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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, March 27, 2014 | 4 Flynn says constituents remain his top priority continued from p.1 In his new role, Flynn would work to advance safe, fair workplace practices that help people, businesses and the economy, and move forward with the Fair Minimum Wage Act, according to a Provincial press release. "It's a really happy day for me, personally. I've been in politics now for almost 30 years, continuously elected, and days like this are few and far between, so you enjoy them," said Flynn. He and his wife Janice have lived in Oakville for more than 30 years and have one son, Nigel. Flynn becomes the first Minister from Oakville since Minister James Snow in 1985. "I'm privileged to be asked by the minister to fill this role. Had I the ability to choose the ministry I would go to, it would be labour. It is a ministry I am really comfortable with. It is where I started my political time at Queen's Park as parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Labour." The MPP said the role fits in well with his background, which saw him raised by a family with strong beliefs about responsible trade unionism. That said, Flynn noted he has spent much of his own working life as an entrepreneur. "I think I've got that sort of balance you need to bring a responsible approach to the portfolio," he said. Flynn said labour relations has come a long way in Ontario and noted many positive chang- I've said, right from the start, that I don't think we are going to have an election this spring. We are prepared to go if there is one, but I am of the opinion that we were elected to govern. I don't think the people of Ontario really want an election at this time. Ontario Minister of Labour Kevin Flynn Kevin Flynn | photo by Inger MacKenzie - special to the Beaver es came from all sides working together and ensuring a balance was maintained. He expects to approach the specific issues of his portfolio looking for win-win situations for all concerned. The local politician said the Liberal government has already taken steps to improve the status of workers in Ontario and pointed to the raising of the minimum wage to $11 per hour in January. While Flynn's promotion has been a long time coming, it could also be short-lived. In the coming weeks, the provincial government will bring forward its budget. If this budget is defeated, it will trigger a June election. Flynn is not worried, though. "I've said, right from the start, that I don't think we are going to have an election this spring. We are prepared to go if there is one, but I am of the opinion that we were elected to govern. "I don't think the people of Ontario really want an election at this time. All polls I have seen show that chances are you would get a Liberal majority government or something very similar to what we have now," said Flynn. "So, I don't see it as a short-term appointment... We anticipate being here for a long time." News of Flynn's promotion was well-received at the highest levels of Oakville's municipal government with Oakville Mayor Rob Burton praising Flynn Tuesday. "MPP Flynn deserves our congratulations for the recognition and trust that Premier Wynne has placed in him with the elevation to cabinet as Minister of Labour," he said. Flynn was first elected to represent the riding of Oakville in 2003. He served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, Minister of Education, Minister of Energy, Minister Responsible for Democratic Renewal and Minister of Labour, where he helped lead the provincial consultation process for Bill 211, which ended mandatory retirement in Ontario. Prior to his election, Flynn owned a successful local business, while serving as a Town and Halton Regional councillor for more than 18 years and winning six consecutive elections. While there is no shortage of work involved in being Minister of Labour, Flynn said he has his priorities straight. "I was elected to represent the people who sent me down to Queen's Park," said Flynn. "The added privilege of serving in cabinet is something I am quite proud of, but I know what my number one priority is and that's the people in my community." For related story, see p.11 FIREPLACES Est. in 1985 Buying A New Home Or Renovating? Why not come to the Best Fireplace Centre? Let us help you with your choices! Vaccines, Medications, Pre & Post Travel Advice Protect your family with travel vaccines Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre designated by Health Canada Plus, vaccines for typhoid, malaria, traveller's diarrhea, polio, hepatitis, tetanus, altitude sickness and more Plan ahead! Come in 6 weeks before your travel date. If time is short, accelerated vaccine schedules are available Call 905-825-DOCS today Travel Clinic Large Showroom Appleby Ln. Burloak Dr. Mainway QEW Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 am- 5 pm; Sat 10 am- 4pm