I’m proud that our government is supporting Ontario-made innovation, with an investment of more than $198 million in research projects at colleges, universities and research hospitals. Speaker, we know, as we continue to respond to the impacts of COVID-19 across all sectors, how important it is to foster research and innovation to help boost our economic development in areas like Whitby and other parts of the region of Durham. That’s why I’m pleased that Durham College in Whitby has received approximately $788,000 to create a resource for Ontario’s small and medium-sized enterprises to evaluate, develop and deploy cybersecurity systems, helping them to detect, prevent and respond to cyberattacks more efficiently.

These Ontario research funds will add new infrastructure to the Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation at Durham College, giving them access to the technology and equipment necessary to make them absolute leaders of innovation. This also ensures that hard-working students from across the region of Durham have access to the research and innovation that supports them to remain competitive and to advance in today’s job market.

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?