I want to congratulate the member for being a volunteer firefighter, and everyone who stands up to be a volunteer firefighter in the province of Ontario.

The member is right; every time you fuel up a fire truck—300 litres is an average fire truck, and an aerial truck is even more; a pumper, they’re more. They know when they go to the gas pumps, $60 or more for each fill-up is just for the carbon tax. When you add it up, it’s over $8,000 a year just for the carbon tax portion of fuelling that truck. And it’s not fair—it’s not fair anywhere in Ontario. There’s no confusion with our government, but the independent Liberals, in their alternate reality show, think it’s great—and it’s not.

It’s not too late. Pick up the phone, call Justin Trudeau and his cabinet and say, “This is affecting our firefighters. Cancel that tax.”

The carbon tax on every vehicle that is used for public safety is an added cost that could be used to buy more bunker gear, buy more technology to fight auto theft—do something that we can have a tangible, lasting benefit. The carbon tax costs us on public safety. It’s not fair.

It’s not too late. Bonnie Crombie should do the right thing, call her friend Justin Trudeau, because she has the number, and cancel—

This government has broken a promise to the people of Milton to stop a gravel pit.

Speaker, we know that 70% of people in southern Ontario live near gravel pits. These pits can cause groundwater contamination, air pollution issues and impacts on endangered species. These gravel pits need proper oversight.

But the Auditor General reported that the province does not properly inspect gravel mining pits, and inspection rates have decreased by 64% under this government’s watch. We need urgent action to hire gravel pit inspectors, but this was nowhere in the budget.

We have people here in the gallery from Milton. Premier, they want to know, why did you break your promise?

According to the Auditor General’s report, the ministry has already approved extraction of 13 times more aggregate than is actually removed each year. Therefore, according to the AG, no more pits or quarries are needed. People are rightfully concerned.

Is the Premier going to keep his promise to stop, once and for all, the proposed Campbellville quarry in Milton? Yes or no?

My question is for the Solicitor General. Since the implementation of this disastrous carbon tax, Ontarians are paying more for everything, from their grocery bills to fuel costs. With another hike being imposed next week, people in my riding of Brantford–Brant are concerned about the impact of this regressive tax on public safety.

Speaker, firefighters play a critical role in safeguarding our communities. There are few more noble jobs and few more selfless people than those who put their lives on the line to keep us safe.

That’s why I am so proud to serve as a volunteer firefighter at Station 7 St. George in the county of Brant.

And to my colleagues, thank you for always having my back.

We know that increased costs of fuel and procurement directly affect the essential services that ensure our safety and well-being.

The federal Liberals need to scrap this tax today.

Could the Solicitor General please explain to the House the effect the carbon tax is having on firefighting in the province of Ontario?

Unlike the opposition NDP and the independent Liberals, our government recognizes that this tax is punishing hard-working Ontarians.

Speaker, people in my riding are worried about how the carbon tax is placing a strain on our public safety system. All Ontarians deserve to live safely in their communities, and they are counting on our front-line first responders to ensure their security and well-being. Even if the NDP and the Liberals won’t, we must always stand with our public safety heroes.

Can the Solicitor General further elaborate on the importance of cancelling the carbon tax for the firefighters of the province of Ontario?

In fact, I think the member opposite should know that we have invested in primary care multidisciplinary teams.

Of course, in February we announced 78 new, expanded satellite opportunities—78, Speaker. Imagine what that does to the people who want to have primary care multidisciplinary teams in their community.

Clearly, our expression of interest that we issued last year was dealt with a lot of excitement—because people want to have that opportunity; communities want to have the opportunity.

That’s why I was particularly thankful that, in this week’s budget, we have announced another expansion of that primary care multidisciplinary team approach. It means that if you need to see a family doctor, you’ll see that family doctor; if you need to see a nurse practitioner, you will see that nurse practitioner; if you need to see a dietitian or a mental health worker, you will have that opportunity. It is exactly what clinicians across Ontario want, and it is exactly what we are providing, as a province, with our new investment of $356 million.

The expansion that we are seeing in Brampton with the new medical school, in Scarborough with the new medical school, and, of course, Tuesday the announcement that was lauded across Ontario, the York medical school, that will focus on primary care practitioners—those are the investments that are going to make an impact in our communities.

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.

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.

The Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

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

The division bells rang from 1144 to 1149.

Mr. Clark has moved private member’s notice of motion number 82.

All those in favour, please rise and remain standing until recognized by the Clerk.

Motion agreed to.

It is now time to say a word of thanks to this group of legislative pages.

Our pages are smart, trustworthy and hard-working. They’re indispensable to the effective functioning of this chamber, and we are indeed fortunate to have had them here.

To our pages: You depart having made many new friends, with a greater understanding of parliamentary democracy and memories that will last a lifetime. Each of you now will go home and no doubt will continue your studies, and contribute to your communities and your province and your country in important ways. We expect great things from all of you. Who knows? Maybe some of you will someday take your seats in this House as members or work here as staff. But no matter where your path leads you, we wish you well.

Please join me in thanking this fine group of legislative pages.

Applause.

The House recessed from 1155 to 1300.

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.