Monday, November 2, 2026

Speaker 00

that I've, that I've taken here to Queen's Park as well. We are gonna run up the field together.

Speaker 01

Okay.

Speaker 00

I, I think the most recent statistics now will say that 94% of women that are, are, are in the C-suite have had some very serious sporting experience, and I think it's 58% of people will have played at the collegiate level or at varsity level, so been quite serious about their sport. I think that's telling. I mean, it, it helps to set you up with all of those skills. The other thing about sport is it gives you a unique connection with other people.

Speaker 01

Lea Fairclough, similar to Fyfe, was a competitive swimmer and played water polo.

Speaker 00

One of the most interesting things about rugby is you can't pass the ball forwards.

Speaker 01

Eventually switching up to rugby and representing Canada on the world stage.

Speaker 00

One of the most important skills that I think sport teaches you is how to go out and do something, have the courage to do it, and if you lose, you reflect on what happened, and then you get back right, get right back out there because so often, you know, it, not everything goes perfect every time on the first time. I wouldn't even limit it to sports. I feel anybody who has taken something on seriously, they know what that looks like, right?

Speaker 01

The Liberal member for Etobicoke–Lakeshore says sports set her up for a 27-year career in healthcare, and even now as an MPP.

Speaker 00

It's important that people really see the value in sport, the sense of pride that we feel and pride for the athletes that are representing us around the world. Some of the best experiences of my life were through sport, so I hope others will pursue that for that reason.

Speaker 01

We've learned that there are a number of MPPs at a high level of sport. That's why we're doing this story.

Speaker 00

Yeah.

Speaker 01

What does that mean to you?

Speaker 00

Neil Lumsden, right? Canadian Hall of Fame, certainly a big proponent of sport. Brian Saunderson this year tabled a private member's bill about creating a varsity week in October, which we passed. Charmaine Williams learned I was a rugby player. I learned she was a rugby, rugby player, and, it becomes another point of connection. And I would just say again, even the skills that I learned from s- sport and how it set me up to be a good MPP is important.

Speaker 01

Yeah.

Speaker 00

So, and on these issues, now we also know that, that there's people representing the value of sport.

Speaker 01

There's a humanizing side to this.

Speaker 00

Yeah.

Speaker 01

This is part of your value system.

Speaker 00

Yeah.

Speaker 01

Yeah.

Speaker 00

That's right, for all across different parties. Our job is to bring those concerns here to Queen's Park. That is not trolling. It's a very competitive arena to be in, politics is, and you, you can't have a thin skin. There's a resiliency that you have to have in politics, but the competitiveness for me makes sense. Like right now, I'm very competitive about debating, for instance, and, making sure that I'm, I'm getting my, I'm getting my punches in, right?

Speaker 01

You have.

Speaker 00

During, during a debate.

Speaker 01

Yeah.

Speaker 00

I wanna win those debates, not for myself. I wanna win for my community. Okay, so what I want you to do is I want you to do the left right, and then I just want you to bring up your right foot.

Speaker 01

You have had grace under pressure at an international le-

Speaker 01

level.

Speaker 00

It's not comfortable stepping in a ring at, at a national competition or, you know, at the Worlds. And that's what I have worked on, is actually pushing myself into those uncomfortable situations.

Speaker 01

Yes.

Speaker 00

Because that's when we feel the most reward. You can come out on the other side and go, "You know what? I may have had my butt kicked, but I did it."

Speaker 01

My shoelace.

Speaker 00

This is an excuse for a break.

Speaker 01

Okay. I love what you just said about pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.

Speaker 00

Yeah.

Speaker 01

People are reluctant to do that.

Speaker 00

Mm-hmm.

Speaker 01

What's your best tip to do that?

Speaker 00

I think you just have to get your-

Speaker 01

This is tough.

