Some things are bigger than politics, and I believe that’s one of those moments this morning. Meegwetch to the honourable member for that question.

Speaker, what’s bigger than politics also is making sure that we take care of those who took care of us. I’m also honoured to see that the member’s mother is here. Happy birthday to her.

Interjections.

While we have a larger capital plan to build and redevelop 58,000 new spaces in Ontario. We understand there are unique challenges when it comes to rural and northern areas, particularly when it comes to Indigenous communities. That’s why our government has specific programs catered towards Indigenous communities.

I was just in Temiskaming Shores to announce 128 new spaces, predominantly for the Indigenous communities there, part of a larger plan of 18 projects associated with First Nations; 997 new and 221 upgraded beds. We’re going to continue to work with that member to make sure we address the needs in Sioux Lookout.

While we work on the challenge of Sioux Lookout, we have produced results when it comes to the Indigenous communities through long-term care. I look to Niagara Falls, 32 new spaces; Toronto Centre, 128 new spaces. As I said: 18 projects, 997 new spaces, 221 redeveloped spaces specifically for First Nations.

I want to go back to Temiskaming Shores, when I was there, talking about Indigenous services delivered in native languages with culturally appropriate care. This is hugely important to me. I come from a culturally diverse background. I understand the importance of that in your life. Our seniors deserve to live out their golden years understanding and speaking the language that they spoke, eating the foods that they’re accustomed to. This is hugely important to the Premier and to this government.

Speaker, I commit to work with that member to make sure that we get this done for Sioux Lookout. Please come to my office and we’ll continue this journey along the path to building those 76 new spaces.

Good morning. Thank you very much, Speaker. I have a lot of respect for those who are good at their craft, especially when it comes to craft beer. Tonight, thanks to you, in room 228, join us for the craft beer reception. Speaker, drinks are on you. Thank you.

I want to introduce Karyn Popovich to the Legislature this morning. She has had a distinguished 40-plus-year career in the Ontario health care system. She has done it all, from being a nurse to becoming president and CEO of North York General Hospital, my home hospital. She has kept herself very busy. She can literally run circles around many people, and I mean that, because she’s a heck of a marathon runner.

I hope you enjoy your retirement. I’m looking forward to lunch. I’m buying. Thank you, Karyn.

Looking across the way, it looked like the member had a question. I’m glad it’s for me this morning. Thank you very much for that.

Speaker, the list of shortcomings from the last Liberal government is a long one, whether it’s transit, transportation, building homes, the environment, reducing red tape, affordability—we can go on and on. It’s also true when it comes to the long-term-care sector. In fact, the last Premier, Premier Kathleen Wynne, said one of her biggest regrets was not investing more into our seniors in long-term-care.

This government is doing things differently, but the track record of the Liberals still remains. When it came to the four hours of daily care, the Liberals missed that mark by an astonishing hour and 15 minutes when it came to our seniors. We think, on this side of the bench and those government members there, that our seniors deserve better. That’s why we’re not only investing a record $10 billion to expanding capacity when it comes to building new homes—58,000 beds—but $4.9 billion to make sure we have the staffing to carry those four hours. We’re going to take care of our seniors—

Speaker, the member asks an important question: What other updates have been provided? Well, not just an astonishing amount of $10 billion to build those 58,000 new beds—but I’m proud to tell this House that, since 2018, 18,000 beds have been completed or are under construction today. I was just in the great north—from Sud-bury to Timmins to Matheson, all the way down to Huntsville and Gravenhurst—to announce the creation of these brand new beds, led under the leadership of the last Minister of Long-Term Care.

The hours of care that we mentioned earlier—let’s talk about the Liberal record on this. In nine years, they provided an extra 21 minutes of care per resident; that’s like two and a half minutes per resident. We did in one year what the Liberals took nine to do.

We’re on track to hit that four hours of daily care. Our seniors took care of us; this government is going to take care of them.