My question is for the Minister for Seniors and Accessibility.

Last month in my riding of Peterborough–Kawartha, our government participated in the Light It Up! event to help raise awareness for National Disability Employment Awareness Month by lighting up the ServiceOntario building in blue and purple.

This annual event comes at a time when many employers across Ontario and across all of Canada are in fierce competition to secure the best talent. With so many job vacancies throughout the province, employers benefit greatly from a diverse workforce.

Could the minister please explain to the House why raising awareness in support of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is crucial and what actions our government will take towards making Ontario open and inclusive for everyone?

Remarks in Oji-Cree. Good morning. My question is to the Premier. Next week is Treaties Recognition Week in Ontario. Treaty rights are rights set out in the treaty agreement. These treaty rights are recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act. They define the specific rights, benefits and obligations of the signatories.

In my riding I see boil-water advisories. In my riding I see young people, 11 years old, dying by suicide. What work is Ontario doing to uphold their treaty obligations?

One way Ontario can honour its treaty obligations is by dropping its appeal of the Robison-Huron annuities ruling. Will Ontario drop the annuity appeal?

Interjections.

Thank you. Supplementary question.

Thank you to the hard-working member from Peterborough–Kawartha for asking such an important question. Our government is committed to removing barriers to employment for people with disabilities and connecting job-seekers and employers.

Mr. Speaker, October was National Disability Employment Awareness Month, also known as NDEAM. People with disabilities represent a large talent pool of skilled workers, and they are ready to make a difference in Ontario’s workplaces.

The prevalence of gender-based and sexual violence on university and college campuses is disturbing and upsetting. I know we can all agree: Students attending colleges and universities across this province should not be victims of sexual violence and harassment. The overall safety of students should be the top priority of our educational institutions and our government. We must ensure students attending college or university in London or anywhere across this province feel safe and supported.

Can the Minister of Colleges and Universities share with the House how our government’s proposed legislation, Bill 26, will strengthen protection for students from gender-based and sexual violence, and how this legislation will improve campus safety?

While we know that there are faculty and staff who do incredible work at our local colleges and universities, it is clear that Bill 26 is intended to strengthen measures to protect our students. Speaker, can the minister tell the House how this bill will help protect students in cases of faculty and staff sexual misconduct?

I just want to remind folks that the county is calling—Renfrew county in 228 and 230. Don’t forget to stop by, say hello and find out what Renfrew county has to offer. They’re here to see you; they’re looking forward to it. Thank you.

Thank you for another good question.

Our government is dedicated to helping create a society that is more inclusive for everyone, especially people with disabilities and older Ontarians, like me.

The Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development has invested an additional $90 million into the Skills Development Fund. This fund supports projects that prepare jobseekers for meaningful careers.

We will continue to engage with employers and partners to promote the benefits of hiring people with disabilities, to improve the culture of employment in Ontario.

A commitment to accessibility awareness doesn’t just stop with recognizing the importance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

People in my riding want good-paying jobs regardless of their backgrounds, and when employers focus on an individual’s strength first, they can find great employees.

Speaker, could the minister please tell the House what our government is doing to support employment opportunities for people with disabilities in my riding of Peterborough–Kawartha and across Ontario, and how is our government making investments that will help create inclusive opportunities for all Ontarians?

The ayes are 78; the nays are 33.

I rise on a point of order to correct my record. This morning during my question, I said that Bill 27 invokes the “notwithstanding” clause to violate sections of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Human Rights Code. It is Bill 28, Speaker. I apologize for the error.