The Premier will please take his seat. And I’ll remind the members to make comments through the Chair.

Supplementary question.

I’m honoured to take the first question from the new member, Mr. Speaker. Just to give a bit of background for the new member, in the year 2014-15 annual report of the Landlord and Tenant Board—2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18—they were taking in more cases than they were disposing of. They were creating a backlog. When we came into COVID, all of a sudden, the system actually failed, because they hadn’t maintained the system. The “they” I’m talking about is the Liberal Party. When the NDP held the balance of power, they did nothing to identify these as issues.

Well, we’re going to get it done. We’ve doubled the number of adjudicators. We put a new system in place. We’ve added more staff. We’re making things work. We’re going to get to balance, Mr. Speaker, despite the mess that the Liberals left us.

Let me remind you, Mr. Speaker, that, as the Minister of Municipal Affairs indicated, we have the highest number of purpose-built rentals in the history of this province. That’s what tenants need.

It is a great partnership we have with private donors and folks all across the province to really continue to lead the way in conservation as a province. Since 2020, our government has protected over 420,000 acres of land, an area two and a half times the footprint of the city of Toronto, through the Greenlands Conservation Partnership. This is real progress in conserving Ontario’s biodiversity.

Since the launch of the program in 2020, we have had remarkable success. These successes include Hastings Wildlife Junction, Batchewana Island and, most recently, wetlands on Manitoulin Island. Thanks to our hard work, these lands are now permanently protected.

But our work is far from done. Our government, under the leadership of Premier Ford, will continue to invest in conservation projects and Ontario’s rich biodiversity, and build Ontario’s climate resiliency for generations to come, all while building critical infrastructure like roads and bridges and houses.

My question is for the Premier. Speaker, nobody asked for it, but this government is closing down ServiceOntario locations and putting them into Staples and Walmart. Even worse, they’re paying these American mega-corporations over $1.7 million to do so, in the form of makeover renovations.

Now, this government will pay for the renos in Walmart or Staples but not in existing ServiceOntario locations owned by small Ontario business owners. So why the double standard? Why does this government always put the interests of big US companies over small, homegrown Ontario businesses?

So will this government come clean with the numbers? How much is it going to cost Ontario taxpayers to run ServiceOntario out of Staples and Walmart, and why the secret sole-source process?

I beg to inform the House that today the Clerk received the report on intended appointments dated February 22, 2024, of the Standing Committee on Government Agencies. Pursuant to standing order 110(f)(9), the report is deemed to be adopted by the House.

Report deemed adopted.

Report adopted.

Mr. Todd Smith moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 165, An Act to amend the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998 respecting certain Board proceedings and related matters / Projet de loi 165, Loi modifiant la Loi de 1998 sur la Commission de l’énergie de l’Ontario en ce qui concerne certaines instances dont la Commission est saisie et des questions connexes.

First reading agreed to.

Good afternoon, everyone. It is my honour to welcome community members and the staff and students from St. Demetrius Catholic School in Etobicoke, as well as members of Ontario’s Ukrainian community, to the House.

Colleagues, I rise this afternoon because in two days’ time, on the 24 of February, the world will mark a tragic anniversary. Two years ago, Russia began its latest phase in its illegal, unprovoked and brutal war of aggression on Ukraine and its citizens. As we look back and reflect on these last two years, it has been challenging to put into words the profound impact this conflict has had: the countless lives lost, the families torn apart and the images of once vibrant communities reduced to rubble by Russia’s indiscriminate bombings of civilian centres. These undeniable realities weigh even heavier on our hearts as we approach this difficult anniversary. Today and every day, Ontario stands with the rest of the world in condemning Russia’s actions.

The actions of Russia over the last two years, while highly shocking and deeply saddening, are part of a long history of aggression by Vladimir Putin’s Russia in an effort to exercise control over Ukraine’s sovereign territory and nation. Nearly 10 years ago today, he began his illegal operation with the annexation of Crimea. This action, as we now know, was only part of this destructive campaign and drive for power. Now, two years into total war, one thing has become increasingly clear: Putin will not stop, no matter the cost, destruction and untold misery his actions have unleashed.

While an ocean and a continent separates us from those on the front lines, we, as Ontarians and Canadians, do not have to look far to find living reminders of the impact this conflict is having right here at home. Speaker, in the gallery joining us here today, as introduced earlier, are members and leaders of Ontario’s Ukrainian communities and the students of St. Demetrius Catholic School in Etobicoke, some of whom are new to Canada, having fled their homes in search of safety, and many of whom have family and loved ones who remain in harm’s way. No words delivered here today could ever begin to encapsulate the feelings and hardship they—along with thousands of others who have sought refuge here in Ontario. We welcome you to the Legislature today—your seat of government—and thank you for joining us.

