It was a thrill to hear Volkswagen announce their $7-billion investment for their first overseas EV battery manufacturing plant right here in Ontario. From our very first meeting in Toronto a year ago this month to the four meetings they had in Queen’s Park with Premier Ford, we knew that Ontario had everything VW was looking for.

As we talked about our EV ecosystem, from critical minerals in the north to the manufacturing might in the south, you could see VW being drawn into the Ontario story: clean, green electricity; coal-free, green steel; one of the largest automakers in North America; the only jurisdiction with five auto plants; 700 parts companies; 300 connected-and-autonomous-vehicle companies; 500 tool-and-die and mould makers. But what they really saw was that we already have the talent to turn out world-class, award-winning production.

We felt encouraged about where we were with the deal when Volkswagen effectively moved into our offices last January. And winning it, Speaker? There’s just no better feeling than that, so thank you, Premier Ford. It was the culmination of a lot of work, a lot of shoe leather, and a lot of sweat equity by a lot of partners.

Ontario now has $25 billion in new auto investment in two and a half years.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the member for Brampton North for all of his great work and advocacy for the city of Brampton. Let’s look at this government’s record under the leadership of Premier Ford for the city of Brampton. The members opposite voted against a new hospital for the city, the largest health care investment that the city of Brampton will be getting. The members opposite voted against a new medical school for the city of Brampton. The members opposite voted against a new highway, the Highway 413, that will be made for the residents of the city of Brampton and for Peel region, Mr. Speaker.

Every step of the way, this government has brought significant investments to the people of Brampton, to the city of Brampton. We’ve brought billions of dollars in economic development, a new Stellantis plant that is going to be built in Brampton. The members opposite voted against that.

We will continue to build Brampton into the great city it is, and we’re truly grateful to have new members, from the member of Brampton North—