Tuesday, October 27, 2026

The House met at 1015.

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

Welcome back. Let us pray.

Official source

Prayers.

Official source

Hon. Doug Ford

Madam Speaker, if you seek it, you will find unanimous consent to have a moment of silence for those who lost their lives to the tragedy that took place at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta.

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

The Premier is seeking unanimous consent for a moment of silence to recognize the deaths in Wainwright, Alberta. Agreed? Agreed.

Official source

The House observed a moment’s silence.

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

I beg to inform the House that vacancies have occurred in the membership of the House by reason of the resignation of the Honourable Caroline Mulroney as the member for the electoral district of York–Simcoe, effective June 5, 2026, and the resignation of the Honourable Neil Lumsden as the member for the electoral district of Hamilton East–Stoney Creek, effective August 4, 2026. Accordingly, I issued my warrants to the Chief Electoral Officer for the issue of writs for by-elections.

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

I beg to inform the House that, during the adjournment, the following documents were tabled: From the Office of the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario: —the 2025-26 annual report; From the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario: —the 2025 annual report and statistical report; From the Office of the Ombudsman of Ontario: —the 2025-26 annual report; —a report entitled Catching Up on Fairness: Investigation into the Experience of Custodial Parents and Guardians Who Were Denied Benefit Payments Under the Ministry of Education’s Direct Payment Programs between January 2020 and March 2023; —a report of the French Language Services Commissioner entitled In Search of Services in French: Investigation into Services in French at ServiceOntario Locations; From the Office of the Financial Accountability Officer of Ontario: —a report entitled Ontario Economic Monitor: October 2025 to March 2026; —a report entitled Expenditure Monitor 2025-26: Q4; —the 2025-26 annual report; —a report entitled Ontario Economic Monitor: January to June 2026; —a report entitled An Update on Homelessness Programs in Ontario; —a report entitled Economic and Budget Outlook, Summer 2026; —a report entitled Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services: 2026 Spending Plan Review; —a report entitled Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security: 2026 Spending Plan Review; —a report entitled Ministry of Education: 2026 Spending Plan Review; —a report entitled Ontario Health Sector: 2026 Spending Plan Review; and —a report entitled An Update on Homelessness Programs in Ontario, received October 2, 2026, with addendum.

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

I also beg to inform the House that, during the adjournment, I received and laid upon the table a request by the member for Davenport, Marit Stiles, to the Integrity Commissioner for an opinion pursuant to section 30 of the Members’ Integrity Act, 1994, on whether the member for Brampton East, Hardeep Singh Grewal, has contravened the act or Ontario parliamentary convention, and a request by the member for Davenport, Marit Stiles, to the Integrity Commissioner for an opinion pursuant to section 30 of the Members’ Integrity Act, 1994, on whether the member for Kenora–Rainy River, the Honourable Greg Rickford, has contravened the act or Ontario parliamentary convention.

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

I beg to inform the House that the late show scheduled for this evening, standing in the name of the member for Orléans, has been withdrawn.

Official source

Hon. Steve Clark

I rise to congratulate all the mayors and council members elected in yesterday’s municipal elections across the 13 municipalities in Leeds-Grenville. I also want to commend every candidate who put their name forward in this election and engaged voters on the important issues in their communities. In my riding, two mayors were re-elected for another four-year term: Corinna Smith-Gatcke in Leeds and the Thousand Islands and Gauri Shankar in Prescott. Seven mayors were newly elected to lead their councils: Anne Marie Dancy in Athens, Cameron Wales in Brock-ville, Henry Oosterhof in Elizabethtown-Kitley, Kirby Perkins in Front of Yonge, Colin Brown in Gananoque, Anne Barr in Merrickville-Wolford and John Fenik in Rideau Lakes. I also want to recognize the four mayors that were acclaimed: Jeff Shaver in Augusta, Tory Deschamps in Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, Nancy Peckford in North Grenville and Joe Aragona in Westport. To those mayors and councillors who did not seek re-election or were unsuccessful, I extend my sincere appreciation for your dedicated service to your communities and collaboration with me over the last four years. Speaker, to all the incoming councils, congratulations, and I look forward to working together on the priorities that matter to our residents that we represent.

Official source

Ms. Teresa J. Armstrong

Last week, Ontario marked Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Education Appreciation Day, but appreciation alone is not enough. Today, I stand here to share the reality of a first-year early childhood educator. She entered the profession eagerly to make a difference in children’s lives. Every day, ECEs lift children, sit on floors, change diapers, prepare activities, support learning and comfort children through difficult emotions. They carry the responsibility of keeping our children safe, supporting development, helping them feel valued and loved through their formative years, yet the compensation does not reflect the demands of this important work. This educator has post-secondary education and plays an essential role in supporting our economy, yet her former classmates who love working with children are leaving the profession because they struggle to afford basic living expenses, and many are not receiving benefits for their physically demanding labour—a painful reminder that passion alone doesn’t pay the bills. I call on this government to revisit the bill I introduced in 2024, Bill 191, Childcare and Early Years Workforce Strategy Advisory Committee Act, to develop recommendations to better support ECEs and the broader child care workforce. We cannot deliver high-quality, accessible child care without investing in the people that provide it.

