Good morning, everyone. It’s a pleasure to be here with you in the morning. Thank you to my colleague from Toronto Centre for that long talk; it’s hard to do. We worked well together at city hall—we were seatmates for eight years—and I know how hard you work for your community and all of Ontario, so I appreciate that. Thank you.

Just with regard to this bill and your ideas for it, that it’s not going far enough: Can you give us maybe your top two suggestions for improving this bill?

I don’t believe that the member was listening as intently as he says, because I did highlight exactly what were the deficiencies in the bill and what I’d like to see improved. It tinkers around the edges, and it doesn’t go far enough. It certainly doesn’t address the challenges and the crisis we have in the court system.

As I’ve mentioned, the central theme of all my remarks today is that this bill is possibly passable but not praiseworthy, and I stand by that.

What I cannot quantify is the emotional harm that it re-creates for those survivors and victims of crime, and that, to me, is a tragedy, because they never got their day in court. They never will get closure on what happened to them, a very traumatic incident. And not to mention, Speaker, the accused: The accused will have that charge and that report hanging over their head forever, also without their day in court.

The top two issues that I would like to see in this bill—and it’s easy—are twofold: One is to adequately staff the courts, to do everything you can in all your powers to ensure that the minimum requirement of time constraints is met. The standard has got to be met. No more throwing out of criminal cases. That is one thing.

The second thing—I’ll add a third if I have time—is to fund legal aid. You need to be able to do it. People are being impacted by not having access to the judicial system that they so rightly deserve.

The third is to fix the tribunals.

Absolutely, I will stand with the government and every party in this House as we advocate for the unification of Family Court. It is unduly unfair to families who are trying to access and navigate two systems. It’s costly, it’s time-consuming and, of course, the emotional duress—it just doesn’t work. We have a proven record of it working when we unify, and that’s where we should be moving to.

We’re going to move to questions.

I want to congratulate my colleague the member for Toronto Centre on her very thoughtful comments on Bill 157. She talked about the changes to the coroner’s inquest rules in schedule 5; she has advocated, as have I, for the government to implement the findings of the Renfrew county coroner’s inquest on the murders of Carol Culleton, Nathalie Warmerdam and Anastasia Kuzyk several years ago.

So my question is, do the changes that are included in this bill require the government to implement any recommendations that may come out of a coroner’s inquest? Because we have certainly seen the government refuse to implement the number one recommendation out of the Renfrew inquest, which is to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic.

Good morning, everyone. Today, I want to congratulate a local Sault Ste. Marie business on their 20th anniversary. Loplops Gallery-Lounge is a fixture of downtown Sault Ste. Marie and our local music scene.

Owners Stephen Alexander and Jennifer Bellerose have seen ups and downs during the last several years with our economy, especially the last few years when COVID was happening. Over the last 20 years they’ve really been able to see a bit of it all, but they’ve remained strong through adapting their business model with the changing of the times.

It is great to see the fun holiday-themed event, the 12 Musicians of Christmas, is back after a five-year hiatus, and I just want to offer my congratulations to both Steve and Jenn on the very many great memories that we’ve had at Loplops over the years. I’m looking forward to another 20 years ahead.

Next question?

Second reading debate deemed adjourned.

Good morning. I want to thank the member for her contributions this morning.

One of the things that I like to emphasize is positive moves within time, and this bill has made changes under the Victims’ Bill of Rights, expanding the list of crimes where victims are presumed to have suffered emotional distress. Right now, under this section, that only includes assault by a spouse, sexual assault and attempted sexual assault. This is now proposed to be expanded to include human trafficking and certain sexual offences, including those committed against a minor.

My question to the member is, does the member opposite think that these modifications are a positive move?

Colleagues, the traffic in Brampton is out of control. Our population has doubled in the last 20 years; our transit, road and highway infrastructure has not.

Highways are a provincial responsibility, and Brampton residents had to watch as the previous Liberal government studied, delayed and ultimately cancelled Brampton’s bypass highway, Highway 413. When our party made the 413 a key platform item in the 2022 election, Brampton responded in a huge way, sending me and my four PC Brampton colleagues to Queen’s Park as part of the majority government. The message was clear: Build the highway; get it done.

Apparently, the federal Liberal environment minister wasn’t listening, and his government wasn’t listening, because they have stepped in and declared a federal impact assessment. This is massive government overreach, for one purpose: to kill the Highway 413. Colleagues, the federal impact assessment is the same study required for a nuclear power plant. The federal government has never declared one for a new provincial highway before the 413. That means highways like the 401, 412, 404 and 418 never had to undergo this impact assessment. And yet, when Brampton wants a new highway, we hear all the excuses come out.

