The member opposite is correct; the Yonge North subway extension will transform the commute in York region, North York and beyond, extending the TTC’s Line 1 from Finch station to Vaughan, Markham and Richmond Hill. Rather than being stuck in gridlock, the people of York region will have access to fast and reliable rapid transit connecting them to where they need to go.

Madam Speaker, our government is focused on this project, and I am pleased to say that we have reached another milestone. Just this morning, I announced that our government has officially started procurement, releasing the request for qualifications for tunneling work. This builds on the important work that’s already under way at Finch station, where workers are making upgrades to accommodate future subway service. With procurement now under way, we are full steam ahead on this project, and the people of York region and Toronto have every reason to be excited.

Madam Speaker, we know our message is being heard around the world from the investments companies like Volkswagen are making in Ontario or the approximately 200,000 people who moved to Canada last year and now call Ontario home.

For too long, the hard-working people of York region waited for and they asked for fast access to subway service to get where they need to go, whether it’s to their job, to run errands, or to go catch a Jays game with friends in the city.

Madam Speaker, unlike the previous Liberal government, supported by the NDP, it’s this government that’s building the transit of the future.

My question is for the Minister of Transportation.

Many individuals and families in my riding of Markham–Thornhill need our government to address the pressing issue of transit congestion. Whether travelling by car or bus, gridlock and congestion adds frustration and unnecessary delays to everyone’s day. My community has grown significantly, and they need greater accessibility when it comes to convenient ways to connect to their jobs, family, and other communities in the GTA.

Access to rapid transit is long overdue, and the residents in my community are looking forward to the Yonge North subway extension. Can the minister please provide an update on the status of this critical transit project?

While the people of Ontario are seeing progress on many public transit projects, it remains critical that our government continues to make transit infrastructure investments a priority. Where the previous Liberal government failed to plan ahead for the transit needs of our communities, our government must deliver on our commitments to build the transit solutions that are so vital for our province.

Can the minister please explain why these investments are so important for Ontario and what benefits the Yonge North subway extension will have for everyone?