As we all know, June is Aboriginal History Month, and it is my pleasure to rise in the House today and talk about an amazing event that will be happening in my riding of Brantford–Brant, from July 21 to 23: the 43rd annual Champion of Champions powwow.

This event began as an idea back in 1979, when a group of dancers who had been performing at powwows throughout Ontario thought how wonderful it would be to be able to have their very own competition at home. In 1980, with tremendous support from the community, the first-ever Champion of Champions powwow was held on the Six Nations of the Grand River territory.

Over the years, the powwow has become a major tourist attraction locally, nationally and internationally. With over 30 categories to compete in, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Not only can you be treated to exceptional traditional dancing and drumming, but you can also find over 100 craft vendors selling jewellery, moccasins, shirts and many other unique items only found in this region.

The best path to true reconciliation with Ontario’s First Nations is to spend time sharing in the cultural experience and warmth of the Haudenosaunee people. So if you are looking for a family-friendly, engaging activity, head over to 1987 Chiefswood Road, Ohsweken, from July 21 to 23. You will love it.

After 30 years of service, Denise Arkell is celebrating her retirement from the role of executive director at Neighbour to Neighbour in our community of Hamilton Mountain. Today I want to take a moment to recognize Denise and to tell you more about her, because she truly is a pillar of the Hamilton community and she has made a lasting impact.

Denise is a person who never stops. She is the kind of person who works tirelessly, day in and day out, so she can help support people and meet the needs of our community where they are.

When Denise started back in 1993, Neighbour to Neighbour was serving around 600 households a month. Now they are serving 1,400 households each and every month. Her passion and her drive led her to expanding the various programs at Neighbour to Neighbour, because Denise has consistently recognized the need where she sees it.

I have known Denise for several years, and I am truly honoured to call her a friend. I’ve been lucky enough to work with her on several projects, including Coldest Night of the Year. If you’ve ever participated in this event in Hamilton Mountain, chances are you’ve met Denise. In true fashion, she works hard to lead this event each and every year to support people in need in our community.

Our community has been positively influenced by Denise’s work, and her efforts have created a living legacy that has spread across Hamilton.

Denise, I want to say thank you for everything. I am a better person for knowing you. You’ve inspired me each and every day for the hard work we do in our community. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement. While this is an end to one era, I know this is the beginning of a beautiful chapter for you. Congratulations.

It’s going to be difficult following that. One of the great things about being an MPP is we have the opportunity to be part of some truly great celebrations. This past week was one of those opportunities for me. Lions International has a motto of “We Serve.” It’s estimated that each Lion makes a difference in 70 people’s lives each year that they serve.

The Havelock Lions just celebrated their 65th year of service, which in itself is an accomplishment. But, Speaker, there’s one individual Lion I have to centre out. Alfred Charles Cooper, commonly referred to as Alf, was one of the charter members of the Havelock Lions Club way back in 1958. For 65 years, Alf has been serving his community. The lives of 4,550 people have been made better by the things that Alf has done for his community.

I’ve known Alf for longer than I’ve been the MPP. Alf has reminded me many times that the Lions are not political. Although he welcomes me volunteering at Lions events, I can’t even wear a blue T-shirt, and if I do, he hands me a yellow Lions vest to put on over top of it.

Integrity and service have defined Alf’s actions as a Lion for 65 years.

Thank you for your service, Alf. The world is a much better place because of the service you have given.

Speaker, there are a lot of questions for the Minister of Education. His ministry is responsible for TVO, which has done high-quality programming work for years on public affairs and children’s programming. In the last four years, funding to TVO has been frozen or dropped while inflation has relentlessly driven costs upwards. The budget for content and programming at TVO dropped by well over 10% between 2021 and 2022, and this year’s estimates from the Minister of Education are certainly nothing to be happy about.

I have to ask, why is TVO management trying to starve TVO programming? TVO public affairs programming and children’s programming are literally award winners in this country. And yet, both the ministry and TVO management seem to be committed to slowly—maybe not so slowly—making it more and more difficult for programming to be made here in Ontario. What do they have against high-quality programming being made in this province?

Comme beaucoup de mes collègues l’ont mentionné dans les derniers jours, ça fait déjà un an que nous avons été élus pour représenter les citoyens de la province de l’Ontario. Je veux remercier les citoyens de Glengarry–Prescott–Russell pour leur confiance, et je veux les assurer que j’en suis reconnaissant et que je continuerai à les représenter au meilleur de mes capacités.

Il ne reste que quelques jours à cette session ici à Queen’s Park. Nous allons apprécier le temps que nous passerons dans nos circonscriptions respectives. J’espère que je ne manquerai pas trop mes collègues pendant les prochains mois. J’aimerais profiter de cette occasion pour souhaiter un bel été à mes collègues députés. Ils seront dans leurs circonscriptions durant les deux prochains mois pour participer à plein d’événements; rencontrer des organismes, des entreprises, des citoyens; et passer un peu plus de temps avec leur famille.

