Thank you to the member from Peterborough–Kawartha, a riding that is part of the God’s country network of ridings.

Speaker, we have seen terrible damage to property on crown and private forests, forest access roads and other public roads across Ontario. For the town of Peterborough, and in eastern Ontario, the rebuilding and repair are ongoing.

Sometimes that damage left behind from these natural disasters can actually pose new risks to public safety. Those downed trees and the debris on land and water can lead to an increased risk of flood and fire incidents today. So, even as you work and return things to normal, last year’s severe weather continues to create concerns.

I know from direct experience how small communities work hard to support one another in tough times like these. And our government is committed to doing our part and building a strong Ontario for now and in the future.

Yesterday I was pleased to announce in the GTA, the greater Tweed area, that the ministry will be providing $5.5 million to municipalities impacted by last year’s derecho.

During my time as mayor, in Bracebridge, in 2013 and 2019, we saw the results of natural disasters when flooding led to a state of emergency. So I’m speaking to you today with a keen awareness of the importance of community, both here and across Ontario.

Currently, the province’s Surface Water Monitoring Centre continues to monitor water levels in other areas at risk throughout the province.

The funding announced yesterday, $5.5 million, will ensure that the destruction caused by last year’s severe weather events do not pose a threat to public safety. That means rivers that were once blocked by collapsed trees will now flow unobstructed, and drying brush piles will be chipped and stored safely. It will also help carry out forest regeneration and support the continued health and well-being of those forests. I’m confident that this funding will help towns affected by the weather events of last year to make meaningful progress towards recovery.