I thank the member for his remarks this afternoon. I’m just reflecting a little bit on the objectives for this legislation. If passed, it would require colleges and universities to have policies relating to student mental health and wellness. These supports would be available to meet the needs of unique student populations. It would also require colleges and universities to have policies in place to combat racism and hate, and greater consistency in how these incidents are dealt with. And it would also authorize the minister to issue directives requiring colleges and universities to provide information about ancillary fees and other student costs—I heard the member talking about costs—including textbooks and other learning materials.

So, really, my question is, aren’t these objectives important to education in Ontario and ones that the member could support?

Mr. Speaker, the people of Ontario work hard, and we understand that taxpayers are under pressure. That’s why we took action last year in many areas, when costs were rising—to keep costs down with the temporary gas tax cut that we confirmed in the fall economic statement made permanent, and yet the opposition voted against those both times. That’s why this government is taking a targeted approach, and we’re supporting people while building a strong Ontario for the future.

We’re investing in Ontario’s workers with an additional $224 million to the Skills Development Fund to get workers into those well-paying jobs.

We’ve increased health funding $15.3 billion over three years, and we’re building 50 new hospital projects—expansions and renovations. We’re doing that right now.

We have the right plan. We’re taking a responsible, prudent approach to address the economic challenges and support the people of Ontario.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the member for the question. The people of Ontario work hard, and our government understands that taxpayers are under pressure, whether it’s Russia’s war in Ukraine, tension in Asia, and inflation that we’ve not seen for four decades. We recognize the impact that inflation’s having on families, and our government is here for them. Our government is committing to putting and keeping more money in the pockets of the people of Ontario. We have a plan to keep costs down.

We’re moving forward with one of the most ambitious plans in Ontario’s history, including plans to build highways, hospitals, broadband and public transit. It’s outlined in the 2022 budget, Ontario’s Plan to Build. We’ve dedicated $158.8 billion—I’ll repeat, $158.8 billion—over the next decade, including $20 billion in 2022-23, to support our projects such as transit, highways, schools and hospitals.

Mr. Speaker and honourable member, this government is there for the people of Ontario.