Very happy to introduce Sarah Klodnicki and Myra Zettel. They’re the parents of children with autism and here from the Balance Support and Self Care Studios, where they support parents and caregivers of disabled and neurodiverse children and youth. I also would like to welcome the Ontario Autism Coalition, many of whom I’ve met before and look forward to seeing again. Welcome to Queen’s Park, everyone.

Thanks for the question. As I mentioned, my ministry did a survey with over 8,000 seniors, their families and their caregivers, before the pandemic outbreak. At the time, the survey results indicated 80% of seniors want to stay in the community, live in their own home as long as they want to. Now, after the pandemic outbreak, every senior—almost 100%, 99% are anxious to stay in their own home and live in their community. This is why this act is so important.

Thank you for the question. I hope that, regardless of your political stripe, you will support this act so that more seniors can stay in their own homes and get the health care services they need.