I want to thank the member from Kiiwetinoong for his insightful remarks. He’s a great educator for me on so many things in the community. He knows that our government fought very hard for pension equity. This is something that I was personally involved with. We corrected something that took decades to do.

We continue to advocate and speak with the chiefs of police in the First Nations communities, and I do so on a regular basis.

The member speaks about the urgency in getting the CSPA, the Community Safety and Policing Act, moving forward, and I absolutely agree with him. I have given this House an undertaking that we will move with dispatch to make sure that we proclaim it and enact it. My question to the member is, given the fact that we are moving the needle, will the member support this bill?

It’s my great honour to extend my heartfelt gratitude and a warm welcome to His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj as he graces our province with his presence later this week. His Holiness is among the most respected Hindu leaders in the world today and the current spiritual leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, a worldwide organization dedicated to promoting harmony.

The presence of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj marks the commencement of the celebrations for BAPS Canada’s 50 years of dedicated community service. This auspicious event will ignite a year-long festivity, allowing us to reflect upon and commemorate the remarkable achievements and invaluable contributions of BAPS to our great nation. Over the past five decades, BAPS Canada has grown to become recognized for their community service, remarkable achievements and invaluable spiritual and humanitarian endeavours in more than 150 towns and cities across Canada. We commend their unwavering commitment to lift society as a whole. Particularly, BAPS played a vital role in supporting and serving communities in need throughout the pandemic.

In closing, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj for coming to Ontario.

We’re incredibly thankful for the impact of BAPS in making Ontario a stronger and better place to live, work and play.

Meegwetch. Thank you.

We are going to move to questions for the member.

Third reading debate deemed adjourned.

You weren’t here when I spoke about an OPP officer who is on PTSD. He is up in Big Trout Lake right now. He has been off for a few years. His name is Jerry Mosquito. I spoke earlier about how sometimes he calls me. He is struggling to live. I said to the Solicitor General that at some point you should reach out to him. I think it is very important to reach out to people who are struggling, especially people who have served the community and who have seen so much stuff. I encourage you; I will even send you his phone number.

Speaker, if you seek it, you will find unanimous consent to allow members to wear pins in recognition of June being ALS Awareness Month.

Speaker, two years ago today, my community was shaken to our core by a despicable act of Islamophobic violence when four members of London’s beloved Afzaal family were killed in a hate-motivated attack. Yesterday, the grieving family issued a statement about the profound loss they experienced on June 6, 2021, and the emptiness that can never be filled as they remembered Salman, Madiha, Talat and Yumnah for the kind, caring and beautiful people they were. Over the last two weeks, numerous events have been held in London to mark this sombre anniversary, leading up to tonight’s vigil organized by the Youth Coalition Combating Islamophobia, a group formed by Yumnah’s friends and cousins. These events, and the extraordinary coming together of our community in the wake of the attack, are helping Londoners heal from the pain of that terrible day. In the words immemorial, out of darkness comes light.

Islamophobia and racism are real and deadly. We must channel our grief and anger to ensure that no family, no community, ever has to face the horror we experienced in London.

To truly honour the Afzaal family, let us replace pain with purpose. Let us unite across party lines to ensure that no Ontarian has to fear being targeted for their faith, the colour of their skin or who they are. Let us strengthen our commitment to act through meaningful legislative change.

Speaker, love is greater than hate, and hate can be overcome.

June is here, which means the five-day Vaughan International Film Festival is fast approaching. Now in its 11th year, the Vaughan Film Festival, or VFF, offers public screenings, scholarships, industry events and panels to support experienced and aspiring filmmakers.

Lauren Pappas, Paolo Calzini and Daniel Fusco are students at St. Elizabeth Catholic school in Thornhill, whose films are featured at the VFF this year. Lauren’s film titled Influenced is about a teen influencer and the realities of that. Give Back, Paolo’s film, is a story about a young woman who helps out a friend in need. The VFF offers a platform for independent creators to share their short films and further excel within the industry, giving them an opportunity to reach over 20,000 people. Arts and culture events like the VFF enrich our lives and stimulate economic growth. And it would not be possible without artists like Lauren, Paolo and Daniel, who contribute to our community.

I want to thank the sponsors and the volunteers and the creative mind who started the project, Mr. Antonio Ienco.

I invite the extended community to come join us on June 19 at the VFF to celebrate filmmakers who bring the communities together and put Vaughan and Thornhill on the international stage.

To the member for Elgin–Middlesex–London: Yes, 12 years ago today, I was on Juno Beach with the 1st Hussars. Thanks for reminding me about that.

My statement today is important, as well. It’s celebrating the initiative of June 1, when we kicked off ALS day. The month of June is officially ALS Awareness Month in Canada. I’m proud to show my support today for the approximately 3,000 Canadians living with this devastating disease.

ALS is a relentlessly progressive, fatal motor neuron disease that eventually leads to the loss of the ability to move, speak and breathe. This disease can move with startling swiftness. Four out of five people die within two to five years of their diagnosis. The compounding impact on families emotionally, financially and psychologically is tremendous. The people and families affected by ALS measure time not by months or years but by loss—loss of function and loss of life.

