I rise today to pay tribute to the former MPP for Lincoln, Ron Hansen, a servant of the people of Ontario from 1990 to 1995 in the 35th Parliament of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

Ronald Cooper Hansen was born in Welland, Ontario, on May 27, 1943. He studied production planning at Erie County Technical Institute and stationary engineering at Niagara College, of which he was always a strong supporter.

He was a loving and devoted father to Marc, Chris and Eric; a grandfather to Amanda, Benjamin and Mary Jane; and a great-grandfather to Lucas; a long-time employee of General Motors in St. Catharines and a strong voice for workers; a servant of the people of Niagara; and a man of conviction, integrity and passion.

Ron enjoyed fishing, bowling, travelling, technology and photography. Prior to his election, he was a member of Greenpeace, Camrose International and helped found three local environmental action groups: Niagara Residents for Safe Toxic Waste Disposal, the Ontario Toxic Waste Research Coalition and Citizens for Modern Waste Management. He also helped with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Kingsway Bowling, Women’s Place, the community resources and action centre, the soup kitchen, community legal services, the co-op nursery, Niagara Peninsula Homes and the Niagara Regional Youth Home. He did all this while serving as an auxiliary OPP officer—a busy man.

Ron was elected to the Ontario Legislature in the general election of September 6, 1990, representing the former riding of Lincoln as the government member for the New Democratic Party.

I spoke with another former MPP for the riding of Lincoln, Phil Andrewes, who recalled the election night that Ron won. Now, Phil spoke very highly of Ron, though, as a Progressive Conservative, he would say that Ron was philosophically misguided. Apparently, the NDP campaign office was in a house at the end of Ontario Street in Beamsville, directly across from the PCs’ campaign office. The NDP had had little to no signs in the riding leading up to election night, and as the results came in at the PC headquarters, they saw that Ron had won. An hour after the results had been declared, the PC campaign manager and team decided to go across the road to congratulate Ron and his team, but when they showed up to congratulate him, apparently Ron didn’t know that he had won.

As the former Premier of Ontario and ambassador to the United Nations Bob Rae recalls, “Ron Hansen was a hard-working, caring and diligent servant of the people. All of us who served with him remember him with great affection.” This echoes the words of local constituents I spoke with from across the political spectrum. They all emphasized that he always listened, worked hard and wanted what was best for the area.

Ron was an MPP who was not afraid to represent local values and the concerns of his constituents, even if it meant breaking with government ranks. Ray Konkle, who served as the mayor of the town of Lincoln at the same time that Ron served as MPP for the riding of Lincoln, said that Ron could be like “a dog on a bone”—in a good way—when he got it into in his head that something had to change.

As an MPP of conviction, Ron faithfully and consistently shared the concerns of his constituents at Queen’s Park rather than compromising with the status quo. Ron voted his conscience on controversial issues. He presented petitions, promoting faith-based values and concerns, advocated for locally sourced government contracts and businesses and fiercely defended local farmers and community advocates against the interest of the political establishment. When Ron made a promise, he kept his word, and he was known for always getting back to his constituents, whether or not they agreed with him.

As a passionate MPP, Ron was also a fierce advocate of local issues and concerns in Niagara. From his private member’s bill seeking to amend the Ontario Water Resources Act to promote responsible water usage, to advocating for local grape growers and pork producers—including my father—perhaps no other political issue demonstrated Ron’s passion than his fight to protect source water and tender-fruit lands in west Niagara in a battle against a proposed waste disposal facility that was successfully defeated—in fact, when I was speaking yesterday with former mayor Ray Konkle, he said that many of the rallies were actually held at his constituency office because he was right along Victoria Avenue, which was one of the truck routes for the toxic waste that would have been planned, so they were able to hold them in front of his constituency office.

He repeatedly championed the concerns of local residents in Niagara who opposed the proposal from the Ontario Waste Management Corp. to build a toxic waste facility in Lincoln.

