I also want to introduce as well, again, Chief Mike Nolan from the Renfrew county paramedics, here with the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs; and also Liana Sullivan and Allison Kenney, who are here today with MacKay Manor in Renfrew for National Housing Day. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

What do you do when you need health care but you don’t have a family physician? Well, in my riding of Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke, you call on the Renfrew County VTAC. That’s the Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre. Renfrew County VTAC was born out of the pandemic and since that time has continually demonstrated its value and that it deserves permanent funding. Last Friday, at the Renfrew county paramedic base, I was able to deliver the good news that permanent funding has been approved. Throughout the pandemic and beyond, I heard from Renfrew county residents and health care professionals about the importance of this program.

The county of Renfrew and its staff have to be given a great deal of credit as not only the designers but, through their paramedics, the deliverers of this tremendous service. I want to thank them for continuing to be innovative and persistent in bringing health care advancements not only to Renfrew county but designing them in such a way that can be adapted to any rural area in the province.

I certainly want to thank Premier Doug Ford and, in particular, health minister Sylvia Jones, who could not have been more receptive in learning about, understanding and becoming a strong supporter of VTAC.

The people of Renfrew county, particularly those without a family physician, are grateful for this announcement, and as their MPP, I share their gratitude.

In addition to the contingent in 228 and 230, I have in the members’ gallery today: Warden Debbie Robinson, from Renfrew county; Reeve Peter Emon, from Renfrew, also a county councillor; Reeve Dan Lynch, from Arnprior, a county councillor; and the chief of paramedics in Renfrew county, Mike Nolan. Welcome to Queen’s Park.

We are being joined today by a contingent from Renfrew county, including Warden Debbie Robinson, a number of municipal representatives, county staff and local entrepreneurs.

Renfrew county is the largest county in Ontario, incorporated in 1861. Speaker, many of my colleagues claim to come from the most beautiful part of Ontario, but I actually do. Today you will have the opportunity to hear first-hand just what a fantastic place Renfrew is. Without question, it is Canada’s white-water capital, as well as being home to some of the most picturesque vistas anywhere in the province.

Renfrew county is populated by people who work hard, play hard and pray hard. The county was built on and still relies heavily on our forestry industry. Agriculture is also a key industry back home. And as the world changes and continues to get smaller, tourism is becoming more and more important as an economic driver as well.

Today you will also have the opportunity to meet with some of the most creative and innovative people anywhere, particularly when it comes to the delivery of health care in rural communities. Renfrew county was the birthplace of community paramedicine, a service that has been adopted in many rural areas since. It also created the Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre during the pandemic. VTAC, as it is better known, provides an important medical service, particularly to those without a family doctor, and we are grateful that our government has continued to support it. It could be adapted for use anywhere in Ontario as a permanent component of our health care system.

I want to thank our good friends from the county for bringing their message here today. I encourage everyone to visit them in rooms 238 and 230 and get yourself a taste of good old Renfrew county hospitality.