I appreciate the member from Kiiwetinoong’s presentation and I would remind him—and I’ll ask the question at the end—that for underserviced areas in this province, this government is already providing $50,000 over five years for those underserviced areas for veterinarians that have out-of-pocket costs—number one.

Number two: We’ve created 20 more spaces for veterinary students, hopefully from Ontario, to learn their practice and follow a career of veterinary medicine.

But the important part of this bill, in my opinion, is that we’ve expanded the role of veterinary technicians. And in the north—which is so important, I know—I think that is going to help.

I’ll ask him the question: Explain to us how you think that part of the bill could help you and your region.

I appreciate the member opposite’s presentation. We agree on most things, not everything. But when it comes to our love and absolute support of the University of Guelph—being a graduate, we certainly share that in common.

As I said yesterday in my remarks, throughout the pandemic, it has been stated that we had over a million more pets or dogs in this country, obviously needing support for veterinary care, animal health. Where I think this legislation really helps is the expansion of vet technicians. Think of them as nurse practitioners in a veterinary sense. So can you speak to that in terms of how that will not only help companion animals, but on our large commercial farms as well?

It’s great to see my colleague from eastern Ontario, who is also a fellow beef farmer. I would ask him, as we share in eastern Ontario—perhaps, at times, veterinary service is a little further apart than we’d like. I’m fortunate that I have a vet close by—but sometimes not always available. Could he explain how he believes the additional improvement of scope for veterinary technicians is going to benefit not only his farm but all farmers in eastern Ontario?