It is my pleasure to rise in the House today to once again speak on behalf of the beautiful community of Etobicoke–Lakeshore. Recently, I joined the Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre in my riding to celebrate Losar, the Year of the Wood Dragon. The Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre has played a key role in nourishing the community’s rich heritage through initiatives promoting Tibetan language and performing arts. It brought great joy to spotlight their contribution during Losar celebrations and reaffirmed my commitment to supporting efforts to improve the lives of over 5,000 Tibetan Canadians who call Ontario home, many within the riding of Etobicoke–Lakeshore.

During not-for-profit appreciation week it was an honour to recognize the work of Franklin Horner Community Centre, WoodGreen and the Jean Tweed Centre, and I cannot thank them, the workers and the volunteers enough for what they do every day to make our community stronger.

I recently also had the opportunity to tour Holy Angels Catholic School with Minister Lecce, and I’m so happy to report the new school, which will accommodate 600 students, with 88 child care spaces, is near completion, with an anticipated opening of September of this year. Congratulations.

I have also some more great news, that, finally, the Queensway urgent care centre is open. I know many of my residents have been asking for this. This expanded and renewed facility is open for service, providing expert care and comfort to many in the riding.

It’s a great time to live in south Etobicoke and the province of Ontario.

It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to rise in this Legislature as the re-elected MPP for Etobicoke–Lakeshore. I want to extend a big thank you to the people in Etobicoke–Lakeshore for your trust in me, and the team of countless volunteers for your hard work and dedication. I would not be here without you. I also want to extend a thank you to my constituency staff for your years of service for the people of south Etobicoke, because we all know we can’t do these jobs alone.

Over the past four years, we have accomplished so much for the people of Etobicoke–Lakeshore: securing over $1 billion for the redevelopment of the Queensway Health Centre, adding over 150 new beds, and another $1 billion for St. Joseph’s Health Centre, adding over 100 new beds; securing over $100 million to refurbish and build new schools, like St. Elizabeth, St. Leo’s, Bishop Allen and St. Marguerite d’Youville, and those who drive up Islington can see the shovels in the ground for the new Holy Angels school.

We announced a new long-term-care home that will provide 256 new beds; new transit projects, such as the Kipling Transit Hub, the Mimico GO station, and for the growing population of Humber Bay Shores, finally the long-awaited Park Lawn GO.

Over the summer, I have been busy attending many events in person and I see the Etobicoke spirit everywhere I go. It was great to attend the grilled cheese festival hosted by the Lakeshore BIA, and I’m pleased to announce that our government is investing $60,000 through the Ontario Reconnect Festival and Event Program so we can look forward to a bigger challenge next year.

I look forward to a productive term and will continue to get it done for the people of Etobicoke–Lakeshore.