Hardeman celebrates 30 years in provincial politics

Passing of Hawkins-Gignac Act tops MPP’s career

By Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The longest-serving current member of the Ontario Legislature recently reached three decades of public service.

“It’s been quite an experience,” said Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman. “Looking ahead, 30 years seems like a long time, but looking back, it seems like just the other day.”

Hardeman was first elected in June of 1995, defeating NDP incumbent Kim Sutherland. He has since been re-elected nine more times, most recently earning 55 per cent of the vote in last year’s provincial election.

“It had its ups and downs. I spent the first eight years in government and the next 15 years in the opposition and now back in government. What’s most rewarding about it; it doesn’t really matter if you are on the government side or the opposition, it's working with your local people that makes the job worthwhile.”

Hardeman’s longevity has earned him the official title of Dean of the Legislative Assembly, and he explained being a sitting MPP has never felt like a job.

“It’s always been something that I just do. If you enjoy what you’re doing, it’s never work, and for me, that’s definitely true with politics. I guess that’s what keeps me going, even when people suggested maybe I shouldn’t do it anymore. I just can’t think of a better way to spend my time.”

Before the legislature shuttered for its summer break, Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Laurie Scott delivered an address praising Hardeman to non-partisan applause.

“This Sunday, June 8, marks his 30th anniversary as MPP for Oxford. Ninety seconds just isn’t enough time to list all his accomplishments, but I would like to highlight a few.”

Hardeman spearheaded a private members' bill called the Hawkins-Gignac Act, which was passed in 2013. Officially called the Carbon Monoxide Safety Act, it is a groundbreaking Ontario law that mandates carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in all homes equipped with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages. It amends the Fire Protection and Prevention Act to include carbon monoxide safety, enabling enforcement through Ontario’s Fire Code and proclaims the first week in November as Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week each year.

The bill, which was first tabled in 2008, was inspired by the tragic 2008 death of OPP Const. Laurie Hawkins, her husband Richard and their children, Cassandra, 14, and Jordan, 12. A blocked chimney vent caused deadly carbon monoxide to seep into their Woodstock home, which had no CO detectors

“He had to introduce it five times but he got it passed and it has been saving lives in Ontario ever since,” said Scott.

Hardeman said he is proud of passing the legislation and of the fact it has made a difference.

“It is the one thing I can say I did that at Queen’s Park, I did that when I was a member and it wasn’t just about supporting the government or the opposition. That was something we did that happened and we can actually measure when it saves lives.”

The 77-year-old former owner and operator of Hardeman Feed Limited, from 1966-1995, pointed to several other improvements in the riding during his tenure.

“Almost all schools have been rebuilt or replaced, we have a new hospital in Woodstock and almost a new hospital in Tillsonburg with all the additions and repairs. Oxford has been good to me and I think the government has been good for Oxford.”   Hardeman also served as the associate minister of rural municipal affairs, through which he launched the Rural Economic Development Program.

“It continues to this day and is responsible for thousands of jobs across rural Ontario. He served as minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs twice. He introduced protections for farmers and animals by preventing trespassing. He introduced legislation to support farmers through the mental health challenges that a career in agriculture can present,” added Scott.

Hardeman said the kind words from his fellow elected official were a pleasant surprise.

“I wasn’t expecting that. She’s been a great friend and if someone was going to do it, I wasn’t surprised she did. At the same time, I wasn’t expecting anybody to do it.”

Scott is the second-longest-serving provincial politician among current MPPs in the province.

Hardeman hosted a reception at Sally Creek on June 8 and invited his supporters, including those who were in his camp 30 long years ago.

“That was the best thing about having our little get-together, being able to thank all the people. Not the ones that helped the last time, but the people who were there the first time. I had the privilege of recognizing my first campaign manager from 1995.”

Dennis Vollmerhausen was the campaign manager who Hardeman said was instrumental in his first election victory.

As for whether Hardeman will participate in his 10^th provincial election next time around, that remains to be seen.

“I always insisted that I didn’t want to decide on how I should be judged on my performance for this term until we get near the end of it. The next election is always a report card on your last one.”