Good morning, Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Mines.

When the previous Liberal government was in power, they failed to prioritize the mining sector. Projects like Côté Gold sat on the shelf, collecting dust, because investors did not have a committed partner they could work with. The culture of delay and inaction by the previous Liberal government was unacceptable. Unlike them, our government wants more mines to get built in northern Ontario.

Mining represents a generational opportunity that is already creating jobs and training opportunities, and promises new revenue for Ontarians. It provides the raw materials needed to build clean, sustainable and new green technology, like batteries for electric vehicles.

Mr. Speaker, what has the government done differently to move mining projects forward, and what have been the results?

With Russia’s unprovoked and illegal attack on Ukraine and the growing instability in Asia as the Chinese communist regime attempts to destabilize that region, our global partners are seeking a strong, stable and reliable source of materials. I know the Plan to Build Act lays the foundation for our government to strengthen Ontario’s standing as a critical global mineral leader.

Before the election, our government launched Ontario’s first-ever Critical Minerals Strategy. Speaker, could Minister of Mines update all members on what investments our government has provided to support the Critical Minerals Strategy through the Plan to Build Act, helping to create jobs and opportunities for the people of my riding?