Pettapiece named deputy critic

Ontario Progressive Conservative leader Tim Hudak has appointed Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece the official opposition deputy critic for agriculture.

“I am honoured to take on these new responsibilities,” said Pettapiece.

“Throughout the campaign, I enjoyed meeting with farm families and those in the agriculture industry. The PC caucus will continue to ensure that their ideas and concerns are heard in the Ontario legislature.”

Hudak’s Oct. 25 announcement also saw Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman reappointed as the party’s critic for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Pettapiece looks forward to working with Hardeman.

“Farmers and rural Ontario sent a clear message to the [Dalton] McGuinty government that the government wasn’t working for them,” said Hardeman.

“We look forward to working with the agriculture industry and rural Ontario to ensure that message isn’t forgotten and they get the changes they need to help them succeed.”

Pettapiece was elected on Oct. 6. Prior to his election Pettapiece served as councillor on North Perth municipal council.

Pettapiece was scheduled to be officially sworn in at Queen’s Park on Nov. 4 as the MPP for Perth-Wellington.