Mr Garfield Dunlop (Simcoe North): My question today is for the Minister of the Environment. Minister, I think you understand that the implementation of Justice Dennis O'Connor's report on the Walkerton inquiry is going to cost all water systems stakeholders a lot of money. Recently you announced a deadline extension on regulation 170 for some of the water systems stakeholders.

In my riding of Simcoe North, I have many small municipal residential systems that have fewer than 100 hookups to private residences. The costs of upgrading the systems to regulation 170 are very prohibitive; the citizens simply cannot afford the upgrades.

Minister, will you provide funding to small municipal residential systems, and will you be providing a deadline extension to the municipalities that operate these systems?

Hon Leona Dombrowsky (Minister of the Environment): With regard to regulation 170, one of the reasons this government has decided to review the regulation is because the people of Ontario -- people in communities, people who run and operate church halls and trailer parks and campgrounds -- explained to us that the regulation was prohibitive and it would have required them to perhaps close down their facilities. We heard what they said. We have indicated that we believe we need to improve the regulation so that we can continue to ensure that the quality of the water is safe and that it can be provided in an affordable fashion. That is the undertaking we have given to the people of Ontario. That is the work that is underway now. We look forward over the summer, in the next months, to bringing back a regulation that will do exactly that.

The Speaker (Hon Alvin Curling): New question? The member for Leeds-Grenville.

Mr Robert W. Runciman (Leeds-Grenville): Supplementary, Mr Speaker.

As usual, the minister avoided the question completely. I understand the quandary the minister finds herself in, because certainly when we suggested applying common sense to these regulations, she was the first one to scream bloody murder with respect to any possible change.

Minister, you talk about being consultative in finding out what communities and others wish to see with respect to the final draft of the regulations. I would ask you about that with respect to the advisory council that you've appointed -- people who will recommend the changes you're talking about. It doesn't appear, in any event, to include any rural municipal politicians or leaders who represent rural churches, community halls, legions, small tourist operations, campgrounds or bed-and-breakfast operations. These are the voices that everyone believes should be heard. Why are these groups being excluded from your advisory group?

Hon Mrs Dombrowsky: If the honourable member were familiar with the Walkerton inquiry report, the honourable member would be aware of the recommendations that speak to the advisory council for drinking water testing and standards. Clearly, O'Connor has told the people of Ontario in this document that we need a cast of scientists and professionals who are familiar with drinking water standards and the science that is required to ensure that the water quality is all that it can be and should be. Those are the people who are on the advisory council. We make no apologies for the quality or calibre of people whom we have been able to attract to that particular body.

With respect to regulation 170, it is absolutely our intention -- I have indicated so in this House -- that we will consult with municipalities, campground representatives, trailer park representatives and also with the Ontario Medical Association to ensure that in the end we bring forward a regulation that will work in the province, unlike what that government did.