My question is to the Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. Throughout Black History Month, we celebrate the rich history and many contributions Canada’s Black community has made to our province from the very beginning. As we approach the end of Black History Month, we are reminded that just because February has come to an end, the work doesn’t stop. That is why I’m proud to support this government’s implementation of mandatory Black history in grades 7, 8 and 10, as Black children and youth need to understand that Blacks are not newcomers but are part of the fabric of Canada as a nation since 1600. Yet, Speaker, Black youth in our province continue to face barriers that can impact their future and success.

Speaker, could the minister please tell this House what actions our government is taking to dismantle systemic barriers and empower the next generation of Black leaders with the necessary skills to succeed?

I am pleased to be sharing my time today reflecting on Black History Month with my colleague the Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism.

Mr. Speaker, Black history is Ontario’s history. The journey of Black Ontarians throughout our history is interwoven into the very fabric of our province and was critical to several milestones achieved by Ontario.

Ontario was a founding province of Canada back on July 1, 1867, but in 1812, more than half a century earlier, Black Canadians took up arms in defence of this land, fought, bled and died in order to preserve and safeguard the future of a country to come.

Richard Pierpoint, a former slave who escaped the cruelty and inhumanity of slavery in the American South, settled here in Ontario and fought for this colony against American expansionism. He and other Black Loyalists who joined this cause understood like no other that their fight was about more than simply winning a war; it was about maintaining their freedom. Because to lose in 1812 would have meant that this land of liberty would have become the territory of a slaveholding country. To lose in 1812 would have meant no Canada 150, no mosaic of multiculturalism and no “True North strong and free.” Their stories make up Ontario’s rich history, and how they have changed the face of our nation, from Confederation right up until this very moment.

My point is that Canadians of African descent have been living for, fighting for and dying for Canada before there was even a Canada to speak of. This is a history that we too often don’t know about and it is a crucial part of why, under the joint leadership of both the minister and parliamentary secretary of education, Black history will now be a core part of the curriculum for Ontario’s students in grades 7, 8 and 10. This knowledge will inspire and empower students to learn about these contributions, to reflect on reconciliation and the road ahead as we continue working together to build a province that welcomes everyone.

As a Black woman, an MPP and a member of cabinet, I feel that I am a voice for the community in my constituency here in the Legislature and across the province. I’m honoured to be a Black woman in a leadership role with a voice at the table, and I am so grateful to this Premier for choosing me to be a part of his cabinet, to serve as the first Black person, man or woman, in a PC government cabinet in Ontario’s history. I made history and our Premier was a vehicle to make that history happen.

I’m proud to be one of the many Ontarians who are working to make our province the best that it can be. Black History Month is about honouring the legacy and the important contributions of Black people who help make Ontario a more inclusive and diverse province.

This very Legislature has made its share of Black history. In 1963, Ontarians elected MPP Leonard Braithwaite as Canada’s first Black parliamentarian at either the federal or provincial level. Then of course there is the glorious trail-blazing path of the Honourable Lincoln Alexander. Not only was he Canada’s first Black MP, he was also the first Black person to serve in a vice-regal position in Canada, as Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor.

Speaker, the government of Canada’s theme for Black History Month this year is “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build.” That theme is why I believe Black History Month is an ideal opportunity to look ahead and find ways to work together to strengthen Ontario’s proud and historic Black community. Acknowledging that there is still a lot of work to be done in this province to overcome anti-Black racism and determination, it is an important step to achieving equity for all Ontarians.

As we work together to bring more women into the forefront of our economy, I see first-hand the barriers that many women face in empowering themselves economically. Research shows that Black, Indigenous and other racialized women are more likely to be majority owners of small businesses than other women. They exemplify the Ontario spirit, taking a chance to build a better future for themselves, their families and Ontarians at large. However, these women face even greater barriers when starting and scaling up their businesses. That’s why Ontario has been leading a range of initiatives and commitments to empower women to be successful and to help build a strong Ontario together.

One program I’m particularly proud of is the Women’s Economic Security Program. This program provides training for low-income women to equip them with the skills, the knowledge and experience to get a job or start a business and increase their financial independence. Participants can also access wraparound supports such as child care, transportation, food and referrals to other services.

Our government, with the help of our community partners, is tearing down the barriers that have stood between women and building their dreams. I’d like to thank organizations like Roots Community Services that put a particular focus on black women in entrepreneurship, making sure they have the supports that they need for success.

Speaker, I invite this House and all Ontarians to take a look at the phenomenal number of black women entrepreneurs and business leaders who are making their mark in every field. Even as we work to remove the barriers and empower more women, Black History Month provides us an opportunity to reflect on the injustices and the inequities the community has faced throughout history, some of which continue to this day.

That brings me back to the late Lincoln Alexander. Last month, I saw the unveiling of the bust commemorating this larger-than-life trailblazer, whose father worked as a railroad car porter and whose mother worked as a maid. The Honourable Lincoln Alexander’s bust will be on permanent display in this Legislature’s west wing, where it will be viewed by thousands annually, in particular the schoolchildren who will walk through the halls and see someone who reflects them and their community and be inspired.

That’s the same way I feel now when I come into this Legislature and I see students sitting around. Representation is so important. Now, when students look down in this room, they see representation in every part of this House, in every government. That is so important. They will see themselves and the indelible contributions. They will see him, the Honourable Lincoln Alexander, and the contributions he made to Ontario’s history.

As I told the House last year and to every young Black person watching today, if you can see me, you can be me. You are strong. Your voice is important. You are powerful beyond measure. When it comes to celebrating Black History Month, and when it comes to realizing Black potential, visibility is not just a possibility; it’s a necessity.

I want to thank you all. Happy Black History Month. Let’s keep moving forward and building on the progress that we’ve made.

I recognize the Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism.