Mr Garfield Dunlop (Simcoe North): On behalf of the Progressive Conservative caucus, I rise today to welcome the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association to the Legislature of Ontario. I know that you've been very busy today meeting with MPPs across Queen's Park to make them aware of your issues. As the opposition critic for the community safety and correctional services, I was particularly pleased to participate in this process.

Firefighting is a noble profession that needs no introduction. Ontarians know and appreciate what firefighters do each and every day in the name of community safety. That's why I was shocked and appalled by the fact that the word "firefighter" was not even mentioned in the Liberal government's recent throne speech. The fact that firefighters, and police officers, were totally ignored in the throne speech sends a clear message to the people of Ontario that law and order is not a priority for the Liberals.

In a letter to Fred LeBlanc, president of the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association, Dalton McGuinty personally makes four key promises to this organization. I should point out that this letter was dated May 23, 2003 -- before the election -- and is not included in the 230 or 240 promises he made during the writ.

As critic, it is my job to make sure the Premier keeps his promises to firefighters. Based on his performance to date, I'm really not holding my breath. Surely Dalton McGuinty, captain and CEO of the Liberal promise-breakers club, will keep his promise to the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association and be spared the embarrassment of yet another series of shameful broken promises.