I rise today asking the government to end the patchwork of approaches to in-person learning at colleges and universities.

Several families impacted by recent policy changes at some schools contacted my office. The families are aware rules are to be followed, but they question why these policies were not advertised prior to acceptance letters being issued. These institutions knowingly accepted tuition payments between the beginning and middle of August and then, last week, changed the rules. Remember playing games with the kids who changed the rules partway through? It’s inappropriate, it’s irresponsible, and I would go as far as to say it’s disingenuous. Even for those students who wish to comply, the timing may make it difficult.

Instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, which made COVID-19 vaccination policies mandatory in post-secondary institutions, were revoked on March 1, 2022. I question why some institutions are adding the stress to the lives of students at a time when they are already anxious. Why is Western University the only Canadian university mandating boosters?

I know the government will say it does not meddle in the everyday operations of publicly supported institutions. However, government has, in the past, waded in to correct patchwork policies, especially at the municipal level.

These young people are our future leaders. These are the same young people who have missed out the past three years. These students need assurance the rules will not continue to change.

Speaker, I call on this government to ensure Ontario students are treated fairly and consistently, no matter where they choose to learn in Ontario.

I also wish all students across the province all the very best this school year.

My question is to the Minister of Transportation.

Last March, the ministry, without explanation, reported that the long-overdue replacement of Caledonia’s Argyle Street Bridge would be delayed another year. During an inspection in 2001, it was determined that the bridge was in a state of deterioration. Keep in mind, the current bridge was completed in 1927. It’s now over 20 years overdue and one and a half years since notice of delay by this government.

The approvals have been in place for many years, and yet the July 1 parade in Caledonia took an alternative route to avoid the bridge due to safety concerns.

The people of Caledonia, of Haldimand county, want to know what’s holding up the reconstruction of the Argyle Street Bridge.

In 2019, the ministry set up stoplights at the bridge after the load posting was reduced to eight tonnes. These lights helped clear traffic in the event fire trucks must make a pass.

In August 2020, MTO boarded up the famous Toll House occupied by Lorrie Harcourt. The ministry claimed it needed to expropriate the property on the north side of the Grand River so reconstruction could begin. The ministry kicked this woman out of her home, and yet nothing is happening.

I fear a national headline if the ministry does not get to work.

The community has been waiting for over 20 years. The people of Caledonia are waiting for any government, perhaps this government, to make them a priority. We all want to know what is holding up the reconstruction of the Argyle Street Bridge.