I rise today with a singular message of love and support for all of our 2SLGBTQ+ community, deeply disturbed by the recent surge in hate crimes and messages of intolerance.

During Pride Month, schools in Niagara and Pride flags have become targets of intolerance, trustees have used hate language, and bigotry has been spray-painted on our schools.

We must protect our queer and trans youth, fostering safe spaces for them to thrive. Here is the message: You are safe; you are loved. We will do everything in our power to make that clear.

However, when reaching out to advocates and the community, they expressed that words are not enough; we need action. It is no longer enough for politicians in the month of June to just condemn violence with words only.

They are right. It needs to be every month, and it needs to be with action. I am proud to be part of a caucus with the member for Toronto Centre, who has demanded action, not only words of condemnation.

Today, let us remember we are calling on the minister, under the Education Act, to use a variety of powers to promote safety and inclusion, with the rise of hate.

Prejudice has no home in Niagara. To my 2SLGBTQ+ community in Niagara, you have my unwavering support; however, more than that, my commitment to action, action for an inclusive, safe—