I’d also like to introduce two more sets of groups, so just really quickly. I’d like to recognize Jagjit Dhillon, a police officer from the Toronto police 23 Division; I would like to welcome Mejor Natt, a local community businessman who always gives back to the community; Amarjit Rai, a local, well-known news media personality in the Punjabi community; and I’d also like to introduce my father, Jagdish Singh Grewal.

On Monday, I gave a member’s statement that recognized the community of the Bayridge Block Party. I shared in my member’s statement last Monday that they, just on their street, fundraised over $10,000 for SickKids Hospital. All the young boys and girls are here with us today in the public gallery, just above me, so please join me in welcoming them all to Queen’s Park today.

I consider it both an honour and a privilege to be standing here today representing the people of Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston as their member of provincial Parliament. The encouragement and support I have received through both the nomination and election process has been second to none, and I’m very appreciative.

This inaugural speech allows me the opportunity to introduce myself, to thank my constituents, volunteers and family for their support, and to describe as best I can what has driven me to the decision to enter the world of politics.

First and foremost, I want to thank my wife, Brenda-Leah, for her ongoing support. Not only did she encourage me to run, but she went to work. A retired teacher and principal, she took charge of coordinating the volunteers, and I thought, “Oh, no, the principal is back.” She even had these crazy T-shirts made up with my picture on them during the nomination. It embarrassed my son—a collector’s item, I’m sure.

My mother-in-law, Amanda, at age 86, was a real trooper in the campaign office, along with friends and family and association members.

I want to give a special shout-out to our friends Debbie and Terry Shay, whose enthusiasm and “have fun” attitude was contagious.

I want to mention my sister Anne Marie, who drove from Greely almost every day.

My campaign manager, Shawn Morrison, who some of you know, stuck with me from the beginning, and is still sharing his experience and advice as I bring on new staff and get settled in.

My nephew Chris McGuire has been taking on the financial part of the process.

My wife, Brenda-Leah, and I have raised three children in the Smiths Falls area. Justen, who is now 28, runs his own successful and expanding construction company and has had to pick up all the heavy lifting at our farm where we raise black Angus beef—one of the hardest-working people I know. Thomas is 26 and is a computer engineer graduate, and he works for the federal government. His IT help during the campaign was never-ending. No matter what time we called, he could always solve our IT problems. Amanda, his twin sister, is a singer-songwriter and actress in Nashville, and she never ceases to amaze us. Last Friday morning, I got home and gathered up the mail at the mailbox, and in the local paper there was a beautiful picture of Amanda announcing her new single release called Somebody’s Maybe. She writes songs about love and female empowerment, and we could not be more proud of her. I’d like to mention that you may have seen her performing on The Bachelor last January. All three children supported me with their own special set of skills during the campaign, and we’re very proud of all three of our children.

Full disclosure: I never had political career aspirations. My father would say, “Why don’t you throw your hat in the ring?” And I would say, “No, thanks.” But life is a journey, and that journey has led me here. The time just felt right.

My education played a big part in this decision, but I’m not talking about my formal education in economics and business; I’m referring to my real education, life’s education—primarily my time working in the community health centre model of care at the North Lanark Community Health Centre, now called ConnectWell Community Health.

My previous position as CEO of ConnectWell Community Health was a position I enjoyed, and it gave me great satisfaction over the years. I learned the value of interdisciplinary care—physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, respiratory therapists and many other allied health professionals working together. Health promotion and illness prevention programs and services are a big part of the CHC model. I learned the value of collaboration, working with partner organizations and different levels of government.

With the spirit of collaboration and co-operation, the North Lanark CHC grew from a staff of under 20 to a staff of over 240 employees, with services stretching from the Ottawa River in Renfrew county to the St. Lawrence River in Leeds and Grenville.

I am proud of ConnectWell’s accomplishments and the dedicated people who work there.

That experience also makes me very optimistic for Ontario Health. I served on the collaborative council for the Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Ontario Health Team, and I believe that this model of greater collaboration will result in many system improvements and better health outcomes, and a better experience for our patients and health care providers. Our nurses need this. We all need this.

Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston is very rural. Rural people have extra challenges because of the very nature of being rural. Their work is also very important to us for our food production, lumber supply, and others. “Resilient” and “independent” are two words that I use to describe people from rural Ontario. They deserve our respect and attention in terms of providing services to them. Health equity is an important element of how we develop and invest in our health care system.

I want to tell you a story. One day I was in the health centre reception area. There were a couple of very senior ladies there, who were sisters. I got talking to them. I knew them well; they were regular clients at the health centre. I walked them out to their car. As I was closing the door, I said, “It’s great that you’re still driving and getting out to where you need to go.” One of the sisters smiled at me. She said, “Yes, dear. But, you know, my licence is just good for Lanark.” Resiliency, independence—they got themselves where they needed to go.

Another thing you will hear in Lanark and Frontenac Highlands is the saying, “It takes a tank to get a tank.” I heard this a lot when the gas station at McDonald’s Corners closed. I’ve also heard, recently, appreciation for the elimination of the licence sticker fees and for the gas tax reduction. In rural areas, there are no transportation options. Transportation always comes at the top of the list in community-needs surveys or focus groups.

Broadband is another rural challenge. Connectivity is so important, and I’m happy to report that new investments are making a difference, but we still have more work to do. We are making progress and getting it done.

Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston is a beautiful area, made up of a lot of small towns and villages, hundreds of lakes, and a diverse topography, from rolling farmland to forests to the Canadian Shield.

Throughout Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston, you will find the spirit of communities coming together to celebrate arts, craftsmanship, agriculture and the good food that grows from the fruits of our labour. From the inspiring and boundless imagination unfolding every year at the incredible, world-renowned Puppets Up! festival to the historic agricultural fairs in Maberly and Perth, and the Highland games in Almonte, as a few examples of excellence in our heritage—and welcoming every age to make memories steeped in history and tradition.

In Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston, we have a strong connection to our railways and waterways and the courageous and talented people who forged a path to the future—creating the unparalleled Rideau Canal lock system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and leaving behind a legacy still celebrated at the site of the eastern Ontario railway museum in Smiths Falls, where youngsters can tuck in with history on an overnight stay in a caboose, and the midsummer CabooseFest held every year in Sharbot Lake.

There are also many recreational opportunities—trails, skiing.

I’ve enjoyed the Rideau Canal my entire life and have taken many trips by boat from Ottawa to Kingston, or a side trip up the Tay River to historic Perth, with its many shops and restaurants.

So if you are planning on attending the International Plowing Match on September 20 to September 24, you may want to travel through Lanark and Frontenac counties and take in some of the sights.

There are many local heroes from my riding.

I need to mention Brooke Henderson. Brooke was born and raised in Smiths Falls and made the Smiths Falls golf course her second home. She has won more major golf tournaments than any other Canadian, including two LPGA events. Along with her sister Brittany, they are real ambassadors for Smiths Falls.

Bailey Andison is another Smiths Falls native, bringing home medals for swimming from the Pan American Games.

There are many others, and as we go back in history, they include R. Tait McKenzie, who was born in Ramsay township and who was known for his contributions to education and the arts.

James Naismith, born in Almonte, invented the great game of basketball.

A local hero, through COVID, was Dr. Paula Stewart, the medical officer of health for the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit. Paula provided great leadership, working with the Ontario Health team and bringing all of the health service providers together, achieving the highest vaccination rates in Ontario.

I would also like to mention that the true value of our community paramedics was realized as they provided many vaccination clinics, including mobile and pop-up. They also visited long-term-care homes and residential homes to vaccinate people who could not get out. Like so many health care professionals, they worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic.

I want to recognize all of you, as members of provincial Parliament. Over the past few months, I have a new appreciation for the work, commitment and responsibility that we’ve all taken on, and that members before us took on.

I would like to acknowledge Doug Wiseman, who served as MPP of our riding from 1971 to 1990. Mr. Wiseman was a friend of my father, Leo Jordan, and he encouraged Dad to enter into politics after 39 years with Ontario Hydro. In my father’s inaugural speech, he said, “I want to say that I am not only proud to represent the riding of Lanark–Renfrew but to follow in the footsteps of the calibre of previous MPPs like Doug Wiseman.” Dad went on to describe the basic principles to which he would serve, including honesty, integrity and accountability. I plan to uphold the same high standards as my father. He also had lots of advice for hydro, but I’ll leave that discussion for our Minister of Energy.