Official source

Mrs. Karen McCrimmon

I’m so deeply saddened by the tragedy that happened at CFB Wainwright that claimed the lives of four Canadian soldiers and left 39 others injured, and I thank the Premier for his moment of silence. Further, we here in this chamber honour and remember Sergeant Morgan Wong, Private Shaun Farrell, Private Aidan Goulding and Private Hayden Lykkemark. These brave Canadians stepped forward to serve their country. They dedicated themselves to defending Canada, and they and their families deserve our deepest respect, gratitude and unwavering support, because behind every soldier stands a family that shares that commitment and that sacrifice. Private Goulding’s mother said he quit a steady job as a mechanic to join the Canadian military, declaring that he had but one life to live and wanted to dedicate it to protecting his country. We extend our sympathies and heartfelt condolences to their families, friends and fellow soldiers. We must ensure that everyone affected receives the care, compassion and support they need, not just today, but throughout the difficult days, weeks and months ahead. I ask all Canadians to keep these families in their hearts and in their thoughts and prayers. They stepped forward for Canada and now it’s our turn to stand together for them. Lest we forget.

Official source

Applause.

Official source

MPP Monica Ciriello

From community spirit to historic investments, Hamilton Mountain had a season worth celebrating. On Concession Street, our BIA hosted Sidewalk Sounds on Fridays; we celebrated neighbours turning over a century; we welcomed new businesses and Special Olympians to Gretzky Pickleball; and we filled the streets with Italian fest. At the Tim Hortons on Upper Ottawa, we set another Camp Day record; and I hosted a first free self-defence course, welcoming more than 200 women and girls to our Mountain YMCA. We also delivered results: $572 million was announced in Hamilton for infrastructure—the single-largest investment in our city’s history. This funding will benefit Hamilton Mountain by widening Rymal Road. We announced an expanded emergency room; $24,000 for seniors at Neighbour to Neighbour; and expanded primary care to connect more than 2,700 Hamiltonians to family care. And who could forget about our Hamilton Cardinals who play right here at Bernie Arbour Stadium? This season, the birds went all the way to the finals for the first time since 2002. From Concession Street to Rymal Road, Hamilton Mountain showed up all season long, and I’ve never been more proud to represent such an incredible community.

Official source

Ms. Jessica Bell

“Give young people the opportunity, and we’re ready to get to work.” That’s Jaden Smith. He joined myself, labour and environmental leaders to call for the creation of an Ontario youth climate jobs program to employ up to 10,000 young people a year to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prepare for extreme weather and respond to climate emergencies. Electricians, carpenters, arborists, researchers, planners, firefighters and educators would all have a role to play. And unlike the Ontario program that the government has set up, these youth would be paid. This is so important right now because the Conservative government has abandoned its moral and economic responsibility to reduce emissions and prepare for extreme weather. The Conservatives have no good plan or serious plan to address anything from extreme heat or flooding or wildfire. A youth climate jobs program would help Ontario build the workforce needed to address these challenges, while giving young people something equally important: a job. I want to end by quoting Jaden Smith again: “Gen Z is bursting with creativity, passion, an incredible diversity of skills and a determination to make a difference.... Imagine what we could accomplish if we harnessed that potential, putting young people’s talents to work for our communities, our climate and our future.”

Official source

Mr. Lorne Coe

Lakeridge Health, Durham Regional Police Service, the Ontario Provincial Police and the region of Durham paramedic services have established the Durham region police-hospital committee, bringing local health care and first responder partners together to strengthen how people experiencing mental health and addictions-related crises are supported when accessing emergency care. The committee will focus on the transition of care that occurs when police bring a person to a Lakeridge Health emergency department for mental health assessment and treatment. Through regular collaboration, the partners will work to promote clear, consistent and person-centred processes that support safety, privacy, dignity, human rights and compliance with applicable legislation. Speaker, the partner organizations are reinforcing, as they should, their shared commitment to improving the experience of people in crisis, strengthening access to appropriate care and, importantly, supporting the health, safety and well-being of hard-working families in Whitby and other parts of the region of Durham.

Official source

Mr. Guy Bourgouin

Today I want to recognize everyone who put their name forward in Ontario’s municipal elections. It takes courage, dedication and a genuine commitment to public service to represent our communities. Congratulations to all newly elected and returning municipal leaders and thank you to every candidate who stepped forward. As elected officials, it is our duty to serve with dignity, honesty and utmost respect. True leadership means listening, inspiring and putting our communities first. In northern Ontario our realities are unique and our challenges are many. While our political views may differ, we must never let those differences stand in the way of working together, for all of us share one common goal: building stronger, more prosperous communities. I wish you all great success in your roles and look forward to working alongside you to build a better future for our communities. Aujourd’hui, je tiens à souligner l’engagement de toutes les personnes qui ont posé leur candidature aux élections municipales. Félicitations aux élus et merci à tous les candidats. Être élu, c’est servir avec honnêteté, dignité et respect. Un bon leader sait écouter, rassembler et inspirer. Dans le Nord, nos défis sont uniques, mais notre force réside dans notre solidarité. Au-delà de nos différences politiques, nous partageons le même objectif : assurer la vitalité et l’avenir de nos communautés. Je vous souhaite à tous beaucoup de succès dans vos fonctions, et j’ai bien hâte de travailler à vos côtés pour bâtir un avenir meilleur pour nos communautés.

Official source

Ms. Jess Dixon

October 17 marked my fourth annual Fall Festival at beautiful Steckle historic farm in Kitchener South–Hespeler—I can’t believe that’s already the fourth annual. It’s always a fun day but it was an especially fun day to realize how many people I’m recognizing that have come back year after year, especially families and kids that come. As always, my dog, George, is the main star of the show and I’m really only there to manage his fan base. I have to give a shout-out to him. I’ve never seen a dog be so tolerant of so many kids that want to meet him. A huge thank you to my staff—to Bonita, to all of my staff and all the volunteers that came and made it such a successful day, as well as our face painters, our crafters and our food trucks. We’ve had Leen’s Shop, Fo’ Cheezy grilled cheese and BeaverTails coming back year after year, and every single year has been a resounding success. My dad has relaxed slightly on the pumpkin monitoring duty. It was originally one pumpkin per family and he took it very, very seriously—so he has relaxed slightly. I also just want to give a huge congratulations—we all know how difficult politics can be and how important it is as a woman to have women supporting women in politics, so I want to give a huge congratulations to two of my very close friends, Corey Kimpson and Sheri Roberts, who were re-elected as city councillors in Cambridge last night. Congratulations, ladies. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with you.

