36th Parliament, 1st Session

eNo. 60 No 60

Orders and Notices

Legislative Assembly

of Ontario

Feuilleton et Avis

Assemblée législative

de l'Ontario

1st Session,

36th Parliament

Thursday,

April 18, 1996

1re session,

36e législature

Jeudi

18 avril 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS / TABLE DES MATIÈRES

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS / AFFAIRES ÉMANANT DU GOUVERNEMENT 3

PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS / AFFAIRES ÉMANANT DES DÉPUTÉS 4

PRIVATE BILLS / PROJETS DE LOI D'INTÉRÊT PRIVÉ 6

NOTICES / AVIS 7

PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS TO BE DEBATED /

AFFAIRES ÉMANANT DES DÉPUTÉS DEVANT ÊTRE DÉBATTUES 12

BILLS REFERRED TO COMMITTEES /

PROJETS DE LOI DÉFÉRÉS AUX COMITÉS 16

BILLS AWAITING ROYAL ASSENT / PROJETS DE LOI EN ATTENTE DE SANCTION ROYALE 19

COMMITTEE MEETINGS / RÉUNIONS DE COMITÉS 20

QUESTIONS / QUESTIONS 21

NOTE / REMARQUE:

An asterisk (*) appearing after the title of a Bill indicates the recommendation of the Lieutenant Governor, pursuant to Standing Order 56, has been received.

Un astérisque (*) se trouvant à la fin du titre d'un projet de loi indique que la recommandation du Lieutenant-gouverneur a été reçue, conformément à l'article 56 du Règlement.

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

AFFAIRES ÉMANANT DU GOUVERNEMENT

1. Second Reading Bill 1, An Act to amend the Executive Council Act. Hon. E. Eves. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 1, Loi modifiant la Loi sur le Conseil exécutif. L'hon. E. Eves. IMPRIMÉ.

2. Resuming the Adjourned Debate on the motion for Second Reading Bill 34, An Act to amend the Education Act. Hon. J. Snobelen. PRINTED.

Suite du débat ajourné sur la motion portant deuxième lecture du projet de loi 34, Loi modifiant la Loi sur l'éducation. L'hon. J. Snobelen. IMPRIMÉ.

3. Second Reading Bill 36, An Act to amend certain Acts administered by the Ministry of Natural Resources. Hon. C. Hodgson. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 36, Loi modifiant certaines lois appliquées par le ministère des Richesses naturelles. L'hon. C. Hodgson. IMPRIMÉ.

4. Second Reading Bill 38, An Act to amend the Toronto Islands Residential Community Stewardship Act, 1993. Hon. A. Leach. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 38, Loi modifiant la Loi de 1993 sur l'administration de la zone résidentielle des îles de Toronto. L'hon. A. Leach. IMPRIMÉ.

5. Second Reading Bill 39, An Act to amend the Ontario Highway Transport Board Act and the Public Vehicles Act and to make consequential changes to certain other Acts. Hon. A. Palladini. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 39, Loi modifiant la Loi sur la Commission des transports routiers de l'Ontario et la Loi sur les véhicules de transport en commun et apportant des modifications corrélatives à certaines autres lois. L'hon. A. Palladini. IMPRIMÉ.

6. Second Reading Bill 42, An Act to reform MPPs' pensions, to eliminate tax-free allowances and to adjust MPPs' compensation levels. Hon. E. Eves.* PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 42, Loi portant réforme du régime de retraite des députés, éliminant les allocations non imposables et rajustant les niveaux de rétribution des députés. L'hon. E. Eves.* IMPRIMÉ.

7. Second Reading Bill 44, An Act to amend the Election Act. Hon. E. Eves.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 44, Loi modifiant la Loi électorale. L'hon. E. Eves.

8. Resuming the Adjourned Debate on the motion for Adoption of the Report of the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly prescribing ministries and offices assigned to committees pursuant to Standing Order 108(b).

Suite du débat ajourné sur la motion portant adoption du rapport du Comité permanent de l'Assemblée législative recommandant que les ministères et bureaux soient assignés aux comités conformément à l'article 108(b) du Règlement.

9. Resuming the Adjourned Debate on the motion for Adoption of the recommendations contained in the Report of the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly on Security in the Legislative Precincts.

10. Resuming the Adjourned Debate on the motion for Adoption of the Report of the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs on Pre-budget Consultations, 1996.

