I think, Speaker, I might be hearing some NIMBYism coming from the opposite side.

The legislation that we’re proposing would provide the minister, me, with the authority to appoint the regional chairs in Niagara, Peel and York. If these proposals are passed, I intend to reappoint the existing regional chairs. My view is, by reappointing these three chairs, the government can draw on their knowledge and their expertise to work with the provincially appointed facilitator and really provide an accurate assessment of how the regions can best work with the province to adapt the new strong-mayor powers. As you know, Mr. Speaker, Premier Ford has already indicated that the government is looking to expand strong-mayor powers to other municipalities that are shovel-ready, that are committed to growth, and that are also committed to cutting red tape. This proposed continuity at the regional level would help the government determine the best way to do it in the current two-tiered system. Our goal is to ensure that these enhanced powers are rolled out in a manner that reflects local priorities and local concerns, and that draws on the expertise and support of the existing regional chairs, so that municipalities can hit the ground running and provide the housing that Ontarians need without any more delay. I think that’s so very important.

As I said earlier, Ontario is expected to grow by more than two million people over the next 10 years. Over two thirds of this growth is expected to take place in the greater Golden Horseshoe, and we need those near- and long-term solutions to address the housing shortage. Our proposed changes in the Better Municipal Governance Act complement the More Homes Built Faster Act, our housing supply action plan, and will help Ontario address the housing crisis by building those 1.5 million homes over the next 10 years.

We’re working very hard, Madam Speaker—it’s nice to see you in the chair—to ensure that cities, towns and rural communities grow with a mix of ownership and rental housing types that meet the needs of all Ontarians, right from single-family homes, to townhomes, to mid-rise apartments.

We also, as a government, remain committed to supporting our municipal partners as they work with our government to increase housing supply. If we’re going to be successful, we need to ensure that municipalities have what they need to deliver on our shared provincial-municipal priorities. That’s what we’re doing with Bill 39 today.

I want to thank you for listening to my portion of the morning debate. And now, with his approval, I’ll turn it over to the Associate Minister of Housing to continue the debate.