Official source

Ms. Aislinn Clancy

Last Saturday, I stood on the lawn of Queen’s Park with students, teachers, education workers, union leaders and allies, all of us speaking up in support of public education in Ontario. We heard stories, like the ones we hear in our constituency offices all the time, about the realities in our classrooms. We heard from parents whose kids have special needs who aren’t supported because of staffing cuts, parents of kids who are being kept home because their needs are too great and help is not on the way. Let me be clear: Every child in Ontario, regardless of their needs, has a right to education all day and every day. But that’s not what’s happening in Ontario, so teachers and education workers are faced with the harmful impact of mental health challenges and developmental issues on kids due to screen addiction, learning challenges, poverty. Staff are burnt out and sick, but there is not enough money for sick days, there is not enough money for support staff and not enough to make the work sustainable. Worst of all, we’re faced with a government that has no plan. I challenge any MPP in this place to spend a day in their shoes. If we did that, we would fund special education, we would protect kids from online harms, we would make sure that front-line staff and students have what they need in schools and we would show a willingness to proudly defend public education. Our kids deserve it. Hats off to ETFO, OSSTF, OECTA, AEFO, EAA, CUPE, OPSEU, parents and students for making this day happen. We are truly stronger together.

Official source

Mr. Hardeep Singh Grewal

After a summer of more than 500 events, countless conversations and plenty of community barbecues, I’m proud to be back in the House representing Brampton East. The best part was the people. I met families celebrating milestones, entrepreneurs opening their doors and volunteers who found time to help everyone around them. I also listened to the peoples’ concerns, the challenges they’re facing and what they expect from us. Thank you for sharing those concerns, and I’ll be bringing your priorities back to Queen’s Park. I also would like to take a minute to congratulate Mayor Patrick Brown on his re-election, along with Brampton East councillors Harkirat Singh, Sukhman Sangha, Rod Power and Taran Chahal. I’d also like to thank all those that put their name forward to run for municipal elections. It takes real courage and pride to come out and support your community and run for public office. Speaker, with Halloween approaching just around the corner this Saturday, I hope our youngest residents have their costumes ready and their candy routes planned. Drivers, please slow down and watch for the little ones. Kids, stay visible, stay safe and stick together. And remember, your parents checking your candy is very important work. A few pieces may go missing. Happy Halloween, Brampton East.

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

I beg to inform the House that the Clerk has received from the Chief Electoral Officer and laid upon the table certificates of the by-elections in the electoral districts of Hamilton East–Stoney Creek, York–Simcoe and Scarborough Southwest.

Official source

The Clerk of the Assembly (Mr. Trevor Day)

I’ve received three letters dated September 16, 2026, addressed to the Clerk of the Assembly, that read as follows: “Dear Mr. Day: “A writ of election, dated the 5th day of August, 2026, was issued by the Honourable Lieutenant Governor of the province of Ontario, and was addressed to Catherine A. Cousins, returning officer for the electoral district of Hamilton East–Stoney Creek, for the election of a member to represent the said electoral district of Hamilton East–Stoney Creek in the Legislative Assembly of this province in the room of Neil Lumsden who, since his election as representative of the said electoral district of Hamilton East–Stoney Creek, has resigned. “This is to certify that, a poll having been granted and held in Hamilton East–Stoney Creek on the 3rd day of September, 2026, Jeff Beattie has been returned as duly elected as appears by the return of the said writ of election, dated the 8th day of September, 2026, which is now lodged of record in my office.” The second letter reads as follows: “Dear Mr. Day: “A writ of election, dated the 5th day of August, 2026, was issued by the Honourable Lieutenant Governor of the province of Ontario, and was addressed to Tina Basso, returning officer for the electoral district of York–Simcoe, for the election of a member to represent the said electoral district of York–Simcoe in the Legislative Assembly of this province in the room of Caroline Mulroney who, since her election as representative of the said electoral district of York–Simcoe, has resigned. “This is to certify that, a poll having been granted and held in York–Simcoe on the 3rd day of September, 2026, Susan Lahey has been returned as duly elected as appears by the return of the said writ of election, dated the 5th day of September, 2026, which is now lodged of record in my office.” The third letter reads as follows: “Dear Mr. Day: “A writ of election, dated the 5th day of August, 2026, was issued by the Honourable Lieutenant Governor of the province of Ontario, and was addressed to Eddy Gasparotto, returning officer for the electoral district of Scarborough Southwest, for the election of a member to represent the said electoral district of Scarborough Southwest in the Legislative Assembly of this province in the room of Doly Begum who, since her election as representative of the said electoral district of Scarborough Southwest, has resigned. “This is to certify that, a poll having been granted and held in Scarborough Southwest on the 3rd day of September, 2026, Fatima Shaban has been returned as duly elected as appears by the return of the said writ of election, dated the 5th day of September, 2026, which is now lodged of record in my office.” All three letters are signed by the Chief Electoral Officer, Greg Essensa.

Official source

Mr. Beattie was escorted into the House by Mr. Ford and Mr. Clark.

Official source

Hon. Doug Ford

Speaker, I have the honour to present to you and to the House Jeff Beattie, member for the electoral district of Hamilton East–Stoney Creek, who has taken the oath and signed the roll and now claims the right to take his seat.

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

Let the honourable member take his seat.