Suite du débat ajourné sur la motion portant adoption du rapport du Comité permanent des finances et des affaires économiques concernant les Consultations prébudgétaires pour 1996.

11. Resuming the Adjourned Debate on the motion for Adoption of the Report of the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs on Draft Legislation on Auto Insurance.

Suite du débat ajourné sur la motion portant adoption du rapport du Comité permanent des finances et des affaires économiques concernant l'Avant-projet de loi sur l'assurance-automobile.

PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS

AFFAIRES ÉMANANT DES DÉPUTÉS

12. Committee of the Whole House:

Bill 2, An Act to amend the Election Act. Mr D. McGuinty. PRINTED.

Projet de loi 2, Loi modifiant la Loi électorale. M. D. McGuinty. IMPRIMÉ.

13. Second Reading Bill 3, An Act to amend the Solicitors Act. Mr R. Chiarelli. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 3, Loi modifiant la Loi sur les procureurs. M. R. Chiarelli. IMPRIMÉ.

14. Second Reading Bill 4, An Act to amend the Law Society Act. Mr R. Chiarelli. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 4, Loi modifiant la Loi sur le Barreau. M. R. Chiarelli. IMPRIMÉ.

15. Second Reading Bill 10, An Act respecting the Price of Motor Vehicle Fuel and protecting Whistleblowers in the Motor Vehicle Fuel Industry. Mr R. Chiarelli. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 10, Loi concernant le prix du carburant pour véhicules automobiles et visant à protéger les dénonciateurs dans l'industrie du carburant pour véhicules automobiles. M. R. Chiarelli. IMPRIMÉ.

16. Second Reading Bill 12, An Act to promote the Rights of Victims of Crime. Ms A. Castrilli. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 12, Loi visant à promouvoir les droits des victimes d'actes criminels. Mme A. Castrilli. IMPRIMÉ.

17. Second Reading Bill 14, An Act respecting the rounding of the Penny in Cash Transactions. Mr D. Tilson. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 14, Loi prévoyant l'arrondissement des sommes dans les opérations au comptant. M. D. Tilson. IMPRIMÉ.

18. Second Reading Bill 18, An Act to provide for the establishment of Citizens Assemblies and the expedited consideration by the Legislative Assembly of Legislation prepared by Citizens Assemblies. Mr R. Chiarelli. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 18, Loi prévoyant la mise sur pied d'assemblées de citoyens et une procédure accélérée pour l'étude, par l'Assemblée législative, des projets de loi rédigés par ces assemblées. M. R. Chiarelli. IMPRIMÉ.

19. Second Reading Bill 21, An Act to establish public hospital foundations. Mr J. Hastings. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 21, Loi créant des fondations pour les hôpitaux publics. M. J. Hastings. IMPRIMÉ.

20. Second Reading Bill 24, An Act to amend the Environmental Protection Act, the Ontario Water Resources Act and the Pesticides Act. Mr B. Wildman. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 24, Loi modifiant la Loi sur la protection de l'environnement, la Loi sur les ressources en eau de l'Ontario et la Loi sur les pesticides. M. B. Wildman. IMPRIMÉ.

21. Second Reading Bill 27, An Act to amend the Children's Law Reform Act. Mr J. Hastings. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 27, Loi modifiant la Loi portant réforme du droit de l'enfance. M. J. Hastings. IMPRIMÉ.

22. Second Reading Bill 28, An Act to amend the Municipal Act to name Civic Holiday as Simcoe Day. Mr S. Gilchrist. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 28, Loi modifiant la Loi sur les municipalités en vue de désigner le Congé civique sous le nom de fête de Simcoe. M. S. Gilchrist. IMPRIMÉ.

23. Second Reading Bill 33, An Act to amend the Legislative Assembly Act. Mr J. Flaherty. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 33, Loi modifiant la Loi sur l'Assemblée législative. M. J. Flaherty. IMPRIMÉ.

24. Second Reading Bill 37, An Act to amend the Education Act to require co-operation among boards. Mr B. Wildman. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 37, Loi modifiant la Loi sur l'éducation pour exiger la collaboration entre les conseils. M. B. Wildman. IMPRIMÉ.

25. Second Reading Bill 40, An Act to provide for the licensing of locksmiths. Mr J. Hastings. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 40, Loi prévoyant la délivrance de permis de serrurier. M. J. Hastings. IMPRIMÉ.

