As many of you are aware, my riding of Brantford–Brant is home to a vibrant, motivated and active cadet movement. We are home to Admiral Nelles, Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps; 104 Starfighter Air Cadets; 56th Field Regiment Army Cadets; and Admiral Landymore Navy League Cadet Corps. After a two-year hiatus, this Remembrance Day cadets representing all four corps held a nighttime vigil at the Brant County War Memorial. I stopped by the Dalhousie Street cenotaph to spend some time with the cadets, officers, volunteers and family members as the youth stood in silence paying tribute to Canadian and Allied soldiers who fought, were wounded and paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

I spoke to several officers who were supervising the cadets. Lieutenant James Messecar, commanding officer with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, said, “The remembrance vigil is a living act of remembrance that the young people of Brantford–Brant and Six Nations take part in. It has endured since 2011 not only because of the commitment of the community, local leaders, officers, but most importantly the sea, Navy League, army and air cadets who hold the torch of remembrance high each year as they mount their vigil.”

Speaker, witnessing first-hand the solemn respect and sheer professionalism these youth displayed for the fallen soldiers of our country, which far exceeded their young years, I was moved and impressed.

Brantford–Brant has some of the best volunteers in Ontario, and I urge all to support your Legions and cadet corps and encourage them to keep up the great work they do week after week.

My question is for the Minister of Mines. Ongoing global economic uncertainty driven by inflation and geopolitical instability is causing disruptions in worldwide supply chains, leading to negative consequences here in Ontario. The mining sector in our province represents an opportunity for Ontario to assume the role of a global leader. For example, as the world moves toward more electric vehicle production, the critical minerals required in constructing these vehicles can be extracted right here in our province. Speaker, could the minister please tell this House about what our government is doing to make Ontario a leader in mineral production?

Thank you, Minister, for that response. Ontario’s mining companies set the standard for responsible and safe operations worldwide. Ontario’s mineral exploration and mining industry represent a great comeback story, as our government is willing to step up and provide leadership after the years of neglect they faced under the previous Liberal government.

Opening new mines and expanding existing ones will mean producing jobs—good jobs that good people here in this province can rely on. It will increase our economy’s revenue, which means we can help pay for the critical services that benefit all Ontarians.

Speaker, can the minister elaborate further on this industry’s critical role in our province and what supports we can provide?