My question is to the Premier. In Niagara, I met with unionized front-line workers from long-term-care homes who are concerned about the use of agency employees and the effects on the quality of care for residents. Permanent employees in long-term care are not paid fair wages for their work, which often leads to them leaving the jobs they love, worsening the staffing crisis. Meanwhile, temporary employment agencies are charging $150 an hour or more, and Ontarians are footing the bill.

Will the Premier rein in temporary staffing agencies and ensure permanent employees are paid fairly to address the staffing crisis?

Many of the temporary agency workers have no training or experience in long-term care. This is leading to reduced quality of care for residents and potential concerns around the safety and well-being of the people in our long-term-care facilities. These are our mothers, our fathers, our grandparents, our aunts and our uncles. It’s all about respect and dignity for long-term-care residents and for the permanent employees in these homes.

When is the Premier going to ensure fair standards are in place at every long-term-care home across the province of Ontario for workers and their patients?

My question is to the great Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. Our government believes that anyone who wants to work should have the opportunity to work; however, individuals with developmental disabilities often face barriers in securing stable and fulfilling employment.

Speaker, the statistics are clear: There are approximately 2.6 million people in Ontario who live with disabilities. Sadly, only 55% of these people are employed.

Individuals with disabilities deserve opportunities to master in-demand skills, gain valuable experiences and build the confidence they need to thrive in their communities. That’s why our government must continue to make investments that would build up Ontario’s workforce.

Speaker, can the minister explain how our government is supporting employment opportunities for all Ontarians?

Ontario continues to face a historic labour shortage, with nearly 300,000 jobs going unfilled every day, costing our economy billions in lost productivity.

While our government is investing in training programs and providing support, there must also be accessible and inclusive employment opportunities. As the minister states, “We need all hands on deck” in order to build a stronger Ontario for the next generation. That means that we must ensure that all Ontarians have access to the skills they need to find rewarding jobs.

Speaker, can the minister please explain how investments by our government will open pathways for more inclusive workplaces?