I also wish to acknowledge and thank Senator Bob Runciman, who represented the ridings of Leeds and Leeds–Grenville for 29 years and was then appointed to the Senate of Canada from 2010 to 2017. It was certainly an honour for me to have Senator Runciman attend and speak at the opening of my campaign office. His advice to me: “Make your constituents proud.”

There are many positive and sustainable changes coming to the province. Building our economy, infrastructure and housing are just a few.

My passion is health care, and I consider myself fortunate to be able to work as parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Long-Term Care. This is my opportunity to learn and contribute to improving the experience of our long-term-care residents and their families, making sure that those who need long-term care get long-term care, that those who need home and community care get home and community care, and that people working in health care are in a positive work environment and that it is a career they can enjoy and prosper in.

I thank all of my constituents for honouring me with this opportunity, and I look forward to working collaboratively with all members of this 43rd provincial Parliament.

First, I would like to thank my two staff who are sitting in the chamber this afternoon: Omar Farhat and Marceau Jovin. They are my LA and EA. You can stand up, if you wish.

Today, Madam Speaker, I’d like to bring my inaugural speech to the floor. It is with pride and humility that I rise today to add my voice to the generation of devoted men and women who also have the occasion to speak for the first time in the great House of the assembly in this, the greatest province in our Confederation.

I must also begin by conveying deep gratitude to the fine people of Scarborough, a wonderful, diverse and dynamic microcosm of Ontario—indeed, of Canada. To you, my constituents who sent me here, I say directly that I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Rest assured that I will continue to work hard on your behalf, exactly as I have done over the last 12 years, as the Toronto District School Board trustee for Scarborough Centre.

My friends, I must also tell you that the significance of this moment is not lost on me. I stand before you as the first African Canadian man elected to the Progressive Conservative caucus. What does that mean, Madam Speaker? Perhaps this is an occasion to draw upon the memory of the late Honourable Lincoln MacCauley Alexander, who served as the first Black man in Canada’s Parliament—and as a result of that, he also served as the 24th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. He said, “It is not your duty to be average. It is your duty to set a higher example for others to follow.” Those are powerful words, like a bright lighthouse beacon lighting the path against a murky grey sky. Those words have guided me today, and those words tell you that, alongside my colleagues in this House, I’m ready to work that much harder. It means I clearly understand the important duty and extraordinary responsibility that falls upon me.

For the residents of Scarborough Centre, it means my sleeves are rolled up and I have already hit the ground running for you. I pledge that I will continue to give my very best to all members of Scarborough and residents.

We are 113,104 residents of a 28.12-square-kilometre riding, extending from the 401 in the north to the Eglinton Avenue boundary in the south; from McCowan Road, Lawrence Avenue, Bellamy Road in the east to the Victoria Park Avenue boundary in the west. Over the last 230 years, we have gone from a collection of small, rural villages and farms to becoming a fully urbanized, diverse, cosmopolitan community. Today we are home to many new Canadians who brought not only rich culture but knowledge and expertise in the areas of technology, medicine, skilled trades, and all the other sectors. Our streets feature Caribbean, Chinese, African and South Asian restaurants and shops, as well as businesses representing other ethnic groups. Our differences enrich us and bring us closer together.

Scarborough is also diverse in business as we have hundreds of different companies across many different industries. This includes the food sector, manufacturing, education, skilled trades, entertainment—and the list goes on—which itself includes cultural festivals and creative hubs.

Let there be no doubt that our best outcomes are generated in an economy where skilled individuals are working productively and being fairly compensated in their area of professional expertise.

Madam Speaker, we are all understandably concerned about the current labour shortage across Ontario. COVID and other dynamics have altered the landscape. Today, businesses of all sizes are struggling to find the skilled women and men they need. In Ontario, there are approximately 380,000 jobs that need to be filled right now. I say to you that Scarborough Centre is ready to be part of the solution. We are open for business. We have the people. We are ready to be partners in enhancing skills and expanding capacity to address the workforce shortages.

