My question is for the Premier.

The Greater Hamilton Health Network laid out a pre-budget submission—a detailed plan endorsed and supported by over 67 stakeholders. Their ask was $20 million, but the government allocated only $2.2 million this week, just a tenth of the proposal. The proposal, if fully funded, would see over 55,000 residents in Hamilton and the surrounding areas connected with a family doctor—team-based, patient-centred medical care and support in high schools that are at risk in our communities.

Premier, what is the reason this funding is not in the budget this year?

Ontario health teams like GHHN have the solutions. They do the work. They just need the funding. Their comprehensive proposal would see the equivalent of nearly 170 full-time additional health care providers, from nurses to social workers and more. Their plan would have included administrative support so physicians could spend time with their patients, as the NDP have proposed. Now they are left with just one tenth of their need.

Premier, I ask you again: Is this the funding that communities like Hamilton can count on in this budget?

The member is referring to a project that has been inactive since 2008.

I will echo the sentiments of the Premier and the government, which is that protecting human health and environment is our top priority.

We heard concerns from the community about the Reid Road reservoir quarry, particularly when it comes to groundwater protection and the need for additional consultation, assessment and oversight for the project. That is why we have required the Reid Road reservoir quarry to be subject to a project-specific environmental assessment process under the Environmental Assessment Act. The regulation provides an additional opportunity for potential impacts to the environment to be assessed, including local groundwater, to make sure we have further consultations to ensure concerns are addressed. The proponent has commenced its project-specific environmental assessment.

Speaker, there’s more to say, and I will continue in my supplemental.

The member may be aware that the proponent has commenced this project-specific environmental assessment process and has began consulting with government agencies, Indigenous communities and the public in preparation for this environmental assessment.

I encourage the public to participate in the ongoing environmental assessment process and to share their concerns directly with the proponent. Once the assessment is complete and submitted, the minister and the ministry will undertake a review, and there will be opportunities for the public to submit comments to the ministry prior to a final decision being made. But a final decision has not been made.

I thank all members for a productive week for the people of the province of Ontario.

On Monday, April 8, in the morning, as colleagues know, we will be coming back at 9 o’clock and we will begin with government notice of motion number 77. In the afternoon, we will go to Bill 180, which is the Building a Better Ontario Act.

In the morning of Tuesday, April 9, we will continue with Bill 180, the Building a Better Ontario Act. In the afternoon, we will continue with Bill 180. In private members’ business, it will be Bill 170.

On Wednesday, April 10, in the morning, it’s Bill 180, the Building a Better Ontario Act. In the afternoon, it’s government motion number 77. Private members’ public business will be Bill 173.

On Thursday, April 11, in the morning, we will be debating a bill that will be introduced earlier in the week. In the afternoon, we will move to government motion number 77. And private members’ public business will be Bill 172.

The ayes are 86; the nays are 3.

I just wanted to make sure that I welcomed some distinguished guests who are in the gallery today. From Brock University, we have Dr. Lesley Rigg, Meaghan Rusnell, and Daniel Grubb. And, of course, we have our lovely April Jeffs with us. I want to acknowledge them and welcome them to Queen’s Park.

I just want to take a moment to introduce Robin, Suzanne and Carrie-Lee, who are doing an incredible job in skilled trades. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

If I may build on the member’s introduction, I want to also welcome Dr. Deborah MacLatchy, the president of Wilfrid Laurier, who’s here. Thank you for joining us in the people’s House.

It’s my great pleasure to recognize a long-term dear friend of mine. We went to high school together in Port Hope. Yes, it was the last millennium. But it’s great to have Harry Worsley with us today. He’s from Uxbridge, a commercial tree farmer. It’s great to see you, Harry. Thanks for coming. Welcome.

She’s actually not here, but I know she’s watching on TV because she said that she wanted to see petitions today, so I want to wish a happy birthday to my wife, Lorien Smith.

I’ll sign the petition and give it to page Parker.

I just want to say a big welcome to some of my constituency staff, Kam Sandhu and Saroj Gandhi, and a couple of constituents, Aftab Sehgal and Ranjit Bassi. Welcome to your House.

I beg to inform the House that today the Clerk received the report on intended appointments dated March 28, 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.

Mr. Ke moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 183, An Act to proclaim the month of February as Chinese Heritage Month / Projet de loi 183, Loi proclamant le mois de février Mois du patrimoine chinois.

First reading agreed to.

