I beg leave to present a report from the Standing Committee on Social Policy and move its adoption.

Your committee begs to report the following bill without amendment:

Bill 153, An Act to amend the Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act, 2012 / Projet de loi 153, Loi modifiant la Loi de 2012 sur un système d’information sur les infrastructures souterraines en Ontario.

Bill 149, An Act to amend various statutes with respect to employment and labour and other matters / Projet de loi 149, Loi modifiant diverses lois en ce qui concerne l’emploi, le travail et d’autres questions.

I want to make two important introductions today: my policy adviser, Paulina Awwadeh, who has done an incredible job helping with the introduction of the next piece of legislation; and Dakota Brasier, who is also here to support and for all of her help with the media side.

MPP Hazell moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 163, An Act to amend the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 / Projet de loi 163, Loi modifiant la Loi de 2006 sur la location à usage d’habitation.

The bill amends the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, to provide for a residential rent freeze for the calendar year 2025, subject to specified exceptions, and to provide that no landlord shall terminate the tenancy under sections 48 or 49 of the act during the same period, subject to specified exceptions.

Thank you to my colleague from Brampton North for his question. Improving the health and well-being of our next generation has been our government’s priority since day one and we remain committed to doing so.

Last Monday, the Minister of Long-Term Care and I joined our provincial colleagues in Halifax to announce the expansion of Jays Care to Nova Scotia. Our government is pleased to support the charitable works of the Jays Care Foundation and the interprovincial framework that expands access to the Jays Care 50/50 raffle. It’s a raffle that uses the power of sport and play to improve the lives of youth across the country. This is the first time Canadians outside of Ontario have been able to take part. This is a model that is a first in North America, Mr. Speaker, and I’m proud to say that this type of work can only be done when we come together as a team.

Speaker, our government is leading the way in helping more young people stay active and healthy in their everyday lives. Our announcement in Cole Harbour last Monday, along with Minister LeBlanc, is a first of a kind. I’ll have more to say in supplementary.

That’s what it’s all about: the children in our communities. Affordability is an issue these days, and this will help. Building strong communities and improving the lives of people, Jays Care supports 59,000 kids in Jays Care programs. Just last year alone, in 2023, 2,399 coaches and leaders were trained, 15 more baseball fields were refurbished or built, and the list goes on. This interprovincial agreement will allow more people to get involved in the big game. Whether you’re in Ontario or down east in Nova Scotia, you can participate and support more kids and youth in sports.

By expanding access to Jays Care 50/50 in Nova Scotia, the Jays Care Foundation is supporting our mission and, likewise, the great folks in Premier Houston’s government. Mr. Speaker, I think there’s no doubt: We hit this one out of the park.

I beg leave to present a report on Value-for-Money Audit: Conserving the Niagara Escarpment, 2022 Annual Report of the Office of the Auditor General of Ontario, from the Standing Committee on Public Accounts and move the adoption of its recommendations.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the permanent membership of the committee and substitute members who participated in the public hearings and report-writing process. The committee extends its appreciation to officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and the Niagara Escarpment Commission.

The committee also acknowledges the assistance provided by the Office of the Auditor General, the Clerk of the Committee and legislative research.

With that, I move adjournment of the debate.

I’d like to introduce two visitors from my riding of Sarnia–Lambton, here for the tributes later this afternoon: Mr. Dave Brown and his son Taylor, from Sarnia–Lambton and Toronto, respectively. Thank you, and welcome to Queen’s Park.

Mr. Speaker, we are doing what the AODA meant for us to do. Our government is taking action on new initiatives that will provide direct experience on AODA issues from people with disabilities. We are building evacuation plans for all government buildings to ensure safe evacuation of people with disabilities. We’ll ensure all government procurement complies with the AODA. We are using recommendations from the fourth legislative review to achieve and exceed the goals of the AODA. We are getting it done.

It’s great to be here with everybody.

My question is for the Attorney General now. Thanks to the Liberal carbon tax and inflation, the cost of living is out of control. For many families in Ontario, the cost of programming is actually the biggest barrier in accessing physical activity programs for their children.

Organizations like the Jays Care Foundation, a Toronto-based registered charity, work to level the playing field for children and youth in the country. Over the years, kids in our province have enjoyed the safe and accessible programs Jays Care offers to build friendships and develop recreational skills.

It’s important our government continues to support initiatives that enable children to stay healthy and active. Speaker, can the Attorney General please share our government’s efforts in helping Ontario youth get active through collaborating with the jares care foundation?

I want to thank the Attorney General for his response. It’s great to see our government demonstrate outstanding leadership in connecting more children and youth to sport and recreation opportunities.

