Robert Fisher
Staff Reporter
PEMBROKE – The County of Renfrew held a ceremony at its June 26 council meeting to honour Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski for his 20 years of service as MPP.
Yakabuski was invited to the meeting under the guise of providing an update to council on happenings at Queen’s Park. Upon entering the chamber and taking a seat, he found out the true reason for the invitation.
The MPP sat, stoically, in the chair reserved for the Township of Madawaska Valley as Warden Peter Emon recounted stories of his personal experiences with Yakabuski and the MPP’s work for the community.
“We wanted to get you here to talk to you about your 20 years and how much we’ve appreciated your efforts on behalf of our community,” Emon said.
Emon teased Yakabuski that he grew up in a log cabin and walked to school barefoot.
The warden spoke about how important Yakabuski was during municipal amalgamation, offering guidance and advice to help steer the process. Emon also lauded Yakabuski’s ability to work across the aisle in the legislature. “That’s such a valuable skill,” Emon noted. He spoke about Yakabuski’s strong ties to the community and how his passion for the area helped keep Renfrew County in the forefront of discussions.
Yakabuski played a crucial role, said Emon, in helping secure funding for the broadband internet and cell gap projects sponsored by the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus; a total of more than $140 million.
Emon spoke about numerous other projects Yakabuski helped the county with over his years in the legislature. “I’d like to thank you friend. A leader in the community,” he said.
Federal MP for the area Cheryl Gallant sent a letter of congratulations and Premier Doug Ford recorded a video to congratulate Yakabuski on his 20 years which was played in the chamber.
One of Yakabuski’s daughters, Emily, and her family live in the Yukon and they sent a video of congratulations, with his grandchildren saying, “Congratulations, Grandpa,” in unison.
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