I’d like to welcome to the House today a great barrister in the province of Ontario who has appeared in every level of court up to the Supreme Court of Canada, and a great friend, Paul McDonald.

I’d also like to welcome Tony Stolk, a great resident of Durham region and a great community activist.

My question for the member—I thank him very much for his excellent comments and participation in this debate—is specifically on the Courts of Justice Act amendment proposals in the bill.

We know that we have the Small Claims Court for civil claims up to $35,000 and then simplified procedure in the Superior Court of Justice up to $200,000. But what we’ve seen in the past is the Superior Court and judges in the Superior Court overburdened by claims that really should have been commenced or should be traversed to the Small Claims Court. This bill does address that. To the extent that it does, can the member explain how that will free up judicial resources and help clear backlogs in the Superior Court?