Longtime Ontario MPP Jim Bradley, dubbed “Dean of the Legislature” for his more-than 40-year tenure at Queen’s Park, has died at age 80.
Bradley, who served as Niagara Regional chair beginning in 2018, died Friday afternoon following a brief illness, according to a from Niagara Region.听
Jim Bradley as the new regional chair in 2018 at the inaugural meeting of Niagara Regional Council.
Bob TymczyszynThe St. Catharines Standard file photoBradley had a 55-year career in elected office, and spent 41 years representing St. Catharines at Queen’s Park as a Liberal MPP. From 1977 to 2018, he held several cabinet roles in the governments of former premiers David Peterson, Dalton McGuinty and Kathleen Wynne. He earned the nickname “Dean of the Legislature” for serving as the second-longest member in the province’s history.听
Jim Bradley during question period at Queen’s Park in 2009.
Carlos Osorio/海角社区官网Star file photoBefore he passed, Bradley shared a message with the people of St. Catharines and Niagara: “To all of you who have reached out to me in friendship, camaraderie and kindness, not only during my illness, but throughout my career in politics: please know that you have been a great source of comfort and encouragement in so many ways, and I have deeply treasured our time together.鈥
Premier Doug Ford offered his condolences in聽.
“Jim Bradley was a dedicated public servant who served the people of Niagara and Ontario as a teacher, MPP, minister and regional chair,” Ford said. “My sincere condolences go out to his friends and loved ones.”
Wynne expressed her condolences in a聽聽Friday evening.
“The world of Ontario politics is poorer tonight,” she said. “Jim Bradley was a touchstone for so many of us across Party lines. Funny, smart, reasonable and sharp always.”
The world of Ontario politics is poorer tonight. Jim Bradley was a touchstone for so many of us across Party lines. Funny, smart, reasonable and sharp always. I hope he and Peter Kormos are having a laugh wherever they are. Sorely missed already. So very sad.
鈥 Kathleen Wynne (@Kathleen_Wynne)
Jim Diodati, mayor of Niagara Falls, also shared his sympathies on ,聽remembering Bradley as a statesman, sports super fan and a political veteran “who didn鈥檛 have a mean bone in his body.”
“It has been an honour working with him over the last two decades when I came to know him as a provincial minister, as a regional politician and as a friend,” he said. “RIP, my friend. You will be greatly missed.”
Bradley was also lauded as a “good man and a fierce advocate for Niagara” by Sam Oosterhoff, Conservative MPP for Niagara West, in a .听
“I will never forget his thoughtful insight, his great sense of humour ... and his understated, effective advocacy,” Oosterhoff said. “He has touched more projects and the lives of more people in Niagara than likely any politician in the history of our region, and the province.”聽
The chief administrative officer of Niagara Region, Ron Tripp, said Bradley’s legacy echoes beyond his time as regional chair.听
“We will all fondly remember his unwavering commitment to staff, his valued friendship, and his passionate advocacy and support for the work of Niagara Region,”聽Tripp said in the region’s statement.听
As provincial environment minister from 1985 to 1990, Bradley introduced the Spills Bill, which aimed to hold polluters accountable and protect waterways. He also oversaw the launch of the world鈥檚 first Blue Box recycling program.听
Bradley championed development and education initiatives for the St. Catharines area, including for a local hospital and cancer centre, and for the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.听
Before entering politics, Bradley was a teacher with the Lincoln County Board of Education. He was also involved in the community as a hockey and baseball coach, manager and referee, according to the region’s statement.
Flags at Niagara Regional Headquarters will be lowered in Bradley’s memory.
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