On December 7, 2009, the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries hosted its second annual reception for MPPs at the Legislative Building of Queen’s Park. The event was sponsored by the Honourable Aileen Carroll, Minister of Culture and Minister Responsible for Seniors. Minister Carroll spoke eloquently about the value of public libraries and was accompanied by most of her senior staff including her Assistant Deputy Minister of the Culture Policy, Programs and Services Division, Director of the Programs and Services Branch and Acting Director of the Policy Branch.
Board Chair Marzio Apolloni also spoke to the crowd, reinforcing the Federation’s key messages to government, which were presented to MPPs in a three-page handout.
In total, 26 MPPs attended the reception, which is better than last year’s turnout. Attendance had the following breakdown:
- 17 Liberals (4 Ministers, 9 Parliamentary Assistants, 4 others)
- 5 Conservatives
- 4 New Democrats
Specifically, the following Ministers were there:
- Hon. Aileen Carroll, Minister of Culture (and Seniors)
- Hon. Monique Smith, Minister of Tourism
- Hon. Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
- Hon. John Wilkinson, Minister of Revenue
The Parliamentary Assistants in attendance were:
- Helena Jaczek, Environment
- Linda Jeffrey, Transportation
- Monte Kwinter, Economic Development & Trade
- Jean Marc Lalonde, Health Promotion
- Khalil Ramal, Citizenship & Immigration
- Lou Rinaldi, Municipal Affairs & Housing
- Marie Van Brommel, Children & Youth Services
- David Zimmer, Attorney General
The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Steve Peters was also present, as was the Deputy Speaker, Bruce Crozier. Special thanks go to all members of the Federation’s Board of Directors and Advocacy Task Force for helping to organize and host this excellent event.