My question is to the Premier.

The Eglinton Crosstown LRT project is running way behind schedule, and there’s no clear end in sight. People are fed up. People want answers. That’s why the NDP put forward a motion this morning. We want Mr. Verster to come before committee and tell us what’s going on with the Eglinton Crosstown LRT. The Ford Conservatives rejected our motion.

Why is this government protecting Mr. Verster?

In the meantime, under Mr. Verster’s watch, Metrolinx has become even less transparent, even more wasteful, and overly reliant on private consultants. The only train running is the gravy train Metrolinx executives are on. Mr. Verster’s own salary has doubled, to almost $1 million, since the Conservatives came to power.

Premier, why are you rewarding Mr. Verster for his failures?

Interjections.

October marks Women’s History Month in Ontario, a time to honour the struggles and celebrate the achievements and resiliency of women, girls and gender-diverse people. As we reflect, we hold a profound sense of gratitude. We recognize the tenacious efforts and unwavering spirit of women who have paved the way for progress and equity. But we must also acknowledge how far we still have to go.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of a historic milestone: Agnes Macphail’s election as the first woman to serve in the Ontario Legislature, in 1943. For almost 80 years prior, there had only been men serving in this House. Agnes Macphail also holds the esteemed honour of being the first woman elected to Canada’s House of Commons as a member of Parliament.

Women’s history isn’t just about acknowledging the pioneering roles like Agnes’s but understanding the values and the tireless advocacy that women have stood for. Agnes championed women’s rights, prison reform, disarmament. As a member of the Ontario Legislature, Agnes was instrumental in propelling Ontario’s equal pay legislation, a pivotal step towards gender equity in the workplace.

History often highlights remarkable figures, but it is equally vital to recognize that the history of women is also woven from the countless everyday actions, sacrifices and the perseverance of nameless and faceless women. These are our mothers, caregivers, mentors, PSWs, registered nurses, teachers, education workers, women in food and retail, and many others.

This month is about honouring their profound contributions to society and reminding us that progress and change stem from collective efforts. We must remember that Women’s History Month is not only a time for celebration, but it’s also a call to action.

As I’ve said before, it is a reminder that while we have made progress, there is still more work to be done. We need real action to support women, especially Black women, Indigenous women, racialized women, LGBTQ women, gender non-conforming women and women with disabilities who have disproportionately been impacted by social injustice.

We must address the barriers, enhance representation and champion initiatives that empower women in all facets of life. All women should have the opportunity to thrive and, collectively, we must work to create the necessary social and economic conditions for that. We need to understand that affordable housing is a human right. Housing issues are women’s issues. “Equal pay for equal work” is not a mere aspiration, but a fundamental principle.

We must recognize that Bill 124 stands as a barrier to achieving fair compensation for our public servants, including health care workers—the majority are women. Economic issues are women’s issues.

As we commemorate Women’s History Month, let this be a source of inspiration for all of us to continue our collective efforts towards a brighter and more equal future. After all, Speaker, women’s rights are human rights.

This petition is titled “To Raise Social Assistance Rates,” and it reads:

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas Ontario’s social assistance rates are well below Canada’s official Market Basket Measure poverty line and far from adequate to cover the rising costs of food and rent: $733 for individuals on OW and $1,227 for ODSP;

“Whereas an open letter to the Premier and cabinet ministers, signed by over 230 organizations, recommends that social assistance rates be doubled for both” OW and ODSP;

“Whereas the recent small increase of 5% for ODSP still leaves these citizens below the poverty line, both they and those receiving the frozen OW rates are struggling to survive at this time of alarming inflation;

“Whereas the government of Canada recognized in its CERB program that a basic income of $2,000 per month was the standard support required by individuals who lost their employment during the pandemic;

“We, the undersigned citizens of Ontario, petition the Legislative Assembly to double social assistance rates for OW and ODSP.”

I fully support this petition, will affix my signature to it, and I want to thank Sally Palmer for collecting the signatures on this petition.

I’d like to also put in this petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the Haliburton Highlands Health Services Board of Directors has, without consultation with the affected stakeholders, closed the emergency department located in the municipality of Minden Hills, Ontario, on June 1, 2023;

“Whereas the loss of service is jeopardizing the lives of residents in the community;

“Therefore we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to direct the Minister of Health to use her powers under section 9.1 of the Public Hospitals Act to immediately reopen the Minden emergency department.”

I fully support this petition and will affix my signature to it as well.