Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to attend the Centre for Skills Development in Burlington, alongside Minister Williams, Minister Tangri and PA David Smith, to launch a call for applications for the Women’s Economic Security Program. Thanks to the Women’s Economic Security Program, more women have access to skills training, gaining the experience to embark on a career to good-paying jobs in the trades.

The Centre for Skills Development has provided their Enhanced General Carpentry program to women for over 20 years and has seen great success, with over 300 participants securing sustainable, financially rewarding and meaningful employment in the construction sector. Their 22-week program prepares participants to work in a variety of skilled trades within the construction industry, from residential builds to high-end renovations. Other services at the centre include one-on-one job search coaching, settlement services, LINC and ELT classes, academic upgrading and fully funded pre-apprenticeship skilled trade programs. Collectively, the centres serve around 20,000 people in Halton region and Mississauga.

Thank you to the Centre for Skills Development for delivering the programs that continue breaking down barriers for women, giving them the tools they need to earn bigger paycheques for themselves and their families.

Thank you to the minister for his response. It’s always great to hear about investments that are creating good-paying jobs across the province of Ontario.

Under the previous Liberal government’s watch, 300,000 manufacturing jobs left Ontario. Now, the new Liberal leader wants to do it all over again. The Liberals and the NDP want to put up mountains of red tape, raise taxes and crush our manufacturing sector. Under our government’s watch, that will never happen. By reducing costs for businesses and for workers, Ontario is once again a manufacturing powerhouse.

Speaker, can the minister highlight manufacturing investments that have created good-paying jobs in the province of Ontario?

Speaker, can the minister please explain more about the negative impact that increasing taxes, high interest rates and burdensome red tape is having on the quality of life of the people of northern Ontario?

In contrast, our government recognizes the value and potential that are present in rural, remote and Indigenous communities. However, the sad reality is that businesses and community organizations are struggling because of the negative impacts of the carbon tax. That is why our government must focus on addressing opportunities that will advance prosperity in northern communities, create jobs and contribute to the overall quality of life.

Speaker, can the parliamentary assistant please explain how our government is building a stronger province by supporting northern Ontario?