My question is to the Premier. Families and advocates from across the province are taking action today to call for an end to the severe shortage of licensed child care spaces. Thousands of families are stuck on wait-lists. Centres are raising concerns about the ballooning costs of operating an underfunded system. A shortage of workers threatens the program. And while federal funding has increased, provincial child care funding has decreased since 2018.

Speaker, during an affordability crisis, why is this government underfunding the child care system and delaying the implementation of affordable child care across this province?

Speaker, experts are saying that the majority of Ontario’s early childhood educators and child care staff don’t qualify for the government’s recent announced wage supports. We have workers here today who say they can’t afford to make a living working in child care. The YMCA of Greater Toronto has just 16,000 kids enrolled in its 35,000 licensed spaces because they don’t have enough people to staff the spaces.

Will the minister commit to a salary scale starting at $25 per hour for all child care workers and $30 per hour for registered ECEs today, yes or no?

Interjections.

Premier, shelters and transition houses are bursting at the seams. Many children and women have nowhere to go. The sector is facing critical staffing shortages and turnover as wages in this sector have been brutally shut down and stifled because of this Conservative government’s Bill 124. While they should be expanding programs to meet the demand, they are struggling to keep their doors open on shoestring budgets that are not tending to the operational needs.

Yesterday, a front-line worker shared how they are fundraising for food for their clients. Another spoke of how their organization’s funding expired, reversing progress made for women and children fleeing violence.

Again, my question is back to the Premier: Will he commit to ending gender-based violence today by creating a sustainable needs-based funding model for this sector? Will he support these workers and can Bill 124?

As mentioned, after today, the member for Ottawa South will no longer be the interim leader for the Liberal Party. I do want to take a moment to thank him for being the best interim leader there could ever be: for holding us together, for always caring for each and every one of us and for fighting on our behalf when necessary. We’re small, but we’re strong and a mighty team because of your leadership.

From the bottom of my heart and on behalf of all the caucus members, thank you so much, John.

Applause.

Yes, thank you, Speaker. I just received word that the fire chief, Ian Laing, of Central York Fire Services has just passed away last night—48 years as a firefighter, he started his career in Mississauga and came to York region.

I just saw him at the recognition ceremony a few weeks ago. He stood strong for all the firefighters for Central York Fire Services. Apparently, he passed away peacefully in his sleep last night. God rest his soul.

Thank you, Speaker. I was just trying to make sure I got the last word.

Laughter.

In the famous words of Yogi Berra, it’s déjà vu all over again. I think we were here before. I want to thank both House leaders for their kind words. This place is a wonderful place. I love it. I love every one of you—not as much sometimes, depending on the day.

This is a really special place, and to do this even for a short while is a real honour and a privilege, and one that I’ll never forget. You’ve all made it fun and interesting, and as I said last time, we’re a family—one big, dysfunctional family. But I can remember in COVID, when push comes to shove, how we can come together and how we try to do things that really change the lives of people in Ontario, even though we disagree.

I just want to say thank you. It’s that simple. I’m not going away. It’s not my eulogy; I’m not done. You can’t box me up yet, even though my name is in marble downstairs. I just don’t know where I’m going to be sitting.

Applause.

Dispense.

Now, in relation to standing order 59, on Monday, December 4, in the morning, we will be debating a bill that will be introduced; in the afternoon, third reading of Bill 142; and in the night, third reading of Bill 142.

On Tuesday, December 5, we will be debating in the morning a bill which will be introduced; in the afternoon, a bill to be introduced. There will be no private members’ public business on Tuesday, December 5. In the night sitting, it will be a bill to be introduced.

On Wednesday, December 6, morning, it will be private bill; in the afternoon routine, a ministerial statement on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women; in the afternoon, a bill to be introduced; at 6 p.m., the member for Kitchener–Conestoga, Bill 143, Harvest Season Road Safety Week Act, 2023; and at night, a bill to be introduced.

On Thursday, December 7, in the morning and afternoon, a bill to be introduced. On Thursday, December 7, there will also be no private members’ public business.

Applause.

Colleagues, it’s with a very heavy heart that I regret to share with you the very recent passing of the Honourable Darcy McKeough, in his 90th year: our former Treasurer, Duke of Kent, my constituent, friend and mentor.

As arrangements are still being made, I just ask this House: Please keep his memory and his family in your thoughts and prayers.