Your morning briefing

Headlines

Last week's PC caucus retreat was heated and fractious, reports the Star. In an exclusive by Robert Benzie, the paper reports that the premier's chief of staff, Dean French, reduced an MPP to tears after scolding her in front of others. The MPP complained to the premier, saying, "There’s a culture of fear — it’s like the KGB." Another Tory source told the Star "MPPs are treated as if (they’re) lower than the staff."  A spokesperson for the premier confirmed the incident took place, adding that there was a follow-up conversation where French apologized. The inter-caucus rancour comes amid a series of dismal polls for the PCs and rumours of an impending cabinet shuffle. The Star also reported that the Premier Doug Ford would like to see a less adversarial approach.

iPolitics reports that Elections Canada is closely monitoring how provincial governments are intervening in the federal election, with concerns about maintaining a level playing field. However, the independent organization maintains that any effort to regulate provincial participation would be "complex," adding that provinces are not considered third parties. The issue arises as Ford continues his anti-carbon pricing campaign that includes an ad blitz and controversial mandatory stickers on gas pumps that have been opposed by groups like the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

Longtime PC MPP Julia Munro has passed away. Munro, the respected former member for York-Simcoe, was the longest-serving woman in Ontario's parliamentary history when she retired in 2018. A former high school history teacher, Munro won six elections. Her life was celebrated after news of her death was shared Wednesday afternoon. Munro was 77.

I’m very sad to learn that Julia Munro passed away. Julia was a tireless and dedicated advocate for the people of York Simcoe. Her service to her community and her province is an example for all of us privileged to serve at Queen’s Park. pic.twitter.com/9o0Z3vLHJf

— Doug Ford (@fordnation) June 12, 2019

(1/4) Julia worked tirelessly to represent the people of York-Simcoe. Her passion for helping others started before her life in politics during her career in education. She was always there to listen and lead. She was a great mentor and a dear friend. pic.twitter.com/IzjoJaqLtc

— Caroline Mulroney (@C_Mulroney) June 12, 2019

Sad to hear of the passing of Julia Munro, the longest serving female MPP. She carried herself with grace and composure in the legislature. She was a strong advocate for her community.

— John Fraser (@JohnFraserOS) June 12, 2019

In case you missed our stories Wednesday:

• Trade minister calls on industry to join him in promoting USMCA side letter on cars and car parts
• Legal Aid Ontario significantly cuts certificate payments, affecting bail hearings, Indigenous clients and clients with mental health needs
• Time for ‘courage and boldness’: Former Ontario health minister releases report calling for national pharmacare program

In other news:

Signalling what could be in the party's election platform, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the Liberals are committed to implementing pharmacare, an announcement that followed Eric Hoskins' report on the subject, reports the Star.

Former attorney general Madeleine Meilleure criticized the Liberals for what she saw as its leftward shift under Kathleen Wynne. Meilleure urged the Grits to occupy the political center in a French-language interview with Radio-Canada.

CBC reports that Ministry of Environment officials told a parliamentary committee that the provincial government will conduct field studies this summer to determine ongoing mercury levels at Grassy Narrows.

Just over a year into the job, the Toronto Transit Commission's CFO has left, reports the Star.

The Ontario government said it will fund line-by-line audits for 10 of the province's 72 public school boards, but none have taken it up on the offer, reports the Star.

In response to provincial funding cuts, the Toronto District Catholic School Board plans to charge teachers $10 a day for parking in order to increase revenue, reports the Star. The move drew the ire of union officials, with Patricia Minnan-Wong, the sister of a 2018 PC candidate, saying that it amounts to a "salary clawback."

Child care advocates are celebrating a $20 million reversal of provincial funding cuts, reports the Star.

A poll shows an overwhelming majority of Canadians believe that privacy laws should be extended to political parties, reports the Globe.

Another poll shows three-quarters of Canadians support a right-to-repair law, reports MobileSyrup. The government recently rebuffed Michael Coteau's private member's bill on the subject.

The Canadian Press reports how the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health is using machine learning and data science in mental health research.

And in the opinion pages:

• Martin Regg Cohn writes that NDP Leader Andrea Horwath may not be at risk in the party's weekend convention, but it isn't thriving with her at the helm either.
• Emma Teitel observes that the premier's strategy of not attending the main Pride parade but possibly going to satellite events is like the plans lots of LGBTQ folks have, albeit for different reasons.
• Edward Keenan looks at the new book House Divided, which examines housing history and policy in Toronto.
• André Picard examines the policy case for a national pharmacare program.

Events

9:45 a.m.

Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, will announce a new measure to improve road safety and help reduce driver fatigue in the commercial driving industry. Ontario Trucking Association, 555 Dixon Rd., Etobicoke.

11 a.m.

Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, will make an announcement. Middlesex-London Paramedics Services, 1035 Adelaide St. S., London.

1 p.m.

Healthcare unions call on government to cease the attack on workers’ rights. Media Studio.

6:30 p.m.

The City of Toronto and TTC are holding the first of four public information meetings on the Transit Responsibilities Review. Father Serra Catholic School, 111 Sun Row Dr., Etobicoke.