It is an honour to rise in the House on behalf of the official opposition and all people of Ontario to pay tribute to James Allan Taylor, a former member of the Legislature.

James was born in 1928 in Timmins, Ontario. He attended the University of Toronto, then studied law at Osgoode Hall, and then immediately embarked on a long career of public service in Ontario, serving from 1951 to 1957 with the borough of Scarborough. He worked his way up from an articling student to become a legal adviser and solicitor for the municipal corporation of Scarborough.

James was named a Queen’s counsel in 1963. He served as legal counsel to the Ontario Select Committee on Conservation Authorities in Ontario from 1965 to 1967. During this time, he moved to Prince Edward County and eventually purchased property in South Bay, where he settled into life in this community.

In the 1968 election, James ran as a candidate for the federal Progressive Conservative Party in Scarborough East. Although he was unsuccessful in his bid for a seat in the House of Commons, he persisted in his electoral pursuits, running in the 1971 provincial election in Prince Edward–Lennox. He served the people of Prince Edward–Lennox continuously for 17 years, winning four elections during that time.

During his time in this assembly, James held a variety of positions and was a strong and effective parliamentarian. He served on all of the standing committees and a number of select committees.

In 1975, Premier Bill Davis appointed James as the Minister of Community and Social Services. Davis tasked James with reining in spending in community and social services, but James quickly learned about the complexity of the issues in the portfolio and shifted to advocacy. In particular, the challenges facing seniors prompted him to advocate for a 5.5% funding increase for community organizations that supported seniors. He also funded 27 pilot projects across the province, with the goal of delivering care for seniors through the use of community organizations. In his home riding of Prince Edward–Lennox, this pilot project facilitated the coordination and collaboration of nearly 20 local groups. This project became the genesis of the Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2017. James has had a lasting impact on community supports for seniors across Ontario.

In 1977 and 1978, James served as the Minister of Energy, leading the government’s restructuring of public utility commissions.

Prior to the 1987 election, James announced that he would not be seeking re-election as an MPP. This announcement was met with appreciative remarks about James from across the political spectrum. Liberal MPP Larry South of Frontenac–Addington remarked that “NDP people even liked him,” and went on to say, “You always knew where Jim was coming from.... Everyone seemed to have such admiration for him and for the way he always put forth his case. Jim was such a classy guy, no rancor and no personal attacks.”

Despite near-universal admiration, there may have been one person who was a little less impressed. James once quipped that “behind all successful men, you will probably find a very surprised mother-in-law.”

James did not stay away from public life for long. His devotion to his community and his neighbours led him to run for mayor of the newly amalgamated Prince Edward county in 1998. He served as mayor until 2003, helping to shape 11 formerly independent municipalities into one cohesive government.

His decision in 2003 to leave municipal politics was motivated by his love for and desire to be with his family. James was a very family-oriented individual. His wife, Mary Marguerite, was his best friend. He once noted that Mary was indispensable to him on grueling campaign trails, as he relied on her for inspiration and energy.

He was a father of four and grandfather of 10, and I want to take a moment to recognize members of James’ family who are here with us today and watching us. Cynthia, Kim, Jim, Sue, Kaitlyn, Taylor and Mark, thank you for joining us today, and thank you for sharing your father and grandfather with us.

Throughout his career, James demonstrated a commitment to the principles of democratic governance and meaningful participation in civic life. He passed away on September 1, 2020, at 92 years of age. He leaves behind a commendable legacy, and his family, friends and community should be so proud of his accomplishments and contributions.

On behalf of all members, I would like to thank James for his service and offer his family and loved ones our sincere condolences.