We know that we are living in uncertain economic times, with higher-than-normal inflation. And so with Bill 85, will the member opposite and his colleagues—given that, in these uncertain economic times, the most vulnerable are the hardest hit, will the opposition support our proposed expansion to the guaranteed annual income support plan starting in July 2024 so that 100,000 more seniors can receive monthly benefits?

I want to thank the wonderful member from Brantford–Brant for the question. He is doing a marvelous job advocating for seniors in his community.

Thanks to the leadership of the Minister of Tourism, we have invested $235,000 through the Games Ontario program for the 2023 Ontario 55+ summer games. This event will bring together hundreds of seniors to stay active and socially connected, and for some friendly competition. I was so excited to celebrate the 99-day countdown to the events and join in on the games.

Congratulations to everyone involved in this fantastic event.

In fact, our government invested over $200,000 since 2018 into the Beckett Adult Leisure Centre in Brantford. It was this wonderful centre that hosted us on May 3 for the celebration.

We are committed to seniors.

And we are pleased to share that there are only 90 more days until these games begin.

If I may say, Mr. Speaker, it’s very good to see you in the chair today.

My question is for the Minister for Seniors and Accessibility.

I was very pleased that my riding of Brantford–Brant was able to celebrate the 99-day countdown to the start of the Ontario 55+ summer games. We are excited that this year’s games will take place in our community from August 11 to August 13. The city of Brantford and the county of Brant were originally scheduled as the site for the 2021 winter version of the games, but, as we know, COVID messed up all those plans. But we are excited and eager for the opportunity to host the games this summer.

We owe it to the seniors of our province to support events that help to promote wellness, physical activity and social connections within our communities.

Speaker, can the minister please provide more information about how the Ontario 55+ summer games will create opportunities for seniors?

The Ontario 55+ summer games is just one example of how our government is committed to supporting active living and sports at all ages and stages of life.

The Ontario 55+ summer games will attract participants and visitors from across our province and beyond, and it will also be an opportunity to showcase our local communities and our local facilities.

While events such as these provide opportunities for seniors to participate in large-scale summer and winter games, it is also vital to the health and well-being of our seniors that they have access to programs and services year-round.

Speaker, can the minister please explain how our government is making sure that seniors can stay active and connected every single day?