 introductions that is now time for members, statements from the member from the P. N. Carlton. Thank you very much Mr. Speaker. Each day we have a few minutes dedicated to this assembly for each of our caucuses to talk about important people in their constituencies. I actually think it is a shining example of how we can bring the stories of incredible people from our constituencies into the public record of Ontario and that is what I want to do today with Mr. Raymond Desjardins from the Bar Haven Legion. Ray is going to turn 75 years old on Saturday and he has been a great friend to me and to many others across the community as he has championed the beginning, the inception of the Bar Haven Legion, one of Canada's most successful legions, that just began its institutional history in Nepean just 10 years ago. Ray is the pod ray of our Legion and he has presided over many difficult passings and circumstances in our community, always fighting for the veterans who served our community but going one step further by actually being a very important supporter of the Purly-Reedo Veterans Centre and ensuring that all of those from our community in Nepean Carlton are treated with dignity and respect. He has been part of food and toy drives, he has been part of the annual Christmas stocking filling at the Purly-Reedo and it is for all of these wonderful contributions that he was awarded the Order of Ottawa by the City of Ottawa and he is a Knight Commander of the Order of St. George. On behalf of all of his friends in Nepean Carlton but more importantly to all of those people that Ray has volunteered for and has given so much to, I want to say happy birthday to you on your very special day, thank you. Thank you for the number of things, the number of things that I am grateful for. Thank you Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to talk about the loss of the icon in my riding, Mr. Don Ead. Don was the guy in Chippewa who is involved in everything and knew everyone. He and his wife Carol volunteered with countless organizations including the Willoughby Historic Society, the Village of Chippewa Citizens Committee, the Niagara Falls Battle of Chippewa and so many more. Don and his wife Carol were recently inducted into the Niagara Falls Arts and Culture Hall of Fame. Whether he knew him from his days as a champion pigeon racer or friends he had coffee with every morning in the Chippewa Tim Hortons or a person who came to see his collection of historic items from the Village of Chippewa or someone who got a Chippewa green card from him, everyone loved Don. They loved him so much that he called him Mr. Chippewa and from the Village of Chippewa or someone who got a Chippewa green card from him, everyone loved Don. They loved him so much that he called him Mr. Chippewa, a name he proudly put on his license plate to go with the Chippewa Ontario Winter Car Sticker, Window Car Sticker. Today would have been Don's 79th birthday to be exact and on this day I'm sure that wherever he is he knows that his friends, his family and his community will miss him dearly. I met Don during my first campaign I ever ran and he stood by me every campaign after. I honestly say that without Don's support and his incredible friendship I wouldn't be standing here today to give this statement. For over 15 years Don has been my dedicated and loyal friend and I know I will never stop missing him. I want to send my condolences to Don's family's wife Carol who unfortunately couldn't be here today, his daughters Darlene, Rebecca and his grandchildren Marshall, Sarah and Jack and to everyone else who cannot begin to imagine what Chippewa and Nagger will be about. Don eat. So long Mr. Chippewa and thank you for being my friend. Thank you. The members, stay with the member from Scarborough Agent Court. Thank you Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak about the third annual model parliament a three-day educational program designed for grades 10 to 12 students who are interested in current events and provincial issues. This unique educational experience bring 107 students from across Ontario representing each of the province's writings in Toronto. The model parliament is an excellent form for our youth to gain a stronger insight and knowledge of the problems of parliamentary practices and traditions while participating in an authentic experience that will teach them the value and importance of a democratic process. Tomorrow Mr. Speaker the participant of the model parliament will be doing mock debate in this legislative chamber. And I look forward to attending this debate as I know it will be lively and engaging. Last night I had an opportunity to meet many of the student participants attending the 2016 model parliament including my students Anna Wang, a grade 11 student at Dr. Norman Patheon Collegiate. She's from the great writing of Scarborough Agent Court, a highly respected young activist recognized by her peers and worked very hard on social and global issues. Mr. Speaker I know the 2016 student model parliament will forge new friendships, acquire new appreciation about how decisions are being made here in this legislature and become active citizens. I want to thank all the staff at the legislature for organizing the third annual model parliament. Thank you Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Thank you Speaker. Last night I had the pleasure to attend the Life Sciences Ontario annual awards gallon. Life Sciences Ontario is a member driven organization that represents and promotes the province's vibrant and diverse life sciences sector. Here are highlights of some of the awards presented last night. A lifetime achievement award was given to Murray McLaughlin, the executive director of Bio Industrial Innovation Canada. This award recognized his leadership in commercializing biotechnologies and growing innovative based companies. The LSO volunteer award was presented to Jason Laughlin who is a long standing member of the LSO board and whose advocacy and enthusiasm for the life sciences emanates in his role on many committees and initiatives for LSO. And finally the Life Science Leadership Award was given to David Allen, a board member of Formation Biologics. I met David in my office back in December on the LSO lobby date saying that David is passionate about furthering the life sciences industry as merely an understatement. He zealously champions the need for public policy to foster and promote the same high tolerance for capital investment in life sciences which Canadian investors practice in other industries. David advocates for the adjustment of fiscal obstacles to life sciences capital and I must stress that I agree with David on this point. There is more to be done in the life sciences sector in Ontario and as the critic for research and innovation it is my goal to do that that I can advocate and promote the needs of organizations such as LSO. Thank you, Speaker. Thank you. Further member statement? Member from Hamilton East, Stony Creek. Thank you, Speaker. Speaker, it isn't too often that we find a subject on which both labour and management agree where union and non-union workers are on