I want to talk to you a little bit today about NOSIs. A notice of security interest, commonly referred to as a NOSI, is a tool similar to a lien that can be placed on the land registry system by a business on personal property without the individual’s knowledge. This NOSI placed on the title of the home creates an encumbrance on the title that they must clear before they sell or refinance their home.

Scammers target vulnerable people and can leave them with massive debt. This is an issue right across the province, but Waterloo regional police have been dealing with it for years. Detective Adam Stover, who is here joining us today, whom I’ve had the pleasure of discussing this issue with, is an expert on the subject.

Over the past few years, these scams have evolved, Mr. Speaker. A recent CTV News article stated that Kitchener resident Ian Craig has seven NOSIs on his property, totalling more than $150,000. He’s fighting to make sure others aren’t scammed too. Ian said in the article, “This is not right, for people who have invested in their homes, that somebody comes along and puts [NOSIs] on it for” more than “half of it. The way they can take advantage of people is just disgusting. This is why we need protection.”

Speaker, it’s not right, and that’s why we are fighting back. The Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery recently ran consultations to get to the bottom of this issue. I want to thank the Minister, Waterloo region police, PA Riddell and the entire team at the ministry for their hard work. Let’s stop this unscrupulous practice. Let’s say no to NOSIs.

I rise today with a heavy heart, full of sadness. We mourn the loss of a truly remarkable leader. Brian Mulroney was a visionary and principled Prime Minister of Canada. He dedicated his life to pursuing Canada’s national interests and humanitarian issues worldwide.

Mr. Speaker, when I came to Canada in 1983, I was inspired by Prime Minister Mulroney and what he represented to people like me coming from a war-torn country. His compassion, his leadership and his dedication to freedom, democracy and social justice improved the lives of millions of people around the world. He was truly a dynamic leader for Canada—a transformative force for positive change.

During the 1983 pogroms against the Tamil people during the civil war, thousands of Tamils came to Canada seeking asylum and a better place to live. Prime Minister Mulroney faced strong pressure not to accept such refugees. As a man of principle and strong moral conviction, he simply replied that Canada is “not in the business of turning away refugees.”

Prime Minister Mulroney didn’t shy away from international pressure either. Despite the opposition he faced from his allies, Prime Minister Mulroney’s support of Nelson Mandela against the apartheid government of South Africa helped bring about the end of that ugly regime. He was always committed to doing the right thing, not the popular thing.

Mr. Speaker, leaders are never born, they are made. Prime Minister Mulroney’s spirit burns bright, a candle that will light the world forever.

Today, I would like to use my platform to amplify the concerns expressed by those in the child care sector regarding issues attracting and retaining staff and early childhood educators. I share these concerns on behalf of child care providers across the province, but specifically, one child care provider in my community. They are losing 15 ECE graduates of Fanshawe College, because they are leaving Ontario. They are relocating to take advantage of the better immigration pathways for ECEs in other provinces.

The loss of these workers directly impacts the care and education of 120 preschoolers who would benefit from their expertise. Without immediate action, we risk compromising the quality of early childhood education in our communities and hindering the future success of our children.

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program serves as a gateway for individuals with the skills and experience that our economy needs to obtain permanent residency in Ontario. We must recognize and take proactive measures to retain and attract skilled professionals to this vital sector. I call upon the Ministers of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development; Education; and Colleges and Universities to address this urgent matter by implementing a comprehensive provincial immigration pathway tailored explicitly to early childhood educators.

Investing in our educators and prioritizing the quality of early childhood education is not only essential for the well-being of our children but also for the prosperity and success of our province as a whole. Together, let’s work to create a more equitable and prosperous future for all Ontarians.

It’s a privilege to welcome members of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association to the Legislative Assembly today. They have a delegation here and I’d like to introduce four of them: Laurie Tucker, president; Sandev Purewal, president-elect; Barb MacFarlane, vice-president; and John Karapita, CEO. They have a reception from 5 to 7 in rooms 228 and 230. All MPPs, of course, are welcome. I hope to see you there.

