Today is World Asthma Day, an important reflection on the profound impact of asthma on our communities, particularly here in Ontario, where millions grapple with this chronic inflammatory disease.

A staggering 4.6 million Canadians live with asthma, making it the third most common chronic disease in our country.

Asthma narrows bronchial tubes, leading to restricted airflow and difficulty to breathe. It’s a leading cause of emergency department visits and absenteeism from school and work.

When I work in the ER, asthma exacerbation is a common chief complaint for the patients I care for, especially our little ones—the children.

Speaker, there is nothing worse than not being able to breathe.

While some patients face severe limitations, for most, proper diagnosis and treatment can effectively manage the condition.

I would also like to highlight that this year marks the 50th anniversary of Asthma Canada—with many representatives with us here today. This organization has been a beacon of hope, support and advocacy, empowering Canadians with asthma to lead active, symptom-free lives through education, research and advocacy.

Looking ahead, Asthma Canada and the Ontario government share a vision for improved asthma care. We are committed to a future where research thrives, awareness is heightened, and health care is proactive.

That is why, earlier this year, our government expanded the scope of practice for pharmacists, enabling them to treat and prescribe asthma medications.

Today, as we commemorate this day, let’s reaffirm our commitment to supporting those affected by asthma, working hand in hand with great organizations like Asthma Canada.

Meegwetch, Speaker. It’s always an honour to welcome leadership from the Chiefs of Ontario and the First Peoples of these lands. We welcome you.

In the House, we have Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare, Deputy Grand Chief Stacia Loft, IPCO President Darren Montour, Grand Chief Abram Benedict, Grand Council Chief Reg Niganobe from Anishinabek Nation, Chief Rodney Nahwegahbow, Chief Wilfred King, Chief Claire Sault, Deputy Grand Chief Marsden, Chief Warren Tabobondung, Chief Mary Duckworth, and Chief Kelly La Rocca.

So there are a bunch of leaders who are here today. And I’m sure we welcome the drum that came to Queen’s Park, as well. Meegwetch.

Speaker, Brampton is fortunate. We’re a diverse city, we’re a growing city, and we are a young city. Perhaps our biggest asset is our talent pool. There’s a new generation of Brampton residents who are leading the country and the world when it comes to business, athletics, music, culture and innovation.

We are lucky to have a growing post-secondary sector, including Algoma University, which operates in downtown Brampton and educates thousands of students every year. But one of the challenges Algoma faces because they’re growing so quickly is a lack of housing options for their students. We have too many students in Brampton who are living in subpar living conditions—conditions that no member of this House would consider acceptable for one of their family members.

Well, I’m happy to announce that right now, while I speak in this Legislature, Algoma University is in downtown Brampton announcing a brand new 500-plus-bed student residence expected to open doors by 2028-29. This new student residence will include over 500 beds and a mix of single and double bedrooms in four- to six-bed suites, with each suite including two bathrooms, a kitchen and a living space. Thanks to the policy changes that this government has introduced, it’s likely that construction will be expedited.

Getting shovels in the ground and supporting our next generation is a priority for the people of Brampton; it is a priority for this government; and I commend Algoma U for making it their priority, as well.

Last week I visited farmers in Wilmot township and learned about how the government tried to hoodwink them. After the Premier ordered land to be assembled for industrial use and non-disclosure agreements were signed by local officials, the region of Waterloo made offers to farmers in Wilmot township north of Bleams Road. One such offer was $4.3 million for 85 acres, or about $51,000 an acre. I have a photo of the written offer. Subsequently, a neighbouring farmer had his land appraised as if it were unserviced, industrial land. Valued at $680,000 an acre—more than 10 times what was offered by the region of Waterloo.

This attempt to swindle farmers and buy their land for a song through an opaque process reminds me of the great $8-billion greenbelt giveaway that spawned the ongoing RCMP criminal investigation.

When will it stop? When will this government care about farmers and preserving our remaining prime agricultural land, and care about transparency instead of looking for places to refill its gravy train?

Recently, the good people of Cambridge gathered to celebrate another successful United Way campaign. The sixth annual Spirit Awards ceremony was an opportunity to celebrate that in 2023 the United Way raised $5 million to be shared among more than 90 local charities and non-profit organizations. Those organizations assist nearly a quarter million individuals and families in need across Waterloo region. The evening was an opportunity to celebrate individuals and businesses in the region who work to support our most vulnerable and marginalized residents.

Spirit Awards were presented in seven categories.

Nutrition for Learning was awarded the Community Impact Award.

Sandi Young was named volunteer of the year.

The Spirit of the Community Award went to Reliance Home Comfort.

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario won the Labour Community Partnership Award.

The outstanding workplace campaign awards went to Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada and EY.

Last but not least, the Ken Seiling Community Leader Award was presented to a very deserving individual: John Neufeld, executive director of the House of Friendship. This award recognizes a public figure—and John is definitely that person.

Thank you to United Way CEO Joan Fisk and her team for coming to the aid of all our community groups this year, and year after year.

I’m going to now ask our pages to assemble for their introductions.

