Ernie Hardeman, current Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Oxford, is aiming for a ninth consecutive term when residents head to the polls on Thursday, February 27, 2025. Six candidates will oppose Hardeman on election night. Check out profiles on the candidates running in the 2025 Provincial Election.
Editor’s Note: Khadijah Haliru of the New Democratic Party of Ontario, as well as, Colton Kaufman from the Green Party of Ontario, did not submit responses in time for publication.
Bernia Martin, Ontario Liberal Party
How long have you been with the party?
I joined the Ontario Liberal Party the summer of 2023 during a time that the Oxford Provincial Liberal Association was undergoing a refresh and restructuring.
Why did you choose to run in this election?
The decision to run as a Liberal candidate was one that I pondered for several months. I made the decision to submit nomination papers because I believe that voters deserve a credible choice in each election. Now they have one.
My main motivation for running was influenced by my experience as a municipal councillor for Oxford County. During the past three years I have witnessed the impact that the Ford government’s underfunding has had on our community. These cuts and funding shortfalls have caused chaos in the community and an unfair burden on the municipal budget. The Ontario Liberal Party Plan offers hope to people in Oxford to respond to this situation.
What concerns have you heard at the door?
There have been a long list of concerns expressed leading up to this campaign, and during recent weeks.
Homelessness and encampments, and a lack of funding for the social agencies in our community is a theme I have heard for over a year. People are concerned about the education system and the future for their children. Adults and seniors are concerned about a deteriorating healthcare system to the point that people are afraid to get sick or experience an unexpected injury.
Rural Transit, Disability Payment rates, Autism supports, and the preservation of Agricultural Land are just a few more of the concerns that are raised at the door, through phone calls, and online.
In your opinion, what are the top three issues facing Oxford residents?
Everyday affordability. Access to a healthcare system people can trust. The preservation and protection of Agriculture.
If elected, what would be your top priority and why?
My top priority is to highlight and represent the needs and concerns of rural Ontario and small urban centres. Governments have historically given the most attention to the people they value the most, which often leads rural Ontario without a voice. I am committed to ensuring that in Oxford, we get our fair share of funding, programs, grants, and access to systems and care.
How would you describe yourself to residents?
Energetic, enthusiastic, and a relationship builder. My rural roots have taught me the importance of hard work and problem solving. Colleagues have described me as credible, honest, and experienced.
Ernie Hardeman, Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario
Ernie Hardeman was first elected MPP for Oxford in 1995. Hardeman has held many positions in the Legislature including Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs (Rural), Chair of the Legislative Committee on Public Accounts, and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs from 1999-2001 and 2018-2021. He has also had many Private Member’s Bills pass.
Prior to 1995, Hardeman was elected to Township of South-West Oxford council and served as Mayor from 1988-1994. He also served as Warden of Oxford County Council, Chair of the Warden’s Association of Ontario, Chair of the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) and on the board of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.
Until 1995, Hardeman ran his own business 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.
Three main issues include our plan to build our economy and keep Ontario competitive in the face of Trump’s tariff threats.
We’ve already attracted billions in investment at CAMI, Toyota in Woodstock, and our local suppliers. We will do what it takes to help our employers retain their workers and find new customers.
We also have a plan to invest in education to keep up with our growing community here in Oxford.
We’re creating over 1,500 brand new school spaces in Oxford, including building a new school in Woodstock and another one in Thamesford.
I’ve also heard the concerns of our community that we need to do more to help those struggling with addiction.
That’s why we recently announced that we’re building a new homelessness and addictions recovery hub in downtown Woodstock. It will provide mental health support and supportive housing to those who need it in our community.
Addressing all of these issues will help make life better for residents of Oxford.
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