In a question addressed to Ruth Anna Grier, the Minister of the Environment, during a heated session of question period on December 2, 1991, Ron noted that he had spent over $10,000 of his own money to fight the proposal as an active member of the Toxic Waste Research Coalition. Jim Bradley, the former MPP for St. Catharines, cited Ron’s integrity the same day in question period when he noted that the member for Lincoln was willing to lose his title as Chair of the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs to “exercise his right to vote against a government bill which in fact was bad for his constituents from his point of view.”

Ron’s fight to preserve source water and tender-fruit lands in the west Niagara area has helped to preserve the legacy of current greenbelt protections for prime agricultural and environmentally sensitive areas in Niagara to this day.

On November 28, shortly after stepping down as Chair of the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs over this matter of principle, Ron stood in this chamber and he said, “I have to take a look. Here at Queen’s Park I have not found one person who sits on this side of the House or that side of the House who voted for me in the last election.... I have told the people in my riding that I will take the message of what they want to Queen’s Park, not what Queen’s Park demands of my constituents.”

Speaker, I believe that the words of the MPP for Lincoln continue to speak to this assembly today and to serve as a humble reminder why each one of us is here: To perform the duties of a member honestly and justly, and to faithfully represent the people of our ridings in the best interests of all Ontarians.

Ron was a champion of the working people of Lincoln, and I know I speak for all the people of Lincoln, and Ontario, when I say that we all give thanks for the life and legacy of Ron Hansen.

I consider it both an honour and a privilege to be standing here today representing the people of Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston as their member of provincial Parliament. The encouragement and support I have received through both the nomination and election process has been second to none, and I’m very appreciative.

This inaugural speech allows me the opportunity to introduce myself, to thank my constituents, volunteers and family for their support, and to describe as best I can what has driven me to the decision to enter the world of politics.

First and foremost, I want to thank my wife, Brenda-Leah, for her ongoing support. Not only did she encourage me to run, but she went to work. A retired teacher and principal, she took charge of coordinating the volunteers, and I thought, “Oh, no, the principal is back.” She even had these crazy T-shirts made up with my picture on them during the nomination. It embarrassed my son—a collector’s item, I’m sure.

My mother-in-law, Amanda, at age 86, was a real trooper in the campaign office, along with friends and family and association members.

I want to give a special shout-out to our friends Debbie and Terry Shay, whose enthusiasm and “have fun” attitude was contagious.

I want to mention my sister Anne Marie, who drove from Greely almost every day.

My campaign manager, Shawn Morrison, who some of you know, stuck with me from the beginning, and is still sharing his experience and advice as I bring on new staff and get settled in.

My nephew Chris McGuire has been taking on the financial part of the process.

My wife, Brenda-Leah, and I have raised three children in the Smiths Falls area. Justen, who is now 28, runs his own successful and expanding construction company and has had to pick up all the heavy lifting at our farm where we raise black Angus beef—one of the hardest-working people I know. Thomas is 26 and is a computer engineer graduate, and he works for the federal government. His IT help during the campaign was never-ending. No matter what time we called, he could always solve our IT problems. Amanda, his twin sister, is a singer-songwriter and actress in Nashville, and she never ceases to amaze us. Last Friday morning, I got home and gathered up the mail at the mailbox, and in the local paper there was a beautiful picture of Amanda announcing her new single release called Somebody’s Maybe. She writes songs about love and female empowerment, and we could not be more proud of her. I’d like to mention that you may have seen her performing on The Bachelor last January. All three children supported me with their own special set of skills during the campaign, and we’re very proud of all three of our children.

Full disclosure: I never had political career aspirations. My father would say, “Why don’t you throw your hat in the ring?” And I would say, “No, thanks.” But life is a journey, and that journey has led me here. The time just felt right.

My education played a big part in this decision, but I’m not talking about my formal education in economics and business; I’m referring to my real education, life’s education—primarily my time working in the community health centre model of care at the North Lanark Community Health Centre, now called ConnectWell Community Health.

My previous position as CEO of ConnectWell Community Health was a position I enjoyed, and it gave me great satisfaction over the years. I learned the value of interdisciplinary care—physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, respiratory therapists and many other allied health professionals working together. Health promotion and illness prevention programs and services are a big part of the CHC model. I learned the value of collaboration, working with partner organizations and different levels of government.

