I move concurrence in supply for the Ministry of the Attorney General; the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs; the Ministry of Energy; the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry; the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks; the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; the Ministry of Health; the Ministry of Colleges and Universities; the Ministry of Finance; the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade; the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development; the Office of the Premier; the Cabinet Office; the Treasury Board Secretariat; the Ministry of Transportation; the Ministry of Infrastructure; the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing; the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries; the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services; the Ministry of Francophone Affairs; the Ministry of the Solicitor General; the Ministry of Education; and the Ministry of Long-Term Care.

The tourism industry is vital to our economy, and I think everyone knows that. It supports almost 400,000 jobs across this great province.

Tourism activity is rebounding, yet when I speak to tourism operators and employees in my community, they express concerns about the future. Operators wonder what the future may hold for the upcoming tourism season. As well, job seekers, particularly students already trying to plan for summer jobs, wonder whether tourism is a good option to explore.

Can the minister please provide information on the status and outlook for our tourism sector?

Many people in my riding, again, rely on tourism for their jobs and have appreciated the various support grants that the ministry has provided that saw them through tough times of lower attendance at their venues and activities.

Tourism is vital to our province’s overall economic prosperity and is helpful in enhancing the overall quality of life and well-being of Ontarians.

As a government, we must continue to provide investments and supports where needed, as I know we have done.

Can the minister please explain how this government is supporting and collaborating with the tourism industry?

Thank you for the question.

From when this government was first elected, it made a point of making substantial, unprecedented investments in mental health and addictions. It worked with all of the stakeholders and continues to work with children and youth mental health, CMHA and all the other agencies to build a continuum of care.

This is the government that created the Roadmap to Wellness. This is the government that created a ministry to work specifically on mental health and addictions and create the networks necessary to provide the supports for individuals.

We have identified where those gaps exist, and with a $525-million investment on an annualized basis, we’re building the system, filling the gaps, and ensuring that everyone in this province gets the support, the care, the help they need when and where they need it.