Latest news with #Hardeman
Hamilton Spectator
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Hardeman celebrates 30 years in provincial politics
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. 90 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,' proclaimed Scott. Hardeman said he is proud of passing the legislation and 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 to 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, where 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 tenth 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.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
Vernon Police Department seeks community's help for missing woman
VERNON (KFDX/KJTL) — The Vernon Police Department is searching for a missing woman and is seeking the community's help. According to a Facebook post made by the Vernon PD, the woman is Lotwanna Hardeman and has been reported missing by her family. Hardeman does suffer from IDD (Intellectual Disability Disorder) and can be aggressive at times. Name: Lotwanna Hardeman Last Seen: 6-6-2025 Age: 50 years old Height: 5'10 Weight: 120 lbs Last seen wearing a black shirt and white capri pants. If you think you have seen Hardeman or you have any questions, contact the Vernon Police Department at (940) 553-3311. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
West Australian
09-06-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
North Melbourne youngster Riley Hardeman confident he's ready for Fremantle Dockers clash
WA youngster Riley Hardeman is bringing plenty of confidence into North Melbourne's clash with Fremantle on Saturday after locking down a spot in defence. The second-year Kangaroo managed three games in his rookie year but has already featured eight times in 2025, working in North Melbourne's defence to provide rebound off halfback. He played 78 per cent of the clash against West Coast in defence, with two rebound 50s and an inside 50 to go with 236 metres gained. And after grabbing his first win in his first game back in his home state in Bunbury, Hardeman said he was 'excited' to face Fremantle in his maiden match at Optus Stadium. 'It's good to enjoy the win, but we'll be looking forward to Fremantle at Optus; it's very exciting,' he told The West Australian. 'Being able to crack into this side earlier this year and then finding some consistency with form and just building trust at the level is really good, and I will only continue to improve, I hope.' Hardeman faces a sterner task this week, likely to face a match-up on one of Michael Frederick, Sam Switkowski or red-hot rookie Murphy Reid. However, the 20-year-old says that being able to lean on the likes of Luke McDonald and Caleb Daniel fuels his self-belief. 'We've got a lot of experience (in defence) like Luke McDonald, Caleb Daniel that are really strong with their communication, making sure they're putting me in the right spots and they're looking after me,' he said 'Our system is holding up really well. '(And the come-from-behind win against West Coast) gives us a lot of reassurance we can come back in games.' The Swan Districts also gave Bunbury a glowing review after the South West's historic day in the AFL limelight, saying it reminded him of his roots and he was already excited to return in 2026. 'It was really fun playing out here in a really good atmosphere,' he said. 'It reminded me a bit of my old home ground at Swan Districts, Steel Blue Oval, just with the wide wings. It was awesome—plenty of room to run and carry. 'It speaks volumes to the support we have out here in Western Australia. I reckon my family was probably a very large contingent of the support, but it's why we came here. 'We have such a large following, and I can't wait to do it again.'
Perth Now
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Hardeman happy to be home ahead of Roos Bunbury clash
North Melbourne youngster Riley Hardeman says he can't wait to run out onto the ground in Bunbury on Sunday for his first AFL game in his home state. The Kangaroos selected Hardeman with pick 23 during the 2023 national draft and, despite having reached double digits in games, has yet to pull on the blue and white in Western Australia. But the Swan Districts product gets his first opportunity this week with North Melbourne in town for a home game against the Eagles in the South West. 'I'm feeling really excited,' Hardeman said. 'We came down here for the pre-season against West Coast. I got down but didn't play any minutes, so it's exciting to be playing my first AFL minutes in Western Australia. 'I'll have a few family members down, so it will be good to get around them and the West Australian fans.' The game comes as part of a doubleheader that includes a clash against Fremantle at Optus Stadium next week, the Kangaroos having sold a home game to the WA clubs to address travel imbalances as well as assist the club's coffers. Hardeman revealed the playing group had embraced the home-away-from-home clash in Bunbury, saying they were eager to put on a show for their WA fans. 'From a club point of view, it's really exciting to get over to WA, sell a home game and appeal to our fans over here,' he said. 'The condition of the ground is in good nick and the stands they are putting around and the atmosphere they are creating, I'm really looking forward to playing there.' A capacity crowd of nearly 15,000 is expected to fill Bunbury's upgraded Hands Oval. A good number of those may also just be there to see Hardeman, the 20-year-old stating his inbox had been blowing up with family and friends wanting tickets. 'I've got a few ticket requests already, but I think there is a bit of a waitlist for family and friends,' he said. 'But I'll have plenty of support over here, which is exciting.'
West Australian
06-06-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
North Melbourne youngster Riley Hardeman excited for first AFL game in home state in Bunbury
North Melbourne youngster Riley Hardeman says he can't wait to run out onto the ground in Bunbury on Sunday for his first AFL game in his home state. The Kangaroos selected Hardeman with pick 23 during the 2023 national draft and, despite having reached double digits in games, has yet to pull on the blue and white in Western Australia. But the Swan Districts product gets his first opportunity this week with North Melbourne in town for a home game against the Eagles in the South West. 'I'm feeling really excited,' Hardeman said. 'We came down here for the pre-season against West Coast. I got down but didn't play any minutes, so it's exciting to be playing my first AFL minutes in Western Australia. 'I'll have a few family members down, so it will be good to get around them and the West Australian fans.' The game comes as part of a doubleheader that includes a clash against Fremantle at Optus Stadium next week, the Kangaroos having sold a home game to the WA clubs to address travel imbalances as well as assist the club's coffers. Hardeman revealed the playing group had embraced the home-away-from-home clash in Bunbury, saying they were eager to put on a show for their WA fans. 'From a club point of view, it's really exciting to get over to WA, sell a home game and appeal to our fans over here,' he said. 'The condition of the ground is in good nick and the stands they are putting around and the atmosphere they are creating, I'm really looking forward to playing there.' A capacity crowd of nearly 15,000 is expected to fill Bunbury's upgraded Hands Oval. A good number of those may also just be there to see Hardeman, the 20-year-old stating his inbox had been blowing up with family and friends wanting tickets. 'I've got a few ticket requests already, but I think there is a bit of a waitlist for family and friends,' he said. 'But I'll have plenty of support over here, which is exciting.'
