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

I absolutely would.

The Keeping Energy Costs Down Act would, if passed, give the province authority to reverse an Ontario Energy Board decision that would have increased the costs of new homes across the province.

The act would also require the Ontario Energy Board to conduct more public engagements so future decisions support the priorities of the people of Ontario, including keeping energy prices down.

I’ll have more to say at second reading of the bill.

Thank you to the minister for her response. Last week’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to preserving our ecosystems across all of Peterborough–Kawartha. Ontarians want to see our government take meaningful action to ensure a healthy environment for everyone to enjoy, now and into the future.

We know that conserving natural areas such as wetlands, grasslands and forests helps mitigate the effects of climate change. That’s why we must continue our efforts and work in partnership with conservation leaders like Kawartha Land Trust to increase our opportunities to protect nature.

Through you, Speaker, can the minister please tell the House how investments in the Greenlands Conservation Partnership have enabled the government to lead the way in our conservation efforts?

To the member for Humber River–Black Creek: More for less. The customer comes first. The people of Ontario come first. And so my ministry officials reached out with the opportunity of the expiring locations in nine venues in the province of Ontario to look at further alternative delivery models. Every party that has ever formed government here at Queen’s Park has embraced the alternative service delivery model of the private sector.

The retail partnership model, which is now added to with Staples Canada, which extends hours to 9 p.m. on weeknights, all day Saturdays as well—that’s what people are embracing. It was a success with Canadian Tire, IDA and Home Hardware. We’re continuing that. In fact, the member opposite’s party supported the Liberal government on that retail partnership initiative in 2011.

My question is for the Solicitor General. People in my riding of Brampton West are concerned about ongoing car thefts in their communities. They, like many Ontarians, rely on their cars for their commute to work and to drive their family members to school and extracurriculars.

With reports of violent carjackings becoming more prevalent across the country, people in our province are justifiably concerned. They want to see our government combat the rise in auto theft in Ontario so they can feel safe in their own communities.

Speaker, can the Solicitor General share with the House what our government’s strategy is to deal with this new wave of auto theft?

We have seen media reports of Ontario vehicles being smuggled overseas. This has left many people in our province troubled about the safety and security for themselves and their loved ones. But this issue extends across Canada. Our government must collaborate with other provinces and the federal government to put a stop to this criminal activity.

Speaker, can the Solicitor General tell the House what our government is doing to advocate for the people of Ontario and to make sure that our borders are protected?

I want to thank my friend for the question. Auto theft in Ontario is a serious issue. Car thieves have no morals and no decency, and they don’t share the values of who we are as Ontarians. This government will not tolerate this crime. We are of a firm belief that these criminals belong in one place: They belong in jail. We will lock them up and we will throw away the key.

But, Mr. Speaker, our government is taking this very seriously, by investing over $160 million. We’re investing $51 million in the auto theft grant, monies that are flowing to the First Nations, municipal and OPP police service. We’re investing over $100 million in bail compliance to keep these violent and repeat offenders off our streets, and we’re putting over 800 new police officers on the ground by making it easier to get into the Ontario Police College.

For our government, public safety is a priority, morning, noon and night.

Mr. Speaker, at the end of the day, we have one message for those who think it’s okay to steal cars in our province or anywhere in Canada: We’re putting you on notice. We’re putting you out of business.

I am pleased to rise on standing order 59, as I do every week when the House is sitting, to outline the order of business. I will speak slower for the Liberal caucus, who have raised the concern that they are unable to keep up with my recitation of the weekly business.

On Monday, February 26, we will be introducing a bill—later today—and we will be debating that on Monday, February 26, in the afternoon.

February 27, in the morning and in the afternoon, we will continue debate on that bill. That evening, on February 27, there will be no private member’s public business. So colleagues can organize themselves accordingly.

On Wednesday, February 28, we will be debating a bill which will be introduced later today. In the afternoon, we will be debating Bill 162, the Get It Done Act. Private members’ business: We will move to debate on the member for Guelph’s Bill 156.

On Thursday morning, Bill 162, again, will be featured for debate, which is the Get It Done Act. There will be, in the afternoon routine, a ministerial statement on Black History Month. Proceedings for the afternoon on February 29 are yet to be determined. At 6 p.m., the member for Toronto Centre will have Bill 42.

That’s the order of business. I thank colleagues for a very good week.

The supplementary question.

I’ll start with the government House leader, under standing order 59.

Pursuant to standing order 36(a), the member for Waterloo has given notice of their dissatisfaction with the answer to their question given by the Premier regarding Super Bowl commercials. This matter will be debated on Tuesday, following private members’ public business.

Call in the members. This is a five-minute bell.

The division bells rang from 1144 to 1149.

Mr. Saunderson has moved private member’s notice of motion number 75. All those in favour will please rise and remain standing until recognized by the Clerk.

Motion agreed to.

The House recessed from 1153 to 1300.

I would like to thank my OLIP intern, Milena Basciano. It’s her last day today. I hope she’s up there somewhere. I can’t see her. She’s probably hard at work for the last few hours. She was calm in an office that’s sometimes a little bumpy—as you can imagine, Premier. I know that some lucky member on the other side is going to get her. So thank you very much, Milena. Oh, are you’re up there? You’re supposed to be over here.

Speaker, I would also like to take a moment to let the government House leader know that I’m always able to hear him.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my amazing OLIP intern, Kaitlin Gallant. She has been remarkable, and some lucky individual will get her. I’m so grateful. Thank you.

I also want to take a moment to thank my OLIP intern, Evan Cameron, who’s watching on video, and say that, whoever’s office he will be in next—you’re going to have a fantastic OLIP intern. Thank you for your great work, Evan. I got him well trained.

The ayes are 90; the nays are 2.

