Speaker, today we have an opportunity to prepare for tomorrow. We need EV-ready homes. I’ve been proud to bring this achievable solution to this Legislature, and it is buoyed with support from industry and those interested in that bright future. I do hope that the government will make this happen.

From a letter of support from Unifor national president Lana Payne:

“On behalf of nearly 40,000 Unifor members working in the auto and component parts manufacturing sector, I am writing to express my strong support for the proposed EV-Ready Homes Act ... and its companion motion 109, intending to amend the Building Code Act to accommodate for electric vehicle (EV) adoption. These proposed amendments will facilitate the future installation of EV supply equipment in new homes, which is a forward-thinking and necessary step to ensure Canada’s automotive sector infrastructure meets the needs of its net-zero transportation future.

“Ontario is positioning itself as a leader in North American EV production. Tens of thousands of jobs in this province will depend on a well-functioning EV supply chain. However, it is crucial that our infrastructure evolves in a way that both supports this shift towards zero-emission vehicle options and, in turn, good jobs here at home.

“Advancing our infrastructure today can save homeowners significant future costs, making the inevitable transition to EVs more accessible and affordable. This will have a positive effect on EV demand, property values and home safety. This sort of holistic approach to policy development is precisely the type of government approach our union envisioned within our 2022 auto industrial policy road map, Navigating the Road Ahead.

“I commend you on this initiative to modernize Ontario’s housing infrastructure and promoting sustainable living. Unifor urges all parties to support this legislation, and to ensure its swift passage at Queen’s Park.”

I want to thank Lana Payne and all the autoworkers across the province.

Making sure we have EV-ready homes is one small but mighty, and achievable, piece of the puzzle.

I hope the Premier will switch gears and commit to ensuring we’re EV-ready at home and on the road.