In my capacity as Ontario’s Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, I have had the honour and privilege of meeting with many from Ontario’s Ukrainian communities. I have seen first-hand how the loss and anguish brought on by a conflict of this scale has the power to test the resolve of even the strongest of communities. And yet, even during the darkest moments of this conflict, the resilience, courage and unwavering spirit of the Ukrainian people continues to shine ever so bright. In the face of unimaginable hardship, they have remained steadfast and shown that no invasion, war or conflict will ever extinguish their love of country and determination for a brighter day to come once again—a day when the sun rises over the eastern Ukrainian sky, when war is no more, communities are restored and peace is the everlasting normal.

I have seen this resilience shared first-hand on more than one occasion. Last May, I was fortunate enough to join the Ukrainian Canadian Congress for their Vyshyvanka Day celebrations at Toronto’s High Park. The vibrant garments of white, blue and yellow—which have long been a symbol of Ukrainian heritage, dignity and good luck and good fortune to those who wear it. That evening, however, it became clear that now more than ever, the Vyshyvanka has taken on a new meaning, as a symbol of Ukraine’s continued strength, independence and resistance to Russia’s genocidal campaign.

In September, I saw this spirit on full display once again when I joined the Premier and over 1,000 community members in welcoming President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Toronto. I still remember the deafening roar as the crowd cheered, and the pride as those in attendance proudly proclaimed, “Slava Ukraini.” As President Zelenskyy said in his remarks that night, “The day will come when we gather at a similar place in Ukraine, many people, millions, cheering crowds, blue and yellow flags and Maple Leaf flags.” I, too, have no doubt that that day will come. We have seen the undying spirit of the Ukrainian people in our communities, across Canada and around the world. And that spirit is simply too strong, too unwavering for even Vladimir Putin to suppress, try as he might.

As Canadians and as Ontarians, we have a moral obligation to stand up and to speak up when we see evil take place. From the very beginning, Ontario has been there to lend a hand of support to the Ukrainian people. Our government, under the leadership of the Premier, has taken and continues to take action to step up and help those arriving in Ontario. Since the start of the war, we have proudly welcomed over 75,000 displaced Ukrainians find safety here in our great province. As part of these efforts, our government launched a suite of supports for these newcomers to restore a sense of normality back to their lives—from a dedicated job-search hotline to connect new arrivals to local employers in their communities, to OHIP coverage and drug benefits, access to emergency housing, employment services, mental health and wellness support through investments in settlement agencies and local organizations, as well as the new provincial Ontario-Ukraine Solidarity Scholarship to provide eligible students with the ability to pursue post-secondary education.

These investments are helping ensure that all who have come to Ontario, whether as a temporary home or as a permanent one, have the tools and opportunities to build a life here in our great province for as long as they choose to stay.

In addition, under the leadership of the Minister of Education, Ontario became the first province to mandate learning of the Holodomor, a famine genocide which led to the deaths of over three million Ukrainian men, women and children. This curriculum will ensure grade 10 students from all corners of Ontario can learn about the impacts of this genocide and how it was caused by a radical communist ideology like the Soviet Union. More importantly, however, this curriculum will stress the importance of standing up for the values that unite us and not being a bystander in the face of evil and those who look to sow division and hatred within our communities or elsewhere.

We have done all these things not only because they were the right things to do, but because we as Ontarians and Canadians know that it is our duty and responsibility to stand with our allies and with those who share our values of freedom, democracy, the rule of law and the fundamental belief that all have the right to live life with dignity.

Madam Speaker, Ontario has long been a beacon of light and hope for people from all around the world. We as Ontarians take great pride in being from a place where all are welcomed and where our diversity is viewed as a source of strength. As home to one of the largest Ukrainian communities in the world, we share a unique bond with Ukraine, one that is bolstered by our common values and the strong ties of friendship that connect our two jurisdictions. We are so incredibly proud to be home to such a strong and vibrant Ukrainian community here in Ontario, one whose contributions have helped build our province into everything it is today. Our government will never waver in its support for the people of Ukraine and the Ukrainian community here at home in its ongoing fight for freedom, not just today but every day.

Madam Speaker, as the world marks this tragic anniversary, there is no denying how long and difficult the road to this point has been. And while we do not know yet when it may end, know that we walk alongside you, now and always, in your struggle for peace and a brighter future for the Ukrainian people. Thank you. Slava Ukraini.

Applause.

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

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.

This is not really a parliamentary point of order, but I think it’s worth pointing out that today is my husband’s, my best friend’s, the first lady of St. Catharines’s 61st birthday.

So I’d like to wish you, Jimmy, a very happy birthday. May all your wishes come true.

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?