With the spirit of collaboration and co-operation, the North Lanark CHC grew from a staff of under 20 to a staff of over 240 employees, with services stretching from the Ottawa River in Renfrew county to the St. Lawrence River in Leeds and Grenville.

I am proud of ConnectWell’s accomplishments and the dedicated people who work there.

That experience also makes me very optimistic for Ontario Health. I served on the collaborative council for the Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Ontario Health Team, and I believe that this model of greater collaboration will result in many system improvements and better health outcomes, and a better experience for our patients and health care providers. Our nurses need this. We all need this.

Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston is very rural. Rural people have extra challenges because of the very nature of being rural. Their work is also very important to us for our food production, lumber supply, and others. “Resilient” and “independent” are two words that I use to describe people from rural Ontario. They deserve our respect and attention in terms of providing services to them. Health equity is an important element of how we develop and invest in our health care system.

I want to tell you a story. One day I was in the health centre reception area. There were a couple of very senior ladies there, who were sisters. I got talking to them. I knew them well; they were regular clients at the health centre. I walked them out to their car. As I was closing the door, I said, “It’s great that you’re still driving and getting out to where you need to go.” One of the sisters smiled at me. She said, “Yes, dear. But, you know, my licence is just good for Lanark.” Resiliency, independence—they got themselves where they needed to go.

Another thing you will hear in Lanark and Frontenac Highlands is the saying, “It takes a tank to get a tank.” I heard this a lot when the gas station at McDonald’s Corners closed. I’ve also heard, recently, appreciation for the elimination of the licence sticker fees and for the gas tax reduction. In rural areas, there are no transportation options. Transportation always comes at the top of the list in community-needs surveys or focus groups.

Broadband is another rural challenge. Connectivity is so important, and I’m happy to report that new investments are making a difference, but we still have more work to do. We are making progress and getting it done.

Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston is a beautiful area, made up of a lot of small towns and villages, hundreds of lakes, and a diverse topography, from rolling farmland to forests to the Canadian Shield.

Throughout Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston, you will find the spirit of communities coming together to celebrate arts, craftsmanship, agriculture and the good food that grows from the fruits of our labour. From the inspiring and boundless imagination unfolding every year at the incredible, world-renowned Puppets Up! festival to the historic agricultural fairs in Maberly and Perth, and the Highland games in Almonte, as a few examples of excellence in our heritage—and welcoming every age to make memories steeped in history and tradition.

In Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston, we have a strong connection to our railways and waterways and the courageous and talented people who forged a path to the future—creating the unparalleled Rideau Canal lock system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and leaving behind a legacy still celebrated at the site of the eastern Ontario railway museum in Smiths Falls, where youngsters can tuck in with history on an overnight stay in a caboose, and the midsummer CabooseFest held every year in Sharbot Lake.

There are also many recreational opportunities—trails, skiing.

I’ve enjoyed the Rideau Canal my entire life and have taken many trips by boat from Ottawa to Kingston, or a side trip up the Tay River to historic Perth, with its many shops and restaurants.

So if you are planning on attending the International Plowing Match on September 20 to September 24, you may want to travel through Lanark and Frontenac counties and take in some of the sights.

There are many local heroes from my riding.

I need to mention Brooke Henderson. Brooke was born and raised in Smiths Falls and made the Smiths Falls golf course her second home. She has won more major golf tournaments than any other Canadian, including two LPGA events. Along with her sister Brittany, they are real ambassadors for Smiths Falls.

Bailey Andison is another Smiths Falls native, bringing home medals for swimming from the Pan American Games.

There are many others, and as we go back in history, they include R. Tait McKenzie, who was born in Ramsay township and who was known for his contributions to education and the arts.

James Naismith, born in Almonte, invented the great game of basketball.

A local hero, through COVID, was Dr. Paula Stewart, the medical officer of health for the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit. Paula provided great leadership, working with the Ontario Health team and bringing all of the health service providers together, achieving the highest vaccination rates in Ontario.