Official source

MPP Lahey was escorted into the House by Mr. Ford and Mr. Clark.

Official source

Hon. Doug Ford

Speaker, I have the honour to present to you and to the House Susan Lahey, member for the electoral district of York–Simcoe, who has taken the oath and signed the roll and now claims the right to take her seat.

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

Let the honourable member take her seat.

Official source

Ms. Shaban was escorted into the House by Ms. Stiles and Mr. Vanthof.

Official source

Ms. Marit Stiles

Speaker, I have the honour to present to you and to the House Fatima Shaban, member for the electoral district of Scarborough Southwest, who has taken the oath and signed the roll and now claims the right to take her seat.

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

Let the honourable member take her seat.

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

If you look to the gallery, you may see the Speaker of the 42nd and 43rd Parliaments, and also the member for Wellington–Halton Hills in the 39th to 43rd Parliaments; Waterloo–Wellington, 37th and 38th Parliaments; and Wellington, 35th ands 36th Parliament: the Honourable Ted Arnott.

Official source

MPP Monica Ciriello

I’d like to take the opportunity to welcome my husband, Greg, to Queen’s Park.

Official source

Ms. Marit Stiles

Thank you, Speaker, and welcome back. This morning, we are so pleased to be joined by nurse practitioners from all across the province with NPAO, as well as dozens of community and social service workers represented by OPSEU, including some from my own riding of Davenport. Welcome to your House.

Official source

Mr. Adil Shamji

I’d like to introduce the Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario, including Dr. Michelle Acorn and Alicia Moonesar, a delegate from Don Valley East. I would also like to welcome and introduce the Alliance for Healthier Communities, which includes Jen Quinlan, CEO of Flemingdon Health Centre. Welcome.

Official source

Hon. Laurie Scott

I am pleased to welcome the members from the Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario here today and also to highlight my constituent, Dr. Michelle Acorn, the CEO of NPAO and also the recipient of the 2026 Nursing Leadership Award.

Official source

MPP George Darouze

I’m pleased to rise today to welcome Mr. Kenny Tuff, a proud constituent from Metcalfe, in Carleton, and a successful local entrepreneur helping showcase the innovation and craftsmanship found in rural Ontario. Kenny represents the very best of our community. Welcome to your House, Kenny.

Official source

Mme France Gélinas

It’s a pleasure to recognize people from the Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario: their CEO, Dr. Michelle Acorn; president, Marie Greer-King; president-elect, Kevin Zizzo; as well as nurse practitioner Jodi Colwill and a nurse practitioner from the Sudbury nurse practitioner-led clinic, Jana Blackburn. Welcome to Queen’s Park. The Ontario Kinesiology Association is also here. I would like to recognize John Armstrong, Ben Matthie, Agata Kozlowska and Tanya Cho, representing kinesiologists. Welcome to Queen’s Park. And the Alliance for Healthier Communities: their CEO and their teams are here—always close to my heart. Welcome to Queen’s Park, everybody.

Official source

Ms. Aislinn Clancy

I’d like to welcome Laura Diemert and Krysta Cameron, amazing nurse practitioners from the Waterloo Region Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic. Thanks for the work you do. Congrats to Mayor Vrbanovic and all councillors on their wins last night. I look forward to working with you.

Official source

Mr. Aris Babikian

I would like to welcome Dr. Khazal al-Majidi, Mr. Mazin Lawrence, Mr. Dhafir Petros and Mr. Ohan Ohanessian to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Welcome to your House.

Official source

Ms. Catherine Fife

I would like to introduce my long-suffering husband, who is here in the gallery. Welcome to your House.

Official source

Mr. Tom Rakocevic

I would like to welcome a family friend, Alessio Cannella, who is visiting with his school today.

Official source

Mr. Chris Glover

I’d like to welcome to the House my predecessor, former MPP Rosario Marchese, to the Legislature.

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

I would like to congratulate our newest newlywed, the Attorney General. Congratulations.

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

Since we have a few seconds—which is rare—on the clock, I just want to bring to the attention of members—I will be mentioning this as well—that today is the 40th anniversary of broadcast out of this building. I think that’s pretty cool. Thank you to our broadcast team for all you do, and those amazing Question Period Rewind segments. We can all learn from that, right?

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

Also in the Speaker’s gallery today, we have with us our new cohort of the Ontario Legislature Internship Programme, better known as OLIP. OLIP is a non-partisan program that hires 10 recent university graduates each year to gain practical experience in the daily workings of our Legislature. The interns are meeting with members this week to determine placements, but there is still time to submit an application. I would encourage all members who are eligible to participate in this exceptional program. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

I would like to take a moment to address the House on the allocation of opposition days, as I did on April 29 and October 20, 2025. As a result of the order of the House dated June 2, 2026, revising the parliamentary calendar, it will not be possible for the House to conduct the five opposition day debates prescribed by standing order 45(a) during this fall meeting period. In accordance with the scheduling and notice provisions contained in standing orders 45(b) and (c), there may be up to three opposition day motions debated this fall. In keeping with my previous approach, as well as standing order 45(b)(iii), the allocation of the available opposition day debates will be determined on the basis of the membership of the caucuses relative to each other. Accordingly, two opposition days will be allocated to the official opposition and one to the third party.

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

I would also like to draw members’ attention to a change on today’s Orders and Notices paper. As a result of recent appointments to cabinet, certain members are no longer eligible to sponsor private legislation. Accordingly, Bill Pr53, An Act to revive J.C.C. Corp., which was introduced by the member for Eglinton–Lawrence, and Bill Pr55, An Act to revive London Hydro Holdings Inc., introduced by the member for Perth–Wellington, currently stand on the Orders and Notices paper without sponsors. These bills may not proceed any further in the legislative process unless the House agrees to assign new sponsors to them. Thank you for your attention.