Madam Speaker, I have heard it said that leadership is not about running away from problems; leadership is about tackling those problems head-on, and that’s what this government is all about. That is why I am proud of the leadership of Premier Ford and the Progressive Conservative government. Yes, one can say that we have grabbed the proverbial bull by the horns. We are doing this by putting workers and their families first, with game-changing investments in education and training.

For example, our flexible Skills Development Fund supports innovative programs that help workers learn the skills that local employers want.

As well, our brand new Better Jobs Ontario program is offering training to whoever wants to train for in-demand jobs in any community across the province. This means better jobs and bigger paycheques.

As a former school board trustee who knows something about the impact of knowledge-based investments, you will understand my optimism about the path we are on.

This is good news for Scarborough Centre, which is on track to benefit from the government’s commitment to provide housing to the tune of 1.5 million new homes over the next 10 years. Scarborough Centre residents will also benefit from nearly $1.2 billion in support which is being provided through the social services relief fund. This is one of the biggest investments in supportive housing and homeless supports in Ontario’s history.

I would also like to thank our leader, Premier Doug Ford; Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney; and Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma for following through on the Eglinton streetcar extension, which has made its way through to Kennedy. Less gridlock means greater productivity for everyone.

I would add that initiatives like the Golden Mile project help improve transportation by getting people to work while encouraging economic growth.

Thank you again to the Premier, as well as Health Minister Sylvia Jones, for the government’s $1-billion investment in several projects to improve Scarborough’s health care system. This includes the creation of a 450-bed hospital, with an additional $300 million to renovate the existing Birchmount Hospital infrastructure to double its capacity.

To further support our development and growth, Canada Post is set to move further into the heart of Scarborough. They are relocating a new $470-million state-of-the-art facility and expanding the size of their parcel operation. Yes, this will also create many jobs in Scarborough Centre and all over Scarborough.

Malvern Town Centre is transitioning into condos. Large chains are establishing roots in Scarborough. This includes the new Amazon plant and an IKEA, to support the needs of our growing housing market.

I thank the minister of economic development, industry and commerce, Mr. Vic Fedeli, for all the good work being undertaken and the investments in Scarborough.

Let us not forget festivals like the Taste of Lawrence, Toronto Carnival, and the Junior Carnival Parade, which is the largest children’s festival in the province outside of the Santa Claus Parade.

Madam Speaker, let me share a childhood story. I remember my teacher writing on one of my report cards that one day I would be a brilliant politician for some of the things I did—I don’t want to get into them here. At the time the comment was made, I was only nine years of age—perhaps a bit too talkative, a troublemaker, argumentative. But I knew right from wrong. I guess the University of Toronto’s late luminary scholar, David Easton, put it best when he said that politics is simply about who gets what. My friends, that means my political lifespan went over 30 years. I have experienced proud achievements, but as I peer in my rear-view mirror, I think I have landed in the best place to use my skills and ability.

The moment that opened my eyes was when I witnessed an unsettling, unkind situation from an elected member. I thought it was uncalled for. More importantly, right then and there, I understood clearly how important it was for an elected representative to do his or her best to listen to every constituent. Their thoughts matter. So here I am today with you at the Legislative Assembly of the greatest province in our federation.

Today we are seeking solutions. Together we must always strive to be good listeners.

Fellow members, my time as an elected public school trustee for Scarborough Centre was one of the most significant periods in my public service career. It has been a true privilege to advocate for children and represent the needs of all students and parents in the Toronto District School Board. It was my responsibility to ensure that parents had peace of mind as they dropped off their kids and left them in the care of teachers.

Day in and day out, I was honoured to do my best to provide the best possible outcome for these families. However, in my time as a trustee, I understood then, as I do now, that no system is perfect; I understood that while championing the cause for equitable distribution of resources across the system, not just a preferred postal code. Education is fundamental and without limits. Our children should all have access to the same educational tools.

I want to thank Minister Stephen Lecce and his ministry for removing streaming of students into separate applied and academic pathways. Yes, I am pleased to be part of the government making strides to help students pursue their highest potential.

