My question this morning is for the Premier.

Phil Verster, the million-dollar CEO of Metrolinx, missed yet another deadline last week with the Eglinton Crosstown LRT. In September, Mr. Verster told us we needed to give him some space, and he would get back to us with an update in two months on this failing project. What was that update, Speaker? That we would find out 60 days before the Eglinton Crosstown might open.

A simple question, Premier: Were you satisfied with that answer?

Why does Mr. Verster still have his job? Why does he still have 78 executives serving him, soaking up the sunshine list? Answer the question this morning. Lean into the microphone. Are you happy with the answer Mr. Verster gave us or are you going to fire him like a competent government would?

Interjections.

I want to thank the member for his remarks.

As I’m looking over this bill, I want to agree with colleagues who’ve said there’s lots that’s supportable here.

I’m wondering if the member could elaborate with his expertise on whether or not the entire payday loan industry may be implicated by this particular bill—payday loans being regulated provincially, the maximum interest rates being set federally. I note in particular that the language in the bill talks about it being an unconscionable act to enter into a contract with a consumer if the person knows or ought to know that there is no reasonable probability the consumer will be able to pay the total amount owing under the contract. I just want to point out to the House that, currently, it is the business practice of this industry to allow for short-term loans of amounts of $1,500 or less, over two weeks, to have interest rates between 400% to 600%.

I want to ask the minister, given his expertise, if he thinks it’s fair, given what Bill 142 has tried to accomplish, to allow this industry to continue to gouge people with disabilities, low-income folks, people who need help. Does he believe the bill provides an—