Today, Ontario is home to more than 820,000 people of Chinese origin. Since 1788, the Chinese community has been making a significant, progressive and enduring impact in Canada by helping to build critical infrastructure such as the Canadian Pacific Railway and improve the Canadian economy, while adding depth and character to the social fabric of our nation.

February is an important month for the Chinese Canadian community, because the Lunar New Year occurs during this winter season and represents a significant cultural observance and celebratory time. By proclaiming the month of February as Chinese Heritage Month, the province of Ontario publicly acknowledges and affirms its commitment to celebrate and educate future generations about the important role that Chinese Canadians have played and continue to play.

This petition is titled “Transform Ontario’s Energy Sector,” and it reads:

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas our planet is undergoing significant warming with adverse consequences for health, for agriculture, for infrastructure and for our children’s future;

“Whereas the costs of inaction are severe, such as extreme weather events causing flooding and drought;

“Whereas in 2023 Canadians experienced the most severe wildfire season on record, 2023 was the hottest year on record, and 2024 is anticipated to be even hotter;

“Whereas successive governments over the last two decades have expanded gas plants despite public pushback;

“Whereas reports, such as those from RBC Climate Action Institute, Dunsky Energy and Climate Advisors, and the Sustainability Solutions Group agree that the government must immediately reduce our reliance on fossil fuels;

“Whereas the conclusion of the Ontario Energy Board regarding Enbridge’s plan for a multi-billion dollar methane gas grid expansion is ‘not responsive to the energy transition and increases the risk of stranded or underutilized assets’;

“Whereas Ontario must reduce our province’s reliance on fossil fuels and instead invest in new renewable energy projects to ensure we meet our provincial climate targets;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to pause the expansion of methane-fired electricity generation, and begin to wind down their use to just standby ‘peaker’ plants; expand and accelerate the procurement of electricity from renewable sources, while lifting the moratorium on offshore wind power, negotiating increased power transfers from Quebec and pursuing more conservation, demand management, and distributed energy networks; support the Ontario Energy Board’s recent decision recognizing the current energy transition, and its implications for new, small-volume customer methane-gas connections.”

I support this decision, will affix my signature to it and give it to page Anne.

It’s my honour to present the following petitions on behalf of a number of different wonderful educators and all-around good people: Steve Desmond, Tracy Morrison, Marcie Zavitz, Laura Cornish, Matthew Warren, Marianne Petovello, Leslie Bondy, Kate Campbell, Jacqui Shields, Jennifer Latella and Carol Lynn Bradley. And it’s titled “Keep Classrooms Safe for Students and Staff.”

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas students and education workers deserve stronger, safer schools in which to learn and work;

“Whereas the pressure placed on our education system has contributed to an increase in reports of violence in our schools;

“Whereas crowded classrooms, a lack of support for staff, and underfunding of mental health supports are all contributing to this crisis;

“Whereas the government of Ontario has the responsibility and tools to address this crisis, but has refused to act;

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

“Take immediate action to address violence in our schools;

“Invest in more mental health resources;

“End violence against education workers and improve workplace violence reporting.”

I fully support this petition, will affix my signature and deliver it with page Bhavna to the Clerks.

This petition’s entitled “Mental Health Services in Ontario.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas there is currently a lack of consistent mental health intake policies and care across Ontario when people seek assistance at hospitals;

“Whereas staff training and readiness to support patients with mental health issues at Ontario’s hospitals lacks consistency and is not sufficiently trauma-informed or evidence-based;

“Whereas current discharge procedures often leave vulnerable people without access to adequate care or support;

“Whereas ... 4,500 people” have died “by suicide each year in Canada and suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth and young adults ages 15 to 34; and

“Whereas the experience of Waterloo’s Roth family in the death of their daughter Kaitlyn has brought to light serious flaws in mental health discharge procedures;

We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to direct the Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions to earmark funding for dedicated training for staff providing mental health services with a focus on evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches, to review intake and discharge procedures to ensure consistency of care, and to provide funding for alternative destination clinics in communities across Ontario.”

It’s my pleasure to support this petition in honour of Kaitlyn Roth and sign my signature.