Physical activity plays a significant role in strengthening kids’ overall well-being. However, many families are not able to enrol their children in sports programs due to financial constraints.

Jays Care creates programs that are accessible and provides pathways for kids to enjoy sports and play with their peers. I encourage everyone in this House to learn more about the Jays Care program and how you can help one more kid build their happy and healthy future.

Speaker, can the Attorney General elaborate on how this historic deal supports Ontario’s children and youth in sports?

It gives me great pleasure to introduce the one and only, hip-hop artist from Ontario, Bishop Brigante. He’s here with his wife Melanie McVey, his dad, Oscar Parra, and his friend Atiba Roach. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

“Lowering the Age Criteria for Colonoscopy Testing to Save Lives.

“Whereas colorectal cancer is the leading cause of death for men, and early detection is crucial for successful treatment; and

“Whereas we believe it is time to change the age criteria that doctors use to determine when patients should undergo a colonoscopy; and

“Whereas individuals are considered eligible for a colonoscopy at the age of 50. However, alarming statistics show an increasing number of young adults, both women and men, being diagnosed with this deadly disease; and

“Whereas screening at an earlier age can detect and treat colorectal cancer in its early stages, significantly improving survival rates and reducing the burden of this devastating disease; and

“Whereas expanding access to colonoscopies for men and women in their thirties can identify precancerous polyps and detect early-stage cancers that may otherwise go unnoticed until they become more advanced and difficult to treat; and

“Whereas it is essential to address the rising incidence of colorectal cancer among younger individuals and take proactive measures to protect their health;”

They petition the Legislative Assembly as follows:

“To lower the age criteria for colonoscopy testing and promote greater public awareness of the importance of early detection of ... cancer.”

I fully support this petition, Speaker, will affix my name to it and send it to the table with page Isaac.

I would like to thank again the family behind this petition, who joined us today, for all their efforts. Thank you for what you did.

The supplementary question?

The House recessed from 1146 to 1500.

Debate adjourned.

Report adopted.

Report adopted.

Mr. Sarkaria moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 162, An Act to enact the Protecting Against Carbon Taxes Act, 2024 and amend various Acts / Projet de loi 162, Loi édictant la Loi de 2024 sur la protection contre les taxes sur le carbone et modifiant diverses lois.

First reading agreed to.

First reading agreed to.

I’d like to introduce my guests today. Our constituency team, our fresh group: Courtney, Patience and Eda are joining us from downtown Kitchener. And my dad, Brendan Clancy, is here; my kids, James and Zidra; and my husband, Ryan.

I would like to thank Kim Wilson from Bowmanville for submitting this petition:

“Extend Access to Post-Adoption Birth Information.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas current legislation does not provide access to post-adoption birth information ... to next of kin if an adult adopted person or a natural/birth parent is deceased;

“Whereas this barrier to accessing post-adoption birth information separates immediate family members and prohibits the children of deceased adopted people from gaining knowledge of their identity and possible Indigenous heritage;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to extend access to post-adoption birth information ... to next of kin, and/or extended next of kin, if an adult adopted person or a natural/birth parent is deceased.”

I fully support this petition. I will sign it and pass it to page Jeremy to deliver to the table.

I want to thank members of my riding and communities across the province for sending this petition to legalize missing-middle and mid-rise housing in Ontario.

“Whereas Ontario is facing a housing crisis; and

“Whereas the government has a goal of building 1.5 million homes by 2031; and

“Whereas sprawl development has been shown to be more expensive and more environmentally destructive than infill development within existing urban boundaries; and

“Whereas current ... zoning laws prohibit the construction of most missing-middle and mid-rise housing developments; and

“Whereas we can address both the housing and climate crises by building missing-middle and mid-rise housing in existing neighbourhoods;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly to amend the Planning Act to allow for fourplexes and four-storey buildings province-wide and mid-rise housing ranging from six to 11 storeys on main streets and transit corridors as of right.”

Speaker, I support this petition. I will sign it and ask page Paras to bring it to the table.

J’ai une pétition intitulée « Appuyez la Loi de Chad »—a petition to support Chad’s Law.