26. Second Reading Bill 41, An Act to protect the Rights of Persons receiving Health Services in Ontario. Mrs E. Caplan. PRINTED.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 41, Loi visant à protéger les droits des personnes qui reçoivent des services de santé en Ontario. Mme E. Caplan. IMPRIMÉ.

PRIVATE BILLS

PROJETS DE LOI D'INTÉRÊT PRIVÉ

27. Second Reading Bill Pr50, An Act respecting the Town of Milton. Mr T. Chudleigh. PRINTED.

28. Second Reading Bill Pr53, An Act respecting the Association of Ontario Road Superintendents. Mr T. Arnott. PRINTED.

29. Second Reading Bill Pr56, An Act respecting the Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario. Mrs M. Marland. PRINTED.

NOTICES

AVIS

PRIVATE MEMBERS' NOTICES OF MOTION

AVIS DE MOTIONS DES DÉPUTÉS

2. Mr Tilson - Resolution - Whereas the Liberal Government of Canada has passed Bill C-68, an Act Respecting Firearms and Other Weapons,

and whereas Ontario welcomes real gun control, and supports those portions of Bill C-68 which provide tougher penalties for the criminal use of firearms, new offenses related to firearm smuggling and trafficking, and a ban on para-military weapons,

and whereas existing laws requiring the registration of handguns have done little to reduce the number of crimes committed with hand guns or lower the volume of handguns smuggled into Canada,

And whereas the national gun registration provisions of Bill C-68 will result in a massive misallocation of the limited resources available to law enforcement agencies, with no practical effect on the traffic in illegal firearms, or the use of guns by violent criminals,

And whereas the gun registration provisions of Bill C-68 will take police officers off the street and involve them in bureaucracy rather than fighting crime, and will make the task of real gun control more difficult and dangerous for police officers,

Now be it resolved that the Province of Ontario urge the House of Commons of the Government of Canada to sever from Bill C-68 those provisions for a compulsory registration of all firearms and implement the rest of the bill forthwith, and further, that the House of Commons introduce legislation aimed at real gun control that will include the creation of a national firearm enforcement unit, improve the enforcement of anti-smuggling measures by custom officials at border crossing points, enhance access to the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) computers for Customs officials, and electronically link Canadian police services with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms in the United States. October 25, 1995.

6. Mr Wood (Cochrane North) - Resolution - That in the opinion of this House, the Government of Ontario should recognize the uniqueness of northern Ontario, and in that recognition restore the funding cuts made to programs and services in the north so that the citizens of the north are provided with equitable services and programs similar to those provided to other areas of the province. November 21, 1995.

12. Mr Tilson - Resolution - That in the opinion of this House, since the Federal Liberal Government introduced Section 745 to the Criminal Code in 1976; and

since a person convicted of first degree murder is not eligible to apply for parole for 25 years at the time of sentencing; and

since Section 745 says that where an offender has a parole ineligibility period of more than 15 years and the offender has served at least 15 years, or only 60% of their sentence, the offender can apply to the court for a reduction of the parole ineligibility period; and

since CAVEAT, Victims of Violence, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, the Canadian Police Association, and the Police Association of Ontario have all called on the Federal Government to immediately repeal Section 745 from the Criminal Code; and

since holding hearings under Section 745 uses precious resources which could be redirected elsewhere to prosecute serious crime; and

since the Federal Government has failed to pass a Private Member's Bill that Liberal backbench Member, John Nunziata of Ontario tabled in the Federal House of Commons in 1991, 1994 and 1995, that calls for the repeal of Section 745; and

since Federal Justice Minister Allan Rock has failed to state definitively that the Federal Government will repeal Section 745 to keep convicted murderers off the streets of our communities;

therefore the Government of Ontario should urge the Government of Canada to repeal Section 745 to ensure that convicted murderers serve their entire sentences and to protect victims, their families and the community. April 2, 1996.

13. Ms Churley - Resolution - That in the opinion of this House, since cancer is one of the leading causes of premature death in Ontario, claiming more than 20,000 lives annually, and since Ontario currently spends in excess of one billion dollars a year on cancer treatment, and since the previous New Democratic Party Government recognized this dire threat and commissioned a task force to advise on ways to effectively stem the rising incidence of this disease, and since the Ontario Task Force on the Primary Prevention of Cancer tabled its report in March 1995, advising the government on an action-based plan for the primary prevention of cancer and the present Conservative government has yet to respond; therefore in order to protect human health, prevent cancer and benefit natural ecosystems; this House calls upon the Government of Ontario to (a) immediately appoint a working Committee consisting of environmental, health, labour, industry, women's, aboriginal and other interested groups; and (b) work with the Committee to establish realistic and measurable timetables for sunsetting persistent, bio-accumulative toxic chemicals that are known or suspected carcinogens as outlined in the report of the Task Force. April 2, 1996.

