By MPP Bobbi Ann Brady
Over the past month, I had the opportunity to attend two conventions in the United States. On the surface, these conferences were about policy discussions, keynote speeches, and the usual choreography of political life. But beneath the agendas and policy take-aways was a quieter, more enduring lesson—one that too often gets lost in daily headlines.
Leaders come and go. Administrations change and political winds shift. What endures, however, are the relationships we choose to build and, just as importantly, the ones we take the time to nurture. Sitting across tables with elected officials, business leaders, and community advocates from across the border, I was reminded that progress rarely hinges on a single individual. It is sustained by trust, familiarity, and the willingness to engage even when times are tough.
In mid-December, I was in Chicago attending the Council of State Governments National Convention. I was one of only a handful of delegates from Ontario, joining colleagues from across North America to discuss issues ranging from trade and tariffs to housing, political violence, social media, and the broader challenge of restoring civility in politics.
During the convention, I had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the Dallas Trade and Investment Office (TIO), which facilitates trade and investment between Ontario and several U.S. states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. Our discussions focused on Ontario’s future energy needs, particularly how the industrial park in Nanticoke could be leveraged to help meet the province’s electricity demands through to 2050.
While in Chicago, our Ontario delegation also met with officials from the Office of the Consulate General of Canada. These conversations reinforced the importance of maintaining strong cross-border relationships and ensuring Ontario’s interests are well represented in the United States, regardless of political or economic shifts.
I knew once I posted about my work in Chicago that I’d be asked why I was attending, and to my surprise, the only question came through a private message asking how such a convention benefits Ontario. If the examples above weren’t enough to make the case, I explained that Ontario and Illinois share a strong economic bond: Illinois is our fourth-largest U.S. export market, and in 2024 a memorandum of understanding was signed to further boost trade, and Chicago serves as a vital logistics hub connecting Ontario industries across the border.
As space is limited, I’ll share reflections on the second convention in next week’s column. Before I sign off, however, I want to highlight the importance of the Council of State Governments and its commitment to connecting, informing, inspiring, and empowering public servants as a non-partisan organization. One initiative launched at the convention, the Service with Civility Project, encourages leaders to act with integrity, compassion, and honesty. I proudly took the pledge to lead with civility, serve with intention, and recognize others who do the same.
One of the finest examples of such leadership is former Ontario Speaker Ted Arnott, who was honored at the convention for his exceptional work in fostering productive cross-border relationships. His recognition is a reminder that civility and collaboration remain at the heart of effective public service.
In an era when politics is increasingly transactional and short-term, the conversations I am blessed to be a part of serve as a reminder that strong relationships are not a luxury—they are an investment. When leadership changes, relationships become the bridge that carries cooperation forward, because what unites us is greater than what divides us.
Bobbi Ann Brady is the MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk