This government has a lot of love for Barrie–Innisfil and for that member, who does great work and who asked a great question this morning.

Speaker, I’m very happy to say that two weeks ago, we finished major construction of the Davenport Diamond’s beautiful, new elevated guideway that now lifts the Barrie GO line above freight train tracks. Bu that’s not all. GO trains are now travelling along this game-changing piece of infrastructure, which will reduce congestion for one of the busiest train intersections in all of North America. There’s more. This guideway also provides pedestrians and cyclists with more terrific connections by enabling GO trains to seamlessly travel above existing traffic.

Our government is delivering outstanding GO expansion upgrades across the Barrie line so riders can get to work, critical services, and back home with speed and ease.

The opposition did nothing for the people of Barrie–Innisfil.

This government is getting it done.

The Barrie line stations—we’ve already finished major upgrades at Rutherford GO station, and amazing work is under way to deliver additional platforms and revamped facilities at the Maple, King City, and Aurora GO stations. When it comes to the Barrie line corridor, Metrolinx is adding an extra track between Union and Aurora GO to help with the traffic, as we watch the Leafs win the cup this year—two-way service all day to the Barrie line, every 15 minutes, every day of the week.

But our efforts don’t just benefit riders. In fact, the GO expansion as a whole will generate 8,300 construction and supply chain jobs every single year.

Speaker, the NDP and the Liberals simply didn’t build transit when they could have, for decades.

This government is not only getting shovels in the ground; we’re making the rider experience better all along.

Thank you to the member from Scarborough Centre for his question and his non-stop work on behalf of everyone in his constituency.

Speaker, last week the Minister of Transportation and I toured Union Station to see the fantastic improvements that our government is delivering. Some of the terrific enhancements to Union Station include creating two new, wider GO train platforms with canopies; building two new south tracks; and establishing a new south passenger concourse spanning between Bay Street and York Street, so that when the Raptors win the championship or the Leafs win the cup, you can get in and out of the arena a lot easier. In short, these improvements will make travel easier, safer and faster for thousands of riders who rely on the GO Transit network through Union Station each and every single day.

Unlike the NDP, who supported the Liberals when they did nothing to build transit, this government is getting it done for commuters.

Whether you’re coming from Barrie or Hamilton, Bowmanville or from my fine friend from York Mills Collegiate—go Titans—you should be able to get from point A to point B seamlessly.

We have a transit gap that was left by the opposition after decades of building zero transit. This government is filling that gap.

The Ontario Line alone will have trains picking up passengers every 90 seconds.

The Scarborough subway extension will make 34,000 jobs accessible within a 10-minute walk from transit.

The Eglinton West extension, which will finally connect us to Pearson International, will reduce travel times from Yonge and Eglinton to Square One by nearly 15 minutes.

What’s more, Union Station improvements will enable two-way, all-day rail service every 15 minutes or better along the GO rail network.

Unlike the opposition, we believe in building the biggest transit expansion in Canadian history. This government is going to get it done.

That member works his tail off for the Soo and asks a very important and great question this morning. Thank you for that.

Last week, Speaker, on Wednesday, I announced our government’s purchase of four terrific new freight train railcars for the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission. Let’s break that down: Our government is establishing yet another vital transportation link that will connect local farmers to larger markets by transporting their goods by rail throughout Ontario and beyond.

This strong investment of over $640,000 bolsters freight train access across the north, which in turn supports economic development opportunities for businesses and communities. Unlike the NDP and the Liberals, our government says yes to building vital transportation, so that goods get to market faster and our economy grows.

In fact, considering the roads alone, this government has dedicated almost $624 million across the 2022-23 fiscal year to expand and repair highways and bridges across the entire north. What’s more, these vital infrastructure upgrades have been supporting more than 4,000 local jobs, all while connecting the north like never before. And, Speaker, of course, let’s not forget about the $140-million purchase of three beautiful new train sets for the revamped Northlander passenger rail service that will get people moving from north to south and south to north.

The NDP supported the Liberals, and the Liberals literally called the north a “no man’s land.” We disagree. We’re getting it done for the great people of the north and those who call it home.

That was a great question from a great member, who does amazing work for her constituents.

I’m very happy to inform this House and that member that on December 15, just before the holidays, I announced our government’s $140-million purchase of three beautiful new trains for the restored Northlander.

Speaker, make no mistake: We’re bringing the Northlander back, and we’re delivering the trains the north deserves after the Liberals cancelled this vital transportation link to the north. These trains will feature spacious seating and modern amenities, WiFi, audiovisual announcements, built-in wheelchairs, food services, and fully accessible washrooms.

This is a huge milestone in restoring the Northlander, which will unlock economic opportunities for the north and make it easier for people to access work, health care, education and other critical services.

After the NDP propped up the Liberals when they wrongfully ended the Northlander, our government is bringing the Northlander back.

Our government is working tirelessly alongside Ontario Northland to resurrect this vital link. Future implementation activities include design, engineering, environmental assessment, local consultations, station and track improvements. Just last winter, Ontario Northland performed important schedule testing for the Northlander by using existing Polar Bear Express equipment.

Speaker, to the member’s point, the revamped Northlander will deliver tremendous benefits. The planned service route between Toronto and Timmins, connecting to Cochrane, will provide passenger rail access for 176,000 residents in northern communities, deliver up to $132 million in economic benefits and, by 2041, reduce 4,400 tonnes of auto emissions annually, and generate up to 60,000 in annual ridership.

Unlike the opposition, who called the north a no man’s land—this government disagrees. The north is a valuable partner in our prosperity. We’re bringing the Northlander back.