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Liberal members bid thank you to Mike Brown for 15 years of service

by Tom Sasvari
BLIND RIVER- Since he was first elected to the Legislature in 1987, Mike Brown has worked hard to improve life for his constituents in the Algoma-Manitoulin riding.
This was only one of the messages heard at the celebration of the 15th anniversary of Mike Brown as MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin, last Thursday in Blind River. In the spring of 1987, over 2,000 people jammed the Espanola High School gymnasium to nominate a candidate for the imminent general election. The largest political gathering in the history of Algoma-Manitoulin selected Mike Brown, of Kagawong to run in that election. He went on to win, and then was elected again in 1990, 1995, and 1999. Recently, he was nominated as the party's candidate in the riding for the next election.
"You are very lucky to have a representative like Mike as the MPP," said David Ramsay, MPP for Timiskaming-Cochrane. "I know how hard Mike works, and he is a strong spokesperson for the area and the challenges faced by those in the North."
"One of the biggest jobs of a party is trying to convince good people to run for election. In Mike Brown we see this, the commitment and dedication to his constituents," said Dalton McGuinty, MPP and Leader of the Ontario Liberal Party.
"One of the wonderful things about Mike is that he has all of these wonderful qualities, and is a great colleague, friend, and I can tell you is relentless in advocating for his constituents on many specific issues," continued Mr. McGuinty. He acknowledged the support provided by Mr. Brown's family, wife Lynn, and daughters. "On behalf of our party and everyone here tonight I would like to give congratulations to Mike for a job well done over the past 15 years," stated Mr. McGuinty.
Bob Gallagher, Mayor of Blind River pointed out, "Mike has been our member for the past four to five years and must be overjoyed at the tremendous turnout here tonight, to show our appreciation for everything he has done."
"During the past 15 years, we have seen changes in government, changes in government policies, we have even seen the riding's boundaries expand considerably, encompassing an incredible 86,00 square kilometres. But, through it all, the one constant has been Mike's dedicated representation of his constituents," said event organizer Gerry Edwards, of Blind River.
"Mike is a little greyer, a little heavier, and maybe a little wiser, but he remains the same energetic MPP who knows who he represents. He proudly represents the people of the rural North. He still accepts nothing less for his constituents than any other Ontarian. He still presses his case with the same responsible, determined style that continues to bring us together," said Espanola Mayor Marcel Rancourt.
Mr. Rancourt said it has been a pleasure to knock on residents doors in Espanola with Mr. Brown in election campaigns, where he has been received very well. "I would hope that after the next provincial election Premier McGuinty would consider Mike as the Minister of Northern Development (and Mines) to represent rural Northern Ontario. This loyal Algoma-Manitoulin riding deserves it and Mike has most certainly earned it," said Mr. Rancourt.
Among others who bade congratulations to Mr. Brown, either by representative, or through letter, was the town of Elliot Lake, Billings Township and Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands, Michipicoten, Desbarats, and the Wikwemikong Unceded First Nation.
Les Gamble, of Sables-Spanish River said, "No municipality in our riding can complain with the work our MPP has done. We lost the mines on the North Shore but by working together we have been able to go ahead, move forward, and this only happens when you have a leader like Mike."
"It seems hard to believe that 15 years ago this funeral director (Mr. Brown) was in my restaurant and sold me a membership to the Liberal party," said Delroy Prescott, Northern Regional vice-president for the Ontario Liberal Party. He pointed out, "As I travel through Ontario I have never ever heard a disparaging word about our MPP. People say to me you have a great MPP. He is a great person, and someone who is held in very high regard by the party," said Mr. Prescott, who also delivered accolades from Liberal Party President Greg Sobrera.
It was noted by Brent St. Denis, MP for Algoma-Manitoulin that the riding is so large, Blind River to Toronto is a shorter trip than going west to the other end of the riding.
"I hold the highest regard for Mike as a friend, and congratulate him on his 15th anniversary. I 'm sure there are other friendly federal-provincial MPP-MP relationships around, but we are able to work together effectively for the 55-60 communities in the riding. It's the type of working relationship that the federal and provincial members should have for its residents, sharing instead of fighting on issues," said Mr. St. Denis. "I can always count on Mike for his advice and defer to his superior experience and in reflecting on the eight years I've shared the area with him, we will work well together for many more years."
As well as Mr. St. Denis, Mr. Brown has worked in the same riding with long time Algoma MP Dr. Maurice Foster, who was also in attendance at the anniversary celebration.
