Your morning briefing

Headlines

Premier Kathleen Wynne found herself on the defensive at last night's leadership debate, reports Christopher Reynolds of QP Briefing. Moderated by Toronto Star columnist Royson James, the debate focused in part on carding, otherwise known as street checks, which has been shown to disproportionately affect people of colour. While the NDP's Andrea Horwath vowed to end carding, Wynne wouldn't go as far, stressing the need for more office training and "balance" in policing tools. Notably, PC leader Doug Ford wasn't in attendance at the debate, for which he was criticized by the other party leaders.

Two Hamilton-area NDP MPPs are the subjects of human rights complaints from three constituency office workers, reports the Hamilton Spectator. The complainants have accused Paul Miller and Monique Taylor of workplace bullying and discrimination. Two of Taylor's employees, Sandra Troulinos and Alissa Watt, filed complaints in March that she pressured them "to make a false sexual harassment claim against the other," according to the Spectator. Grievances have also been filed with the NDP's union.

PC Leader Doug Ford wrapped up his pre-election northern tour with a stop in Sudbury. CBC reported that he didn't make any northern-specific promises on his three-day tour, and for the second consecutive day he didn't mention the Ring of Fire mining deposit. For the second consecutive day, however, Ford did say he would get rid of Hydro One CEO Mayo Schmidt, although he has not outlined how he would do this. Video of Ford's speech can be seen here, from Sudbury.com.

In case you missed our stories Wednesday:

Education minister Indira Naidoo-Harris has sent a letter to the Halton Catholic District School Board, asking the board to suspend its policy that prohibits students from fundraising for groups that support abortion, euthanasia "and other activities opposed by the church," reports the Globe and Mail. Among the charities that can no longer be supported by the school board are the United Way of Halton and Hamilton, the Terry Fox Foundation and WE Charity.

Former London-area radio host Andrew Lawton is running for the PC nomination in London West, a seat that is currently held by NDP MPP Peggy Sattler. Lawton recently moderated a PC leadership debate, but was laid off by Corus Entertainment amid company cutbacks.

I've devoted my career to being a consistent, conservative voice on fiscal and social issues, as well as a strong advocate for mental health. I need your help for what comes next. Join me at https://t.co/U41FmJPuT6! pic.twitter.com/cAh7WRiMjt

— Andrew Lawton (@AndrewLawton) April 11, 2018

The NDP disqualified Matt Soprovich from running in Kenora–Rainy River due to social media posts, including one from 2013, where he describes the extent of a New Year's hangover. "I think there's a bit of a generational problem here," Soprovich told the CBC of social media vetting.

TVO looks at a battle over Great Lakes water policy in Wisconsin and how that affects Ontario.

A new study shows that immediately after the province threw cold water on the hot housing market with new regulations last spring, people whose homes failed to close lost an average of $140,000.

The provincial and federal orders of government will each contribute $5 million for mental health initiatives in Ontario First Nations communities, reports the CBC.

Postmedia looks at the Northern Ontario Party, which wants the province's north to form its own party.

Former MPP and Speaker of the House Alvin Curling had a street named in his honour in Scarborough.

And in the opinion pages:

Martin Regg Cohn reviews the fateful decisions to cancel gas plants, and how the Liberals may now pay the price for Livingston's effort to conceal the decision-making.
Steve Paikin recaps thoughts from three former finance ministers, and finds they're a lot more candid and surprising now that they're out of politics.
Christie Blatchford finds it grating that Livingston was immediately granted bail although the Justice in the case made clear that the former chief of staff must be sent a message.
The Globe's Marcus Gee takes on Toronto's NIMBY residents du jour, Cabbagetown neighbours who vehemently opposed a daycare proposal that was turned down at the committee of adjustment. (Paywalled)

Bills and motions

Resuming the debate adjourned on April 9, 2018 on the motion for Second Reading of Bill 3, An Act respecting transparency of pay in employment.

Second Reading of Bill 8, An Act to amend the Consumer Reporting Act and the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000.

Government Notice of Motion Number 5 for allocation of time on Bill 6, An Act to enact the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services Act, 2018 and the Correctional Services and Reintegration Act, 2018, to make related amendments to other Acts, to repeal an Act and to revoke a regulation.

Events

9:15 a.m.

Premier Wynne to make an announcement alongside Minister Helena Jaczek. Mount Sinai Hospital, 2nd Floor – Surgical Skills, 600 University Ave, Toronto.

9:15 a.m.

CUPE 3903 to update recent developments related to the six-week-long strike at York University. Media Studio, Queen's Park.

10 a.m.

MPP Lisa Gretzky and health care advocates urge Wynne government to pass Dan’s Law immediately. Media Studio, Queen's Park.

10:30 a.m.

A joint commitment to improve First Nations Child and Family Services in Ontario will be signed by the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, along with the Honourable Michael Coteau, Ontario Minister of Children and Youth Services, Minister of Community and Social Services, and Minister Responsible for Anti-Racism, and Regional Chief Isadore Day and Chiefs of Ontario leadership. Chelsea Hotel, Mountbatten Room – B, 33 Gerrard St., Toronto.

11 a.m.

As part of the Ontario Chamber Network's Provincial Election Platform,Vote Prosperity, the Oakville, Burlington, Halton Hills and Milton Chambers of Commerce are pleased to present their members with the opportunity to hear directly from the new leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario. Burlington Convention Centre, 1120 Burloak Dr., Burlington.

11:30 a.m.

Representatives from Sanofi, Sanofi Pasteur and Sanofi Canada, as well as officials from the Canadian and Ontario governments, will come together to announce a landmark investment in lifesaving vaccine production in Canada. Sanofi Pasteur Canadian Headquarters, 1755 Steeles Ave. W., Toronto.

2 p.m.

MPP Jack MacLaren to discuss motion to ask the Federal Government to remove “Terrorist Designation” from Tamil Tigers.

5 p.m.

Marie-France Lalonde, Minister of Francophone Affairs, will present three individuals with the Ontario Francophonie Award for their outstanding contribution to the political, social, economic and cultural vitality and well-being of Ontario's francophone community. Royal Canadian Military Institute, 426 University Ave., Toronto.

6:30 p.m.

Premier Wynne to attend a fundraising dinner with Malala Yousafzai in support of girls' education hosted by Islamic Relief Canada and deliver remarks. Toronto.

Your morning briefing