Speaker 00

You gotta get your head around the fact that what, what are you going to lose? W- n- you know, sure, somebody might laugh at you, but that's life, right? Who cares? We have T-shirts at the pit where I train, "Fear everything and run, or face everything and rise," and that's what you wanna do. We really do need people to become more active and, and there, there is a social aspect to it, because people are lonely. It is really crucial to, you know, not just being healthy physically, but mental health, I think. And away from the screens, taking a break from the stress of a job, and that physical component really is key to a healthy Ontario.

Speaker 01

Recently, the Assembly honored some MPPs for their contributions to sports with this display of their achievements, and maybe also as a reminder of the hard work and teamwork that it takes to get here. For the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, I'm Stephanie Matisse.

The House met at 1015.

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The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

Good morning, everyone.

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Prayers.

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Mr. Rudy Cuzzetto

I rise this morning to congratulate all the elected and re-elected in last week’s municipal elections. In particular, I would like to recognize two familiar faces from Queen’s Park who will now serve their communities on city council: Jonathan Stathakos, who worked for the Ministry of Red Tape Reduction, was elected city councillor in Ward 9 in Hamilton; and Sukhman Sangha, who worked for the Minister of Transportation, made history in Brampton as the youngest regional councillor in Ward 9 and 10. I wish them success in this exciting new chapter of public service. Close to home in Mississauga, I would like to congratulate the new mayor, Alvin Tedjo, and my friend Tom Ellard, a veteran, who was elected as our new councillor in Ward 2. I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to my friend the outgoing mayor, Carolyn Parrish, for her leadership, friendship and her productive partnership in delivering for Mississauga, from her leadership in reducing development charges, which set an example for the city across Ontario, to her work as a champion for the pier in Lakeview. I was deeply honoured to receive the key to the city of Mississauga from Carolyn. I will always treasure this honour and her friendship and everything we accomplished together. Speaker, I look forward to working with the new and returning municipal partners to build a stronger Mississauga, a better future for families across Ontario.

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MPP Lisa Gretzky

It’s deeply concerning that working people pay taxes, contribute to our economy, support charities and yet are forced to rely on food banks to feed their own families. Across Windsor West and communities throughout Ontario, families are being squeezed by rising grocery prices, unaffordable housing, higher utility bills and wages that simply aren’t keeping up with the cost of living. At the same time, workers are facing layoffs, good-paying manufacturing jobs are disappearing and too many people are struggling to find secure, stable employment. Speaker, let that reality sink in: People are working—sometimes multiple jobs—and still going hungry. This is Doug Ford’s Ontario. Food banks were never intended to become a must-have for employed people, but now they can’t afford necessities. More working families are turning to food banks because their paycheques no longer cover the essentials. Nearly 18% of food bank clients report employment as their main source of income, compared to 12% in 2019. And behind every job loss is a family facing uncertainty; a mortgage or rent payment at risk, and a local business feeling the impact. We need to protect good-paying jobs, strengthen our manufacturing sector, ensure wages keep pace with inflation and make housing and everyday necessities affordable. Workers in Windsor are facing a lot of uncertainty, and they need a Premier who will show up and fight like hell for their jobs, not a Premier who’s excusing $120,000 in downtown Toronto hotel stays for his Toronto MPPs or a private luxury jet on the taxpayer dime. Windsor families deserve so much better that.

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Ms. Stephanie Bowman

The past week in my riding of Don Valley West has been incredibly difficult, as we have experienced terrible acts of loss and tragedy. In the Bridle Path neighbourhood, a father, mother and their two daughters were victims of a home invasion and armed robbery. Three were shot, and all four were assaulted with a weapon. I wish them the very best on their road to recovery and that the suspects are apprehended soon. On October 29, a traffic agent in Thorncliffe Park was struck by a turning truck and pronounced dead at the scene. This is a painful reminder of the risks traffic agents across the province take every day to keep us safe. These terrible incidents are life-changing in a horrible way. The family whose home was invaded will carry the memory of that night for the rest of their lives, and the loved ones of the traffic agent from Thorncliffe Park are grieving someone who went to work to keep others safe and did not come home. To all those who are shaken and heartbroken, we are deeply saddened and are keeping you and your loved ones in our thoughts.

