Hardeman looking for ninth consecutive term as Oxford MPP

(Contributed photo)

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Ernie Hardeman was first elected MPP for Oxford in 1995 and has served the residents and the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario ever since.

He has held many positions in the provincial Legislature including Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs (Rural), Chair of the Legislative Committee on Public Accounts, and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs from 1999 to 2001 and 2018 to 2021. He has also passed several Private Member’s Bills.

Hardeman told the Echo there are three key issues included in his party’s plan to build the economy and keep Ontario competitive in the face of Trump’s tariff threats.

“We’ve already attracted billions in investment at CAMI, Toyota in Woodstock and our local suppliers. We will do what it takes to help our employers retain their workers and find new customers. We also have a plan to invest in education to keep up with our growing community here in Oxford.”

He added his party is creating over 1,500 brand new school spaces in Oxford, including building a new school in Woodstock and another in Thamesford.

“I’ve also heard the concerns of our community that we need to do more to help those struggling with addiction. That’s why we recently announced that we’re building a new homelessness and addictions recovery hub in downtown Woodstock. It will provide mental health support and supportive housing to those who need it in our community. Addressing all of these issues will help make life better for residents of Oxford.”

Prior to 1995, Hardeman was elected to the Township of South-West Oxford Council and served as Mayor from 1988 to 1994. He also served as Warden of Oxford County council, chair of the Warden’s Association of Ontario, chair of the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) and on the board of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.

Until 1995, Hardeman ran his own business and served as a volunteer firefighter, retiring as Captain of the South-West Oxford Fire Department. He and his wife, Reta, have three sons and a daughter.