Bill 151, An Act to amend various statutes regarding infrastructure / Projet de loi 151, Loi modifiant diverses lois relatives aux infrastructures.

Responses?

I want to begin by thanking the minister for acknowledging the finding of terrorism in the justice’s ruling on the murder of four members of our London family. It has been an emotional and painful time for Muslims across this province and in my own community. While this verdict cannot begin to fill the void left by such a senseless act of violence, it is an important step toward justice and closure.

I rise on behalf of the official opposition to commemorate a sombre anniversary. February 24 marks two years since Russia’s unprovoked assault on Ukrainian sovereignty and peace, a brutal escalation of a 10-year conflict that has tested the spirit and resilience of the Ukrainian people. The horror and disbelief experienced around the world that day has been followed by awe and admiration for the bravery, determination and commitment to freedom of Ukrainian women and men.

The two years have taken a devastating toll. The United Nations reports that more than 10,000 civilians have been killed and 18,500 injured since Russia launched its full-scale attack. Almost 15 million Ukrainians, about 40% of the population, require some form of humanitarian assistance and are struggling with PTSD, depression, anxiety, stress and sadness. Four million people are displaced internally, and more than six million are living as refugees globally.

As we sit in the quiet of this chamber today, sirens are sounding in Ukraine. Every day, people are injured and killed. Every day, people are losing their homes and their jobs, and forced to go without access to heat, electricity, water or sanitation. The devastation of war is visible across Ukraine’s beautiful countryside, and immense damage has been done to Ukraine’s infrastructure and wonderful cultural assets: its heritage buildings, its works of art, its creative and cultural spaces.

But despite the overwhelming challenges, despite the fear and uncertainty and the fatigue of war, the Ukrainian identity is strong and the Ukrainian spirit is not broken. Families are carrying on, schools have adapted, businesses have found ways to operate and cultural expressions of resistance have flourished. These inspiring stories of courage, resilience and solidarity have resonated around the globe, reminding us that Ukraine’s fight is not just for the land, but for its right to self-determination as a free and sovereign state, which is why we must condemn Russia’s actions and continue to stand with Ukraine.

In my community, Londoners will gather at a rally on Saturday to show support for our Ukrainian friends, neighbours and co-workers. London has long been home to a thriving Ukrainian community. This past October, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress’s London branch celebrated their 70th anniversary in combination with the 65th anniversary of the Western University Ukrainian Students’ Association.

It is important that we take time in our ridings and in this Legislature to show Ukrainians that the world is still watching; we have not forgotten. Since the Russian invasion in 2022, London’s Ukrainian community has worked tirelessly to raise support for relief efforts for the people still on the ground in Ukraine. They are running events to educate and inform Londoners about the invasion and helping approximately 6,000 refugees of the conflict make a new home in London and across southwestern Ontario, all while hosting the cultural celebrations, family and youth programs, holiday events, markets and food sales that bring so much richness to our city.

London has been privileged to host thousands of Ukrainian refugees, and they have already made a lasting impact in our community, but most of those seeking safety here did not imagine that they would still be in Canada in 2024, watching their phones for updates from family and friends at home or displaced around the world.

On this solemn anniversary, let us commit to working toward a future where conflicts are resolved not through acts of terror or the barrel of a gun, but through dialogue, diplomacy and respect for international law; a future where every nation’s sovereignty is respected, where people can live in peace, without fear of terrorist acts or aggression, and where the ideals of freedom and democracy are upheld and cherished.

The ayes are 62; the nays are 18.

Mr. Jones has moved that, pursuant to standing order 77(a), the order for second reading of Bill 156, An Act to amend the Planning Act with respect to housing policies in official plans and other related amendments, be discharged and the bill be referred to the Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy.

Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? I heard a no.

All those in favour, please say “aye.”

All those opposed, please say “nay.”

In my opinion, the ayes have it.

Call in the members. This is a 30-minute bell.

The division bells rang from 1325 to 1355.

Mr. Jones, Chatham-Kent–Leamington, has moved that, pursuant to standing order 77(a), the order for second reading of Bill 156, An Act to amend the Planning Act with respect to housing policies in official plans and other related amendments, be discharged and the bill be referred to the Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy.

All those in favour, please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk.

Motion agreed to.

I’d like to thank Sally Palmer for getting these petitions.

This is a petition “To Raise Social Assistance Rates.

“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 for individuals on” Ontario Works “and $1,227 for 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 ... and the Ontario Disability Support Program...;

“Whereas the recent small budget 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 live in 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 double social assistance rates for OW and ODSP.”

I fully support this petition and will pass it to page Skye to take to the table.

I move that, pursuant to standing order 77(a), the order for second reading of Bill 156, An Act to amend the Planning Act with respect to housing policies in official plans and other related amendments, be discharged and the bill be referred to the Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy.

I want to say a special thank you to the good seniors in Willowdale for collecting signatures for this petition, which reads as follows:

“Support Bill 21, the Till Death Do Us Part Act.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas there are 38,000 people on the wait-list for long-term care; and

“Whereas the median wait time for a long-term-care bed has risen from 99 days in 2011-12 to 171 days in 2020-21; and

“Whereas according to Home Care Ontario, the cost of a hospital bed is $842 a day, while the cost of a long-term-care bed is $126 a day; and

“Whereas couples should have the right to live together as they age; and

“Whereas Ontario seniors have worked hard to build this province and deserve dignity in care” together; “and

“Whereas Bill 21 amends the Residents’ Bill of Rights in the Fixing Long-Term Care Act to provide the resident with the right upon admission to continue to live with their spouse or partner;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to direct the Minister of Long-Term Care to call Bill 21 to the Standing Committee on Social Policy to find a compassionate solution to provide seniors with the right to live together as they age.”

It’s my pleasure to affix my signature to the petition and give this to Sarah.