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Ms. Effie J. Triantafilopoulos

Speaker, I rise today to recognize a remarkable milestone in my community: the 50th anniversary of Oakville Meals on Wheels. Established in 1976, the organization has spent five decades helping seniors and vulnerable residents remain independent while staying connected to the community they call home. What began as an initiative of the Kiwanis Club of Oakville has grown into a trusted organization that delivers nutritious meals, care, connection and peace of mind. I had the opportunity to join volunteers during champions week and see first-hand the difference they make. For many residents, a meal delivery is also a wellness check, a friendly visit and an important connection to the community. As they mark the 50th year, the organization has also celebrated the volunteers who make this service possible. It was an honour to recognize Ralph, Jill, Ellen, Christine and Julie through the Ontario Volunteer Service Awards. Their acts of service have touched countless lives across Oakville, with Julie marking an extraordinary 25 years of volunteer service. I ask all members of this House to join me in congratulating Oakville Meals on Wheels on 50 years of service and thanking its staff and volunteers for the care and compassion they provide every day.

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Mr. Terence Kernaghan

Speaker, I rise to recognize a formidable, principled and dedicated New Democrat who served her community with vigour, humility and grace. Irene Mathyssen served as an MPP and cabinet minister in this very chamber, as well as an MP in the House of Commons. Known for her caring nature, quick wit and boundless energy, London reporters lovingly referred to her as the Energizer Bunny, because she simply never quit. As an English teacher at Saunders and Banting, Irene inspired students and captured imaginations. As an elected official, she captured hearts, never backed down and always stood up for those who needed a voice. Although I never sat in her classroom, I learned from her courage, compassion and unwavering commitment to do what is right. Former colleagues and team members recall her fearlessness and her unshakable loyalty. We lost Irene after her courageous battle with cancer. Our London community is mourning, with tributes pouring in from across the political spectrum. Irene was an icon and an inspiration. To my friend, former MP Lindsay Mathyssen, and her father Keith: I hope the outpouring of love and stories of those Irene helped bring comfort to your broken hearts. We are fortunate to have known Irene, and you are especially lucky to have been loved so deeply by her. Lindsay, a piece of your mother lives through you and the example you set for all. On behalf of official opposition leader Marit Stiles and our entire NDP caucus, rest peacefully, Irene. The world is smaller without you, but all the better because you were here.

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Applause.

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Mr. Tyler Allsopp

Last week, as part of Small Business Week in Bay of Quinte, we celebrated the 30th annual Quinte Business Achievement Awards, recognizing some of the very best businesses in our area. Congratulations to all of the 2026 Quinte Business Achievement Awards winners, including: —congratulations to retail business of the year, Fawn Over Market; —congratulations, hospitality business of the year, Barbacoa Boyz; —congratulations, tourism business of the year, Black Bear Ridge; —congratulations to regulated professions business of the year, Diamond Physiotherapy; —congratulations to specialized services business of the year, Quinte Canine; —congratulations to trades/construction services business of the year, Crozier Heating; —congratulations to manufacturing business of the year, Chemelex; —congratulations to the young entrepreneur of the year, Briana Godden; —congratulations to new business of the year, Travelling Dental Hygienists; —congratulations to not-for-profit business of the year, the Children’s Safety Village; —congratulations, tech sector business of the year, IAMSAR; —congratulations to the business person of the year, Jamie Troke; —congratulations to agribusiness of the year, the Campbell’s Orchards; —congratulations to health and wellness business of the year, The Studio PEC; —congratulations to the sustainability award winner, Owl Grove Roses; —congratulations to the trailblazer award winner, the Bunkie Co.; and —congratulations to business excellence award winner, Kerr Sprinkler Systems. Thank you all for the great work that you do in our community.

