About Bob

Bob was born and raised in Hagersville in Haldimand county.

In opposition Bob quickly got a reputation as an “up and comer” for the number of times he was asked to ask questions in question period, hammering the Mulroney government on issues such as funding for youth, employment initiatives, the GST, gun control, and support for farmers.

He became well known here in Haldimand-Norfolk as a member who attended every community event. Even when he was Minister of Agriculture Bob traveled back to the riding from all parts of the world to attend riding events.

Bob’s first official appointment in opposition was as youth critic where he put forward ideas to help our youth. Next he became associate trade critic and then moved on to become chair of the standing committee on agriculture as well as chair of the liberal rural caucus

Bob had a number of portfolios and responsibilities before becoming minister. One that was very important to our riding was the chair of the all-party steel caucus for a number of years where he fought on behalf of Canadian steel workers and steel companies. He travelled to Washington to meet with his American counterparts to stop trade actions by the US administration against the import of Canadian steel.

Bob started and chaired the rural Liberal caucus for a number of years highlighting the disparities between rural and urban Canada and taking on some tough issues such as farm income, rural heath services and gun control. The rural caucus was responsible for getting some 40 changes to the original gun control legislation and to this day continues to monitor its impact on law-abiding gun users

Bob’s work in agriculture is well known. His report on the future of agriculture in Canada is internationally known and continues to be talked about in the agricultural community.

Over the years Bob has brought tens of millions of dollars into our communities here in Haldimand-Norfolk, supporting arenas, docks, roads, schools, museums and libraries. Bob not only spoke out on behalf of the people of Haldimand-Norfolk, he took action.

Bob also represented Canada to the world. Bob was elected internationally as the chair of the commonwealth parliamentary association, becoming the first Canadian Member of Parliament to do so. He met with queens and presidents and prime ministers but never lost his small town touch.

Bob is the right person for the job. He lives in the riding, he understands the unique concerns of its people, and he’s proven he can take on a tough job and do it well.