Speaker, good morning. You’ll know out of the great representation that you do for the riding of Ajax that we have close to a million people in the region of Durham. They rely on, in many instances, community surgical and diagnostic centres in the region of Durham. We have across that region, as you know, probably about 20 of them at the present time, including the Oshawa community clinic that’s in close proximity to my riding.

Can the member from Newmarket–Aurora speak a little bit about how this proposed legislation further leverages community surgical and diagnostic centres to help the million people in the region of Durham?

I’m pleased to report that Ontario Tech University in Oshawa was the build partner for Project Arrow, Canada’s pioneering full-build, zero-emission concept vehicle recently revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show by our Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, the Honourable Vic Fedeli. Project Arrow is Canada’s business card to demonstrate that the Canadian automotive ecosystem can build EVs.

Post-secondary institutions like Ontario Tech play an important role in this ecosystem—driving research and innovation, and developing Ontario’s future automotive talent. This vehicle, Speaker, was built in partnership with the innovative automotive supply sector at Ontario Tech University, utilizing its world-class core research facilities, faculty and students. The project showcased, once again, how Ontario Tech University offers unique experiential learning opportunities for its students to make a once-in-their-lifetime contribution to Ontario/Canada’s technology future.

Congratulations to the students. Congratulations to Steven Murphy, the president of Ontario Tech University.

My question is to the Minister of Energy.

Ontario has one of the world’s cleanest electricity systems, with over 90% of power generation creating zero emissions. Because of our government’s leadership and support, we’re fixing the mess in our energy system that the previous Liberal government created. When energy is reliable, affordable and clean, our whole province wins.

We’ve heard from the minister many times that nuclear power and hydroelectricity are the backbones of our energy system, as they provide low-cost, reliable and emissions-free electricity.

Speaker, my constituents want to know what leadership our government is demonstrating in seeking innovative energy solutions for the future.

Back to the minister, Speaker: What’s clear is that our government must support innovative investments in clean technologies like hydrogen that will position Ontario as an energy leader.

As we have seen, energy prices and the stability of our energy grid are linked directly to Ontario’s economic competitiveness. Under the previous Liberal government, surplus electricity generation from Ontario’s nuclear and hydroelectric fleets was sold at a loss to competing jurisdictions. Ensuring we have the right energy supply mix is critical to restoring Ontario’s economic and competitive edge.

Speaker, can the Minister of Energy please elaborate on how our government will ensure we have the right energy supply mix and how this will benefit hard-working families here in Ontario?

I’ve got two young people participating in the 2023 Legislative Assembly of Ontario: Zainab Mohammad and Shlok Panchal. Welcome to Queen’s Park. I’ll see you later tonight.

And we’ve got Maya O’Brien, who is now a legislative page here at Queen’s Park for the next few weeks.

Welcome, everyone.

Mr. Clark moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 63, An Act respecting the adjustment of the boundary between the City of St. Thomas and the Municipality of Central Elgin / Projet de loi 63, Loi concernant la modification des limites territoriales entre la cité de St. Thomas et la municipalité de Central Elgin.

Mr. Cuzzetto moved first reading of the following bill:

Bill 66, An Act to proclaim Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day and Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week / Projet de loi 66, Loi proclamant la Journée de sensibilisation à la cardiopathie valvulaire et la Semaine de sensibilisation à la cardiopathie valvulaire.