Speaker, I am, and my residents are, so tired of excuses. I have one message to the federal Liberal environment minister: Get on board with Highway 413, or get out of our way.

I am proud to rise today on international world volunteer day, a day to celebrate the important role that volunteers play in our communities across the globe.

According to Volunteer Canada, over 12 million Canadians generously contribute their efforts to numerous causes annually. Here in Ontario, their contributions have shaped our province through their compassion, community and spirit of giving back. Their impact is immeasurable.

My community is blessed with countless volunteers and community organizations who give so generously to improve the lives of others, and I thank them all.

Today I’m proud to be joined by two amazing community volunteers, Brigette Contento and Michael Verrelli, who lead the Humberlea Community Group and do so much to build a happier, healthier and safer community. They organize food drives and bring food to our most vulnerable. They’ve created an outdoor skating rink and set up an outdoor library in their park. They host year-round events for our children, like their annual Santa Claus parade, spooky Halloween get-togethers, Easter egg hunts and more. When they’re not busy hosting their own events, they’re attending and helping in others and are members of various committees like the 31 Division Community Police Liaison Committee.

Brigette and Mike, thank you so much for making our community better every day. We are all lucky to have you. And thank you to all volunteers everywhere.

Recently I proudly welcomed the remarkable Dragon Boat Team Canada to the House, together with the Premier and my colleagues. This summer, the team won gold at the 16th annual World Dragon Boat Racing Championships in Pattaya, Thailand. This victory serves as a source of pride for our country. It is also a testament to the resilience and talent embodied by the team. Meeting these gifted athletes was not only a privilege, it was also an opportunity to acknowledge their unwavering dedication and skill, and to recognize the honour that they have brought to Canada on the global stage.

Beyond individual achievements, the visit highlighted the collective spirit and unity that sportsmanship fosters, emphasizing the significance of athletics in building a sense of community and national identity. The team’s triumph in Thailand exemplifies the pinnacle of their training and teamwork, reflecting the values of perseverance and excellence.

Speaker, it is crucial that we collectively recognize and emphasize the importance of supporting and celebrating achievements in the sporting arena. By doing so, we not only honour the athletes themselves but also inspire future generations to pursue excellence and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Ontario’s sporting legacy.

Speaker, the holidays can be a difficult time, and this year more Londoners than ever are struggling. At the same time, more Londoners than ever are also showing up to help, and I want to recognize just a few.

First, the staff and volunteers at Northwest London Resource Centre who stepped up in a big way to meet the need, expanding food bank services in my riding from two days a week to six in partnership with the London Food Bank.

Next, Fran and Mary, residents of 30 Base Line Road in London West and organizers of their building’s caring cupboard. When the cupboard was put out of commission by a fire last month, they collected grocery store gift cards for the seniors from their building who relied on emergency food supplies. Thankfully, their cupboard will reopen for food donations again this week.

Special appreciation to the hundreds of volunteers at churches around the city who cook and serve community meals for people and families who are struggling, often including musical entertainment, as at St. John the Divine Parish in London West.

Finally, much gratitude to the 700 local businesses and non-profits that are part of the annual Business Cares Food Drive and the many, many Londoners who contribute so generously in ways big and small.

Thank you to all. And to all residents in London West and to everyone in this chamber, I wish you a safe and happy holiday season, however you celebrate.

From the 2015 National Youth Survey, the agency found that Canadian youth are less interested in politics and they feel less strongly that voting will make a difference. The voter turnout among youth in 2011 was over 35% lower than that of individuals aged 54 to 74, while research shows that political participation affects youth development.

The High School Model Parliament program presents an ideal opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience as MPPs, fostering an understanding of parliamentary processes and the significance of the democratic system. Several students attending debate classes in my riding of Don Valley North have applied and been chosen in take part in this fantastic program. I look forward with anticipation to seeing them in the chamber, engaging in meaningful discussions on various issues.

This initiative serves as great means to engage and involve the youth. Today, they take every opportunity to learn and experience, and tomorrow, they will emerge as leaders.

Congratulations to all selected participants. We eagerly anticipate hearing the perspectives of our youth.

As Christmas approaches, bringing snow and good tidings,

I’ll share with you news about fun in my riding.

From Sunderland to Haliburton and all places between,

There’s good times to be had and good friends to be seen!

People lining the streets to spread Christmas cheer,

Hearing carols and laughter when Santa gets near!

There’s good food and good drinks, and of course the reindeer!

None of this would happen without volunteers.

Kids waiting for Santa, along the parade route they stood

Smiling and laughing and telling him they’ve been good

All the local craft shows bring the people flocking,

With goodies aplenty, you’ll sure fill your stocking!

As we continue to celebrate this holiday season,

Let us always remember that Christ is the reason.

