Inaugural Speech
May 20, 2025
Queen’s Park and New Beginnings
Madam Speaker, I rise today humbled to stand in the historic Chamber at Queen’s Park, surrounded by the marble walls and carved oak that embody Ontario’s long-standing democratic legacy. Each day I walk through these hallowed halls – past statues and carvings that whisper stories of service – I feel the weight of this place’s history and the privilege of being part of it. For example, I have learned of the owl and the eagle carved into the ceiling above us – reminders to be both vigilant and wise in our duties. In this magnificent space, where generations of Ontarians have debated and decided our future, I am filled with both awe and gratitude to begin my journey as MPP for York South–Weston.
Madam Speaker, I offer my sincere congratulations to you on your election as Speaker. Your leadership and fairness set the tone for our deliberations, and I look forward to your wise guidance.
I also want to express my deepest thanks to the people of York South–Weston for entrusting me with the honour of representing them. I am grateful to the thousands of constituents who have supported me and put their faith in me, and I pledge to uphold their trust and act as the voice for every neighbourhood in our riding. I must also thank my family – especially my parents – whose encouragement, prayers and sacrifices allow me to be here today. To the volunteers and campaign team who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, knocking door-to-door across thousands of houses in York South-Weston– your dedication helped turn our vision and my dream into reality and for that I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart. To Premier Doug Ford, thank you for your support and confidence. I am grateful to serve in Premier Ford’s government and to carry forward our shared commitment to York South–Weston and all of Ontario.
I would also like to acknowledge my predecessor, Mr. Michael Ford, and to commend him for his service to our community. He represented our community with great commitment and compassion, and I assure our constituents that I will build on the foundation he helped lay, continuing the projects and initiatives he championed, always putting the people’s interests first.
York South–Weston at a Glance
York South–Weston is a vibrant and diverse community. With a population of roughly 116,755 people, our riding is a tapestry of cultures, faiths and languages, reflecting both hardworking families and the challenges many face. We celebrate strong Portuguese, Italian, Filipino and Jamaican communities, and growing Latin American, South Asian and Somali communities among others. In Weston, Mount Dennis, Keelesdale and other neighbourhoods, people of all backgrounds live side by side, contributing to our shared success. We are also a riding of young families and seniors – parents who came here with hope, and children born here who carry our future. These facts – and our rich multicultural mosaic – shape who we are and guide the work I will do.
Responding to the Throne Speech and New Challenges
Turning to the province, we heard Ontario’s Speech from the Throne for the 44th Parliamentary session. As we defend our economy against U.S.-imposed tariffs in these uncertain times, the Throne Speech rightly emphasized that Ontario must become more resilient and independent. In the words of the Throne Speech, “we can no longer assume the benefits of our economic partnership with the United States,” and our government must build “an economy that is more competitive, more resilient and more self-reliant.” I wholeheartedly agree with this direction. Protecting Ontario’s industries – from agriculture and manufacturing to green energy – is essential to securing job opportunities for our families. York South–Weston has a strong manufacturing and service sector, and I will work to ensure these businesses can thrive even in uncertain times. Expanding trade within Canada, upgrading our infrastructure, and investing in local entrepreneurs are all part of this plan to keep our economy strong. In short, I will support policies that shield Ontarians from unfair external pressures and create new homegrown opportunities.
I am honoured to be part of a larger movement that touches the lives of millions across Ontario, rooted in service, change, and impact. I came into this role as MPP to make a real difference, and I am proud to contribute to an institution dedicated to enriching lives, expanding opportunity, and building a better future for all Ontarians.
Although we may sit on different sides of this chamber, we still jointly represent Ontario and share the same desire to see our communities thrive. I look forward to working with all members—regardless of party, to drive meaningful change for the people of Ontario.
I carry with me a fresh perspective and the voices of a newer generation, one that is eager for change, progress, and a more inclusive future. I will work every day to not only meet these demands but to also ensure they see Queen’s Park as a pillar of support that is constantly listening, leading and growing.
