On behalf of the official opposition, I would like to welcome the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs here today and invite everyone to the reception they’re having in the dining room tonight.

Continuing with the introduction by my colleague, we have Jeremy Inglis, Mark MacDonald, Jeremy Parkin, Kent Readman, Brent Thomas, Jason Whiteley, Mark Tishman and Karthik Swaminathan, all from the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, and I’m asking you to join them tonight at the reception from 5:00 to 7:00 in the dining room.

I also want to extend a welcome to the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs. I look forward to meeting with OAFC past president Chief Mark MacDonald, Chief Bryce Luker and Chief Ryan Murrell this afternoon.

I also want to welcome to the House from Save the Minden ER, Patrick Porzuczek. I also want to welcome from Minden a number of business owners who have come to make their case: Mathew Renda, Mike McKeon, Dennis Pennie, Mark Dracup, Ian Myers, Richard Cooper and Jane Cooper. Welcome to your House.

A strong Ontario is a safe Ontario—I agree with you, but that includes First Nations.

What did we learn from this? I received a call last week from Fort Albany because they don’t have a functional fire truck. They currently can’t suppress fires—only evacuate people and let the fire die out. We must equip communities up north.

Premier, what will your government do to get a new fire truck in Fort Albany and ensure all First Nations have proper firefighting equipment to avoid another tragedy?

Interjections.

J’apprécie la réponse, mais du « lip service », là, ça n’aide pas la situation. On a besoin d’action; ces communautés-là, elles ont besoin d’action. On a besoin de l’équipement maintenant. Est-ce qu’on attend qu’il y ait un autre décès dans nos communautés pour réagir—qu’on attende toujours?

Je demande au solliciteur général de faire son travail et de donner l’équipement nécessaire aux Premières Nations.

First Nations are 10 times more likely to die in a house fire than the rest of Canadians—and that’s acceptable? I don’t think so.

The situation is an urgent one. We simply cannot wait for another life to be lost.

Je vous demande, au gouvernement : faites la bonne chose. Do the right thing here.

Communities in Kiiwetinoong, communities in Mushkegowuk–James Bay are dying because we don’t have the proper equipment for fire suppression.

So, Premier, will the government act now and ensure that communities are equipped with proper firefighting equipment in First Nations communities up north on the James Bay coast? They need help, they need equipment, and the government needs to act now.