My question is for the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. Ontario is experiencing historic labour shortages. There are currently about 300,000 unfilled jobs across Ontario, and many of these vacancies are in skilled trades. Our government must continue to show leadership and take action by working with employers and unions to encourage more people to enter the skilled trades.

By the year 2025, it is projected that about one in five job openings will be in the skilled trades. That’s why urgent action is needed now more than ever. In the next decade alone, Ontario will need over 100,000 more people in the construction industry only.

Speaker, can the minister please explain what actions our government is taking to address labour shortages in the skilled trades?

Given the critical labour shortages that we are encountering, our government must address barriers that are creating challenges for women to enter the skilled trades. That’s why our government must do all that we can to empower the next generation to explore these careers.

Speaker, can the parliamentary assistant please explain what our government is doing to break down barriers for women entering careers in the skilled trades and the construction industry?