Thank you to the member opposite. Mr. Speaker, Infrastructure Ontario is an arm’s-length government agency that is responsible for government procurements. They have internal controls to ensure that there is accountability, fairness and competitive processes. They report to a board that also has accountability and transparency measures. And, of course, they work, like any other agency, with the FAO and the AG.

Mr. Speaker, we had a successful call for development where we had a lot of interest because a lot of people are excited about Ontario Place, as are we, and we will bring it back to life, just like we said back in 2019.

My question is for the Minister of Transportation. Like other regions across the province, communities in southwestern Ontario are experiencing population growth and business expansion. But traffic congestion and gridlocked highways through Leamington and Essex are extending travel times for all road users, while delaying vital goods and services from getting to our markets. Urgent action needs to be taken to build the necessary transportation infrastructure to keep our province moving.

Unfortunately, transportation needs in my areas were consistently ignored by the previous NDP-backing-the-Liberals government. The residents of Chatham-Kent–Leamington and people throughout southwestern Ontario deserve better when it comes to our transportation network.

Speaker, can the minister please explain what our government is doing to address the critical need for expanded transportation infrastructure?

Thank you to the minister for her genuine leadership. While recent announcements made by our government will certainly address this long-standing and urgent need, these communities look forward to seeing construction get under way as soon as possible. This Highway 3 expansion will dramatically reduce commute times, increase road safety and improve the movement of people and goods.

But a further expansion of this infrastructure is still urgently needed. We’re seeing tremendous growth in the industrial, agricultural, manufacturing and health care sectors in Windsor and throughout Essex county. Population growth, job creation and other major investments are driving the urgency for an expanded transportation network. This is why our government must continue to invest in this infrastructure, to better support increased opportunities for trade through the busy Detroit-Windsor border.

Speaker, can the minister please elaborate on how our investments in critical highway infrastructure and projects throughout southwestern Ontario will support our economy?