Thank you for the question from the member for Thunder Bay–Atikokan. Opposite to the previous Liberal government, we see the benefits of unleashing the mining sector and re-establishing Ontario as a world-leading destination for mining investment. We have cut red tape and worked directly with companies to find solutions to challenges so companies can hit development milestones.

We have seen the sector responding, with Argonaut Gold building the Magino project, Equinox building the Greenstone mine, and Iamgold’s Côté project finally under construction. The Côté Lake project is a world-class deposit. It has a critical mass of 20 million ounces in resources—a world-class deposit that sat and languished for 17 years.

These are just some of the recent success stories, and we know there are more coming. There is more work to be done, Mr. Speaker, but I look forward to making Ontario the best jurisdiction to invest in the mining industry.

This strategy is backed by investments, including $20 million to find the mines of the future, create exploration jobs in the north and work with the private sector on innovation. Through this strategy, we are building a link between the critical minerals in the north with the manufacturing might in the south. We are working towards a strong supply chain of extraction, processing and manufacturing of clean technologies right here in Ontario. We’ll be the world’s leader in this technology.

This government’s financial commitments and focus on developing clean technologies will lead to further low-carbon economic growth for Ontario, creating more job opportunities in the northern and First Nations communities.

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?