I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible work of some grade 4 and 5 students in my riding in west St. Catharines at Edith Cavell Public School. Last week I toured their Fresh West Market, which has provided over 400 bags of fresh fruit and vegetables to families in the community with the support of the United Way, Niagara Region Public Health, Links for Greener Learning and a great team of educators at the District School Board of Niagara.

In February, they provided close to 800 pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables, and surpassed that in the following month by providing over 1,200 pounds of fresh produce. On why they started the program, students told me, “We realized that although there are some grocery stores in our area, it is hard to get fresh fruits and vegetables at a low cost. Our goal is to increase our communities’ access to a variety of fresh, affordable produce.” With almost 300 pounds total provided to the community, Speaker, I would say they are well on the way to reaching their goal.

Special thanks to all those involved with this program, including public health nurse Austin White, teacher Alison Edward, principal Robyn Scheubel, Ashleigh Doyle from United Way and, of course, the incredible students at Edith Cavell. I look forward to their next market dates taking place on May 11 and June 8.

While the member from Guelph may disagree, I think I have the greenest riding in all of Ontario. The climate activist groups and eco-tastic events are making changes in Beaches–East York and beyond.

This past weekend, I participated in the EcoFair held by Beach United Church and organized by the amazing Mary Anne Alton and her terrific team. There were 35 vendors, exhibitors and speakers, all with one major thing in common: a love of the planet.

Out of my office, we run Green East, a community group engaged and interested in serious climate action. To name just a few others: Terrific Toronto East End Climate Collective are residents concerned about and fighting the climate crisis. Sensational 32 Spokes is comprised of cycling champions promoting cycling safety. The great garden at Kimbourne church is a project using permaculture principles to grow food in the community. Sensational Save Small’s Creek is a group working to preserve the nature of beautiful Small’s Creek ravine.

If we could replicate the care and climate action from Beaches–East York across the province, we could make a real difference in addressing our environmental footprint.

To my eco-tastic residents and all Ontarians, I will continue to represent you as an environmental and climate advocate at Queen’s Park.

Thank you for listening so intently.

The month of May is recognized as Community Living Month here in Ontario. This year’s theme is “#InclusionMatters.”

Community Living Ontario and its over 115 Community Living associations across the province support over 80,000 people with an intellectual disability and their families.

From my community of beautiful Essex I’d like to welcome Community Living Essex County, who is here with us today. Thank you for all that you do.

These agencies offer a wide range of supported living, social, respite, planning and employment supports, all with the goal of fostering inclusive communities by supporting the rights and choices of people with an intellectual disability. It’s important to recognize the hard work of staff in developmental services sectors because without them, none of this would be possible.

This year, Community Living Toronto is celebrating its 75th anniversary. I’m happy to share that Community Living Ontario and Community Living Toronto would like to invite all members to their reception today at 5 p.m. in the dining room. I look forward to seeing everyone there.

Thank you very much.

Interjections.

Members’ statements.

If you seek it, you will find unanimous consent to allow members to wear purple ribbons in recognition of May 10 being Lupus Awareness Day.

For those who missed them earlier, proudly representing Brantford-Brant in the chamber today are: for the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, Chief Petty Officer First Class Aurora Linnington and Chief Petty Officer Second Class Charlie Downey, joined by Acting Sub-Lieutenant Kyle Au Coin; for the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, Corporal Danika Parasram and Sergeant Tobias Ven Berkel, joined by commanding officer Captain Celina Corner; for the Royal Canadian Army Cadets, Master Warrant Officer Kyrianna Jorgenson and Warrant Officer Ethan Russell, joined by commanding officer Captain Josh Jennie; for the Navy League of Canada, we have Leading Cadet Alissa Bartlett and Ordinary Cadet Nathan Learned, joined by commanding officer Lieutenant Richard Carpenter and Sub-Lieutenant Celina Barnard. Thank you for joining us today in your House.

It’s a pleasure to be able to join and have people welcome Michael, Kate and Elizabeth Demczur and mom Jackie. We’re here because Kate is the page captain today. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

I have a smile on my face because my Kingston family is in the House today. That’s my brother Adam up there, his partner Jen, and my two nephews, Ethan and Jonah. Welcome to this House; this is your House.

