I thank the member opposite for raising this important question. I strongly believe that all Ontarians should have equal opportunity, regardless of ability.

Ontario follows the AODA and when it comes to local issues, we know that local organizations are the ones that understand the needs of their community. That is why the AODA has, for almost 20 years, ensured communities have accessibility plans. Community by community, they are making sure that project by project the AODA is being followed.

We encourage all local organizations to work with advocates to support the unique needs of their community, and to live up to what the AODA meant for us to do.

The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing continues to ensure ongoing support for local governments. The Minister of Transportation has made sure that all municipalities get what they need and are getting more than their fair share when it comes to transit. This past year alone, Toronto received $185 million in gas tax. Since 2018, this government has provided close to $1 billion in gas taxes supporting municipal transit.

When it comes to public transit infrastructure, this government is making transit more accessible every day.

It is my pleasure to welcome Grant Gonzales, who is a co-chair of Pride Toronto.

It’s wonderful to see you here.

I also recognize Guidy Mamann, someone I have a long history with, going back to the time I was in my twenties. I actually worked in his law firm.

Ms. Smith moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 121, An Act to enact the Improving Dementia Care in Ontario Act, 2023 / Projet de loi 121, Loi édictant la Loi de 2023 sur l’amélioration des soins aux personnes atteintes de démence en Ontario.

I listened to the member, and I know she loves her city very much. But I have to say, this is an opportunity where we had the president of the police association here, the PAO. I believe that if a member doesn’t support this bill, they don’t support our police officers, they don’t support our firefighters, they don’t support our animal welfare inspectors and they don’t support the coroner’s office.

The question I want to ask the member, who loves Toronto, is, will she support this bill?

My colleague from Toronto Centre talked about the police, and I think you tried to stay in the grey area. You are trying to avoid talking about defunding police and saying, “We don’t say ‘defunding police,’ but we say that we need to divert the resources,” and do this and do that. Again, I don’t know why we don’t come straight about that. This is downloaded from your site, “End police violence,” and on the first page—

My question for you is, with this bill trying to add more flexibility for chief officers to control and train, can you justify defunding police?