous workshops; $191,000 went to the Don Rowing Club; and $99,000 to the Mississauga Canoe Club, where I volunteered as property manager a long time ago.

Earlier this month, our sprint canoeist Katie Vincent won gold at the Pan Am Games in Chile. She was named one of Canada’s flag-bearers for the closing ceremonies.

On behalf of all the members, I want to congratulate Katie. And I want to congratulate all our non-profits for receiving these grants and on everything they’re doing for our community. I want to just congratulate them all for all they’re doing.

Today, I would like to tell the assembly about Isabel. Isabel is a grade 12 student, and Isabel is enrolled in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. Isabel takes classes at the Carpenters Union, where she learns the basics of math and reading and writing, but she also takes programming with regard to skilled trades. Isabel is going to have all of the basic skills that she needs when she graduates to enter into an apprenticeship program. At the same time, she’s going to get her Ontario secondary school diploma—all at the same time.

All of this is made possible by a great partnership between the Greater Essex County District School Board and the Carpenters Union, which has contributed approximately half a million dollars to make this program possible. And, of course, it’s also made possible by the excellent policies of this provincial government.

Mr. Speaker, I want to encourage Isabel and the thousands of students just like Isabel who are going to finish their Ontario secondary school diploma and get great apprenticeship training through the programs offered by this government. Please, Isabel and all your friends, keep up the great work.

I beg to inform the House that, pursuant to standing order 9(g), the Clerk has received written notice from the government House leader indicating that a temporary change in the weekly meeting schedule of the House is required, and therefore the afternoon routine on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, shall commence at 1 p.m.

This morning I would like to introduce representatives from Western University: president Alan Shepard, Florentine Strzelczyk, Lynn Logan, Penny Pexman, John Doerksen, Keith Gibbons, Peter White and Sophie Helpard. I would like to invite everyone to attend their lunch reception.

I would also like to welcome representatives from the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance. Welcome to Queen’s Park today, gang.