My question is for the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

Companies from around the globe are looking to Ontario for their future, and our government must be a champion that will support our industry leaders and innovators. It is essential that we continue to attract new investments that will ensure Ontario’s economy will grow and thrive. This summer, the minister led an international trade and investment mission to South Korea and Japan to strengthen economic partnerships, foster pre-existing relationships and forge new alliances.

Speaker, at a time of economic and geopolitical unrest, can the minister please explain how his leadership in spearheading this investment trade mission is helping to strengthen Ontario’s overall economic environment?

The minister mentioned that he met with companies in an array of sectors. Speaker, can the minister please expand on other companies he met with while on his trade and investment mission and shed light on any news that we can expect following it?

In order for Ontario to be a decisive, confident international leader, we must ensure that every region of our province is thriving economically.

Speaker, can the minister please explain to this House what our government is doing to ensure that northern Ontario businesses and communities can prosper?

Even the Liberal Party, during one of their leadership debates, acknowledged that northern Ontario’s economy is booming because of the actions taken by our government—thank you.

While these are positive developments, we know that during this time of global economic uncertainty, many northern and Indigenous businesses continue to face unforeseen challenges. That is why our government must ensure that we are making meaningful investments that will help create jobs and support opportunities to modernize business practices.

Speaker, can the minister please explain what our government is doing to ensure that Indigenous entrepreneurs can participate in Ontario’s growing economy?

Thank you to the member for that question—it is my first day on the job, and I appreciate that important work—and for acknowledging my family’s history.

You know, I don’t even like the terms “right-wing” or “left-wing” politicians. This Premier has said he doesn’t see Ontarians through that light; he sees Ontarians as people who need to be valued, and that’s exactly what this legislation is doing for workers. It’s supporting breaking down barriers for access to the skilled trades. This legislation is supporting newcomers who seek better opportunity, better access to a job in their field. It’s supporting our heroes: firefighters, reservists and so many more.

I would always welcome a sit-down with that member, and I’m really proud of the work that this ministry has done on this piece of legislation to smash barriers.

I just want to say thank you for your father’s service. Obviously, his father did a fine job, because MPP Yakabuski is a fine role model for all of us in this place.

Interjection.

Interjection.

I think what we’ve said in this legislation here, that we’re protecting workers by protecting their lot when it comes to their experience on the job site—as I went to in my remarks—ensuring that those who seek to abuse the most vulnerable workers are brought to justice and that they have no place in this province of Ontario. It’s improving pathways.

When my grandfather came over, he was able to provide for his family and gradually progress to the point where then they started a shoe store etc. I think what we’re trying to do here is recognize that there are many who seek a brighter future in the province of Ontario. If we ensure that they’re protected when they first land, with respect to the passport piece that I talked about, if their health and well-being are protected, as I alluded to in my speech, and if we remove barriers to credentialing, as we’re doing as well in this piece of legislation, we improve their experience and enable them to get a leg up.