I would also like to mention that the true value of our community paramedics was realized as they provided many vaccination clinics, including mobile and pop-up. They also visited long-term-care homes and residential homes to vaccinate people who could not get out. Like so many health care professionals, they worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic.

I want to recognize all of you, as members of provincial Parliament. Over the past few months, I have a new appreciation for the work, commitment and responsibility that we’ve all taken on, and that members before us took on.

I would like to acknowledge Doug Wiseman, who served as MPP of our riding from 1971 to 1990. Mr. Wiseman was a friend of my father, Leo Jordan, and he encouraged Dad to enter into politics after 39 years with Ontario Hydro. In my father’s inaugural speech, he said, “I want to say that I am not only proud to represent the riding of Lanark–Renfrew but to follow in the footsteps of the calibre of previous MPPs like Doug Wiseman.” Dad went on to describe the basic principles to which he would serve, including honesty, integrity and accountability. I plan to uphold the same high standards as my father. He also had lots of advice for hydro, but I’ll leave that discussion for our Minister of Energy.

I also wish to acknowledge and thank Senator Bob Runciman, who represented the ridings of Leeds and Leeds–Grenville for 29 years and was then appointed to the Senate of Canada from 2010 to 2017. It was certainly an honour for me to have Senator Runciman attend and speak at the opening of my campaign office. His advice to me: “Make your constituents proud.”

There are many positive and sustainable changes coming to the province. Building our economy, infrastructure and housing are just a few.

My passion is health care, and I consider myself fortunate to be able to work as parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Long-Term Care. This is my opportunity to learn and contribute to improving the experience of our long-term-care residents and their families, making sure that those who need long-term care get long-term care, that those who need home and community care get home and community care, and that people working in health care are in a positive work environment and that it is a career they can enjoy and prosper in.

I thank all of my constituents for honouring me with this opportunity, and I look forward to working collaboratively with all members of this 43rd provincial Parliament.

Thank you, Speaker. I’d be more than happy, if the member wants to spin a little leather outside, to teach her how to throw a spiral, which I think would come very naturally based on her athletic background.

Before I get going, I’d like to recognize the ministry staff who have shown up to put more pressure on me today, which I really appreciate—a couple are down here. Of course, my constituency staff, the true leaders: Halston Morgan, Tony Lemmy—

Interjection.

Applause.

1 am honoured to rise today in this historic building as a newly elected member of the 43rd Ontario Legislature. With immense pride, I represent the electoral district of Hamilton East–Stoney Creek in Ontario.

On June 2, the constituents of Hamilton East–Stoney Creek chose to send me to represent them here at Queen’s Park. I have pledged to them that I will, to the very best of all my abilities, work hard and represent them honestly. I am proud to be joining Premier Ford’s team as one of the 83 Progressive Conservative members. This team, under Premier Ford, will continue to represent all Ontarians and will ensure that we will once again make Ontario the best province in Canada to live, prosper and be proud to call home.

I will mention “team” in my speech a few times as I’ve been lucky enough, timing-wise, to be a member, throughout my career, of a lot of championship groups and teams, at all levels, as a player, coach and in business, and now as part of this historic team. It’s always great to be part of history.

Speaker, I want to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to the constituents of Hamilton East–Stoney Creek for selecting me to be their voice for the next four years here at Queen’s Park.

Hamilton East–Stoney Creek is a fairly new riding, created in 2007, and I’m happy to suggest that we have changed the flow, if you will, in my riding to more blue now than another colour. Part of that is changing history and the way people think. If I can reference history, the Battle of Stoney Creek, still enacted at Battlefield Park in Stoney Creek, was a turning point in the War of 1812 and prevented Upper Canada from being overrun by the Americans.

Local hero Billy Green, the namesake of Billy Green Elementary School, warned the British forces of an invading US army of about 3,000 troops moving forward; 700 British troops, on their own, launched a surprise attack at night and defeated them. Sounds like the character of the people who live in my riding.

Interjection.