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Mr. Chris Glover

All 124 members in this House have the incredible honour of serving every corner of this province, but it’s pretty clear to the unbiased observer that the best riding is just down the street there, Spadina–Fort York. I’ll give you an example of all of the anniversaries that we’re celebrating down there. Jumblies Theatre is celebrating their 25th anniversary. I recommend, if you have trouble sleeping, to get involved in their experimental art program called La-la Land, which explores sleep. Celebrating its 30th anniversary is the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, and the opening night movie is Ba’s Book, by Ashley Duong; it recounts the escape of her father from Vietnam. Also celebrating its 30th anniversary is the Contact Photography Festival and An Abundance of Plenty, by Thandiwe Muriu. It’s just down the street here, at 460 King Street West. I recommend, if you can walk down there, to check out that Contact photography exhibit. Celebrating its 100th anniversary, like all Legions across the country, is Legion 344 at Lake Shore Boulevard. I want to give a special shout-out to Mary Keates, who served as the vice-president and president of that Legion for over 30 years and has now passed the torch on to her daughter, Cassandra Anderton. I also want to give a shout-out to my favourite bartender there, Kent. And celebrating its 150th anniversary is the Ontario College of Art and Design. Be sure to check out their GradEx in the spring.

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Mr. Will Bouma

Good morning, Speaker. I rise today to highlight the accomplishments of two outstanding members of the Brantford–Brant community: firefighter Meaghan Dunn and Captain Paul Mitton. Recently both brought home medals from the Firefighter Challenge World Championship held in Las Vegas a few weeks ago. In Vegas, Meaghan Dunn delivered an extraordinary performance, earning five gold medals, topping a field consisting of firefighters from 21 countries. She also set a new world record by competing the FireFit obstacle course in a time of two minutes and 14 seconds. Meaghan’s success represents years of dedication, discipline and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Also representing Brantford–Brant, Captain Paul Mitton won the gold medal in the tandem competition and bronze in a relay competition with other Canadian firefighters. Speaker, competitions like these are not simply athletic events; they simulate the demanding physical tasks firefighters face when responding to emergencies and protecting our communities. Meaghan and Paul, thank you for representing our community with such distinction, both in your service as firefighters and in your achievements on the national and international stage. Brantford–Brant is proud of you. Ontario is proud of you. Your accomplishments remind us that the strength of our community has always been found in the people that call it home.

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Mr. Ric Bresee

Speaker, today I rise, like several of my colleagues, to offer my congratulations to all the newly elected municipal leaders and school board trustees across Hastings–Lennox and Addington. Some of them are stepping into these roles for the first time, while others have dedicated years, even decades, to serving their communities. I want to recognize every candidate who put their name on the ballot. It takes a commitment and a genuine desire to make a difference to put yourself forward like that, knowing the time and hard work that comes with that public service. Regardless of the outcomes, I appreciate everyone who was willing to step up and contribute to building a better and more beautiful place to call home. To the municipal leaders who have decided to retire this year: I want to thank them for their years of hard work, service and dedication. Their time and effort have helped shape their communities, and I hope that each and every one of them take pride in the difference that they’ve made. Here in Hastings–Lennox and Addington, we have 19 different municipalities, each with its own unique charm, priorities and challenges. It’s an honour to work alongside every one of those leaders, and I’m continually impressed by their commitment to finding solutions and doing what’s best for the people they represent. Speaker, strong communities are built by people who care enough to get involved and put the work in. I want to say thank you to each and every one of them.

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The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

Members, we have with us in the Speaker’s Gallery today Robert Delaney, who was appointed by the House as the new Ombudsman of Ontario. He is accompanied by his parents, Kieran and Jeanne Delaney, and his brother, Michael Delaney. Please join me in warmly welcoming our guests to the Ontario Legislature. We also have with us in the Speaker’s Gallery today interns from the National Assembly of Quebec. They are here to learn about Ontario’s Legislature and to meet with their counterparts in the Ontario Legislature Internship Programme. Bienvenue, et je vous souhaite une excellente visite. And just in time for all the applause, joining us in the members’ gallery: Tim Hudak, the member for Niagara South in the 36th Parliament; Erie–Lincoln in the 37th and 38th Parliaments; and Niagara West–Glanbrook in the 39th, 40th and 41st Parliaments. Welcome back to Queen’s Park.