« À l’attention de l’Assemblée législative de l’Ontario / To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

« Attendu que l’Ontario est la seule province canadienne où il n’est pas interdit de dépasser un véhicule en passant par-dessus deux lignes jaunes pleines / Whereas Ontario is the only Canadian province that didn’t completely ban passing on double yellow lines;

« Attendu que cette manoeuvre peut s’avérer mortelle et que son utilisation ne devrait pas être laissée à la discrétion du conducteur / Whereas this manoeuvre can be fatal and its use should not be left to drivers’ discretion;

« Attendu que la Loi de Chad est appuyée par plusieurs municipalités, l’association des camionneurs pour la sécurité routière et des membres du service de police de l’Ontario / Whereas multiple municipalities, truckers for highway safety and multiple OPP officers support Chad’s Law;

« Attendu que la sécurité routière est l’affaire de tous et que le gouvernement de l’Ontario a la responsabilité d’améliorer la sécurité sur les autoroutes de l’Ontario / Whereas highway safety is a public concern and that the government of Ontario has the responsibility to make Ontario roads safer for everyone;

« Attendu que la Loi de Chad a été déposée à l’Assemblée législative de l’Ontario le 21 novembre 2023 et interdirait aux conducteurs de passer sur deux lignes jaunes pleines sur tout le territoire de l’Ontario / Whereas Chad’s Law has been introduced in the Legislative Assembly on November 21, 2023 and would prohibit drivers from passing on double solid yellow lines;

« Nous, soussignés, pétitionnons l’Assemblée législative de l’Ontario / We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

« D’adopter le projet de loi 152—la Loi de Chad—dès maintenant / To adopt the private member’s Bill 152—Chad’s Law—now. »

Ça me fait plaisir de signer cette pétition et la remettre à Sarah pour l’amener à la table des greffiers.

It’s nice to see everyone again after a long time in our ridings. I have a petition from the Animal Alliance:

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas thousands of compassionate citizens bring wildlife to authorized non-profit wildlife rehabilitation centres;

“Whereas on September 26, 2023, according to traumatized staff and volunteers of Mally’s Third Chance Raccoon Rescue and Rehabilitation centre, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry launched a massive military-style raid on the non-profit organization; and

“Whereas this is not the first time such unjustified actions have occurred; indeed in 2002, the ministry conducted a similar raid at the Ottawa-Carleton Wildlife Centre, seizing their raccoons;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

“Explain why ministry staff conducted such a raid, if, as reported, there had been no site inspections for 18 months; and

“Transfer the raccoons seized from Mally’s Third Chance Raccoon Rescue and Rehabilitation Sanctuary to a licensed rehabilitation facility at the cost of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.”

I will send all of these petitions with our new page, Max.

This comes from many across Ontario who are fighting back against legislated poverty.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas Ontario’s social assistance rates are well below Canada’s official Market Basket Measure poverty line and far from adequate to cover the rising costs of food and rent: $733” a month “for individuals on OW and” $1,308 for folks on ODSP;

“Whereas an open letter to the Premier and two cabinet ministers, signed by over 230 organizations, recommends that social assistance rates be doubled for both Ontario Works (OW) and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP);

“Whereas the recent small increase of 5% for ODSP still leaves these citizens” well “below the poverty line, both they and those receiving the frozen OW rates are struggling to survive at this time of alarming inflation;

“Whereas the government of Canada recognized in its CERB program that a ‘basic income’ of $2,000 per month was the standard support required by individuals who lost their employment during the pandemic;

“We, the undersigned citizens of Ontario, petition the Legislative Assembly to” more than “double social assistance rates for OW and ODSP.”

I support this petition and will sign it and pass it to Mesapé, the page, to bring to the table.

I’m honoured to rise today to pay tribute to the late Mr. Andrew S. Brandt, who served as the Conservative MPP for the former riding of Sarnia, which later became the riding of Sarnia–Lambton, from 1981 to 1990. He was appointed the Minister of the Environment in 1983 and the Minister of Industry and Trade in 1985.

I’d also like to welcome Mr. Brandt’s family and friends who are here with us today and watching from home. I know the Speaker has mentioned your names, but it’s an honour to mention your names as well. We’re joined by his friends David Brown and Taylor Brown and former MPPs David Warner, Judy Marsales, Steve Gilchrist and Phil Gillies. Thank you all for being here.

Andrew S. Brandt, affectionately known by many as Andy, served in many elected roles over the decades of politics in the city of Sarnia. He was known as a leader, a negotiator, and was well-respected by his constituents and colleagues.

Before entering the stage of politics, Mr. Brandt owned a music shop, the Academy of Musical Arts, which gave him the opportunity to share his love of music and his own talents in playing many musical instruments.

Prior to his service in the Ontario Legislature, Mr. Brandt had already garnered a rich career in politics and public service. In 1971, he won his first campaign and was elected to the city of Sarnia council, where he served until 1975. He then went on to be elected as the mayor of Sarnia from 1975 until 1980, MPP for Sarnia from 1981 until 1990, interim leader of the Ontario PC Party from 1987 until 1990, and then head of the LCBO from 1991 until 2006.

Mr. Brandt was truly focused on building relationships, strengthening voices at all levels of government and staying true to one’s own morals and values. He rallied, during his years in municipal government, to raise issues that were important to his residents, who he always took time to connect with. He amplified their voices at many tables, including city council chambers, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, where he was the former vice-president, and as a member of the chamber of commerce.