14. Mr Silipo - Resolution - That in the opinion of this House, since there is a significant and growing sense of cynicism and alienation toward the political process of Ontario and it is to the benefit of all to restore the relevance of government in people's lives; and

since the present system does little to address the growing cynicism among the electorate towards the political process; and

since the fairest and most democratic system of election is one which results in the composition of the Legislature reflecting as closely as possible the preferences of the electorate; and

since the present "first past the post" system of electing members to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario does not mirror the voters' preferences adequately, usually resulting in majority governments being formed by a party receiving a minority of voter support; and

since the present legislative system grants little constructive role to the opposition parties although they usually represent a majority of voters' preferences; and

since the Mike Harris government is committed to introducing legislation to change the electoral system by reducing the number of MPPs in the Legislative Assembly and this will provide an opportunity to review the entire electoral system to make it more democratic;

therefore, as one major part of reforming the electoral system of Ontario,

a) members of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario should be elected by a system of proportional representation which would better reflect the wishes of the voters and promote better representation of women and the diversity of Ontario in the Legislature; and

b) this system should be applied on a regional basis to maintain the appropriate balances between urban and rural Ontario; and

c) the Legislative Assembly Committee should examine the various possible models of proportional representation which could be applied to Ontario; and

d) the Legislative Assembly Committee should report back to the Legislative Assembly with one or more models of proportional representation for Ontario which could be incorporated by the government into the legislative changes required to reform the electoral system. April 9, 1996.

15. Mr Colle - Resolution - That in the opinion of this House, since the roads in this province constitute a $100 billion asset; and that the Ministry of Transportation is responsible for the construction and maintenance of the provincial highway system which consists of about 22,000 kilometres of roadway; and

since the 1995 Annual Report the Provincial Auditor has concluded that 60% of highways are currently considered to be in poor or substandard condition; and that if immediate actions are not taken to repair highways the condition of the infrastructure will continue to deteriorate to the point that a massive and costly reconstruction effort will become necessary; and

since the average cost of rehabilitation is estimated at $80,000 per kilometre lane but if not implemented immediately the reconstruction cost per kilometre lane escalates to $250,000 per kilometre lane; and that poorly maintained roads jeopardize the safety of motorists and increase the number of accidents resulting in higher repair and insurance costs; and

since representatives for the Ontario Road Builders' Association who appeared before the Finance Committee earlier this year told committee members that since this government came into power no money has been spent on the roads and highways in the province thus increasing the deterioration of roads; and that provincial cuts to the road maintenance and repair budget mean increased costs for future road reconstruction; and

since the Provincial Government is transferring thousands of kilometres of provincial roads to municipalities which in addition have had their provincial operating grants drastically cut; and that a comprehensive long-term government investment strategy in road maintenance and repair will maintain and encourage economic growth and commerce in communities across Ontario and can readily be undertaken by a highly trained and highly skilled local workforce;

therefore, the Government of Ontario should immediately establish a Road Maintenance and Reconstruction Fund whereby the government guarantees that a fixed portion of the gas tax along with other government revenues be designated to go directly toward the Road Maintenance and Reconstruction Fund for road maintenance, repair and reconstruction in order to systematically eradicate the existing substandard condition of 60% of provincial roads. April 16, 1996.

16. Mr Clement - Resolution - That in the opinion of this House, since Ontarians are entitled to high levels of service from the public sector; and

since Ontarians sent a clear message in the June election that the status quo is not acceptable and called for a government committed to driving substantive reforms in the delivery of public services; and

since the Progressive Conservative government has already taken steps to respond to this message by reviewing all public expenditures; and

since it is important that this process does not neglect the needs of Ontarians and should include the establishment of guiding principles within the public service that will ensure that it is responsive to the public's expectations;

therefore, in order to provide Ontarians with a better, more accountable and more responsive public service, the Chair of the Management Board should investigate the establishment of a mechanism to ensure that the following principles and standards are adopted by the government of Ontario;

