I’m very pleased to welcome to Queen’s Park today the Dairy Farmers of Ontario. Representing them, we have Cheryl Smith, Rosa Checchia, Patrice Dubé, Rey Moisan, Murray Sherk, Don Gordon, Brian Burnett, Adam Petherick, George Van Kampen, Vicky Morrison, John Wynands, and, of course, saving the best for last, from Bruce county, Mark Hamel. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

I appreciate the question from the member from Carleton because I’m very proudly standing in this House to say that our government is planning today for the future jobs of tomorrow. That includes our agri-food sector. Through our Grow Ontario Strategy, over the next 10 years, we have set a target to grow employment in our agri-food sector by 10%.

A key to attracting people is pulling them in and making them aware of the amazing jobs our sector has at a young age. That’s why the 4-H program in Ontario is so, so important. I had the pleasure just last week of sharing with people across this province how our government is continuing to invest in agricultural leadership development. One way is through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership program, whereby we’re investing $2.3 million over the next three years in Ontario 4-H. That is continuity and certainty for this program as they expose young people to the amazing opportunities in careers in the agri-food sector.

We’re engaging diverse communities through this program. We are ensuring that the four jobs that are waiting for every one individual graduating from agriculture or a food service program will have jobs available to them. This funding will benefit the already 6,000 4-H members and young people wanting to work in the agri-food sector in Ontario.

Dairy Farmers of Ontario are hosting their advocacy day today in Queen’s Park and, on behalf of them, I would like to remind everyone to please join them after 4:30 this evening in the legislative dining room.