Official source

Hon. Steve Clark

Madam Speaker, if you seek it, you will find unanimous consent that notwithstanding standing order 82(b), the order for third reading of Bill 119, An Act to enact two new Acts and to amend various other Acts, may be called during orders of the day this afternoon.

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

The government House leader is seeking unanimous consent that notwithstanding standing order 82(b), the order for third reading of Bill 119, An Act to enact two new Acts and to amend various other Acts, may be called during orders of the day this afternoon. Agreed? Agreed.

Official source

Hon. Steve Clark

Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to move a motion without notice regarding the appointment of presiding officers.

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

The government House leader is seeking unanimous consent to move a motion without notice regarding the presiding officers. Agreed? Agreed.

Official source

Hon. Steve Clark

I move that the order of the House dated April 16, 2025, regarding the appointment of presiding officers, be rescinded, and That Ric Bresee, member for the electoral district of Hastings–Lennox and Addington, be appointed Deputy Speaker and Chair of the Committee of the Whole House; That Jennifer K. French, member for the electoral district of Oshawa, be appointed First Deputy Chair of the Committee of the Whole House; That John Jordan, member for the electoral district of Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston, be appointed Second Deputy Chair of the Committee of the Whole House; and That Andrea Hazell, member for the electoral district of Scarborough–Guildwood, be appointed Third Deputy Chair of the Committee of the Whole House.

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

The government House leader is seeking unanimous consent that the order of the House dated April 16, 2025, regarding the appointment of presiding officers, be rescinded and That Ric Bresee, member for the electoral district of Hastings–Lennox and Addington, be appointed Deputy Speaker and Chair of the Committee of the Whole House; That Jennifer K. French, member for the electoral district of Oshawa, be appointed First Deputy Chair of the Committee of the Whole House; That John Jordan, member for the electoral district of Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston, be appointed Second Deputy Chair of the Committee of the Whole House; and That Andrea Hazell, member for the electoral district of Scarborough–Guildwood, be appointed Third Deputy Chair of the Committee of the Whole House. Agreed? Agreed.

Official source

Motion agreed to.

Official source

Hon. Steve Clark

Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to move a motion without notice regarding the appointment of the new Ombudsman of Ontario.

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

The government House leader is seeking unanimous consent to move a motion without notice regarding the appointment of the new Ombudsman of Ontario. Agreed? Agreed.

Official source

Hon. Steve Clark

Speaker, I move that, in accordance with subsections 2(2) and (3) of the Ombudsman Act, R.S.O. 1990 c. O.6, Robert Delaney be appointed Ombudsman of Ontario for a term of five years, commencing on December 2, 2026.

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

The government House leader is seeking unanimous consent that, in accordance with subsections 2(2) and (3) of the Ombudsman Act, R.S.O. 1990 c. O.6, Robert Delaney be appointed Ombudsman of Ontario for a term of five years, commencing on December 2, 2026. Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

Official source

Motion agreed to.

Official source

Hon. Steve Clark

Madam Speaker, if you seek it, you’ll find unanimous consent that, in the case of Bill Pr53, An Act to revive J.C.C. Corp., the member for Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound be added to the bill as the sponsor as of September 10, 2026; and that in the case of Bill Pr55, An Act to revive London Hydro Holdings Inc., the member for Lambton–Kent–Middlesex be added to the bill as the sponsor as of September 10, 2026.

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

The government House leader is seeking unanimous consent that, in the case of Bill Pr53, An Act to revive J.C.C. Corp., the member for Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound be added to the bill as the sponsor as of September 10, 2026; and that in the case of Bill Pr55, An Act to revive London Hydro Holdings Inc., the member for Lambton–Kent–Middlesex be added to the bill as the sponsor as of September 10, 2026. Agreed? Agreed.

Official source

Motion agreed to.

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

Pursuant to standing order 23(c), the member for Kingston and the Islands has provided me with written notice of his intention to raise a question of privilege relating to remarks made by the Premier during the adjournment of the House. I’m now prepared to hear the member’s submission. I recognize the member for Kingston and the Islands.

