My question is for the Minister for Seniors and Accessibility.

Across our province, seniors deserve to live fit, active and socially connected lives. It is important that our government prioritizes support for our seniors to remain healthy, to socialize and take part in community life.

The support demonstrated by this minister for investments that help seniors is commendable and appreciated in communities across our province. I know that many communities are appreciative of the funding provided by our government from the seniors community grants. These funds will certainly benefit seniors in their communities, through programs and educational activities.

Can the minister please describe the importance of investments made by our government to support seniors in our communities?

Ontario’s seniors are the province’s fastest-growing demographic. By the end of this year, there will be three million Ontarians over the age of 65. With the investments made through the support of this minister, our government is taking real action to further empower seniors in their own communities.

Our government must continue to prioritize providing seniors with high-quality supports that contribute to their physical, mental and social well-being.

Can the minister please elaborate on the benefits of these grants for our seniors in communities across the province?

Thank you to the hard-working member from Markham–Thornhill for asking such an important question. Seniors are the backbone of this province, and the member is doing a great job for seniors to get the support they need.

Mr. Speaker, thanks to the leadership of the Premier, we have created the programs and services to break down barriers of social isolation and fight against ageism. Since 2018, our government has invested almost $22 million into over 1,200 seniors community grant projects across Ontario to fight social isolation.

Seniors have invested their energy to help build this province, and we stand with them.

Mr. Speaker, seniors are the backbone of this province and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. They are the ones who helped build the best province, Ontario. That is why we have invested into programs that keep seniors active, healthy and socially connected.

Since 2018, our government has invested $59 million in 300 seniors active living centres across Ontario to promote healthy, active and socially connected living for seniors. Programs like this are key to the fight against ageism.