Last night, I had the great pleasure and privilege of attending the Order of Ontario ceremony, for the province’s highest civilian honour. I was attending specifically to join Elizabeth Witmer and her family, but I must say, I was so pleased to bear witness to the strength and intelligence of the 26 appointees.

Elizbeth Witmer, as you know, is well-respected in Waterloo region. She was our first female MPP and is known as a quiet trailblazer who always carried a spirit of thoughtful leadership and reform. She continues to serve the public and is currently the chair of KidsAbility.

Elizabeth was in good company—amongst others, Marva Wisdom, Cindy Adams, the Honourable Rosemary Moodie. She was also joined by former MPP Dianne Cunningham from London.

Some of the appointees have spent their entire lives working to make Ontario a better, healthier and more inclusive place: Arthur Lockhart, who established the Gatehouse—included advocacy to move the shame of sexual abuse to a place of courage; Pauline Shirt, who is described as a wisdom keeper; Eric Lindros, for his charitable work and game-changing advocacy on concussion reform, through Rowan’s Law; and restaurateur Biagio Vinci, who is involved in the Out of the Cold program and extended his work to feed hot meals to front-line health care workers during the pandemic—he does so to honour his mother—and last night, it was said that his greatest dish is compassion.

Speaker, there are too many to highlight.

Many of the Order of Ontario recipients were visibly uncomfortable in the spotlight. They are just good people doing good work, and our province is a better place because of them.

I was pleased to attend the recent swearing-in ceremony of 45 new Ontario provincial police officers at the headquarters in Orillia. It was a momentous occasion, one that signifies the commitment and dedication of these individuals to serve and protect our communities.

Among these dedicated recruits is my good friend Curtis Trotz, who has made the transition from the city of Thunder Bay police force to serve at the OPP station in Armstrong. Curtis’s decision to join the OPP is a testament to his unwavering commitment to public safety and his willingness to embrace new challenges in the pursuit of a safer Ontario. Congratulations, Curtis.

I’d also like to extend my congratulations to Natasha McLellan, who will be serving right here at Queen’s Park. Your presence and dedication to serving in the heart of our province’s governance is truly commendable. Your service here, safeguarding the very institutions that shape our great province, is of immense importance. Welcome, Natasha.

I want to recognize the sacrifices made by the families of our police officers and the vital role that they have in supporting their family members as they serve our communities.

In closing, I want to thank all officers for their dedication to upholding the law, protecting our citizens. And once again, I offer my congratulations. May you all return home safely at the end of every shift.