Heavenly Father, you have been and continue to be so gracious to MPP Ernie Hardeman. We thank you for his 26 years of public service as the MPP for Oxford and various Ministerial and parliamentary roles. We recognize this longevity as a reflection of your faithfulness. May you continue to be faithful to Ernie, providing him with the strength and stamina necessary for the rigours of his role. Bless his family also as they continue to support him in his role. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Ernie Hardeman was first elected MPP for Oxford in 1995 and is now the longest serving MPP in Oxford’s history. Throughout his time in the Ontario Legislature, Ernie has held many positions including Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs (Rural), Chair of the Legislative Committee on Public Accounts, and served as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs from 1999-2001 and again in 2018 – 2020. Prior to the 1995 election, Ernie was elected to the Township of South-West Oxford council and served as Mayor from 1988 to 1994. Until 1995 Ernie owned and operated Hardeman Feed Ltd. in Salford and served as a volunteer firefighter, retiring as Captain of the South-West Oxford Fire Department. He and his wife, Reta, have three sons and a daughter.