This morning, I’m rising in recognition that we’re rapidly coming to the end of the spring session, and while I have truly enjoyed this sitting of the Legislature, working with all of the members and moving forward with the government’s plans to build Ontario, to build homes and to bring jobs and prosperity to all parts of Ontario, I am very much looking forward to spending the summer back in my riding, visiting with our residents and working locally to achieve the very necessary goals.

From the shores of Lake Ontario, through farms and forests, villages and towns, all the way north to Algonquin Park, I have the privilege of representing what must be, in my opinion, the most beautiful and varied riding in the entire province. Over the summer, I have been invited to so many different fairs, festivals, exhibitions and social events, with summer fairs in Tweed, Napanee, Odessa, Stirling and Coe Hill, and even the World’s Fair in Shannonville, Ontario. And amazing events, like Tamworth’s 175th anniversary, the Farm to Table Community Dinner and so many more—with all of these events leading up to the Hastings County Plowing Match and then even more events in the fall. Speaker, it will be a very busy summer, because the people of Hastings–Lennox and Addington are very excited and energized, and we know that Ontario is on the right path. It’s going to be a great summer, Speaker.

I’d like to thank the member representing Hastings–Lennox and Addington for his question and, more importantly, telling us earlier today about some of the events and festivals that are going on in your community. That’s what tourism is all about, sir. You’ve got it, and your community is doing it right.

From the buzz of the big city and the bright lights to the stars up north, our government is providing support for tourism across the brand. This year, we are providing $1.3 million through the local regional tourism organizations that will help promote Hastings–Lennox and Addington as a tourism destination. Our government is delighted to spread the news about experiences like agri-tourism and the nature trails and make the member’s community an attraction and destination for all people, because you have a lot to offer.

We’re excited about where tourism is going, and I have more in the supplementary for you.

From my meetings across the province, and specifically in just the last couple of weeks in the Niagara region, I met with Niagara Parks, casinos, hoteliers, the great wineries and the opportunities there—they are ready to go. They aren’t rebounding; they’re there, Mr. Speaker. We are happy to support them, to drive them even further in their destination of what they’re trying to accomplish in being a tourist destination, maybe being the best tourist destination in this country.