a) measurable standards need to be established whereby the public as consumers of public services can assess how services are delivered on a regular basis;

b) information needs to be readily available to the public that will allow them to understand what services cost, who is in charge and how they can benefit from the service;

c) the public must be consulted on a regular basis to ensure that the service is still achieving its desired objectives and continues to be a service which the public sector should be providing;

d) the public's needs must be paramount in determining how to deliver a service;

e) the public must be treated equally and with dignity and respect;

f) the public must have access to a system of redress whereby the government must accept the responsibility for the delivery of services in an appropriate manner; and

g) the taxpayer must be protected by ensuring that government services are delivered in an efficient and economic manner within the context of the existing fiscal environment. April 16, 1996.

PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS TO BE DEBATED

(Precedence in accordance with Standing Order 96(d).)

AFFAIRES ÉMANANT DES DÉPUTÉS DEVANT ÊTRE DÉBATTUES

(Ordre de priorité conforme à l'article 96(d) du Règlement.)

Ballot Item Number 21 - To be debated today.

Ms Churley - Resolution - That in the opinion of this House, since cancer is one of the leading causes of premature death in Ontario, claiming more than 20,000 lives annually, and since Ontario currently spends in excess of one billion dollars a year on cancer treatment, and since the previous New Democratic Party Government recognized this dire threat and commissioned a task force to advise on ways to effectively stem the rising incidence of this disease, and since the Ontario Task Force on the Primary Prevention of Cancer tabled its report in March 1995, advising the government on an action-based plan for the primary prevention of cancer and the present Conservative government has yet to respond; therefore in order to protect human health, prevent cancer and benefit natural ecosystems; this House calls upon the Government of Ontario to (a) immediately appoint a working Committee consisting of environmental, health, labour, industry, women's, aboriginal and other interested groups; and (b) work with the Committee to establish realistic and measurable timetables for sunsetting persistent, bio-accumulative toxic chemicals that are known or suspected carcinogens as outlined in the report of the Task Force.

Ballot Item Number 22 - To be debated today.

Mr Tilson - Resolution - That in the opinion of this House, since the Federal Liberal Government introduced Section 745 to the Criminal Code in 1976; and

since a person convicted of first degree murder is not eligible to apply for parole for 25 years at the time of sentencing; and

since Section 745 says that where an offender has a parole ineligibility period of more than 15 years and the offender has served at least 15 years, or only 60% of their sentence, the offender can apply to the court for a reduction of the parole ineligibility period; and

since CAVEAT, Victims of Violence, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, the Canadian Police Association, and the Police Association of Ontario have all called on the Federal Government to immediately repeal Section 745 from the Criminal Code; and

since holding hearings under Section 745 uses precious resources which could be redirected elsewhere to prosecute serious crime; and

since the Federal Government has failed to pass a Private Member's Bill that Liberal backbench Member, John Nunziata of Ontario tabled in the Federal House of Commons in 1991, 1994 and 1995, that calls for the repeal of Section 745; and

since Federal Justice Minister Allan Rock has failed to state definitively that the Federal Government will repeal Section 745 to keep convicted murderers off the streets of our communities;

therefore the Government of Ontario should urge the Government of Canada to repeal Section 745 to ensure that convicted murderers serve their entire sentences and to protect victims, their families and the community.

Ballot Item Number 23 - To be debated April 25, 1996.

Second Reading Bill 41, An Act to protect the Rights of Persons receiving Health Services in Ontario. Mrs E. Caplan.

Deuxième lecture Projet de loi 41, Loi visant à protéger les droits des personnes qui reçoivent des services de santé en Ontario. Mme E. Caplan.

Ballot Item Number 24 - To be debated April 25, 1996.

Mr Silipo - Resolution - That in the opinion of this House, since there is a significant and growing sense of cynicism and alienation toward the political process of Ontario and it is to the benefit of all to restore the relevance of government in people's lives; and

since the present system does little to address the growing cynicism among the electorate towards the political process; and

since the fairest and most democratic system of election is one which results in the composition of the Legislature reflecting as closely as possible the preferences of the electorate; and

since the present "first past the post" system of electing members to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario does not mirror the voters' preferences adequately, usually resulting in majority governments being formed by a party receiving a minority of voter support; and

since the present legislative system grants little constructive role to the opposition parties although they usually represent a majority of voters' preferences; and

