Today, we gather in the Legislature to celebrate the rich tapestry of Ontario’s cultural diversity and pay tribute to one of the most vibrant communities: Canadians of Croatian heritage.

First and foremost, recognizing Croatian Heritage Day acknowledges the rich history and traditions of Croatian people. From their vibrant folk music and dances to the delicious cuisine and intricate crafts, Croatians have a unique cultural heritage that deserves to be honoured and celebrated.

Furthermore, the Croatian community in Ontario has played an integral role in shaping our province’s identity. Through their hard work, entrepreneurship and cultural initiatives, Croatian Canadians have enriched our society in countless ways. They have excelled in various fields, including business, academia, sports and arts, leaving a remarkable impression on Ontario’s history and heritage.

Imagine, if you will, the resilience and determination of those Croatian immigrants who arrived in Ontario in the 1920s, fleeing the shackles of oppression under the Communist regime. They sought not only refuge, but also the promise of a better life. Today, Ontario stands as a testament to their perseverance, home to over 100,000 proud individuals of Croatian descent, the largest Croatian population in Canada.

Among them, we find shining examples of success and achievement that inspire all of us. Consider the story of Robert Herjavec, a true embodiment of the Canadian dream. From humble beginnings, he rose to prominence as an investor on Dragons’ Den and Shark Tank, proving that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. Or reflect on the contributions of scientists like Asaf Durakovic, whose expertise in nuclear and radiation medicine has advanced our understanding of health and safety.

Yet it is not just in the realms of business and science that Ontarians of Croatian heritage excel. Athleticism runs deep in the Croatian identity, producing world-class athletes who have proudly represented Ontario on the global stage. Take, for instance, the legendary boxer George Chuvalo, a five-time Canadian heavyweight champion renowned for his unparalleled resilience in the ring, facing off against some of the greatest fighters of his time without ever tasting defeat.

And let us not forget the Mahovlich brothers, Frank and Peter, whose storied careers in the NHL culminated in Stanley Cup victories, bringing glory to their hometown of Timmins and to Ontario as a whole. From figure skaters Sandra and Val Bezic to football standout Tony Mandarich, Ontarians of Croatian descent have left, in very remarkable ways, a mark on the sporting world, embodying the spirit of determination and excellence.

But beyond individual achievements, the Croatian community has played a pivotal role in shaping the identity of Ontario. Their values of hard work, resilience and community have helped build our province into a beacon of opportunity and inclusivity.

Celebrating Croatian Heritage Day is not just about paying homage to the past. It’s also about fostering unity and understanding in our multicultural society. By recognizing the contributions of Croatian Canadians, we promote inclusivity and abbreviation for the diverse tapestry of cultures that make up our province. By proclaiming May 30 as Croatian Heritage Day, the province of Ontario acknowledges not only the remarkable contributions of Ontarians of Croatian descent, but also the values they embody—values that continue to enrich our province and strengthen our collective identity.

In recognizing Croatian Heritage Day, we honour the past, celebrate the present and embrace the future—a future where diversity is not just celebrated, but cherished as the cornerstone of our strength and resilience as a province. Moreover, establishing Croatian Heritage Day serves as an opportunity to strengthen ties between Ontario and Croatia. It provides a platform of culture exchange, collaboration and dialogue between our two nations, fostering goodwill and mutual understanding.

In addition, celebrating Croatian Heritage Day can boost tourism and cultural awareness in Ontario. It offers residents and visitors alike the chances to learn about Croatian history, traditions and customs through festivals, exhibitions and educational programs. This is not only promoting cultural diversity, but it also simulates economic growth and great opportunities for local businesses and artisans.

As I prepared this special tribute to their contribution in Canada, I am deeply encouraged. As a Chinese immigrant—I came from Hong Kong—what they have achieved is really contributing to a lot. That sets a great example for all of us, and they are our role models.

Lastly, honouring Croatian Heritage Day demonstrates Ontario’s commitment to preserving and promoting cultural heritage for future generations. By officially recognizing and celebrating the contributions of Croatian Canadians, we send a powerful message of respect, inclusion and appreciation of all cultures within our society.

In conclusion, I urge you all to support the establishment of Croatian Heritage Day in Ontario. Let us come together to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Croatian community, promote diversity and inclusivity and strengthen the bonds of friendship between Canada and Croatia.

Let us stand together hand in hand as we pay homage to the rich cultural mosaic that is Ontario and reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.

I rise today with profound gratitude for our government in securing uninterrupted learning for Ontario’s students. For the first time in nearly a generation, our government has successfully negotiated agreements with four of Ontario’s teacher unions, ensuring stability for families and students alike.

As a parent of four children, I recall the challenges we faced during teachers’ strikes. Balancing responsibilities while scrambling to secure child care is not an easy feat. I do not want my children to go through similar hardships with their own children.

We are committed to equipping our young learners with the foundational skills necessary for academic success. The back-to-basics approach is well received by all parents in my riding of Richmond Hill. They say, “Finally, we have the crucial skills in reading, writing and math for our children. Yes, it lays a solid groundwork for our students’ future academic endeavours.”

On behalf of Richmond Hill, I express my heartfelt appreciation to Minister Lecce and our Premier for championing these initiatives. Together, we are ensuring that Ontario’s students receive the education they deserve—one that prepares them for the challenges of tomorrow while fostering a love for learning.

My question is for the Associate Minister of Transportation. Constituents in my riding of Richmond Hill are becoming increasingly concerned about the carbon tax and the impact it has on their household budgets. As the prices of food, gas and transportation continue to rise, the federal government is choosing to ignore the hardship Ontarians go through.

The NDP and the Liberals are like their friends in Ottawa. They are supporting this costly tax rather than standing with us. Unlike the members opposite, our government is fighting this tax to ensure that we’re delivering more affordability and more financial relief for the people of Ontario.

Can the associate minister please tell the House what action our government is taking to combat this dreadful carbon tax?

Thank you to the associate minister for his response. The carbon tax is leading to soaring fuel prices that make it difficult for everyone in our province. The federal Liberals and their provincial counterparts continue to turn a blind eye to Ontarians’ struggles.

Our government cannot let this costly carbon tax continue to affect our businesses, economy and Ontario workers. We must continue to make life more affordable and put more money back in people’s pockets, where it belongs.

Can the Associate Minister of Transportation please explain how our government is ensuring that Ontarians are receiving the support they need as we fight the carbon tax?