Meet Ernie Hardeman

Ernie was first elected as the Member of Provincial Parliament for Oxford in 1995 and is now the longest-serving MPP in the riding’s history. Over three decades at Queen’s Park, he has built a reputation as a steady and respected voice with a deep respect for rural Ontario.  Throughout his career, he has taken on significant responsibilities, including serving as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and as Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs (Rural). Today, as Chair of the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs, he continues to bring experience and perspective to his work at Queen’s Park and in Oxford.

Ernie has had many significant pieces of legislation pass, including the Hawkins Gignac Act to mandate carbon monoxide alarms in Ontario homes, allowing farmers to post seasonal directional signage next to highways without requiring a permit, the creation of the Ontario Institute of Agrologists, and his most recent being the proclamation of Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day in Ontario every February 23^rd.

Before 1995, Ernie owned and operated Hardeman Feed Ltd., was elected to various roles in Oxford County municipal politics, and served as a volunteer firefighter in the South-West Oxford Fire Department.