since the Mike Harris government is committed to introducing legislation to change the electoral system by reducing the number of MPPs in the Legislative Assembly and this will provide an opportunity to review the entire electoral system to make it more democratic;

therefore, as one major part of reforming the electoral system of Ontario,

a) members of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario should be elected by a system of proportional representation which would better reflect the wishes of the voters and promote better representation of women and the diversity of Ontario in the Legislature; and

b) this system should be applied on a regional basis to maintain the appropriate balances between urban and rural Ontario; and

c) the Legislative Assembly Committee should examine the various possible models of proportional representation which could be applied to Ontario; and

d) the Legislative Assembly Committee should report back to the Legislative Assembly with one or more models of proportional representation for Ontario which could be incorporated by the government into the legislative changes required to reform the electoral system.

Ballot Item Number 25 - To be debated May 2, 1996.

Mr Clement - Resolution - That in the opinion of this House, since Ontarians are entitled to high levels of service from the public sector; and

since Ontarians sent a clear message in the June election that the status quo is not acceptable and called for a government committed to driving substantive reforms in the delivery of public services; and

since the Progressive Conservative government has already taken steps to respond to this message by reviewing all public expenditures; and

since it is important that this process does not neglect the needs of Ontarians and should include the establishment of guiding principles within the public service that will ensure that it is responsive to the public's expectations;

therefore, in order to provide Ontarians with a better, more accountable and more responsive public service, the Chair of the Management Board should investigate the establishment of a mechanism to ensure that the following principles and standards are adopted by the government of Ontario;

a) measurable standards need to be established whereby the public as consumers of public services can assess how services are delivered on a regular basis;

b) information needs to be readily available to the public that will allow them to understand what services cost, who is in charge and how they can benefit from the service;

c) the public must be consulted on a regular basis to ensure that the service is still achieving its desired objectives and continues to be a service which the public sector should be providing;

d) the public's needs must be paramount in determining how to deliver a service;

e) the public must be treated equally and with dignity and respect;

f) the public must have access to a system of redress whereby the government must accept the responsibility for the delivery of services in an appropriate manner; and

g) the taxpayer must be protected by ensuring that government services are delivered in an efficient and economic manner within the context of the existing fiscal environment.

Ballot Item Number 26 - To be debated May 2, 1996.

Mr Colle - Resolution - That in the opinion of this House, since the roads in this province constitute a $100 billion asset; and that the Ministry of Transportation is responsible for the construction and maintenance of the provincial highway system which consists of about 22,000 kilometres of roadway; and

since the 1995 Annual Report the Provincial Auditor has concluded that 60% of highways are currently considered to be in poor or substandard condition; and that if immediate actions are not taken to repair highways the condition of the infrastructure will continue to deteriorate to the point that a massive and costly reconstruction effort will become necessary; and

since the average cost of rehabilitation is estimated at $80,000 per kilometre lane but if not implemented immediately the reconstruction cost per kilometre lane escalates to $250,000 per kilometre lane; and that poorly maintained roads jeopardize the safety of motorists and increase the number of accidents resulting in higher repair and insurance costs; and

since representatives for the Ontario Road Builders' Association who appeared before the Finance Committee earlier this year told committee members that since this government came into power no money has been spent on the roads and highways in the province thus increasing the deterioration of roads; and that provincial cuts to the road maintenance and repair budget mean increased costs for future road reconstruction; and

since the Provincial Government is transferring thousands of kilometres of provincial roads to municipalities which in addition have had their provincial operating grants drastically cut; and that a comprehensive long-term government investment strategy in road maintenance and repair will maintain and encourage economic growth and commerce in communities across Ontario and can readily be undertaken by a highly trained and highly skilled local workforce;

therefore, the Government of Ontario should immediately establish a Road Maintenance and Reconstruction Fund whereby the government guarantees that a fixed portion of the gas tax along with other government revenues be designated to go directly toward the Road Maintenance and Reconstruction Fund for road maintenance, repair and reconstruction in order to systematically eradicate the existing substandard condition of 60% of provincial roads.

BILLS REFERRED TO COMMITTEES

PROJETS DE LOI DÉFÉRÉS

AUX COMITÉS

STANDING COMMITTEE ON ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE

Bill 11, An Act to amend the Expropriations Act and the Human Rights Code with respect to property rights. Mr T. Barrett. (Referred November 2, 1995).

