Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to recognize Paula Lukey, founder of Havyn, a woman-owned business in my riding of Spadina—Harbourfront. When the economy weakens, it is often small businesses that feel it the most. They carry the pressure of high costs and decisions that are far beyond their control. Despite this, it is the small businesses in our communities that are leading the way.
In August, Paula and the team at Havyn began selling Lake Ontario T-shirts, an expression of Canadian pride at a moment when supporting Canada matters so much. For my constituents, Lake Ontario is our waterfront and our backyard. It is where we live, gather, work and raise our families. Our parks, islands and beaches are part of what makes this community home. Toronto's waterfront belongs to all of us, and we have a responsibility to protect it for generations to come.
I want to thank Paula for her work in creating Canadian products, supporting local jobs and reminding us that it will always be Lake Ontario.