Again, I’m trying to be the kinder, gentler Mike Harris. Some days it works; some days it doesn’t. But—

Interjections.

During the tenure of the previous government, we lost 12,000 manufacturing jobs, mostly due to red tape and regulation and high energy costs. And I know that in London there have been some similar issues over the years where there’s been a lot of businesses that have left and have moved to greener pastures, so to speak, in the United States and overseas.

We here on the Conservative benches want to reduce red tape; we want to make it easier to do business here in the province of Ontario. Does the member from London West support that?

It’s great to be back here in the House after a busy and productive month working in our ridings. And it was nice to get out to some fall fairs that took place, especially my favourite, Oktoberfest, which is one big day for Waterloo region and, of course, my riding of Kitchener–Conestoga.

Speaking of promoting local events, we’ve just celebrated Small Business Week here in the province, where I had an opportunity to highlight just a few of the countless local businesses in my community. Over 400,000 small businesses are the backbone of communities across this province, fuelling the economy and employing more than two million people—businesses like Morty’s Pub, Mr. Speaker, a must-stop for wings if you’re in the region; the Maryhill Market for Kawartha Dairy ice cream and homemade sandwiches; as well as the famous St. Jacobs market that is host to a ton of local crafters, artisans, farmers and more.

With the holiday season just around the corner, I want to encourage everyone to support local businesses. It is a great way to get unique gifts and products for yourselves and loved ones—not just at Christmas, but year-round.