Through the cold winter nights, let compassion exceed,

Say hello to a stranger and help those in need.

With my speech almost over and my time almost out,

Come to HKLB and see what it’s all about.

Merry Christmas and happy new year.

Good morning. I want to welcome to the House today Bill Gleed and his son Derrick Gleed. Derrick is a former regional councillor from Durham. Bill Gleed is an insurance professional, for decades beloved by thousands of clients and beloved by the McCarthy family. Welcome to the House, gentlemen.

As we approach Christmas, I think back to all of the people that I know who try to make life better in some way for others. There’s a truly kind-hearted lady in my riding who freely gives her time to make a positive difference for so many. I’m talking about Pam Dickey from Trent Lakes. She lives just outside of Buckhorn and has been volunteering for community care for a number of years.

During the pandemic, not only did she help out by delivering groceries to some vulnerable seniors but she also took to the phones to do wellness checks just to make sure people who couldn’t get out still had a friendly voice to talk to on a regular basis. For the last year or so she has also been volunteering with Community Care Meals on Wheels.

Speaker, this Christmas, Pam has taken it upon herself to make sure that 20 seniors who have lost their spouses will still have a homemade Christmas dinner. In her very own kitchen, she’s cooking enough turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables, cranberries, gravy and all of the other fixings to make a traditional Christmas dinner, and then she’ll personally deliver all of those dinners to 20 very lucky single seniors.

Pam, thank you for what you do. You exemplify the true meaning of what Christmas is.

Unfortunately, Speaker, more Ontarians than ever before are turning to hunger relief organizes because they can no longer afford basic necessities like food and shelter. Hunger in Hamilton is reaching record levels, with the number of people turning to food banks nearly doubling since last year. Almost 50% of households say they would become homeless without food banks.

People, including families with young children and seniors, cannot keep up with soaring food prices, unaffordable costs. It’s heartbreaking that in our communities, hungry seniors are seeking help to find meal programs because they can no longer afford to feed themselves.

This last weekend, I participated in the Salvation Army kettle bell drive, and I was moved by the generosity and compassion of Hamiltonians. There are also many ways you, too, can give back this holiday season:

—the Ancaster Community Services Holiday Assistance Program will provide over 150 holiday hampers and gifts to income-challenged families and seniors in the community;

—Good Shepherd Christmas Wonderland is bringing people together to share a festive meal;

—Neighbour to Neighbour, who have been serving our communities for 35 years through their community food centre, will be providing a free Christmas meal that is open to all; and

—we could consider donating to support free and low-cost programs for vulnerable seniors through Dundas Community Services.

I want to send out my thanks to all of these organizations and volunteers who are bringing joy to people in our communities who are hungry and alone. This holiday season, I want to express my warmest wishes to you and your family for a joyous and healthy holiday season.

Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Today I’m rising to highlight a recent investment that our government has made to combat auto theft in Ontario, and specifically in my region of Hamilton.

Mr. Speaker, every 14 minutes a vehicle is stolen in Ontario. In the last year alone there was a 14% increase in auto thefts right across Ontario. This investment of over $895,000 over three years will ensure that our Hamilton Police Service has the tools and the resources that they need to fight car theft and to keep our communities safe.

When the investment was shared, Hamilton police chief Frank Bergen said, “We thank the provincial government for funds received from this grant, which will be used to combat auto theft through increased staffing: two new investigators and an analyst. We will also be working closely with our policing partners to share strategic intelligence” involving “organized crime groups that impact our city.”

This funding to the Hamilton Police Service is part of the government’s new Preventing Auto Thefts Grant Program designed to support new and enhanced crime-fighting measures that focus on prevention, detection, analysis and enforcement. This Preventing Auto Thefts Grant is just one of several measures enacted by our government to fight auto theft. Earlier this year, Ontario also announced the organized crime towing and auto theft team to help police services identify, disrupt and dismantle organized crime networks.

Mr. Speaker, with the crime of auto theft growing across Ontario, I am proud that our government is tackling the issue head-on.

It is my very great honour to welcome Thornhill resident and student Ella Rosen in the gallery.

Mr. Speaker, thank you to the leader for the question. I got this feeling that the word “tourism” is a bad word. We’re talking about—now hang on for a second—tourism, which represents almost $36 billion in economic activity, just under 400,000 jobs and 82,000 business-related jobs and careers in tourism. Yet we talk about an opportunity, a destination—tourism is about finding a place to go, drawing people in, not just people in Ontario but the people across Canada and maybe into the United States. It’s driving tourism. A destination is important, whether it’s a spa, common areas, water parks, paddling, walking and being casual in an area where you can sit and be quiet—all these great things that tourists like. They want to come to. They want to come here. We’re making a world-class destination.

Interjections.