I would also like to welcome members of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association, and in particular two OTLA members from London: Barb MacFarlane is here, who is the vice-president, and Mary-Anne Strong, on the executive board. I’m looking forward to our meeting later this afternoon.

I’d like to introduce some guests who aren’t quite here yet. I want to introduce Alan Bostakian, Nayereh Dabiri, Neda Akhavan and Mandana Hezar.

I’m pleased today to welcome a constituent, Christine Pisapia, as well as Susan McKenzie, leader of the Kidney Patient and Donor Alliance of Canada, and the rest of their team. Christine is a transplant ambassador at Sunnybrook Hospital in Don Valley West and made the brave decision to donate a kidney to her brother. She now advocates for more people to become donors.

They’re hosting a reception at lunch today in room 228 in honour of World Kidney Day on March 14, and I encourage members and their staff to join them to learn more about their transplant-first work to advance kidney donation, which I support. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

It is my very great pleasure to welcome Meghan Walker, who is a board member with the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association, and Jeffrey Shinehoft, a Thornhillier, also a board member with the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association. I’m going to be meeting with them later today. Welcome to your House.

I’d like to welcome from my riding Marian Reich, a member of the kidney alliance foundation and a kidney donor herself. Welcome to Queen’s Park, Marian.

I’d like to welcome to the House the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association, including the three people I met this morning: Barbara MacFarlane, Mike Giordano and Jay Ralston. Welcome to the Legislature.

It gives me great pleasure to introduce Cathy Orlando, who is a member of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby, and here at Queen’s Park today. Welcome to your House, Cathy.

I’d like to recognize today’s page captain, Sarah Salman. She is joined by her family here today: Sumaira Salman, her mother; Muhammad Salman Bhatti; and Muhammad Zohaib Bhatti, her brother.

I would like to welcome today, from the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association, Vanshika Dhawan, Sean Hayward and Maria Damiano. Welcome to your House.

Good morning, everyone. I have a number of people I’d like to introduce. First of all, I’d like to begin with an introduction to Taylor Pizzirusso, my OLIP intern. Welcome to your House. It’s wonderful to have you here today.

We also have the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers, who are hosting their reception this evening at 5 o’clock. I’d like to welcome Sandro Perruzza, Stephanie Holko and Paola Cetares. Thank you for the meeting this morning—very informative; always looking forward to working with you.

I also want to extend a welcome to the Ontario trial lawyers, beginning with president Laurie Tucker, vice-president Barbara MacFarlane, Sandev Purewal and all other board and staff who are here for their reception and lobby day in Queen’s Park; and then finally, to Cathy Orlando from the Citizens’ Climate Lobby.

Thank you very much, everyone. Welcome to your House.

That concludes our members’ statements for this morning.

It gives me and my seatmate the MPP for Hamilton Mountain great pleasure to welcome a true Hamiltonian, Mike Fortune. He’s a well-known journalist. He’s a supporter of all community events. It’s a pleasure to see you here today in your House. Thank you for being here.

Good morning, everyone. I’d like to introduce jazzy James Page, awesome Antonia Hristova and my lovely resident marvellous Matt—congratulations on your new baby—all amazing people with the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association. Welcome.

I’d like to welcome Jan Marin and Daniela Pacheco from the Ontario trial lawyers. We had a great meeting, and I look forward to joining you in your lobby day.

Today, I have the honour of introducing two very important people who have helped in the fight against NOSIs. I’d like to introduce detective Adam Stover from Waterloo regional police and liaison officer David Mullock to this House. I would like to thank them for the work that they do.

As mentioned earlier, the kidney alliance of Canada is here today for a lunch and reception and an advocacy day. It’s great to have Lynn van der Linde from the municipality of North Grenville here. I had a great meeting in my riding. Welcome to Queen’s Park.