PERTH-WELLINGTON – Local MPP Randy Pettapiece will not be on the ballot in the next provincial election.
Pettapiece, who is currently serving his third term representing the Perth-Wellington riding, announced on Nov. 17 that he will not seek reelection when Ontario voters head to the polls on June 2, 2022.
“I have decided not to seek re-election. It was a difficult decision because, despite the challenges of political life, I truly enjoy the job. I enjoy representing and promoting the communities in every part of our riding. I appreciate the constituents, colleagues and friends I have met over the years,” the MPP stated in a press release.
“Running again would mean committing, potentially, to another four-year term,” said Pettapiece, who turned 73 earlier this month.
“For a full-time MPP, the hours are often long. In retiring, I choose instead to spend those hours as a full-time husband, father, and grandfather.”
A former municipal councillor for North Perth, Pettapiece said he first ran for provincial office in 2011 because he wanted the government “to listen better to local concerns.
“I believe in public service, an impression left on me by Jean Wilson, my English and civics teacher at Ridgetown College,” said Pettapiece, noting he also put his name forward because “people in my community encouraged me to run.
“For over 10 years, it has been an honour and privilege to represent the people of Perth-Wellington as their Member of Provincial Parliament. In this job, trust is earned by helping people—one constituent at a time, one day at a time. I am grateful for their trust,” said Pettepiece, a Listowel resident, who expressed gratitude to his wife, Jane, and other family members.
“I could not have done this job without their support and understanding,” he stated.
The MPP cited several accomplishments he takes particular pride in.
“While in opposition, we pushed successfully to cancel the proposed wind-turbine project for North Perth and respect local decision-making; we pushed for fairness in municipal infrastructure funding; we held the government to account on hydro rates; we helped secure funding for the Stratford Perth Rotary Hospice; and we demanded, successfully, that long-term beds at Hillside Manor stay in the area,” he noted.
After forming government in 2018, Pettapiece noted his Progressive Conservative party oversaw expansion of GO service to Stratford and St. Marys, brought high-speed internet to “countless rural households and businesses,” opened new long-term care beds throughout the riding, successfully pushed the government to introduce the Ontario Tourism and Hospitality Small Business Support Grant and “finally saw the opening of the Louise Marshall Hospital expansion in Mount Forest.”
Stating there is still “much more to do,” Pettapiece pledged to continue working hard for his constituents until the end of his term.
“I also look forward to continue supporting the government as we further recover from the pandemic and work to build a better future for everyone,” he added.
Currently the parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, in 2017 and 2018 Pettapiece won all-party support for the Rea and Walter Act – a private member’s bill to improve firefighter safety by identifying buildings using truss and lightweight construction.
