As MPP for London West and on behalf of the official opposition, I am honoured to welcome the National Council of Canadian Muslims to Queen’s Park today, representing some of the largest, most active, and engaged Muslim organizations in Ontario.

London is home to Ontario’s first purpose-built mosque, built in 1964. Our city has benefited enormously from the contributions and commitment of Muslim communities. Across the province, Muslims have been pivotal to our economic growth, collective well-being, and cultural vibrancy.

In June 2021, Londoners were shaken to our core by the senseless, hate-motivated attack that tragically took the lives of four members of our London family and left a child orphaned. As we follow the case through the courts, we are reliving the pain and trauma of that terrible day, while recognizing in particular how difficult the trial must be for our Muslim neighbours.

London experienced directly the reality and devastating consequences of Islamophobia, but we know that it is a reality in all parts of our province. With October’s recognition as Islamic Heritage Month, Ontarians have an opportunity to celebrate, to learn about, to educate and to reflect on Islam’s rich history, its long-standing traditions and its wonderful cultural diversity. This diversity is present in this chamber, in our ridings and throughout the province.

Today, let us recommit to standing together against Islamophobia in unity, solidarity and strength, and in unwavering support of our shared values of kindness, diversity and mutual understanding.

I want to introduce Brooke Timpson, a friend and a former staffer here at Queen’s Park. Welcome.

It’s a great honour to welcome the following TVO executives and workers to their House at Queen’s Park: president of the TVO branch of the Canadian Media Guild Meredith Martin and VP Cara Stern, along with Sameen Ahmad-Wing Quan, Aaron Bala, Nathaniel Basen, Chris Beaver, Preeti Bhuyan, Eric Bombicino, Jacquie Busby, Ryan Buskirk, Hilary Clark, Dan DiMillo, Natalie Drajewicz, Colin Ellis, Sean Foreman, Erica Giancola, Sandra Gionas, Ruth Hurst, Daniel Kitts, Namugenyi Kiwanuka, Liane Kotler, Tiffany Lam, Christine Lee, Harrison Lowman, Lisa Marinelli, John Michael McGrath, Matthew O’Mara, Sangeeta Patel, Aaron Reichert, Wodek Szemberg, Shajgev Umaharan, Jeanne d’Arc Umurungi, Cara Vaughan and Brittany Weaver.

Thank you to these education workers, journalists and producers from TVO workers.

Interruption.

I also want to give a great thank you to the Jain Society of Toronto, in Scarborough, that held an excellent morning ceremony today on the power of friendship.

It’s a privilege to welcome Jennifer, Lucy, Holly, Laura and Jake from the Canadian Liver Foundation to Queen’s Park today. They are hosting a reception this afternoon, at 12 in room 228. Everyone is welcome. I welcome you to Queen’s Park.