Billy Denault, the MPP for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, has been appointed as parliamentary assistant to Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing after a recent shuffle of parliamentary assistants at Queen’s Park.
Denault shared the news of his appointment in a statement on Oct. 22, expressing his gratitude to Premier Doug Ford and Minister Rob Flack for this new opportunity.
“As Ontario works to build more homes, faster, we must continue to create opportunities for people to find a place to call home,” Denault said. “Whether you are a young person looking to enter the housing market, a family putting down roots, or a senior looking to find the right home, this work matters.”
This new position connects Denault with housing and municipal governance-two areas that directly affect communities across the Ottawa Valley.
Denault believes that his past experience as a municipal councillor in Arnprior will guide him in his ministry role, emphasizing how local decisions impact residents.
“Having served as a municipal councillor, I understand the importance of the everyday decisions made by local leaders and the direct impact they have on people’s lives,” he said. “That experience continues to shape how I approach my work as your representative at Queen’s Park.”
His new role comes just as municipal elections are about to happen across all 19 municipalities in the riding. Denault recognized those running for office and expressed excitement about collaborating with newly elected members of municipal councils.
“Municipal politics is a unique form of public service that brings elected officials face to face with their constituents and the issues that matter most,” he said.
Denault is also eager to work alongside Flack, highlighting the minister’s ties to Renfrew County. Although Flack hails from Guelph and serves as MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London, he spent his childhood summers working on his grandfather’s farms in the Ottawa Valley. He still maintains a summer home there where he farms.
“Minister Flack is no stranger to the Ottawa Valley, with deep roots in Renfrew County,” Denault said. “It is especially meaningful to have the opportunity to learn from a minister who understands the community I grew up in and now have the privilege of serving.”
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Denault mentioned that while his appointment will bring extra responsibilities, it won’t change his priorities as provincial representative for his riding.
“While this new responsibility brings additional demands, my priorities remain unchanged. I will continue to be your voice at Queen’s Park, advocate for our communities, and work to advance our priorities,” he said.
He added that he’s looking forward to going back into the Legislature and continuing his efforts on behalf of residents in Ottawa Valley.
“Thank you for the continued opportunity to serve you.”
Since being elected as MPP for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, Denault has taken on various parliamentary roles and committee memberships at Queen’s Park including being part of both the Standing Committee on Government Agencies and the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs. He has also previously served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming.
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