I’m hoping for a little leadership here. Maybe take a little responsibility? You’re facing one of the—

Interjections.

To the Premier: Will the government prioritize sick Ontarians over their insider friends looking to make a buck?

Speaker, there are new reports about a growing number of registered private health care lobbyists with ties to the Conservative Party—more insiders lobbying their friends and their former colleagues. Case in point: A former staffer for the Premier is now lobbying for “publicly funded, privately delivered” care, only he registered as a lobbyist before this government announced they were starting to issue private surgical contracts. How convenient.

To the Premier: Were these insiders given a heads-up about the expansion of private surgery delivery in Ontario?

Speaker, the Office of the Integrity Commissioner reports that there are nearly 1,200 lobbyists registered to influence this government on health policy; that’s more than on nearly every other issue combined. Many are lobbyists for for-profit, private health care companies that offer nearly identical services to those covered by OHIP, only they let the richest pay out of pocket to cut the line and access services faster. They’re swirling like vultures over what’s left of our health care system, and they’re looking to cash in on Ontarians’ health.

I’m going to ask again: When will this government prioritize sick Ontarians over their insider friends looking to make a buck?

Interjections.