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Ms. Sandy Shaw

It gives me great pleasure to introduce students from grades 6, 7 and 8 from the Annunciation of Our Lord Gryphon vocal ensemble. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

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MPP Monica Ciriello

It is my pleasure to also welcome the Gryphon vocal ensemble and the students who reside in my riding of Hamilton Mountain, their teachers and their families back for the second time to Queen’s Park.

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Mr. Sheref Sabawy

It is my honour to welcome to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and to Canada the new ambassador of Egypt, His Excellency Khaled Azmi; the commercial attaché, Sherif Erfan; accompanied by members of the Canada Egypt Business Council, Miranda Guirguis. I would like also to welcome the Ontario Medical Association, OMA, who are visiting Queen’s Park today, and particularly a new member to the team of the OMA joining them, my son Dr. David El Sabawy.

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Hon. Zee Hamid

I would like to welcome industry leaders from FilmOntario: Cynthia Lynch, Jayson Mosek and Vanessa Steinmetz. Welcome to the House.

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Ms. Marit Stiles

We are so pleased to welcome the Ontario Medical Association this morning, including president Dr. Rebecca Hicks, president-elect Dr. Haroon Yousuf, past president Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman, CEO Dr. Andrew Park and board chair Dr. Sharon Bal. Thank you for joining us, and welcome to your House. And if I may add one more thing, which is that we missed last week a very important birthday that was celebrated by the member from Humber River–Black Creek. He is now officially old. He is half a century; he is 50. Can you believe it?

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Singing of Happy Birthday.

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Mme Lucille Collard

I would like to wish a warm welcome to the director of the Kingsway Health Centre in Ottawa, and with the Ontario Medical Association, Dr. Alykhan Abdulla. Welcome to your House.

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Ms. Bobbi Ann Brady

I would like to welcome and introduce to their House from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Chief Margaret Sault; councillors Jesse Herkimer, Jai King-Green, Leslie Maracle, Ashley Sault, Fawn Sault, Larry Sault, Erma Ferrell; as well as Haldimand county Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley. Thank you for coming today for the opening ceremony and reception for the display of Treaty 13 for Treaties Recognition Week 2026.

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MPP Billy Denault

It is my pleasure to introduce Sabine Mersmann, president and CEO of Pembroke Regional Hospital—she’s here with the Catholic Health Association of Ontario—an incredible advocate for hospital and health care in Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke. I am really appreciative of the really great working relationship I have with her, so join me in welcoming her to Queen’s Park.

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Hon. Michelle Cooper

I am pleased to welcome Movember global CEO Andrew Little, co-founder Travis Garone and board chair Damien Angus, joining us from Australia, to kick off this year’s Movember campaign. Thank you for your leadership in advancing men’s mental health and suicide prevention around the world. We’re delighted to have you here at Queen’s Park.

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Hon. Matthew Rae

Today, I’m pleased to introduce Priya Tandon, president of the Ontario Mining Association, and other mining industry leaders to Meet the Miners 2026 advocacy day. As we build the next generation of mines in Ontario, we’re working with them to recognize the people and companies that make it happen. I invite all of the members of this place to join them at their reception at the MaRS institute later this evening, Speaker. I also want to introduce Scott Taylor from McLean Taylor from my riding of Perth–Wellington.

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Mr. Amarjot Sandhu

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Mortgage Professionals Canada: Dr. Kuljit Singh, chair of the board of directors; Veronica Love; Jasmine Toor; Sushanta Sen; Leigh Graham; and Mohinder Pal Singh. Thank you. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

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MPP Wayne Gates

I’d like to welcome to Queen’s Park the Early Childhood Community Development Centre. Welcome to Queen’s Park; I’m looking forward to lunch.

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MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam

I would like to welcome the Ontario Medical Association: Nikhil Agarwal, Dr. Travis Carpenter, Dr. Anne Fu, Dr. Kathryn Marsilio, Dr. Taryn Keenan and Bobby Hrehoruk who is also from the OMA. Bobby is a community and queer activist and a board member of The 519. I also want to extend a welcome to the Mortgage Professionals Canada, Mohinder Pal Singh, Alan Ning and my friend Amontaye Mullings.

