As Muslim residents in Don Valley West and across Ontario prepare for Ramadan, a sacred month when they fast from dawn to dusk, self-reflect, show gratitude and offer charity to those who are less fortunate, I would like to highlight two local organizations in my riding that are doing just that. The Canadian Community Services Organization and the Thorncliffe Park Autism Support Network have organized their annual Ramadan food drive and free meal distribution to support those in need.

As we navigate these challenging times, it’s wonderful to see the generosity that is so present in Thorncliffe Park. I’d like to thank Masood Alam, Shakhlo Sharipova, Azhar Bokhari, Saifuddin Nasir Malik, Najia Zewari and Muhammad Ahmad Alam, some of whom are here today in the gallery, and all their volunteers and donors for their efforts to support those in need during Ramadan.

I also want to acknowledge the contributions of those strong women who are working hard to make a difference on this day in advance of International Women’s Day. I have attended several CCSO food drives, and seeing the piles of meals Shakhlo and her team distribute, it’s wonderful to see people of all ages, from teens to seniors, giving back.

To everyone getting ready to observe Ramadan: Ramadan Mubarak.

I want to just again formally welcome the constituents from my riding who came here today: Masood Alam, Azhar Bokhari, Muhammad Ahmad Alam, Saifuddin Nasir Malik, Najia Zewari. Thank you again for coming, for your good charitable work. We appreciate it all.

I’ve got several thanks to give today. I’d like to thank the Mount Dennis community that joined us today in a presser earlier in the morning: Neiland Brissenden, the spokesperson from save Eglinton Flats coalition; Cynthia Bell, executive director of the ENAGB Indigenous Youth Agency; Hassan Mohamud; David Roberts; David Anderson—Neiland, I mentioned—Simon Brissenden, his son; Kim Bradshaw; Jessica Murray; Mark Dieu; Heather McKinnon; Andrew Watt; Simon Chamberlain; Judith Hayes; Natalie Vojno; Brandon Machado; Curtis Power; Matthew Barrigar; Bob Murphy; Jamie McQuaig; Lisa Derksen; Floyd Ruskin; Reed Garou; Frank Cotner; David Kidd; David Anderson; Nicole Strachan; Mike Mattos; Graine O’Dell; Cynthia, as I mentioned earlier; Shayla Manitowabi; Tyrell Wemigwans; Gordan Nikolic; Lijida Nikolic; Martha Parrott; Van Desanini; Ron Raunch; Michelle Lopez; Siver Das; and Linder Gonzales.

I’d also like to welcome and thank the former MPP for York South–Weston who is also here, Faisal Hassan.

On this International Women’s Day, I want to say welcome and happy International Women’s Day. But I want to also thank all of the young women who have come here for the Remarkable Assembly women’s day, and in particular, Nailani Cavero from Brampton Centre. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

It’s my pleasure to welcome this morning, from the riding of Ottawa West–Nepean, Maria Choque, who is here to participate in the Remarkable Assembly women’s forum. I hope Maria and all the remarkable women here today have a wonderful day at the Legislature.

I, too, would like to introduce a remarkable woman who is here today. I know this personally because she’s a good friend of my daughter. It’s Ceren Kasap. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

As a former social worker, we don’t always feel very celebrated. It’s hard work. I want to thank our Ontario Association of Social Workers for doing fine work to spread the word about social work in our province. I want to welcome Dr. Deepy Sur, Kaelen Boyd and Justin Dela Pena, all from the OASW.

I’d also like to welcome Brooklin Wallis and Shiva, who are here as part of the women’s forum, and their plus-one, Ashvin. Thank you for coming to the House. I hope you have a great day.

Mr. Speaker, first of all, I’d like to thank you and your team for hosting the Remarkable Assembly women’s breakfast this morning. I’m happy that I had the opportunity to meet so many remarkable women who have joined us here in the Legislature. Welcome to the Ontario Legislature, formally.

Secondly, I’d also like to welcome the Ontario social service workers’ representatives: Dr. Deepy Sur, Kaelen Boyd and Justin Dela Pena. Happy social worker service week.

Good morning, everyone. I just want to welcome all the women participating in the remarkable women’s assembly today. It’s great to have women in the House, in this chamber. This is your House. You belong here, as do all women.

Today, I’d like to welcome to the House representatives of the College of Veterinarians of Ontario; representatives of the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians; two veterinary technician students, Elizabeth Crouchman and Joner Kuo; as well as representatives from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and Farm and Food Care. Welcome to Queen’s Park. We’re going to have a good day.

It gives me great pleasure to welcome, from Hamilton West–Ancaster—Dundas, Starus Chan, who is participating in the Remarkable Assembly women’s forum. Welcome to your House and thank you so much for all the work you do.

I’d like to introduce Dr. Deepy Sur, CEO; Kaelen Boyd, director of policy and stakeholders; and Justin Dela Pena, social policy adviser, from the Ontario Association of Social Workers as we honour social workers week in Ontario. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

I’d like to welcome, from Haldimand–Norfolk, Leah Bauer and Sarah Dolina, here to participate in the Remarkable Assembly women’s forum. Have a great day. I’ll see you at noon.

I’d like to welcome a constituent from the great riding of Waterloo, Shiva Subramanian. She’s participating in the Remarkable Assembly women’s forum. Subra, welcome to your House. I hope you have a great day.

Believe it or not, I actually come from a large family. A lot of my uncles and aunties are in the gallery here with us today. We have many seniors coming from Brampton North. The trip was organized by the Guru Nanak Mission Centre. Particularly, thank you to Manohar Singh Bal and Kanwaljit Kaur for organizing the trip. Welcome to your House.

I’d like to welcome Dr. Deepy Sur, Kaelen Boyd and Justin Dela Pena from the Ontario Association of Social Workers, who are joining us here this morning. We’re celebrating Social Work Week and all the social workers across Ontario and their contributions to our communities.

Good morning. I’m really pleased. I want to also lend my voice in welcoming former MPP for York South–Weston Faisal Hassan here this morning and the folks from Mount Dennis. But I also want to—yes, hello—welcome my parents, Geoff and Kathy Stiles, who are joining us in the members’ gallery today.

Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the Minister of Long-Term Care for recognizing the presence of the Armenian Community Centre long-term-care board members. I am not going to repeat the names, but I also would like to welcome my legislative assistant Aris Movssesian, commonly known as Junior.

I want to just say “barev” to our wonderful friends visiting us from the Armenian Community Centre: Greg Koko Chitilian, Jack Hagop Torossian and George Shahnazarian. Welcome to the Legislature. I know Aris Babikian brought them here. Thank you for all your advocacy and everything you do for the Armenian Canadian community.

That concludes our members’ statements for this morning.

Applause.