Nous serons tous très occupés à rencontrer des gens, en participant à des foires agricoles, des évènements de levées de fonds d’organismes à but non lucratif, des célébrations communautaires, festivals, et j’en passe. Les évènements estivaux sont déjà en cours dans ma circonscription et à travers la province, monsieur le Président. J’ai déjà participé à quelques évènements de ma région, et je peux vous dire que les gens sont très contents de participer à ces rassemblements.

Pour moi, les prochains mois seront des occasions extraordinaires pour entreprendre de belles discussions avec les citoyens et de leur expliquer ce que notre gouvernement fait pour améliorer la vie de tous les Ontariens. J’ai bien hâte de parcourir ma circonscription pour rencontrer les gens de Glengarry–Prescott–Russell.

I’d like to recognize, from BUSU, Brock University Students’ Union: Alyssa Hall, Carleigh Charlton, Aishah Sonekan, James Maxwell-Barillas. Welcome to your House.

But also, Speaker, on Saturday I had the opportunity to walk in the ALS walk in Niagara—and I’m proud to announce Niagara was third overall in Ontario for raising funds—and that’s where I had the opportunity to meet Kris Noakes and her daughter, Fallon, who were on the walk. Welcome to your House and thank you for coming.

I’d like to welcome Kate Laing, Heather Hanwell, Suzanne Burke, Mary Jo Nabuurs, Farheen Mahmood and Louise Hidinger—all from Ontario School Safety—and supporting them this morning, Neeya Abidi, Carolyn Marshall, Amanda Mohammed, Kari Raymer-Bishop, Henry Bishop and Jane Hanwell. Thank you so much for coming this morning and advocating for safer schools, and welcome to your House.

I’d just like to introduce, from my favourite city, Cambridge, the mayor of Cambridge, Jan Liggett, and her husband, Les Kadar.

I too would like to welcome back our former caucus colleague and friend to this very peaceful place: Welcome to your House, Taras.

I would like to welcome my friend, Mr. Amir Shamsi, chairman of Universal Promotions and founder of Mississauga Halal Food Festival, which marks its 10-year anniversary this year. This year’s Halal Food Festival will be held on June 16 and 17 at Celebration Square in Mississauga. I welcome everyone there.

I’d like to welcome Stephanie Ramsay and her son Lukasz Ramsay. Stephanie’s daughter, Lauren, is an usher here in the Leg.

I’d like to welcome Momina Malik, Quinn LeFort, Soobin Sung and Joubin Seyrafian. They are the four newest members of the Ontario Liberal summer internship program.

I’d like to welcome Jaide Kassam, our ministry intern and a student at Carleton University, and as tough as it is for me to say this: Go, Ravens!

I’d like to welcome three friends to the House: Kenneth Kranendonk and retiring cadets Benny Liverance-Edwards and Nic VanNiewenhuizen.

Welcome to your House.

I’d like to welcome my good friend Chantal McCollum to Queen’s Park.

I’d like to introduce my wonderful constituency staff who are with me here today: Joanne Beatty, my constituency manager; Jennie Yeung; Matthew Fieg, Daniel Goutevets, James Madore—all three of whom are my full-time summer intern students; as well as Téah U-Ming, my OLIP intern who’s with me for only a couple more weeks. I just want to thank them for all they do to support me. Welcome to the Legislature.

I’d like to welcome to the House Patrick and Laura Porzuczek from Save the Minden ER; Ashley Fox, a registered practical nurse and member of the Guelph-Wellington health coalition; Hazel Pratt-Paige, a member of the Chesley hospital support group; and Brenda Scott, a fellow member of the Chesley hospital support group and with the Grey Bruce Health Coalition.

Welcome to your House.

It is my pleasure to welcome Dua Boztas and Mévlutte Boztas. They are the parents of my incredible OLIP intern, Esma Boztas, who I want to thank for her hard work.

In September 2021, I was pleased to announce a $100,000 Community Building Fund grant for the Barrie Trojan Swim Club. The grant was used to help the club with staff salaries to support success through and beyond a pandemic rebuild. Funds from the grant also contributed directly towards the club’s ability to continue offering quality programming for local athletes.

Not only did this grant help secure job opportunities as well as improve the mental and physical health of people of all ages in Barrie, but it also has led to a personal best for the team. The Barrie Trojan Swim Club had five swimmers participate at the 2023 Bell Canadian Swimming Trials at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre, which set an impressive record for the club. The Barrie Trojan Swim Club athletes did fantastic, and as a result of their performances, two of their swimmers and the head coach have been named to represent Canada at upcoming international events. Laila Oravsky has been named to the Pan American Games team that will compete in Chile in October. Jordi Vilchez and Endi Babi, head coach, will be part of the Canadian team competing at the World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships taking place in Israel this September. I want to congratulate them on their grit and their stamina and wish Laila, Jordi and coach Endi the best of luck as they take on the global stage.

Through your sportsmanship, you inspire a whole community and a generation of future athletes in swimming. Keep swimming, Barrie Trojans. Congratulations.