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Hon. Mike Harris

I got some great news from the very good friend of the Legislature this weekend: Barbara Stevens welcomed her first grandson. We’re very, very excited for you. Barbara, thank you for tuning in all the time and thank you for keeping us updated on what’s going on with your family; it’s much appreciated.

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The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

Unfortunately, that’s all the time we have for introduction of visitors. You may come back at 1 o’clock. This morning, in the public gallery, we are joined by grades 6, 7 and 8 students from the Annunciation of Our Lord Gryphon vocal ensemble in the riding of Hamilton West–Ancaster–Dundas, who will perform O Canada and God Save the King. Please stand and join them in the singing of our national and royal anthems.

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Singing of the national anthem / Chant de l’hymne national.

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Singing of the royal anthem / Chant de l’hymne royal.

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Ms. Marit Stiles

Good morning, Speaker. This government is running the largest annual deficit in Ontario’s history. A Premier who sells himself as a prudent fiscal manager, a deal maker, a big talker can’t manage the change in his pocket, let alone a provincial economy. He has failed to save jobs, health care wait times are through the roof, classrooms are packed like sardines and the province is broke. Never has a government spent so much and delivered so little for the people of Ontario. If this Premier is going to run historic deficits, I want to ask him: Can he at least ensure that the people of Ontario are getting some kind of benefit?

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Hon. Doug Ford

Well, welcome back. You know, I just can’t believe what I’m hearing from the socialist NDP that wants to tax every single person until they don’t have money left; who, along with their partners the Liberals, destroyed this province, taxed the people to death. I’ll tell you what we’re doing. We’re doing reducing taxes by $12 billion each and every single year. We’ve created one million new jobs as they jointly chased 300,000 jobs out of the province. We’ve seen over $236 billion of investment—and the reason? Because we’ve created the climate and the conditions to attract companies by $12 billion—but not just businesses; the people as well. We eliminated the little licence sticker taxes—over a billion dollars. We eliminated the gas tax—over $3 billion. We’ve eliminated the tolls that they created. God forbid—God forbid—they ever had power. They’d tax everyone. They’d tax the cars. They’d tax the tolls. They’d tax everything they could possibly get their hands on—

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The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

Supplementary.

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Ms. Marit Stiles

This from a Premier and a government who voted against taking the tax off all our groceries. Imagine that. Let’s be very clear: The people of Ontario are not benefiting from better services. They are not benefiting from a thriving economy, because this government and this Premier have mismanaged things so very badly. The only people that are benefiting are his ministers, his developer buddies and himself. The government is running a historic deficit so that this Premier can buy himself a luxury private jet; so that his ministers can go out and stay in luxury hotel rooms, while regular people are struggling just to put food on the table. Meanwhile, we have patients waiting in hallways for health care and he is firing nurses, Speaker. So back to the Premier: Why are you handing fistfuls of taxpayer cash over to your friends while patients are stuck on gurneys in hallways?

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Hon. Doug Ford

Let’s go back in history a little bit. When we first got elected, we had a plan to balance—which we were there. And then, all of a sudden, the pandemic came upon us, and we fulfilled the needs of the people in Ontario. We kept businesses going. In the construction trades, over half a million people were still building, still creating more opportunities. We continued to see investment. They voted no to giving money to anyone. So as we moved forward through the pandemic, we were on the path to balance, and sure enough, who comes along? President Trump, who tariffed us on every single area we could possibly do. But we committed, and we’ve already invested over $30 billion to support businesses, to support people, to support communities. They voted no. So what I hear from you: “Don’t support anyone.” And God knows you can’t support them, because you will never, ever support businesses or cut taxes for people—never. That’s—

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The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

Final supplementary.

