I am proud to join this 43rd Parliament, re-elected for a third term to serve Oshawa. It is an honour and a privilege to come here and stand in my place on behalf of constituents, families and workers across my riding. I’m appreciative of the trust and hope that I bring with me from my community.

Thank you to my staff, who have been working these past eight years to support constituents with compassion and care. The load is heavy, and none of us would be able to do this work without our team.

To the volunteers who spoke to voters, knocked on thousands of doors, raised money and committed their time and heart to our bright, positive, motivating campaign: Thank you.

To my core campaign team, CFO, manager and volunteer coordinators, who put their lives on hold to work tirelessly during the election: Thank you.

To my family, friends and loved ones: I love you, and I appreciate you.

And, Speaker, I am blessed to still have my little grandma in my life. She’s 101 years old and was very proud to vote for her granddaughter.

Applause.

Speaker, all of us in this room heard sincere and heartfelt concerns during the election. We’re still hearing from distraught families and workers—letters and calls from real folks concerned about collapsing health care systems; public education; a lack of safe, affordable and available housing; rising poverty; and the terrible suffering of so many without the addictions and mental health supports they seek. We have vital and important work to do on behalf of real people who have trusted us to listen and serve them well.

I will continue to serve sincerely and be the strong voice I have now three times been elected to be.

Thank you, Oshawa.

Mr. Speaker, we watched as our government went through this last election cycle, and the people of Ontario, on June 2, clearly saw that the policies of our government were getting it done for the people of this province—getting it done so much so that the official opposition was reduced to the tiny caucus that we see before us today.

I’m wondering if the government House leader can please explain to this House and to the people of Ontario his thoughts on why they felt it was so important to elect such a strong majority government for the people of Ontario.

I want to thank the member—or, first, to congratulate her on her election. I know how tough it was for you to actually get here. This is not your first crack at the polls. Your perseverance is what got you here, and your perseverance is what is going to keep you here.

You know what needs to happen. You basically need to listen to the voices that brought you here, and I know you realize that. Your constituents are going to be the guiding force and the strength that you’re going to need each and every day when you take your place in this House. It’s also going to be very enjoyable to listen to that lens that you bring to northern Ontario-based issues, because it’s not that we’re asking for more, but we’re certainly not going to accept anything less for our communities and our constituents in northern Ontario.

My question to the member is, what can your constituents expect from you in the years to come, and what are you going to be doing in order to make sure that you stay engaged and have the pulse of your constituents in your riding?