In June Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski (left) was honoured by Renfrew County Warden Peter Emon and County Council for his more than 20 years of dedicated service representing the riding. At that time, Warden Emon presented a certificate marking the milestone. County of Renfrew photo
The County of Renfrew is bidding farewell to John Yakabuski as he plans for life after politics.
Yakabuski, who has been the M.P.P. for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke since 2003, announced earlier this week that he would not run in the next provincial election.
He recently met with County Council to celebrate his more than 20 years of dedicated service representing the riding, where Warden Peter Emon mentioned Renfrew County has been fortunate to have Yakabuski speak up in favour of projects like the Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre, Community Paramedicine, the Renfrew County 2023 Ontario Winter Games, and the Highway 417 expansion over the past two decades.
Emon also pointed out that Yakabuski was instrumental in two successful Renfrew County Days at Queen’s Park, the first of which allowed the county to highlight local businesses and industries and the second, which allowed senior staff to advocate for funding for county programs and initiatives, including Mesa, increased housing, mental health and addictions supports, and infrastructure improvements. He attended both days advocating alongside elected officials and staff.
“John was very representative of our community in the Legislature and out of it. From his first day, he demonstrated his ability to talk across the Legislature to those in the other parties, and that is such a valuable skill. People liked him and wanted to stay in touch and work with him even if they came from opposite sides of the issues of the day,” Emon added.
“We wish Vicki and John a smooth transition into this next chapter,” the Warden concluded.
(written by Kasey Egan)