Ontario is seeing strong economic growth and great new manufacturing investments. We only have to look at the $5-billion investment made by Stellantis in building a new EV battery plant as a positive example. This trend toward a greener electrical transportation sector and the return of manufacturing jobs to Ontario is positive news, Speaker.

As the economy grows and greater electrification of industry continues, my constituents in Whitby are wondering about the strength of our energy grid for the future. Can the Minister of Energy assure my constituents and all Ontarians that we will have the power we need for the future?

My constituents are pleased that Ontario is increasing the electrification of our energy grid, from transportation and increased EV uptake to green steelmaking. However, my constituents want to know why the province will procure some natural gas generation as a component of the overall procurement strategy.

Minister, is procuring natural gas generation a step in the opposite direction?