I have a petition addressed to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario entitled “Pass the Safe Night Out Act.” It reads:

“Whereas we are experiencing a sexual violence epidemic, with Statistics Canada reporting in 2021 that sexual assault was at its highest level in 25 years and community support organizations reporting more crisis calls than ever;

“Whereas 65% of women report experiencing unwanted sexual advances while socializing in a bar or restaurant, and incidents of sexual assaults involving drugs and alcohol most often occur immediately after leaving a licensed establishment or event; and

“Whereas there is no legal requirement for the people who hold liquor licences and permits, sell and serve liquor, or provide security at licensed establishments and events to be trained in recognizing and safely intervening in sexual harassment and violence;

“Whereas servers in licensed establishments also face high risk of sexual violence and harassment from co-workers and patrons;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to immediately pass the Ontario NDP’s Safe Night Out Act to make Ontario’s bars and nightclubs safer for patrons and staff by requiring training in sexual violence and harassment prevention, by strengthening protections for servers from workplace sexual violence, and by requiring every establishment to develop and post a policy on how sexual violence and harassment will be handled, including accessing local resources and supports.”

I fully support this petition, affix my signature and send it to the table with page Emily.

“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...;

“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 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;”

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

I fully support this petition, affix my signature and send it to the table with page Olivia.

I have another petition that I’ve already read into the record once, certified by the Clerks, that asks the federal government to delay or stop the carbon tax increase on April 1.

I will sign this petition and give it to page Sarah to give to the Clerks.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas Alzheimer’s disease affects over 250,000 people in the province of Ontario;

“Whereas it is estimated that approximately 400,000 individuals will be diagnosed with dementia by 2030;

“Whereas by the year 2050, more than 1.7 million Canadians are expected to be living with dementia, with an average of 685 individuals diagnosed each day;

“Whereas Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging and is irreversible;

“Whereas 69% of LTC residents are living with dementia...;

“Whereas strategies to mitigate stigma and combat ageism should be at the heart of the strategy;

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

“To urge all members of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to build on the progress this government has made on building a patient-centred home and community care system.”

I fully endorse this petition, will sign it and give it to page Olivia.

I’m happy to sign it on behalf of the residents of Peterborough–Kawartha and give it to page Noah to take to the table.

I fully endorse this petition, will sign my name and give it to page Tyler.

This petition is titled “To Raise Social Assistance Rates.” It’s signed by residents from Port Dover, Cambridge, Sault Ste. Marie, Mount Hope, Dundas, Belleville, Pickering, Mississauga, Hamilton-Stoney Creek. It reads:

“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 OW and $1,308 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” OW and ODSP;

“Whereas small increases to ODSP have still left these citizens 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 double social assistance rates for OW and ODSP.”

I could not agree more. I will affix my signature and give it to page Anne once again. And I want to thank Dr. Sally Palmer for sending these petitions.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas Ontarians should get health care based on need—not the size of your wallet;

“Whereas Premier ... Ford and Health Minister Jones say they’re planning to privatize parts of health care;

“Whereas privatization will bleed nurses, doctors and PSWs out of our public hospitals, making the health care crisis worse;

“Whereas privatization always ends with patients getting a bill;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to immediately stop all plans to further privatize Ontario’s health care system, and fix the crisis in health care by:”

—fixing the damage caused by Bill 124;

“—licensing tens of thousands of internationally educated nurses and other health care professionals already in Ontario, who wait years and pay thousands to have their credentials certified;

“—legislating 10 employer-paid sick days;

“—making education and training free or low-cost for nurses, doctors and other health care professionals,” particularly in rural and northern Ontario;

“—incentivizing” them “to choose to live and work in” these parts;

“—funding hospitals to have enough nurses on every shift, on every ward.”

I support this petition, will affix my signature and give it to page Bhavna.

Resuming the debate adjourned on March 28, 2024, on the motion that this House approves in general the budgetary policy of the government.

It’s my honour to read the following petition into the record. It’s entitled “Health Care: Not for Sale.” It reads:

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas Ontarians should get health care based on need—not the size of your wallet;

“Whereas Premier Ford and Health Minister Jones say they’re planning to privatize parts of health care;

“Whereas privatization will bleed nurses, doctors and PSWs out of our public hospitals, making the health care crisis worse;

“Whereas privatization always ends with patients getting a bill;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to immediately stop all plans to privatize Ontario’s health care system, and fix the crisis in health care by:

“—repealing Bill 124 and recruiting, retaining, and respecting doctors, nurses and PSWs with better working conditions;

“—licensing tens of thousands of internationally educated nurses and other health care professionals already in Ontario, who wait years and pay thousands to have their credentials certified;

“—10 employer-paid sick days;

“—making education and training free or low-cost for nurses, doctors, and other health care professionals;

“—incentivizing doctors and nurses to choose to live and work in northern Ontario;

“—funding hospitals to have enough nurses on every shift, on every ward.”

I fully support this petition, will affix my signature and deliver it to the Clerks.