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Ms. Marit Stiles

Speaker, let’s look at facts. Let’s look at today, shall we? This is a Conservative government that is projecting the biggest deficit in Ontario’s history. The NDP in Manitoba have kept their deficit to 0.5% of their nominal GDP—half of Ontario’s. And they’ve done that while hiring thousands of new health care workers, creating a school lunch program, investing in major infrastructure projects, giving people in that province some kind of hope—something that we are sorely lacking in Ontario right now. No private jets, no backroom deals; just an honest NDP government working for the people. Why is this Premier dumping a historic deficit on Ontarians while he and his ministers treat themselves to private jets and the public purse like it’s his personal piggy bank?

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The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

I recognize the Minister of Finance.

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Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy

Was anyone around between 1990 and 1995? Do you remember what happened when the NDP were in power? They almost bankrupted this province. It’s no surprise that they continue to focus on numbers that just don’t add up. Let’s talk about the $3-billion deficit. I don’t think, Madam Speaker, that they would have supported— Interjections.

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The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

I apologize to the Minister of Finance. I will ask members to come to order. Back to the minister. Interjections.

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The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

I ask members on both sides to come to order—members, including ministers, to come to order. Back to the Minister of Finance.

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Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy

Thank you, Madam Speaker. As I was saying, this government stood up through the pandemic. We spared no expense to protect lives. And now that our economy is being threatened, we are going to spare no expense to support those steelworkers, those auto workers and all the hard-working people of Ontario. If they looked in the document—if they took one look—they would have seen that when we took over the economy, the GDP was about $870 billion. Fast-forward to today and it’s about $1.3 trillion, Madam Speaker. So, we’ve seen over $400 billion of economic activity, and while Rome burns, they say, “Oh—

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The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

Question?

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Ms. Marit Stiles

Just this morning, we learned that the Academy of Learning had thousands of OSAP applications coming in from just one single IP address. We also know that the ministry knew this. That means the minister knew this. The same institution was also flagged by the federal government and by Career Colleges Ontario themselves—red flag after red flag after red flag, and no action from this minister or this government. I want to ask the Premier: Why is he burying students in this province in debt to hide his own government’s failure to manage OSAP?

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The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

Response? The Minister of Colleges and Universities.

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Hon. Nolan Quinn

I guess the Leader of the Opposition wasn’t here last week when I clearly articulated we’ve done over 3,200 OSAP investigations since 2020, Speaker. But we found allegations of third parties completing course work on behalf of students, with some entire courses completed in a single day; final exams that were completed in as little as six minutes; supposed students who could not even identify the institution they attended, the program they enrolled into or the courses they were taking. We’re talking about serious, bad actors here, Speaker. That is why we referred it to the Ontario Provincial Police. That’s why we brought in a third-party auditor, KPMG: because the individual inspections realized it was a widespread issue. That is why we have paused all OSAP across all private career colleges.

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The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

A reminder: questions through the Speaker, responses through the Speaker and we do not reference whether someone is in the House or not. Back to the Leader of the Opposition.

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Ms. Marit Stiles

Speaker, in fact, I was here for every single one of those excuses that he rolled out last week, and they were inadequate and very disappointing. This government pulled the rug out from under young people when they abruptly slashed OSAP, and they buried our next generation in debt. The Premier has blamed sustainability. He blamed student fraud. I remember he pointed to TikToks and students who he said were buying expensive watches and cologne, for goodness’ sake. It turns out, what he was trying to do was just hide his own government’s incompetence again. A small number of bad actors, private career colleges, are robbing OSAP blind under this government’s watch. So I want to ask the Premier again: Enough is enough. When are you going to do the right thing and fire this minister?

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Hon. Nolan Quinn

Apologies. She was here last week; she just doesn’t listen. Speaker, these are serious, serious criminal acts. We’re talking about bad actors here that have defrauded the Ontario taxpayer. We brought it forward to the Ontario Provincial Police because a series of bad actors have defrauded the sector. Speaker, we did individual inspections and investigations, but once we realized that the problem was more widespread than was initially anticipated, we brought forward a third-party auditor and we froze OSAP to private institutions. We had to bring forward the third-party auditor, KPMG, with their enhanced forensic inspection tools, to be able to ensure that all taxpayer dollars are used wisely and they’re used for their intended use, Speaker. But we will not apologize for bringing forward the OPP, the Ontario Provincial Police, as well as the Auditor General to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used for their intended use.