It is my pleasure to introduce this group of legislative pages: from the riding of Whitby, Raisa Anand; from the riding of Aurora–Oak Ridges–Richmond Hill, Jeslyn Chui; from the riding of Niagara Centre, Antonio Geremia; from the riding of Hamilton Mountain, Charlise Hillen; from the riding of Scarborough North, Anika Karthik; from the riding of Orléans; Lise MacDonald; from the riding of Durham, Diya Gokul Nathan; from the riding of Markham–Unionville, Victoria Ng; from the riding of Toronto–St. Paul’s, Sophie Obee Tower; from the riding of Kenora–Rainy River, Woodland Parent; from the riding of Oakville North–Burlington, Soyul Park; from the riding of University–Rosedale, Kai Peski; from the riding of Barrie–Innisfil, Hriditya Patel; from the riding of Mississauga–Malton, Aaldrian Pynadath; from the riding of Eglinton–Lawrence, Alexander Rose; from the riding of Vaughan–Woodbridge, Rhys Tweedie; from the riding of Parkdale–High Park, Norah Tysoe; from the riding of Toronto–Danforth, Glynnis Vaughan; and from the riding of Scarborough Southwest, Liam Yumul.

Welcome to the Legislature. We’re very grateful to have you here.

Applause.

I’d like to welcome Zehavi Zynoberg to the House. He’s the associate director of government relations at the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs. He is also here to host a Jewish Heritage Month reception which will be happening later in the day. All are welcome.

It is my great pleasure to welcome my friend Chief Mary Duckworth of Caldwell First Nation; Chief Claire Sault of the Mississaugas of the Credit; and Mississaugas of the Credit councillors, my friend Larry Sault, Jesse Herkimer, and Erma Ferrell. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

I want to thank the members of the Chiefs of Ontario for being here in the Legislature today and for that drum ceremony that opened the day.

I also want to welcome to the House my staffer Alesha Cabral. Welcome to the Legislature, Alesha.

It’s not too often I get guests from Stormont–Dundas–South Glengarry. I would like to welcome Grand Chief Abram Benedict from the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne. Welcome.

I’m delighted to welcome my constituents from Markham–Unionville, Jennifer Ng and Ernest Ng. They are the proud parents of page Victoria Ng, who serves as page captain today.

Welcome to Queen’s Park.

This morning, we have two fabulous guests from St. Paul’s coming to Queen’s Park: Kathleen Christie and Maureen Callon.

Welcome to Queen’s Park, and thank you for your advocacy on health care in Ontario.

I have several guests in the gallery today. First, I want to introduce Natasha Restrepo Rivera, who is a new member of my team. She is new to politics, so she is in for a whirlwind.

Of course, I have several folks from Asthma Canada, as we celebrate their 50th anniversary: Jeffrey Beach, president and CEO; Jenna Reynolds, director, programs and services; Pauric Keegan, communications and marketing specialist; Megan Leigh, director of development; Zoe Ullyett, research and communications intern; and Vibhas Bapat, board chair.

Welcome to Queen’s Park.

As you know, this is Nursing Week. Happy Nursing Week to all the hard-working nurses out there.

I would like to introduce four of their leaders who are here today. Karen McKay-Eden, a registered nurse, is the region 3 vice-president of the Ontario Nurses’ Association. Dianne Martin, a registered practical nurse, is the CEO of the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario, better known as WeRPN. Jackie Walker, a registered practical nurse, is the executive vice-president of SEIU Healthcare. And Lucy Morton, a registered practical nurse, is the chair of the OPSEU/SEFPO Community Health Care Professionals sector.

Welcome to Queen’s Park, ladies.

Meegwetch, Speaker. Today, the Chiefs of Ontario are launching a lawsuit against Ontario and Canada for failing to provide First Nations with equal access to policing services as other Ontarians.

In First Nations across Ontario, we have communities in crisis. We have deaths every day, and we have communities being grossly under-policed and underserviced.

Will Ontario ensure First Nations have sufficient resources and mechanisms to uphold our laws?

Point of order.

Speaker, through you to the Premier: Recently, we obtained government records that showed that just two days after Shakir Rehmatullah attended the Premier’s daughter’s wedding, ministry staffers were looking for ways to open up Mr. Rehmatullah’s greenbelt property in Nobleton for development. Mr. Rehmatullah attended the wedding on September 27, 2022. By September 29, this had been deemed a “priority project.”

Who deemed development of Mr. Rehmatullah’s property to be a priority project, and why?

As this matter is before the court, it would be inappropriate for me to comment any further. Again, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.

Interjection.

On April 1, this government sent a clear message that community safety does not matter in First Nations. They had five years to make sure that when they changed their policing act, it would not discriminate against First Nations.

Speaker, I ask again, how does this government plan to keep our communities safe and ensure First Nation laws are enforced throughout the province?

Speaker, being able to enforce First Nation laws on-reserve will allow First Nations police forces to keep drug dealers at bay, using trespassing laws. It can also help non-dangerous offenders break free from destructive cycles and reintegrate into the community.

The government can actually fix this matter today.

Will Ontario pass a simple regulation under the CSPA making enforcement of First Nation laws mandatory?

Interjections.