Earlier this month, Jeff Yurek celebrated 10 years in provincial politics as MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London.
Looking back at his early days at Queen’s Park, Yurek conceded it was a steep learning curve.
“Walking in, I had minimal knowledge of the day-to-day workings of the provincial government.
“And, what I know today is just immense compared to where I was 10 years ago.”
As a successful and popular downtown pharmacist, myFM asked him why he decided a decade ago to throw his hat in the political ring.
Yurek followed in the steps of two popular local MPPs. Peter North ran under the NDP banner and then as an independent member and Liberal Steve Peters. Yurek says both looked after the concerns of constituents.
Yurek says his goal when entering politics was to displace the Liberal government, which he wasn’t satisfied with.
When first elected in 2011 – after beating out Peter North to win the PC nomination – Yurek says he just wanted to make sure people at Queen’s Park knew where Elgin-Middlesex-London riding was.
In his early years in Opposition, he started as an auto insurance and transportation critic, ultimately moving to health critic for three years.
With the PC party now in power, Yurek has spent time with three very varied portfolios in transportation, natural resources and his last posting as environment minister.
In addition, Yurek worked tirelessly to ensure a new school will be built in Belmont with a scheduled opening in time for the 2023-24 school year.
In the process ensuring a secure future for schools in New Sarum and Springfield.
But most significant, suggests Yurek, was his private member’s bill that became know as Ryan’s Law in 2015.
It was named in honour of 12-year-old Ryan Gibbons who died in 2012 after suffering a severe asthma attack at Straffordville Public School. It required Ontario school boards to develop standardized asthma management plans.
His advice for a young person seeking public office is to know the people you are going to represent.
On a personal note, Yurek adds his confidence level has blossomed over the 10 years he has served. He says, “You get to learn the job and the people. And you really understand the issues.”
Yurek fully intends to have his name on the ballot for the provincial vote next year. He says his plan is to take it one term at a time.
Of course, adds Yurek, family is Number 1 and he will seek their advice on whether or not to keep his name going forward or not.
