MPP - Ernie Hardeman - Oxford

Lord of all creation, I thank you today for Mr. Ernie Hardeman  who represents the people of Oxford in the current government here in Ontario.  I ask that today You would suit a special blessing to his life, that would cause him to know that You not only know him, but care about him personally.  Regardless of the things that he faces today, I ask that he would recognize Your Presence around about him, so that all things he puts his hands to, bring blessing and honour to those who are touched by his ministry. May Your hand be upon him today I pray.  Amen.

Ernie Hardeman was elected MPP for Oxford in 1995 and is now the longest serving MPP in Oxford’s history.

Prior to the 1995 election, Ernie was elected to the Township of South-West Oxford council and served as Mayor from 1988 to 1994. Ernie has also represented the people of Oxford as Warden of Oxford County council, chair of the Warden's Association of Ontario, chair of the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) and on the board of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.

While representing Oxford as MPP, Ernie has served in a number of roles including Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs (Rural) and Parliamentary Assistant to the Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance. 

Ernie is now the Official Opposition critic for Agriculture and Food and Chair of the Legislative Committee on Social Policy. In November 2013, the Legislature passed Ernie’s Private Member’s Bill, the Hawkins Gignac Act.  The Bill was introduced to protect people from carbon monoxide poisoning and was named in memory of a Woodstock family who were tragically lost.  

Until 1995 Ernie owned and operated Hardeman Feed Ltd. in Salford and served as a volunteer firefighter, retiring as Captain of the South-West Oxford Fire Department. He and his wife, Reta, have three sons and a daughter.