the same page. Yet with the release of the Dean review on the Ontario College of Trails there appears to be a strong collective voice for many in the construction industry. While the Dean review contains many positive elements there is concerned that the government is moving too quickly on some of the recommendations. Recommendations that could have profound impact on the construction industry in our province. I remind members that when the college was set up the objective was to allow the construction industry to regulate itself through an independent self-financing body. Now with some of the recommendations in the Dean review it appears that the government is changing the original basis for the college. Earlier this week I met with members of the Progressive Certified Trails Coalition where holding meetings to explain the impact of the Dean review on health and safety, apprenticeships and public safety. I hope all members have an opportunity to chat with them, learn more about these important issues, and ensure that the government holds detailed and inclusive consultations for implementing the recommendations of the Dean review. Thank you for the member from Eglinton, Lawrence. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I want to give tribute to Mr. Toronto, Al Green. Al Green basically built this city. He built over 100,000 suburban homes, apartments. He built commercial units. Where you see concentration near the subways on Davisville and Young, down on Bloor and Sherburn, all over the city, Al Green had a vision of people living near public transit. So where the subway went, Al built. Al started on Major Street just a bit west of here. Him and his father Lipa and his brother Harold. They started cleaning chimneys, sweeping chimneys. Then they started repairing chimneys. Then they started building houses. Then they started to build this city. Al Green. And Al Green not only built the city, but he built the arts in this city. He gave millions away in philanthropy to the arts, to sculpture. He also created the Al Green Resource Center for adults with learning challenges. Mr. Al Green also created the Al Green Theater, the Al Green Gallery, the Lipa Green Center for Jewish Community Services. Al Green was everywhere. And everywhere in this city you will see a city that Al Green built. So when you look at Toronto, you're really looking at Al Green's dream. I'm going to miss you, Al. You did so much to build this great city. And we will always remember the building that you did with your own bare hands. Long live Al Green. Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And I'm pleased to say today that what's uniting us amongst all parties today are reflections on remarkable citizens and I'm going to be following suit. Because earlier this year, Speaker, I was honored to welcome to the Teeswater Town Hall 13 remarkable volunteers from across here in Bruce have worked selflessly to make their communities more vibrant. The evening was one of recognition and celebration. And as one reporter for the Walkard and Harold Times said, this was without any understatement one of the most inspiring events I've ever attended. The remarkable people that were recognized that evening have been truly quiet champions for their communities, just getting the job done. And honestly an inspiration to their many neighbors, friends, and family members that were there in attendance that evening. Whether it had been working for a new community soccer pitch, serving children nutritious food at school, or ensuring people living with disabilities are immersed in our communities, these remarkable here in Bruce citizens have dedicated their time and energy to making their communities better for those around them. And that is why today I say thank you and congratulations to Jeff Roberts of Walkerton, Bob Cullington of Brussels, Kathy Pennington of King Cardin, Vicki Culbert of Godrich, Don Farrell of Ripley, Dr. Chandra Tepathy from King Cardin, Heather Fruick of Brockton, James Rice of Tiverton, Roger Lewington of Bayfield, Gene Culleton of Teeswater, Jenny Rowe of Exeter, Clarence Kiefer of Walkerton, and Diane Lieber of Godrich, formerly South Bruce. Thank you for all you've done for your communities. Thank you speaker. Thank you. Further member statements? The member from Durham. Thank you speaker. I am glad to rise today to welcome the first Syrian refugee family to Skugag. They arrived last week on their trip from Jordan to Montreal and then to Skugag with the help of the Port Perry Refugee Support Group. Of course they happened to arrive on the coldest day of the year so far. But I know that the residents of Skugag generously came forward with meetings and winter gear for them. I want to acknowledge the residents of Durham for their kindness and welcoming, in welcoming this family and preparing to welcome, and they're preparing to welcome several more. I know the residents of Durham value a diverse and inclusive community and are eager to offer their hospitality and to share our vibrant community with those who need our help the most. Thank you to the the Port Perry Refugee Support Group. Thank you. Further member statements from Burlington. Thank you Mr. Speaker. On January 17th I was pleased to join over 100 residents of Burlington and a five kilometer walk to support the resettlement of a Syrian refugee family in our community. This walk was organized by Olivia Walker Edwards a grade nine student from Burlington's Glyde Academy. What started out as a school assignment turned into an event that brought with the best in our neighbors and united our community. Working in partnership with the Burlington Downtown Refugee Alliance, a coalition spearheaded by St. Luke's Anglican Church and made up of faith based groups, community organizations, city hall staff, local businesses and Burlington residents. Olivia helped to raise over $5,000 to support a privately sponsored Syrian family. Olivia's efforts to make this walk happen are proof that one person no matter what their age can make a difference in the lives of others. From speaking to young people in our city including those on my youth advisory committee I know that these young people have a great deal of empathy for the children who are building a new life here in Canada and Olivia embodies this empathy. When I asked her why she chose to do this walk, here's what she said. I organized this walk because we have all been touched by the images we have seen of the children and families leading Syria. I wanted to do something to help and to make a difference in this walk. I have learned that the family we are expecting is very similar to my own. A family of six with two boys and two girls and it makes the walk even more meaningful to me. I look forward to meeting them, she continued and to sharing the success of the walk with them. I hope this will make them feel welcome and supported by their new home. I'd like to congratulate Olivia and thank her and all the students of Blythe Academy as well as the Burlington Refugee Alliance not only for this great event but for their continued efforts to help Syrian families in their community. Thank you Mr. Smith.