I want to congratulate my colleague the member for London North Centre on his remarks. The member and I were both very proud to be part of the city of London when AMO was hosted there in the summer, and one of the things we heard repeatedly from municipal representatives was the financial hit that they were facing because of Bill 23 and the loss of development charges. In the city of London, it’s going to cost $97 million.

Now, this bill will further decrease the amount of revenues that municipalities will be able to collect based on development charges because we want to spur the building of affordable housing. But what does the member think about cash-strapped municipalities like London, which is already dealing with an almost $100-million revenue hole, having to further absorb the cost of these development charge exemptions?

Speaker, two years ago today, my community was shaken to our core by a despicable act of Islamophobic violence when four members of London’s beloved Afzaal family were killed in a hate-motivated attack. Yesterday, the grieving family issued a statement about the profound loss they experienced on June 6, 2021, and the emptiness that can never be filled as they remembered Salman, Madiha, Talat and Yumnah for the kind, caring and beautiful people they were. Over the last two weeks, numerous events have been held in London to mark this sombre anniversary, leading up to tonight’s vigil organized by the Youth Coalition Combating Islamophobia, a group formed by Yumnah’s friends and cousins. These events, and the extraordinary coming together of our community in the wake of the attack, are helping Londoners heal from the pain of that terrible day. In the words immemorial, out of darkness comes light.

Islamophobia and racism are real and deadly. We must channel our grief and anger to ensure that no family, no community, ever has to face the horror we experienced in London.

To truly honour the Afzaal family, let us replace pain with purpose. Let us unite across party lines to ensure that no Ontarian has to fear being targeted for their faith, the colour of their skin or who they are. Let us strengthen our commitment to act through meaningful legislative change.

Speaker, love is greater than hate, and hate can be overcome.

My question is to the Premier.

Speaker, in the aftermath of the horrific act of Islamophobic violence that took the lives of four members of London’s Afzaal family in June 2021, the Muslim community in London and across the province came together to develop comprehensive anti-Islamophobia legislation: the Our London Family Act. That bill was tabled last February, but instead of allowing it to be debated, the government referred it to committee, promising to study it and bring it back.

More than a year later, Islamophobic hate is on the rise. Why is there still no government legislation?

Speaker, June 6, 2023, will mark two years since the Afzaal family so tragically lost their lives, and Muslims in Ontario continue to be targeted and retraumatized.

Last week, following a hateful attack at a Markham mosque, Nadia Hasan from the National Council of Canadian Muslims said, “The time for action against Islamophobia is now.... We call on the Ontario government to expedite the passing of the Our London Family Act in Ontario.”

This government has had more than a year to study that bill. The official opposition is prepared to pass it.

Will this Premier commit to introducing and passing the Our London Family Act before June 6, 2023?