As members of this Legislature, we have an opportunity throughout June to show our support for people living with ALS across Canada and demonstrate leadership on important health issues that affect this community.

I want to extend my best wishes to the Canadian ALS community for June ALS Awareness Month and acknowledge the tremendous work done by the ALS Society of Canada to change what it means to live with this unrelenting disease.

I encourage everyone to take the time to learn more about this devastating disease and how you can make a difference in the lives of people living with ALS. Learn more about ALS at www.als.ca.

Now is the time to work together towards a future without ALS.

I’m proud to rise in honour of a momentous upcoming milestone, and that’s the 50th anniversary of Fort William Historical Park. Over the past five decades, the park has become a cherished part of Thunder Bay’s identity—its significance resonating not only with the constituents of Thunder Bay, but with all Canadians who value the preservation of our collective heritage. The park is an example of our nation’s history, encapsulating the stories, struggles and triumphs of those who came before us, allowing us to learn from the past and shape a better future.

Elder Freda McDonald’s influence in 1976 led to substantial growth in the Indigenous Life Program and Anishinaabe Encampment, establishing accurate portrayals of Anishinaabe culture and the significance of women in the fur trade.

Beyond the cultural and educational significance, the park has made substantial economic contributions to our region and beyond. It is also important that we acknowledge and applaud the dedicated staff, volunteers and community partners who have played a pivotal role in ensuring that this landmark continues to thrive through their commitment to historical accuracy, authenticity and a memorable visitor experience.

Let us work together across party lines to ensure that landmarks like Fort William Historical Park remain a treasured source of education and celebration.

And I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Clerk for his service to Ontario and the members in this chamber and wish him all the best in his retirement.

It is my honour today to rise to salute all those who fell and served in the greatest invasion in history, on June 6, 1944, known to most as D-Day. One regiment, the 1st Hussars, was the only Allied formation to reach its objective on D-Day. Later on June 6, 2 Troop, C Squadron, led by Lieutenant William McCormick, reached the objective of the Caen-Bayeux highway before having to return to the Allied line of advance that was significantly behind their spearhead.

Mr. Speaker, I hope all of Ontario joins me in saluting the 1st Hussars and their garrison cities of London and Sarnia. We salute their service and sacrifice in one of the greatest battles in history.

I’d also like to recognize the MPP for Sarnia, Bob Bailey, who has attended these sacred sites in Normandy. Well done.

As the Supreme Allied Commander said on the eve of the invasion, “The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching toward victory!”

Let it be known here and evermore that victory’s ascent came from southwestern Ontario.

The 1st Hussars motto in Latin is “Hodie Non Cras,” or in English, “Today Not Tomorrow.”

God save the King.

I would like to welcome Pastor Ankur Narula and Pastor Sonia Narula, who are in the galleries today. They lead one of the largest churches in India, with many followers around the world, including many in Mississauga. I thank them for their service and welcome them to the House.

I also would like to welcome Pastor Nida Anwar Fazal and Pastor Anwar Fazal, who lead Eternal Life Ministries, one of the largest church ministries in Pakistan, and Isaac TV network. Thank you for serving the community. I welcome them in the Legislature. Thank you. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

This morning I’d like to welcome to the House Emerson Maxwell from OPSEU, who works at the Ontario Science Centre, and Jason Ash and Shakhlo Sharipova, both community leaders from my riding.

I want to join my friend from Toronto Centre in welcoming an inspiring group of clergy here who gave an incredible press conference. Thank you so much for being with us today.

Also, my friend Michael Wood, one of our small business leaders here and a champion for mental health in this province: Michael, good to see you here today too.

In the Speaker’s Gallery this morning, we have a very special guest, and that is Teresa Lohan. While most members will recognize her, all members are definitely familiar with her work, which allows our assembly proceedings to be broadcast each day.

Teresa graduated from Ryerson University, now Toronto Metropolitan University, in 1990 and has been working at the Legislature as part of the broadcast and recording service ever since, most recently as operations manager. She’s now set to retire after a remarkable career here at the assembly, which included navigating significant changes in the world of broadcasting and narrating the Legislature’s Canadian Screen Award nominated production entitled, Women Should Vote: A Short History of How Women Won the Franchise in Ontario.

Teresa, thank you so much for your dedication to serving Ontario’s Parliament as part of the broadcast and recording service, and we wish you all the best in your retirement starting this summer.

Applause.

I have some guests in the House today from OPSEU representing youth correctional workers. We have Joe Davies, David Farrugia, Jeff Tynes, Johnathan Guider and Jim Reilly. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

I’d like to welcome Marcel Atunwa and Cameron Lucas, both with my constituency office and here in Queen’s Park for the first time.

I, too, would like to introduce my second family, my staff who are here from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities today. Thank you for everything that you do to support me, but more importantly the students, families and schools of Ontario.

I would like to welcome my team members from the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery. I have Erica, Matteo, Laura, Ellen, Praveen, Jeffrey, Mariah, Rhea and Sandra. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

Sitting in the west gallery, please welcome a student from the beautiful riding of Essex, Danielle Brindley. Welcome to Queen’s Park.