MPP Brady kicking the year off with dialogues, buffets

by Submission To The Haldimand Press

January 16, 2025

By RB Burton
The Haldimand Press

      CAYUGA—It was a full house at the Kinsmen Hall on Thorburn Street in Cayuga for the first of two New Year’s Levees hosted by Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady on January 11, 2025. 

This is the second year in a row that the levee has been held, with the Cayuga event held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and a second hosting in Simcoe from 2-4 p.m.

CAYUGA—MPP Bobbi Ann Brady hosted her annual New Year’s Levee, offering Haldimand and Norfolk residents a chance to meet her and discuss any concerns or ideas they may have for the upcoming year. The event began at the Cayuga Kinsmen Hall on the morning of Saturday, January 11, 2025, with an afternoon edition later that day in Simcoe. Above, (l-r) Lois and Bruce Gifford of Selkirk discuss current affairs with MPP Brady, Brad Adams, and Haldimand Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley. See the full story on Page 11. —Haldimand Press photo by RB Burton.

From the time the doors opened, a line formed to talk to Brady, whether it was just to meet her or to have an in-depth discussion about issues of the day.

Following a break for everyone to enjoy the provided buffet, Brady closed the meeting with a prepared speech to the crowd.

CAYUGA—As part of the meet-and-greet, MPP Bobbi Ann Brady talks to Andrew (left) and George Deleebeeck about issues that concern them. —Haldimand Press photos by RB Burton.

In her speech, she referred to the 2022 New York Times opinion essay by Jimmy Carter, “I Fear For Our Democracy”, in which Carter espoused that unscrupulous politicians had a win-at-all-costs attitude. Brady mirrored this concern, stating that democracy is on the downslide, with an erosion of political accountability.

CAYUGA—Former MPP Toby Barrett (centre) takes time to have a discussion with Lisa and Howie Nigh. Current MPP Bobbi Ann Brady was Barrett’s Office Manager for over two decades, learning from him first-hand.
—Haldimand Press photos by RB Burton.

Brady touched on two incidents at Queen’s Park, noting when Ford was censured by the Speaker in a response to Brady and when Norfolk Mayor Amy Martin, recently announced as the next PC candidate for Haldimand-Norfolk, was introduced in the house by a PC member of another riding.

Brady shared positivity for going forward, and was given a standing ovation.