I also want to thank Minister Monte McNaughton for the tremendous work he and the Ministry of Labour are doing to help build and equip a successful workforce. I have closely followed the good work over the years. I am proud to serve as his parliamentary assistant. I look forward to productive collaboration with other government levels to pursue the best results.

Mr. Speaker, we still have a long way to go. That is why these sleeves are rolled up. I am ready to work with everyone in this chamber for a better Ontario. I am proud to be part of this dynamic Progressive Conservative team.

I call upon all members of this House to come together and support the important initiatives we are putting forward to build a stronger and more inclusive, more successful Ontario.

Yes, we are good people, who strive, day in and day out, to do the best we can for our loved ones, for our community and for those who believe in the values that are important to us.

To my family, campaign staff and volunteers: You have travelled the course with me. Regardless of sleepless nights, personal commitments or other pressing matters, today we put Ontario first.

I would like to thank my long-time staff: Ms. Novelette Mitchell, Mr. Ramesh Munngal, Mr. Badawi, Ken Modeste, Adrian Hill, Omar Farhat, David and Elizabeth Ricci, Obaid Noore, Samid Noore, Miss Kadijha, Miss Ruby, Steve G., Garry the sign man, and many scores of young volunteers—not to mention, before I forget, Kareem South and Lydia. I’d like to thank all of the individuals. Once again, I thank them all wholeheartedly. This, too, is our moment.

Madam Speaker, I’d like to thank you and every one of my colleagues in the House. Each of us knows first-hand that campaigns are no easy undertaking. During my own campaign, unfortunately, I lost my brother Percival. Needless to say, that was tough. But I was in and out of the hospital, and I was able to see first-hand that health care in Ontario is working. I also recognize that there is still work to be done. These are especially difficult times. I empathize with fellow Ontarians who have experienced otherwise. Yes, it was a sad time for me and my loved ones. There were hard days pushing back the emotions. But as I knocked on the doors of Scarborough, they were opened with beautiful, welcoming smiles that brought me a level of comfort. It kept me going. With the strength and support of family, colleagues, campaign staff, volunteers and the Scarborough Centre community, I was able to persevere and complete the task at hand.

Madam Speaker, Premier Ford, parliamentarians, colleagues: Scarborough stood with me. Ontario stood with me. That is why I now stand here for them today.

You did your best. We may not have gotten the result we wanted, but you gave your best. That was good enough.

My overarching goal as a parliamentarian is always to do what I can to deliver a better quality of life for Ontarians. I believe that under the leadership of Premier Ford, we can continue to conquer old hurdles. We have done much already, but we will continue working hard to address gaps and bolster opportunity. We will continue pursuing actions to move young people into successful, satisfying careers. My friends, it is my intention to help develop the road map that generates even more opportunity.

Our Premier has said time and time again, “We will get it done.” That is the drumbeat to which I am marching. I ran for office because I believe in my community. I believe in the people who call Scarborough their home.

The recent election delivered an 83-seat majority. The people of Ontario have spoken. Scarborough Centre has spoken. I should tell you that my riding holds the distinction of having voted for the winner in every election since 1971. That is longer than any other provincial riding.

So we have a strong mandate to get it done. For our Progressive Conservative government, that means to continue putting in place the fundamentals of a strong, vibrant and successful province and economy. That means lower taxes and a competitive business environment that attracts investments and creates good jobs. That means a highly skilled workforce prepared for jobs today and tomorrow. That means roads, highways and other infrastructure that help get goods and services to market sooner. And, of course, that means livable and safe communities with good schools, high-quality hospitals and long-term-care homes, as well as convenient transit options. I am under no illusion that this will be an easy road.

In conclusion, I wish to congratulate the members of the 43rd Legislature present here today, both new and returning. I stand firmly behind the oath I swore as a member of this 43rd Parliament of Ontario. We all have been entrusted by the people of Ontario to represent their interests, to improve their quality of life—simply put, to get it done.

The decisions we make here at Queen’s Park are serious and far-reaching and often difficult. But as I continue to follow that powerful beacon and the example of the late Lincoln Alexander, rest assured there will be positive outcomes for the people of Scarborough and Ontario. It is my hope that it will once again include the visible smiles of people who have good homes, access to education, jobs, world-class medical infrastructure, and thriving communities.