My question is for the Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Northern Development. Under the previous Liberal government, our transportation infrastructure system urgently needed investment. Unfortunately, this neglect profoundly impacted road safety for many in northern and Indigenous communities.

Communities in northern Ontario face unique challenges and need our government’s support for safe and reliable roadways. Particularly in the north, winter weather conditions can make driving on roads even more challenging. Speaker, can the Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Northern Development please inform the House about our government’s plan to improve access and safety for people travelling across northern Ontario?

I appreciate the question from the member opposite this morning. No government has taken the transportation infrastructure investments more seriously than this government. In fact, we’re talking about $80 billion in improving roads, improving transit for the people of this province, because we realize that after 20 years of neglect from the NDP and Liberals, we’re playing catch-up. We have a growing population. In fact, record growth is on the way to this province, 30% growth over the next decade alone. That means that we need to prepare for that future.

There is a process, however, and I am glad to highlight for the member this morning that that process involves important environmental assessment, consultation with Indigenous communities, and in the case of bridges, where necessary, if expropriation is necessary, all of the due diligence that is required for that, as well as consultations with local business and municipalities. It is a process. It is a process that is being followed. But unlike the last government, we’re doing it, and we’re doing it quickly.

So you want me to point a finger? Well, let me point a finger at 2022-23’s number, $1.7 billion to expand and repair southern Ontario’s highways and bridges, which will not only fix the issues that the member is speaking about but create over 11,000 jobs in southern Ontario alone.

Interjections.