Official source

Mr. Ted Hsu

Speaker, I rise on a question of privilege because I believe that public statements made by the Premier about the request that we be recalled to deal with an escalation of the tariff crisis amount to a prima facie case for a breach of privilege and contempt of this House. It is based on how the Premier characterized the proposed exercise of this Legislative Assembly’s function. I begin with the transcript of the press conference in Hamilton on August 24, 2026, as recorded by CPAC on YouTube, where the Premier was responding to the Trump tariff escalation. He was asked, “The NDP is calling on you to immediately recall the Legislature to pass emergency relief for Ontario workers. Do you plan to recall the Legislature?” The Premier responded, “No. I find that real ironic to start doing gutter politics in this time that they want us to call the Legislature back that they actually voted against every single thing we’ve done for the last year to protect Ontario. Every recommendation they gave they voted against. So I find it pretty hypocritical.” Minutes later a reporter asked, “What would be the harm in kind of calling the Legislature back in the midst of this kind of five-month break”? The Premier responded: “You know something, I’ve been in this game a long time. They want to play gutter politics. They voted against every single item that we did for the last year to protect Ontario. I am swamped right now. It’s an 18-hour-a-day job with myself and my ministers. If they have suggestions, call me up. Everyone else calls me up.” Both times, the Premier was asked specifically about recalling the Legislative Assembly so that members could meet and address a critical matter of public policy. His dismissive statements were widely reported by Global News, CTV, CBC, the Trillium and Acadia Broadcasting and remain on the public record. Twice he called the request to recall members and allow us to perform our functions “gutter politics”. More significantly, when the Premier was asked what harm there would be in recalling the Legislature, he said that he and his ministers were busy and offered as the alternative: “If they have suggestions, call me up. Everyone else calls me up.” Speaker, I believe that those statements, considered together, diminish the authority and dignity of this House and its proceedings. The Legislative Assembly is not simply another means by which members may communicate suggestions to the Premier. It is the institution which holds the government to account, in which members question ministers, introduce and debate legislation, propose amendments, place their positions on the public record and vote. Politics is messy, but it’s necessary when people disagree and must still make decisions together. It is an affront to the privileges and dignity of this House for the head of the executive, when specifically asked why the assembly should not be convened for a matter of grave importance, and when reminded that there had already been a prolonged adjournment, to characterize the request to convene as “gutter politics”—and importantly, to then suggest private telephone calls to himself as an adequate or even superior alternative. I would like to cite Speaker Carr’s ruling of May 8, 2003, concerning the presentation of the budget outside the Legislature before it was presented here. According to the government of the day, the purpose was to have a “direct conversation with the people of Ontario.” Speaker Carr found a prima facie case of contempt of Parliament. His ruling recognized that circumventing this House, while suggesting it was preferrable to communicate the budget directly to Ontarians, amounted to words and actions reflecting upon the House and its proceedings in a matter that tended to diminish the respect due to the House and lower its authority.” Speaker Carr explained the importance of that principle most elegantly when he said, “I can well appreciate that parliamentary proceedings can be animated and often emotional, and they can be cumbersome. It may not be the most efficient of political systems, but it is a process that reflects the reality that members, like the people of Ontario, may not be of one mind on matters of public policy. A mature parliamentary democracy is not a docile, esoteric or one-way communications vehicle; it is a dynamic, interactive and representative institution that allows the government of the day to propose and defend its policies—financial and otherwise. It also allows the opposition to scrutinize and hold the government to account for those policies. It is an open, working and relevant system of scrutiny and accountability.” Madam Speaker, I also draw your attention to Speaker Stockwell’s ruling of January 22, 1997. He found a prima facie case of contempt, saying that government communications “convey the impression ... that the assembly and the Legislature had a pro forma, tangential, even inferior role in the legislative and lawmaking process, and in doing so, they appear to diminish the respect that is due to this House.” For Speaker Stockwell, it was enough that the reader of a government pamphlet in question “could be left with an incorrect impression about how parliamentary democracy works in Ontario, an impression that undermines respect for our parliamentary institutions.” I submit that the Premier went well beyond conveying an impression. I believe that the Premier undermined the public’s respect for this House and their desire to have us do our work. Speaker Carr was also concerned about the precedent set when challenges to the authority of the House go unanswered. He wrote, “If left unchallenged, will this incident not embolden future governments to create parallel, extra-parliamentary processes for other kinds of events that traditionally occur in the House?” That concern is directly relevant here. The Premier effectively suggested replacing the institution of Parliament with his cellphone. By telling members to “call me up” when asked why the Legislature should not be recalled, he presented private communication with the Premier as an alternative to the public proceedings of this assembly. I submit that there is at least a serious question as to whether those remarks diminish the role of this House and present its proceedings as unnecessary or inferior. In the words of Speaker Carr, “There is a danger that the representative role of each and every member of this House is undermined, that respect for the institution is diminished and that Parliament is rendered irrelevant.” Speaker, I want to leave you and this House with a quote from Speaker Stockwell’s ruling, in which he cited then-Speaker of the House of Commons, John Fraser: “We are a parliamentary democracy, not a so-called executive democracy, nor a so-called administrative democracy.” Madam Speaker, I believe the evidence before you establishes a prima facie case for the House to consider whether the Premier’s statements constitute a breach of privilege and a contempt of the Legislative Assembly.

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

On the same question of privilege, I recognize the member for Timiskaming–Cochrane.

Official source

Mr. John Vanthof

On this very serious issue, I would just like to reserve the right to give a written response. It was the official opposition who called to return the House on an unprecedented attack on our economy and our people, and to say that that was “gutter politics” was quite shocking, but that is not the parliamentary argument we want to make. But this is a worthy discussion, and we reserve the right to put forward a written response.

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

I recognize the government House leader.

Official source

Hon. Steve Clark

I’m not going to belabour—it’s the government’s intention to respond in writing to you directly, Speaker.

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

I would like to thank the member for Kingston and the Islands as well as the member for Timiskaming–Cochrane and the government House leader, and I’m going to reserve my ruling on this matter and will deliver it at a future date. I ask that the members provide their written submissions to me by 5 p.m. today. It is now time for question period.

Official source

Ms. Marit Stiles

Before I begin, Speaker, I do want to congratulate and thank every single person who put their name forward in our municipal and our school board elections yesterday. Thank you. It was a big day for local democracy. Welcome back, Speaker. All this time away from the Legislature has had one benefit: I got to spend that time travelling around the province, from communities and doorsteps in Scarborough and Ottawa to Thunder Bay. I’m talking to steelworkers and small business owners, teachers and health care workers. And all across the province, I’m hearing the same thing: “Times are really tough, and the government has no solutions, just scandal after scandal.” They say to me, “This is a Premier who said he was going to fight for the little guy, and now he’s flying around on private jets.” Premier, on behalf of the people of this province, have you forgotten the people that you promised to fight for?