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The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

Final supplementary.

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Ms. Marit Stiles

Speaker, how many RCMP police investigations do there have to be for a government to admit that they have been incompetent, that they have mismanaged and that they are doing the wrong thing for Ontarians? Ministers from this government were actually out there celebrating the opening of that particular private career college. I have a photo. I’m going to send it over to the minister and to the Premier after this question, because I think they need to be reminded of why it was that they were brushing this under the rug when they knew perfectly well that this private career college was probably defrauding the people of Ontario. They knew all along, and it’s not surprising because hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations were flowing to ministers in this government from those same private career colleges. The minister said that supporting our students was unsustainable. Do you know what’s unsustainable? Keeping this minister who has turned a blind eye on this massive file. So over to the Premier: When are you going to fire this minister?

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Hon. Nolan Quinn

I’m wondering the same about the Leader of the Opposition and when they’re going to fire her, because there’s been a couple of elections and they haven’t done so well. Speaker, we’re talking about bad actors here. The opposition can trivialize this all they want, but let’s remember what happened. The bad actors took advantage of taxpayers. We did inspections; we did investigations. The system was working—a system that is designed to help students with their post-secondary education. But what we have uncovered here over the last two years is predatory and nothing short of criminal, and that is why we brought it forward to the Ontario Provincial Police and the Auditor General. I need to ensure that I have confidence and assurance in taxpayer dollars flowing to students and going to their intended use, Speaker. Until I have assurances and confidence in the OSAP system—and that is why we’re bringing forward legislation this session to bring forward more guardrails, to ensure we have confidence in the entire OSAP system, including at private institutions.

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Mr. John Fraser

My question is to the Premier. So, Saturday afternoon, we’re in the Dollarama, and there are two kids in front of us. They’re like seven and nine, boy and girl, and they’re picking chocolate bars. They’re pretty excited; it’s Halloween. We start up a conversation with their mom. And then the mom says to me, in the middle of the conversation, “Do you remember me?” I didn’t. She says, “My name is Amiya. I was in the class that you visited at Algonquin Careers Academy. I’m studying to be a paralegal.” I said, “How’s it going?” She said, “Good. We’re just waiting. If my OSAP loan doesn’t come through, our year is lost.” My question for the Premier is, if it was the Premier in line instead of me, what would he have said to Amiya?

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The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

Minister of Colleges and Universities.

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Hon. Nolan Quinn

I would have mentioned to her how serious these criminal actions are and how the bad actors have defrauded the OSAP system. But I’m not surprised that the interim third party leader was not remembered by people he just visited. That’s why I’m taking no advice from the third party. He doesn’t even have confidence in himself to be the full-time leader. Half of that group is trying to be the leader, Speaker. But let’s get back to what we’re focusing on here. There are bad actors that defrauded Ontario taxpayers, and that’s why we have brought forward enhanced reviews, targeted inspections, and why we eliminated eligibility to certain OSAP career colleges. But we will not rest until we have confidence in the OSAP system, and that is why we’re bringing forward legislation this session include more guardrails so that we have confidence and assurances in the OSAP system, so those bad actors can’t continue to defraud the Ontario taxpayer.

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The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

Back to the leader of the third party.

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Mr. John Fraser

Speaker, there are thousands and thousands and thousands of hard-working, honest people like Amiya. They have families. They took a risk. What would the Premier have said to her? Would he have told her that he ignored the Auditor General’s report, or that he gave $385 million to seven colleges in just one year—actually, $219 million to three campuses of one college—or would he have told her, “We ignored 220 warnings that came in 2024,” or that 8,500 OSAP applications from those same three colleges came from one IP address? The Premier is ripping the rug out from underneath honest, hard-working people like Amiya. I’ll give the Premier another chance. What would he like to say to Amiya right now?

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