By MPP Bobbi Ann Brady
The past four months have flown by and it seems like yesterday was election day. It’s been a whirlwind of funding announcements, special events, parades, and legislative work, both in the riding and at Queen’s Park. In all the excitement, I had to get two offices up and running so my lines and doors were open to serve you – the taxpayer.
First, I’d like to thank my staff, Mike, Jeff, and Sam, for their patience and perseverance over the past few months. Mike is my communications advisor at Queen’s Park, while Jeff and Sam hold things down in the constituency office. Sam, by the way, is my scheduler, and the two of us encourage those of you with invitations to events, or meeting requests, to send them her way at [email protected].
Speaking of events, Haldimand-Norfolk has countless events each weekend throughout the year offering fun family-friendly activities. I am doing my best to get out and support as many activities as possible. Volunteering is a thankless task; therefore, showing up to events is my way of showing I appreciate what our volunteers are doing to enrich our small towns.
The government also recognizes the dedication of our volunteers, given the number of Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) events I’ve attended. OTF sees that Haldimand-Norfolk has a good thing going, and they are rewarding us with numerous grant opportunities.
Concerning my work at Queen’s Park – Premier Ford called the House back for a five-week summer sitting. This session let me wet my feet before all our fall fairs began—what a fantastic five weeks of reconnecting with colleagues, making new connections, and speaking up for you.
I was able to stand in the Ontario Legislature and ask tough questions about things like the loss of Ontario’s farmland and the reconstruction of the Argyle Street Bridge in Caledonia. I also made my maiden speech, where I asked members of the House to consider doing politics differently by returning to the idea of consulting with the grassroots.
I want to thank the local media for being attentive to the issues I bring forward, and a special shout out to those carrying my weekly newspaper column. Several Ontario media outlets have also interviewed me since the election. These interviews have allowed me to articulate who we are in Haldimand-Norfolk and to boast about our farm families, small businesses, and the hardworking people of the area.
Before the summer session was recessed, I was one of five legislators asked to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Truly an honour to stand and remember such a remarkable woman and leader.
Last Tuesday, I had the honour of opening the Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show. Thank you to the fair board for this opportunity, and I would like to extend my congratulations to everyone who made the week-long fair a success. Indeed, a special occasion for a Norfolk County girl who grew up looking forward to the fair every fall.
Norfolk’s fair followed on the heels of the 151st Caledonia Fair, which ran like a well-oiled machine for four days. Again, kudos to all who ensure our rich agricultural heritage is celebrated.
I want you to know that my office is ready to serve you. We cannot solve every problem, but we assure you we will be honest and do what we can to assist. My staff and I look forward to working for you over the next four years.
Bobbi Ann Brady is the MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk