I want to thank the member from Elgin–Middlesex–London for an impassioned speech. He’s grown up on a farm. You can tell that you’re very passionate about that. As it relates to the legislation, I do want to let you know that my sister-in-law is a large animal vet, entered the field 30 years ago, works in Ontario as a large animal vet—Ontario, California, because we lost vets; this is now 25, 30 years ago—because the jobs were not here.

I think that, as we’ve indicated, the legislation will clarify some of these rules and responsibilities for veterinarians, and I think that will provide some clarity. There still remains a desperate shortage, though, of vets in Ontario. So my question to the member opposite: Given your commitment to farming, and even though we are losing 319 acres of land a day, quality farmland in Ontario, how do you reconcile moving forward in a sustainable way to ensure that the veterinarian sector is well supported in Ontario?

To the minister: One of the things that we’ve talked a little bit about over deliberations in debate today is the grant for large animal vets. I know, obviously, you’ve got a lot of experience with having vets on your farm, and my—we’ll say uncle; it’s a bit of a complicated situation—but Uncle Chuck, if you’re watching, which you probably aren’t, was a large animal vet in northern Ontario as well, and he does actually have a moustache as well, Madam Speaker, so you’ll be happy to know I’m channelling my inner Uncle Chuck today.

I just wanted you to talk a little bit more about what it means to be able to, especially in northern Ontario, have more large animal vets, especially as we’re looking at ways—the member from Timiskaming–Cochrane was talking about it: more animal agriculture in northern Ontario, and really seeing that as a key to unlocking a lot of the potential in the north.

Yes, I absolutely do, and I know that Oshawa, as all of our communities, has a whole bunch of pets that it loves. As I had just mentioned, we also had a kangaroo that we all claimed wasn’t an actual pet. But I think people in our community would appreciate having more access to more professionals. So if we can have more vet techs, if we can have vets with maybe some help and support, a few more vets online, that would be great.

I share a parking lot with a veterinary clinic, and it is a hopping, happening spot. Certainly in Oshawa, as everywhere, we love our pets and we want to make sure that they have access to the care that they deserve when needed. Thank you.