The Cultivated B’s expansion into Ontario is game-changing for the people of Burlington and their entire region. Their $50-million investment will create 200 well-paying jobs and boost the local economy, and it will secure Ontario’s position as a global leader in biotechnology.

When companies look for investment opportunities, they look for a place that has a skilled workforce, supports growth and investment, and is open for business. That’s the message we heard from Cultivated B and other German companies when we were on our recent mission to Germany and Austria. They want certainty. They want a reliable, stable business environment, and they want safe communities for their employees. This exciting investment by the Cultivated B sends a really strong message that Ontario is the perfect place to invest and grow.

We also invested $415,000 in Burlington’s small business enterprise centre to offer entrepreneurs everything they need to turn their ideas into a business and another $106,000 for their Summer Company to help students and young entrepreneurs start their business. This is how our government is helping entrepreneurs.

My question is for the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. Last week, the minister and I were in Burlington at the Cultivated B to announce the opening of a new 130,000-square-foot manufacturing and innovation hub. This company is performing ground-breaking work in the field of biotechnology and cellular agriculture. Not only are they true leaders in innovation, but their over $50-million investment will bring 200 jobs to my community.

Speaker, will the minister tell us why the Cultivated B, a German company, chose to invest here in Ontario?

I’m proud to represent the great people of Burlington, a city that is home to a thriving and innovative economy of entrepreneurs. Unfortunately, under the previous Liberal government, the goal of entrepreneurship was not supported. Many hard-working individuals faced excessive red tape, barriers and obstacles.

Speaker, will the minister please explain what our government is doing to help entrepreneurs in my riding start and grow businesses?