I’m seeking the unanimous consent of the House that, notwithstanding standing order 100(a)(iv), five minutes be allotted to the independent members as a group to speak on second reading of private member’s Bill 100.

I would also like to welcome CareNow Ontario to Queen’s Park for their lobby day and acknowledge that May 12 is international awareness day for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and environmental sensitivities. Thank you for the work you do and welcome to Queen’s Park.

I’d like to welcome from the Save Minden Ontario Emergency Room group: Brenda Culver; Diane Forbes; Cathy Barnes; Wendy Ladurantaye; Kim Galen; Deloris Bailey; Jim and Bernie Davis; Dave Hammond; Judy Toye; Dean Curtice; and Pat Bradley. Thank you so much. Welcome to your House.

I understand the member for Markham–Unionville has a point of order.

Also with us today in the Speaker’s gallery is Dr. André Lecours, the president of the Canadian Political Science Association. He is joined by Dr. Peter Constantinou, academic director of the Ontario Legislative Internship Program. For over 47 years, the Ontario Legislative Assembly has partnered with the Canadian Political Science Association to host the OLIP program. Later today I’ll be joining Dr. Lecours and Dr. Constantinou at the annual OLIP spring reception and I hope that many members and other program alumni will be there as well. Once again, welcome to the Legislature. We’re delighted to have you here as well.

I’d like to welcome the Nigerian delegation to Queen’s Park. They are a 50-member delegation. They are from all parts of Nigeria. The team ranks from mayor, commissioners, senior staff and CFOs. They are here today to observe our parliamentary session and to visit and tour the legislative facility. They will be having a gathering in room 247 from 11:45. All are welcome.

I’d also like to recognize the team that has put all the pieces together: Glenn De Baeremaeker, former deputy mayor; Jim Karygiannis; Mike Yorke; Tom Perdikis and Jeremy Beamer, along with my two staff, Ms. Novlette Mitchell and Cathy Quinton. Thank you.

It’s my pleasure to rise to recognize the talented Loreena McKennitt of Stratford. Many will know Loreena for her work as a talented singer, actress and composer. She is also a two-time Juno Award winner.

However, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Loreena on a new accomplishment: Loreena was recently inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. She also received a fine tribute at the Opera House in Toronto during International Women’s Day. This is a great achievement and will add Loreena to an exclusive list of Canadians to receive such an honour, including Alanis Morissette, Bryan Adams, David Foster and many other legends. Along with these great accolades, the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame at the National Music Centre in Calgary is dedicating a permanent exhibit to Ms. McKennitt.

Loreena has been a lifelong resident of the city of Stratford and has contributed so much to our community through her volunteer work and by putting on many charity performances. She has also long contributed to the yearly Remembrance Day ceremonies at the Stratford cenotaph. As an honorary colonel in the Royal Canadian Air Force, she has worked hard to keep our memories of our veterans alive and in the minds of all Canadians.

Congratulations again, Loreena, on all of your hard work and all the success you’ve had over the past four decades.

I’d like to introduce a few more members of Save Minden ER: my good friend Louise Baker, who’s from Minden now; Randy and Pat Baker; Sue Sisson; Wendy and Dave Mycroft; Linda Boulton; Darla Noris Sward; Kathy Lee; Diane Forbes; Linda Cutler; Martha Indovina; and Gary Spring. Welcome to your House.

Please let me introduce some great Ontarians, leaders in the agri-food business that help keep Ontario fed every day and the founders of St. Helen’s Meat Packers: Robert Bielak; his wife, Gloria; and their daughters Rachel and Jaclyn. Welcome to the Legislature of Ontario.

I’m welcoming Allan Mills and Devon Fernandes to the House this morning, the executive director and vice-chair of Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region.

I welcome to the Ontario Legislative Assembly today Mr. John Olah, leading Ontario trial lawyer and a 1973 fellow graduate of Osgoode Hall law school with the late Honourable Jim Flaherty.

Later this morning, joining us from India is the high priest Swami Govind Dev Giriji Maharaj. I’d like to welcome him to Queen’s Park.

I am also pleased to welcome folks from Community Living Ontario, specifically from my riding, Amber Taylor, who is a council member, and the vice-president of CLO council, Niko Pupella. Welcome to Queen’s Park.