Projet de loi 11, Loi modifiant la Loi sur l'expropriation et le Code des droits de la personne relativement aux droits de propriété. M. T. Barrett. (Déféré le 2 novembre 1995).

Bill 25, An Act to provide for the Observance of Remembrance Day. Mr D. Boushy. (Referred December 14, 1995).

Projet de loi 25, Loi prévoyant la célébration du jour du Souvenir. M. D. Boushy. (Déféré le

14 décembre 1995).

STANDING COMMITTEE ON THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

Bill 22, An Act to provide for an Oath of Allegiance for the Members of the Legislative Assembly. Mr D. Agostino. (Referred December 14, 1995).

Projet de loi 22, Loi prévoyant le serment d'allégeance pour les députés à l'Assemblée législative. M. D. Agostino. (Déféré le 14 décembre 1995).

STANDING COMMITTEE ON REGULATIONS AND PRIVATE BILLS

Bill Pr39, An Act respecting Canadian Life Line Limited. Mr M. Kwinter. (Referred November 1, 1995).

Bill Pr45, An Act respecting Anglo Canada General Insurance Company. Mr B. Wood (London South). (Referred April 15, 1996).

Bill Pr46, An Act respecting the Township of Sidney. Mr D. Rollins. (Referred December 11, 1995).

Bill Pr49, An Act respecting the City of Oshawa. Mr J. Flaherty. (Referred December 11, 1995).

STANDING COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Bill 30, An Act to establish the Education Quality and Accountability Office and to amend the Education Act with respect to the Assessment of Academic Achievement. Hon. J. Snobelen. (Referred April 4, 1996).

Projet de loi 30, Loi créant l'Office de la qualité et de la responsabilité en éducation et modifiant la Loi sur l'éducation en ce qui concerne l'évaluation du rendement scolaire. L'hon. J. Snobelen. (Déféré le 4 avril 1996).

Bill 31, An Act to establish the Ontario College of Teachers and to make related amendments to certain statutes. Hon. J. Snobelen. (Referred April 4, 1996).

Projet de loi 31, Loi créant l'Ordre des enseignantes et des enseignants de l'Ontario et apportant des modifications connexes à certaines lois. L'hon. J. Snobelen. (Déféré le 4 avril 1996).

BILLS REFERRED TO

COMMISSIONERS OF ESTATE BILLS

PROJETS DE LOI DÉFÉRÉS AUX COMMISSAIRES AUX PROJETS DE LOI AYANT TRAIT À UNE SUCCESSION

Bill Pr35, An Act respecting the Ottawa Civic Hospital. Mr R. Patten. (Referred April 4, 1996).

BILLS AWAITING ROYAL ASSENT

PROJETS DE LOI EN ATTENTE DE

SANCTION ROYALE

Bill 43, An Act to authorize the payment of certain amounts for the Public Service for the fiscal year ending on March 31, 1996.

Projet de loi 43, Loi autorisant le paiement de certaines sommes destinées à la fonction publique pour l'exercice se terminant le 31 mars 1996.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

RÉUNIONS DE COMITÉS

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts will meet, in closed session, to consider the draft report on Section 3.07 (Retail Sales Tax) of the 1995 Annual Report of the Provincial Auditor, as follows:

Today 10:00 a.m. Room No. 228

The Standing Committee on Regulations and Private Bills will meet to consider Bill Pr39, An Act respecting Canada Life Line Limited as follows:

Wednesday, 24 April 10:00 a.m. Room No. 1

QUESTIONS

(Questions are to appear on the day after they are received and on every subsequent day in that week and then subsequently only on each Monday until an Answer (other than an Interim Answer) is received. A question first appearing on a Thursday will appear on each day of the following week.)

QUESTIONS

(Les questions seront publiées le jour suivant leur réception et tous les jours de la semaine. Elles seront ensuite publiées tous les lundis jusqu'à ce qu'une réponse autre qu'une réponse provisoire soit reçue. Une question publiée le jeudi pour la première fois sera publiée tous les jours de la semaine suivante.)

222. Mr Brown (Algoma-Manitoulin) - Enquiry of the Ministry - Would the Chair of Management Board of Cabinet advise how much the Ontario government has spent on renovating the Lanark County Court building in the town of Perth over the past three years, and how much the Ontario government intends to spend over the next three years on renovations to this court facility. Would the Minister itemize the individualized costs of any and all of these renovations to the Lanark County Court building. April 11, 1996.