I appreciate the question from the MPP from Peterborough, because this is something we need to celebrate.

It’s really important that people across Ontario understand that Ontario’s greenhouse vegetable sector and fresh flowers sector actually represent over 81% of Canada’s total greenhouse vegetable exports. We are a food powerhouse in Canada.

We’re working with the sector in an all-of-government approach to make sure that the right supports are in place. For example, we continue to work with the greenhouse sector and introduce programs like the Grow Ontario Market Initiative to help grow markets not only in Ontario but around the world. We’re working with our colleagues to reduce red tape and introduce research initiatives. And we’re working with greenhouses to ensure that when international workers choose to work in Ontario, they have safe living conditions—for instance, the HEPA filter system that we introduced. The list goes on and on, but the important part is—

I want to touch on the fresh flower market here in Ontario—and thank you to the member opposite from Peterborough for recognizing the TOGA party that was held here.

The Ontario Greenhouse Alliance has so much to celebrate. In fact, I was speaking to one grower who specializes in fresh flowers, and I want to quote something that he shared. They had a really good market leading up to Mother’s Day, and not only did they satisfy demand across the province, but he also stated that $1 million worth of flowers grown in Ontario was sold into the US market. I know the finance minister will appreciate this, because selling into the US market translated into $1.35 million returning to Ontario, so that we can continue to build Ontario, invest in our greenhouse business and, most importantly, continue to grow good Ontario jobs.

Speaker, that’s exactly why we stand with the members of the Ontario Greenhouse Alliance and farmers across this province to meet market challenges and to help them realize growth opportunities.