Legislative Priorities: Housing, Jobs, Youth, Seniors and Community Safety
My priority in this Legislature will be delivering real results for York South–Weston. In particular, I will focus on three key areas: housing, employment, Seniors and Opportunities for the Youth.
First, housing: Too many families in our community are struggling to find secure and affordable homes. I will work to increase housing supply, protect renters, and support first-time homebuyers—because everyone deserves a safe and stable place to live
Second, jobs and economic opportunity: York South–Weston has incredible potential, and I will champion investments that create meaningful, well-paying jobs. I will support small businesses, promote local entrepreneurship, and ensure workers have access to the training and tools they need to thrive.
Third, youth opportunities: Our young people are our future. I will advocate for stronger youth mentorship, skills development programs, and access to summer jobs and apprenticeships—so that every young person in our riding can dream big and achieve more.
Fourth, support for seniors: Our seniors are the pillars of our community. I will work to strengthen home care services and make aging at home safer, more affordable, and more connected. Seniors deserve more than basic care—they deserve respect, independence, and the ability to stay close to the communities they helped shape. That means better home care, community supports, and stronger social programs that reduce isolation and improve quality of life.
And fifth, community safety: Everyone has the right to feel safe where they live, work, and raise their families. I will collaborate with local leaders, law enforcement, and youth workers to address the root causes of crime and to build safer and stronger neighbourhoods across York South–Weston.
These priorities reflect the promises we made on the doorstep and the principles our party stands for: opportunity, prosperity and fairness for all communities. I will hold myself accountable to these promises every day in Queen’s Park.
My Community Journey
Let me now share some context as to why these priorities matter so deeply to me. I grew up in this very riding, have walked its streets for decades, and built life-long friendships here. As a young person, I have experienced firsthand some of the same challenges members of our community face on a recurring basis. Those experiences have shaped who I am as a person and have motivated me to get involved in community work, where I can be put in a position that can effect change.
My path to this Legislature has been guided by community service and public advocacy. In my decades of community work, I have worked tirelessly with various grassroots organizations to connect Ontarians – in York South–Weston and across the province with access to good jobs, higher education, and critical services.
In the past I served as Chair of the Premier’s Council on Equality of Opportunity (past 2 years) and as Special Advisor to the Premier (Advocate for Community Opportunities – for 4 years). In those roles, I traveled our province, listening to youth, parents, faith leaders and community organizations.
Madam Speaker, representing York South–Weston is more than a role—it is a responsibility deeply rooted in lived experience. As someone who has lived and worked in northwest Toronto for many years, I have witnessed firsthand the resilience of our communities and the challenges they continue to face.
Madam Speaker, through my leadership on the Premier’s Council on Equality of Opportunity, I had the honour of working with over 20 diverse Council members and engaging with hundreds of stakeholders across the province.
I have always believed that when a government listens to people’s stories, we can build better, more effective policies. For example, our Council convened broad engagements for Ontario’s Black Youth Action Plan, meeting with over 200 community stakeholders.
These consultations led the government to double the funding – investing an additional $60 million to expand opportunities for Black youth.
We also facilitated discussions on how to help young people access education and jobs, and we advised the Ministry of Education on Ontario’s Learning Recovery Action Plan in 2022 to address the pandemic’s impact on our students.
In the Winter of 2023, I worked with Ontario’s Anti-Racism Directorate to host consultations – bringing together about 30 community and corporate stakeholders – to support the legislated review of Ontario’s Anti-Racism Strategic Plan. The insights and recommendations from those sessions were shared with the Anti-Racism Directorate to strengthen its strategy.
One area where I have been privileged to contribute is in advancing access to fertility support across Ontario. In consultations with families and health partners, it became clear that too many Ontarians were struggling with the emotional and financial barriers to starting a family.
Fertility Support
Fertility support is an issue close to my heart—not only as a legislator but also as a father to two young daughters. Over the past two years, I’ve supported efforts to expand fertility coverage in Ontario, connecting with organizations like Conceivable Dreams, as well as the Ministries of Health and Finance, to help raise $150 million in funding.
