My question is to the Premier. Every single day, every single question in this House is met with the same response, and we see it again this morning: the carbon tax. So let’s actually talk about it. It’s a distraction from the real issues, like the greenbelt scandal, the health care crisis, the $9.8-billion deficit, the increase in the Premier’s office staff, many of whom are enjoying an income greater than a combined income of families in my riding of Haldimand–Norfolk.

In January, I launched a petition calling on this government to follow the lead of Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe—no response except for carbon tax referendum legislation that does absolutely nothing to help the people of Ontario today. It’s a publicity stunt. So who is actually playing politics with the carbon tax here at Queen’s Park? If the carbon tax is front and centre here at Queen’s Park, then obviously the members opposite could take real action.

Speaker, through you to the Premier: Will this government follow the lead of Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, who is providing real relief to the people of Saskatchewan today?

Interjections.

What this government doesn’t talk about is that it has its own carbon tax on industrial emitters, a result of the scrapping of Ontario’s cap-and-trade system. This government collects compliance payments from the biggest industrial producers of greenhouse gas and will rake in nearly half a billion dollars by 2030. What is happening with that money?

Members opposite might find it cute that they count how many times they say the word “carbon tax” during question period. What I don’t find cute is the families who come to me telling me they’re choosing between heating and eating. If this government will not provide meaningful relief for Ontario families and has no other plan against the carbon tax other than to consult, it’s time you stopped talking about it and focused on the issues you can control here in Ontario.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has truly taken Ottawa on—