His accomplishments made lasting impacts in Sarnia, including the approval of Highway 402, downtown rejuvenation and the establishment of the Sarnia Bay Marina, which was later renamed in his honour.

As a former MPP, Mr. Brandt pushed back against the federal government’s energy program, despite his party being largely in favour of it. He served as the Ontario PC Party interim leader during a difficult period and was credited with breathing new life into the party during his leadership.

Despite a tireless career in politics and community service, Mr. Brandt always approached absolutely everyone with a deep respect, no matter their challenges or their circumstances. He was admired for his calm nature, laid-back attitude and his jovial approach, including the many jokes he made to break the ice. Mr. Brandt was truly a dedicated representative, a man of community service and a dear friend to many.

He held several other prestigious roles, including head of the LCBO, as was mentioned, former president of the Kiwanis Club, former chairman of the United Appeal, over 20 years chairing the Lambton College Foundation and honorary member of Canada’s three armed forces. Every role was fulfilled with dedication, determination and the highest level of engagement.

I’m honoured to pay tribute to Mr. Andrew S. Brandt and all that he has done for Sarnia and the province of Ontario. I would like to thank Mr. Brandt’s wife, Patricia; his two daughters, Sheree and Lori; his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren all for sharing him with Sarnia and the province of Ontario. We all know that we’re not able to do this job without the loving support of our families, so a big thank you to them.

Mr. Brandt lives on in his immortalized words in Hansard and in the many results of the accomplishments and achievements he made throughout his political career. Most of all, he lives on in the lives and memories of his loving and proud family and all who had the pleasure of knowing him and sharing his vision, laughter and leadership.

It’s an honour today to pay tribute to Andrew S. Brandt—or Andy, as he preferred to be called—who served the people of Sarnia in these chambers from 1981 to 1990 in various roles.

Although I didn’t know Mr. Brandt personally, I’ve been told that he lived a life of service and leadership. He always strived to make a positive difference and left a lasting legacy.

Born in London, Ontario, in 1938, Mr. Brandt discovered his passion for music at an early age. He spent lots of time on the music scene and went on to become a professional accordion player. He was a man of many talents and his renowned band, Andy Brandt and the El Dorados, gained wide recognition in the community. He always wanted to promote the importance of music to our youth, so later he founded the Academy of Musical Arts, where he taught and inspired many aspiring musicians.

Mr. Brandt had a calling for public service, and prior to being elected as an MPP, he first served as an alderman and then as mayor from 1971 to 1980. Shortly after taking office as alderman, he said he wanted to be remembered as the man responsible for changing Sarnia’s direction. Accomplishments during this tenure included the approval for Highway 402 and working with private developers to rejuvenate the downtown core.

In 1981, he was elected as the MPP for Sarnia and joined the Progressive Conservative government of Bill Davis. During this time, he held various positions, including Minister of the Environment, industry and trade, and consumer and commercial relations. He was a strong advocate for his constituents and a respected voice in this Legislature.

Mr. Brandt then took on the tough task of being the interim leader of the Progressive Conservatives in 1987 after the party suffered a devastating defeat, something I can relate to. Andrew led the PCs through some of the toughest times in their party’s history and he brought new life to the Tories. What that tells me is, he was able to bring people together at a time when everything was there to drive them apart, that he had that special kind of talent to be able to do that. Now, it’s said he wasn’t shy when he got to the mike, and that’s what I’ve heard. But no matter what the crowd, he was always cheerful and got a laugh. It’s funny, I was talking to Sean Conway, another long-serving member in this Legislature here, and what Sean said is, he really could have been a stand-up comedian. Whenever a hospital was saying, “We want to do a fundraiser,” he said, “Get Andy Brandt.” So it says something.

After he served here at Queen’s Park—everybody loved him here—he became the chair of the LCBO. He was appointed under my colleagues here on my right-hand side, who are actually on the left, and then reappointed under Dalton McGuinty. That says something about the kind of person that he was, that he could bring people together, that he knew what he wanted to get done. He revitalized the LCBO. I mean, all of us remember writing down those numbers and getting the brown paper bags. Things changed. That’s a good thing.

He was a musician, a businessman, a mayor, a minister and a leader. And he brought integrity, compassion and vision to this Legislature. He’s left a lasting legacy here in Ontario and beyond. I know that he will be dearly missed by his family, his friends and colleagues, who will always remember his kindness, his humour and his wisdom.

To all of his family who are here today, thank you for sharing him with us. We all know this: Our families give a lot to this place. We appreciate that, and I’m sure that Andy appreciated that as well.

Thank you very much, Speaker.