Official source

Hon. Doug Ford

Through you, Madam Speaker, first of all, thank you for the question. What were we doing? I was at 500 meetings, tens of thousands of kilometres, spreading the message about coming to invest in Ontario, because we’ve created that climate and the conditions to create over a million jobs. Last year, we saw over a billion dollars of investment. Alongside the federal government, we just launched a new action plan with investments of over $9 billion; $9 billion to support the steel sector, the auto sector. We also accelerated the expansion of Highway 69, and I know everyone going up Highway 69 towards Sudbury—my friends over there in Sudbury, I know you’re talking. You’ll be doing cartwheels because now we’re going to make a safe, safe highway, and I know you endorse safety on the highways. We’ve also expanded Highway 413, the largest infrastructure procurement in the history of Ontario. I’ll follow up on the second—

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

Back to the Leader of the Opposition.

Official source

Ms. Marit Stiles

Well, he could try answering the actual question. Because if you ask anyone who voted for this Premier in 2018, they’re going to tell you this is not the same guy they voted for. Whatever happened to hallway health care? I mean, what happened to buck-a-beer, for goodness’ sake? I’ll tell you what happened. This Premier and his ministers got a taste of the sweet life: box seats at Leafs games with lobbyists; private jets and luxury hotel rooms on the taxpayers’ dime. Why do Ontarians have to keep paying the price for this Premier’s scandals and backroom deals?

Official source

Hon. Doug Ford

It’s funny you say that. I think in the last poll, we were at 43%; you’re at 18% and they’re at 27%. People really look at what we’re doing: protecting communities, protecting jobs, fighting against that tyrant, President Trump. I think I told him to kiss my backside and that I had more integrity in my baby toe and brains than he had in his whole body. I will continue to fight against President Trump to make sure we have a viable, thriving, prosperous— Interjections.

Official source

Hon. Doug Ford

What I did do: I went up to Webequie First Nation to make sure we broke ground on the road to the Ring of Fire, the Webequie supply road— Interjections.

Official source

Hon. Doug Ford

—creating 70,000 jobs, $22 billion to our GDP. I also made sure that I went up to Marten Falls and met with their community, who were as happy as anything that they’re going to see prosperity and jobs. And then we broke ground—

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

Back to the Leader of the Opposition.

Official source

Ms. Marit Stiles

You know what it really is? The Premier has sold out. And the people of Ontario, they know it. He sold out Ontario Place for a luxury spa. He sold out the greenbelt to his developer friends. Developers, lobbyists, backroom deals—that is just money out of the pockets of the people of this province and into the pocket of the Premier’s rich friends and insiders. They see it. They know what he’s doing. I want to ask the Premier again, why is he selling out Ontario to the highest bidder?

Official source

Hon. Doug Ford

That’s the best you’ve got? Oh, my goodness. We broke ground and announced major construction under way on four GO stations, expanding the largest expansion of transit in North America. We started a historic refurbishment on the Pickering nuclear station that the NDP and the Liberals were closing down. Tell those 4,000 employees: If they ever got elected, they’re closing Pickering down. We’re expanding nuclear under the great leadership of Minister Lecce: creating 150,000 jobs, $800 billion; the largest nuclear expansion in North America, leading the world when it comes to SMRs or small modular reactors. We announced funding—and this is important—for nearly 86,000 college seats to connect more students to good-paying, in-demand jobs. We signed three MOUs. We broke ground on three new emergency departments and one brand new emergency department. We put more money back into communities, awarding more than $43 million through the Building Faster Fund. We opened 35 new and expanded schools, adding 18,300 new spaces—

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

Back to the Leader of the Opposition.

Official source

Ms. Marit Stiles

I want to tell you about some of the people that I’ve met over the last 21 weeks: people who are losing their jobs in important sectors in our economy, people who are wondering how they’re going to put food on the table or pay for diapers or formula. Meanwhile, MPPs across the aisle enjoyed taxpayer-funded pay bumps and rewards for their scandals. The MPP for Willowdale spent tens of thousands of tax dollars partying it up in five-star luxury hotels. How did the Premier punish him? With a $22,000 pay bump—can you believe it? I want the Premier to get up in his place and explain why he gave the member from Willowdale a promotion.

Official source

Hon. Doug Ford

Madam Speaker, as I travel around the province, the country and North America, you know what I hear? “Keep going.” That is the number one comment. “Keep moving forward.” That’s exactly what we’re doing. We opened up 35 new and expanded schools, adding 18,300 new students to 1,130 licensed child care providers; connected more than 37,000 children and youth to sport and recreation programs; expanded student and family support offices to all 72 school boards; launched new emergency department action teams to get people better care faster; lowered WSIB premiums, saving employers $160 million; and, as well, we signed another agreement on top of the close to $9 billion we did, a previous agreement to get rid of the HST development charges. And I know the opposition loves taxes. We hate them—

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

The Leader of the Opposition.

Official source

Ms. Marit Stiles

The Premier is defending the indefensible, as always. When it comes to taking off the tax on groceries or hiring health care workers—or fixing OSAP, for goodness’ sake—this government tells Ontarians it is time to tighten your belts. But somehow, there’s always money to reward their own people. Speaker, the member from Willowdale resigned from cabinet in disgrace only four short months ago. He spent the summer hiding out from the people, only to come back and find that the Premier is giving him a promotion. Wow. He spent the summer hiding and he gets a promotion. I’m going to ask the Premier again: Can he explain why this member is getting a promotion after he ripped off the people of this province?

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

I recognize the Minister of Finance. Interjections.

Official source

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy

Thank you, colleagues, and welcome. Congratulations to the new members who are in this House. Madam Speaker, do you know what the people of Ontario care about? They care about a government who cares about them and puts in their pockets. Every time you go to the pumps, you’re paying less for gas. The gas tax cut which we did four years ago and we made permanent: Guess who advocated for the federal government to do that? This Premier and this government said, “You’ve got to help us. You’ve got to help the people of Ontario.” And guess what? They cut the gas tax. But mind you, it’s temporary; it ends in January. So we’re going to continue advocating for the hard-working people of Ontario, make that gas tax cut permanent, put more money back in the pockets of people and put money back in the pockets of businesses, which helps keep food prices down.

