Perth-Wellington MP John Nater thanked his predecessor Gary Schellenberger for his years of service in both municipal and federal politics at an open house honouring the longtime MP on April 24.
Nater noted Schellenberger’s hard work and collaborative approach to politics was reflected when his colleagues selected him as chair of standing committees on Canadian heritage and veterans affairs.
Nater said he has “big shoes to fill” taking over for Schellenberger and described him as “a big guy with a big heart.”
In attendance were Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece, Wellington-Halton-Hills MP Michael Chong, Kitchener-Conestoga MP Harold Albrecht, Lambton—Kent—Middlesex MP Bev Shipley, Simcoe-Grey MP Kellie Leitch, former Elgin-Middlesex-London MP Joe Preston, former cabinet minister and the last leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada Peter MacKay, and many past and present mayors and municipal councillors.
MacKay said Schellenberger cared deeply about helping people with the issues that really mattered to them.
Nater, Mackay and Schellenberger all took time to recognize the MP’s wife, Judy Schellenberger for her tremendous work in supporting her husband over 50 years of marriage.
Humbled by support
Schellenberger said he was incredibly humbled by the support he received over the years. He also thanked his staff and volunteers for their years of hard work and dedication.
Schellenberger was elected in the former riding of Perth-Middlesex on May 12, 2003 and elected four times as the MP for Perth-Wellington in 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2011.
