My question is for the Minister of Education.

As we know, rising inflation costs continue to impact the financial well-being of families and businesses across the province and, certainly, in the riding of Barrie–Innisfil. The upcoming increase in the carbon tax of 14% will also hinder those families. I’ve heard resoundingly throughout the riding of Barrie–Innisfil that they can’t afford the rising cost of inflation or the increased carbon tax on April 1. They’re happy to see that our government is doing what we can to keep costs low and, of course, to fight the federal government on the tax increase—and what I’m also hearing is hope from parents that finally they’re seeing direct supports for them through this government.

I was speaking to Melissa, a mom of three, who’s benefiting from catch-up payments.

I want to ask the Minister of Education: What else is he hearing from parents in terms of the direct financial supports this government is giving to families and students?

We know, following many years of disruption, that our students returned to the classroom in person, where we know they can best recover their academic, mental and physical health. But our students also need the right investments and supports in order to realize their recovery and prepare them for success in the modern economy. This means ensuring our students are learning critical skills and job skills that are rooted in the fundamentals and topics like math, reading and writing—something we hear a lot from parents. Ontario students need these skills to find lifelong careers and help us continue to grow our provincial economy.

I want to ask the minister, with all the work he’s also doing, how is he investing in our students so that they can be successful in the classroom and for years beyond the classroom?

Point of order.

That, in the opinion of this House, the federal government should halt the carbon tax hike set for April 1, 2023, which will add 14.31 cents to the cost of a litre of gas, and will therefore increase the cost of everything for Ontarians.