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

Final supplementary?

Official source

Ms. Marit Stiles

Spoken like somebody who just—look, this is the prudent fiscal manager who tells everybody to tighten his belts. Are you kidding me? This is a government who can’t stop spending taxpayer dollars on themselves, for goodness’ sake. Speaker, this Premier always said he wanted to run the province like a business, and I guess he meant the business that he ran into the ground. He sells himself as a business guy, but here he is giving C-suite raises after he catches his own members with their hands in the till. This is not just any raise, Speaker; this is a $22,000 raise. So, Speaker, Ontarians trusted this government. They told them that they were going to be prudent fiscal managers, and instead they are treating taxpayers like an ATM. Back to the Premier: When is he going to own up to his own mistake and fire this member from his new role?

Official source

Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy

Madam Speaker, she mentioned taxes. Do you know what they did when they were in power? They increased taxes. So did the Liberals; they increased taxes. And guess what happened? They got downgraded—credit rating downgrades. Madam Speaker, who was the party that cut the gas tax? Who was the party that cut the HST? Who was the party that cut the small business tax? Who was the party that cut the corporate tax so that companies can invest capital and create new jobs? Who is the party that continues to make life more affordable for people, individuals, families? Who’s the party that makes cuts to help businesses invest in their people across the province? It’s this party. It’s this government. They should join us.

Official source

Mr. John Fraser

My question is for the Premier. I really missed you, Premier. You know, it’s almost trick-or-treat time, but for the last five months, it has only been trick for the people of Ontario, no treat. That’s because every day, thousands and thousands more families are farther and farther behind: families that can’t get the health care that they need or get it on time, or families whose kids aren’t getting exactly what they need in school, and more people who are trying to build a better life, get a better job and have been abandoned by this government’s colossal mismanagement of the OSAP file. So, Speaker, simple question, through you to the Premier: How does the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security still have his job?

Official source

Hon. Doug Ford

Through you, Madam Speaker—and, yes, I’ve taken probably more calls than all of you combined on this. Do you know who I feel terrible for? These honest students that got trapped in the private college system that a couple of bad apples—there’s some good operators there, but got caught with the bad apples, a bunch of fraudsters—that is now making sure that KPMG is auditing each and every one of them. We’ve called the OPP in, and I hope to God these bad actors are going to jail. We’ll make sure they sit in jail, because the innocent people didn’t do anything. You have to have a little trust when you give out grants or OSAP that people are going to be honest. Well, we have a bunch of bad apples, and they’re going to jail.

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

Back to the leader of the third party.

Official source

Mr. John Fraser

Only in the Ford government can you blow a billion dollars, turn thousands and thousands of people’s lives upside down and still keep your job. Think about that. The government has known about suspicious activity in OSAP since 2023—Auditor General, colleges, ministry staff. And you’re all acting, Premier—you’re acting like you’re surprised: “Oh, there are some bad actors. We just found out. Oh, my gosh; golly gee. And I took action right away. I take all of these calls.” But you do nothing about the problems that everyday people are having. Speaker, let’s start here. Why don’t we do this? Ask the Minister of Colleges and Universities to step down and start supporting those people who you have abandoned who are trying to get a better life.

Official source

Hon. Doug Ford

The minister is doing an incredible job supporting students, increasing—let’s really talk of what we did compared to what you did when you were in government. We actually, in the public sector, invested unlike any government in the history of this province: $6.4 billion. Within that $6.4 billion, we added more STEM seats to the tune of $1.7 billion, adding thousands and thousands more seats for STEM—science, technology, engineering and math—because we need these people, because we’re out there creating more opportunities for companies to invest right in Ontario. Isn’t it amazing, Madam Speaker? Some $236 billion has been invested in Ontario, unlike any jurisdiction in the country. We’re leading the country. We are a super powerhouse when it comes to energy. We’re going to continue leading the world.

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

Before the member speaks, I would remind to direct your questions and responses through the Speaker. I recognize the leader of the third party.

Official source

Mr. John Fraser

Here’s the story for thousands and thousands of students—people—receiving OSAP: They’re approved, they’re enrolled and then they’re abandoned in a period of seven weeks. The Premier has abandoned—and his government, not just you; and this minister—people just trying to get ahead. Here’s a message we received from Katherine: “I am part of the dental assistant program. We were only one class away from entering our pre-clinic training when we received the email that class was being suspended due to OSAP and the Ford government. We are a class of six, highly motivated students who just want to finish our program.” Premier, Katherine and thousands like her are being cut off at the knees and abandoned by this minister’s incompetence. How is it that this minister still has his job while thousands and thousands of others lose their opportunity to get a better one?

Official source

Hon. Doug Ford

Speaker, what my colleague across the aisle is saying is, “Let’s support criminals. Let’s support crooks. Bring them back. Just open the colleges and let them continue playing the games.” We identified the bad actors. We reported them to the OPP, and they’re going to get charged. But according to the opposition, we should just ignore it and let more people come in. We aren’t doing that. We’re going to hold every single person accountable to make sure they stop defrauding the taxpayers. That’s what we’re going to do. He wants to welcome all these criminals back to collect more taxpayers’ money, just like they did under your watch as the Liberal government. That’s what you did. You squandered it. Your chief of staff went to jail. That’s what you’re all about, buddy. That’s what—

Official source

The Speaker (Hon. Donna Skelly)

I will remind members to direct your responses through the Speaker. I recognize the leader of the third party.

Official source