"We are here tonight to pay tribute to the tremendous contribution Mike has made to Algoma-Manitoulin over the past 15 years," said Dr. Foster. "Thirty-four years ago I thought I had a tremendous nomination meeting, but in 1987 when 2,000 people were on hand for his nomination, it was one of the biggest we've ever had, with five candidates."
Dr. Foster said that the province has not seen a more raucous government than the current one. "And even party members, one by one, have been trying to distance themselves from the party's 'Common Sense Revolution.' Even the premier of today is trying to get away from it."
"But, tonight we are here to pay tribute to Mike, Lynn and their daughters. Mike and Lynn were in a similar situation as my wife Jan and I, with her really raising the kids while I was out on the campaign and constituency trails, leaving our wives home to raise the kids, but also to be our best critics, and supporters we have," said Dr. Foster. "Mike is indefatiguable, and never gives up working for his constituents, and once he is elected he works that much harder."
When she first became involved as a member of the Algoma-Manitoulin Liberal Riding Association, there was very few members, said Nola Haner. However, by 1987 there were five candidates for the nomination and about 3,000 members. "We needed a strong Liberal voice in the North and Mike has been that."
Barb Boulard worked as a member of Mr. Brown's campaign team in 1987 and "we're fortunate he had such astuteness and experience, and good strategies in getting things done. I was always most impressed with his organizational skills."
Ms. Boulard told those at the celebration that Mr. Brown won the fist election, September 10, 1987, in a landslide. "Mike still is committed and dedicated to serving his constituents."
"I'm overwhelmed with so many people being here tonight, and the support you have given over the 15 years," stated Mr. Brown. He noted when he first ran for election, "I had called Barb (Boulard) and said I need a campaign manager. She said, 'I've never done that before,' and I said I've never run as a candidate in an election, so we would be fine working together." He remembered that Premier David Peterson and he went on the campaign trail together in the riding. "Starting in the morning at a breakfast in Elliot Lake, we then went on the bus to Espanola, and walked through the mall, and then went to South Baymouth, by bus."
"I'm so happy to have my good friend, the chair of the Liberal caucus, David Ramsay here. I have learned a great deal from him. And, I am particularly pleased that our leader, Dalton McGuinty, who will be the next Premier of Ontario, is here," continued Mr. Brown.
He also bade gratitude for the attendance of Mr. St. Denis and Mr. Foster. "Maurice taught me about going door to door to speak to constituents, and in getting elected, but once you have done this to continue to work hard to earn their support. This type of working relationship has continued with Brent equally as well," said Mr. Brown.
"I would also like to take a moment to thank my daughters Paula, Michelle, who is teaching in Korea, Jennifer and Amy. Over the years, if you look at the pictures we have displayed here tonight and look at the girls from when I was first elected in 1987, it shows the wonderful job Lynn did in raising them. We are very proud of our girls and the accomplishments we have had in our family, and that is an achievement that Lynn is hugely responsible for," said Mr. Brown.
In talking about the past 15 years, and the future, Mr. Brown pointed out, "We have succeeded in many ways in Algoma-Manitoulin to make our communities better. The economic challenges we are faced with, along with education and health care are all close to home. Since 1987, we have done some things that have made things better, in the areas of health care and transportation for instance, but, we still have some difficulties such as getting health care specialists to work in the communities on a day to day basis."
"We have improved things in several areas, but have a long way to go and a lot more to do. We need to continue to earn the trust of the people of Ontario and we will do this," said Mr. Brown. "I want to thank everyone who is here tonight," said Mr. Brown. "It makes one humble to see how many people are here tonight, and the distance they have had to travel to get here, people from areas such as Desbarats, Burnt Island and the newer part of the riding, Blind River, Wawa, Hornepayne and the many others who I have enjoyed working with."
He acknowledged the work and support he has received from Barb Boulard, Hugh McLaughlin, Gus Debassige, Gerry Edwards over the years, including his office staff, Eva Tomalin, Anne Marie Guimond, Tom Farquhar, and Craig Hughson.
"Working as close as I have with Mike for the past years, and seeing what he does day to day, I'm glad that I work for him. He is very dedicated, and gives a lot of his time and effort. You can never understand how hard he works until you see him do it," said Mr. Farquhar. "It has been an eye opener since I started working with Mike. On behalf of the staff, I would like to express our sincere appreciation and the fact we have had the opportunity to work for you, and with you."