This will triple the number of families able to access treatment through the Ontario Fertility Program. I am proud to have played a part in making that dream possible for many would-be parents. I know people personally who have struggled to start families and undergone multiple rounds of fertility treatments, which is why I understand just how life-changing this support can be.
Protecting Worker’s Rights
Madam Speaker, our economy thrives when every worker is treated with fairness and dignity. Through my work, I’ve had the opportunity to support efforts addressing issues such as wage theft, unfair deductions, and barriers to employment for internationally trained professionals.
I have also stood up for Ontario’s workers and their rights. As a parliamentary assistant in the labour and immigration portfolios, I will continue to fight wage theft in all its forms – whether employers illegally withhold tips or deny fair pay to young workers.
I’ve also been a steadfast advocate for recognizing international work experience, an issue that remains a persistent barrier for thousands of workers: Too many skilled immigrants arrive in Ontario with years of experience and knowledge, only to find their background—sometimes decades of extensive experience and expertise ignored simply because it wasn’t acquired in Canada. I will continue to advocate for the faster recognition of foreign credentials so that skilled newcomers can put their training to use and start good careers as soon as they arrive, because when we empower newcomers to fully participate in our economy, we all benefit.
Madam Speaker, in each of these roles, my approach has been shaped by both principle and pragmatism: listening closely, working collaboratively, and advancing solutions that respond to real needs.
Whether through social policy, labour reforms, or youth empowerment, the goal has always been to ensure that Ontario remains a place of opportunity—for every resident, in every region. These commitments will continue to guide me as I serve the people of York South–Weston in this House.
Looking ahead, I will bring the same energy and determination to address the everyday challenges of York South–Weston. My priority will be delivering real results on the key issues that matter to our families.
I will fight to make housing attainable again. Too many are being pushed out by soaring rents and vanishing affordability. I will push for bold investments in new housing and streamline approval processes by working with municipalities to cut red tape and speed up zoning changes for new developments.
Jobs and economic opportunity are critical: York South–Weston has tremendous potential, and I will champion local investment and skills training, so our young people and newcomers find meaningful, well-paying work. We will support small businesses and entrepreneurs, ensuring they have the tools and resources to hire and grow – creating prosperity right here at home.
When we invest in our youth, we invest in the future of our community. I will push for accessible programs that give young people the skills, support, and confidence they need to succeed– from the classroom to the workforce.
We must keep our youth engaged and learning, not just in school but in life, so that they may become the leaders of tomorrow.
This chamber is not just a place for policy—it is a place for progress. Let’s work together to ensure that York South–Weston, and communities like it, are not only represented—but empowered.
Inspiration and Hope for the Future
I stand here today on the shoulders of those who came before me. My parents and family instilled in me the values of hard work, education, and giving back to the community. Many mentors and teachers – from community organizers to local leaders – believed in me and pushed me to dream big. Most of all, I am inspired by the people of York South–Weston: the neighbors who volunteer at food banks, the seniors who mentor youth, the newcomers who start a small business, and the kids who study hard in school in hopes of a better life. Hearing their stories and witnessing their commitment every day reminds me why I am here and what I set out to accomplish.
Conclusion
Madam Speaker, I want to say that our work starts with hope and unity. In a riding as diverse as ours, we know that our strength lies in solidarity. Whether you came here recently or have lived here for generations, whether you speak English, Portuguese, Italian, Somali or dozens of other languages, your future matters to me. I promise to listen to all voices in York South–Weston and to implement policies that will help us all thrive. Let us embrace the promise of this new session of Parliament and let us build a more prosperous future.
Thank you, Madam Speaker, and thank you to everyone who has given me this opportunity. Together, we will turn our shared dreams into reality for York South–Weston and for our province.
Thank You Note
Behind every victory is a village. To my parents, my team, and the thousands who believed in this campaign—thank you for walking with me every step of the way. I wouldn’t be here without you all.