Ontario has some of the best attractions available anywhere in the world. Here, you can go on a world-class wine tour, attend exceptional festivals or go fishing and snowmobiling. Tourism is also a key economic driver in Ontario, supporting approximately 395,000 jobs and generating over $38 billion in spending.

In Markham–Unionville, we are renowned for many attractions, including Main Street Unionville, conservation parks and our diverse range of cuisine. We are also known for hosting some of the best festivals, including our well-known Markham Jazz Festival. I had the pleasure of attending the kickoff event, partaking in the energetic atmosphere, and congratulating Markham Jazz Festival for receiving funding from our government’s Reconnect Ontario program and Ontario Arts Council grants program. Through these grants, it supported a great local initiative that supported local musicians and rekindled music lovers with jazz.

Speaker, another local festival I want to highlight is the Toronto Hong Kong film festival. As Ontario’s first Hong Kong film festival, this event highlighted and celebrated Hong Kong’s culture and successes of its internationally famous film industry. From food booths to remarkable movies directed by director Clifton Ko, this festival provided entertainment to all attendees and highlighted Ontario’s strong multiculturalism.

Ontario is a world of experiences. As Ontarians experience the seasons ahead and rediscover Ontario, I want to encourage all to continue to explore safely and responsibly.