Good morning, everyone. I’d like to extend a very special welcome to all the participants of the Remarkable Assembly women’s forum, including Reena Shaw Muthallay from Toronto Centre. It is wonderful to see you here today.

I have a few more introductions. I’d also like to welcome Floyd Ruskin, who is doing remarkable work in saving the Ontario Science Centre. We would also like to extend a special welcome to David Anderson, of the Moss Park Coalition as well as from the Toronto Community Benefits Network, who has been here this morning to support the community of Mount Dennis.

My question is again to the Premier.

I recently heard from my constituent Derek, who told me:

“I work as a pediatric emergency nurse at SickKids hospital.

“I love my job and have said even before the pandemic, that if I could be paid a reasonable wage to live in this city, I would work until my body tells me not to.

“The HR and nursing shortage cannot be solved quickly. Short-term action is of the utmost importance. Improving nurses’ compensation is the best thing that we can do to improve retention.”

This government has been in power for almost five years, enough time to solve just about any problem.

Will this government admit that Bill 124 is driving the remaining number of nurses out of the province?

My question is to the Premier.

I want to read two recent headlines within the last 24 hours. Headline number one: “Doug Ford is Looking to Cut Costs in Healthcare Staffing, Documents Show.” Second headline: “Child with Pneumonia Waits ... 40 Hours in Ontario ER.”

Speaker, our health care system is on the verge of collapse. There are no available beds for children—not even for children.

Why is the government cutting even more funding when every Ontarian is crying out and asking you to do what it takes to solve the health care crisis?