Jim Bradley, one of Ontario’s longest-serving members of provincial parliament and chair of Niagara Region, has passed away.
A statement from the region confirms that Bradley died at age 80 on Friday after a short illness.
He represented Queen’s Park from 1977 until 2018, when he went back to local politics.
The Ontario Liberal Party mentioned in a statement that his influence will be felt for generations.
“He left a lasting mark on the province, shaping policy with thoughtfulness and wisdom,” the statement read.
Bradley was first elected to St. Catharines city council in 1970 at just 25 years old and returned to represent that city in Niagara Regional Council 48 years later.
Soon after, he was elected as regional chair by the council, and the provincial government reappointed him to that role in 2022.
“Bradley’s remarkable 55-year career in elected office helped shape the city, region, and province he loved,” said the region in its statement.
Throughout his time as a provincial legislator, he held many senior cabinet positions, including several terms as environment minister – first from 1985 to 1990 and most recently from 2011 to 2014.
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Jim Bradley held numerous government positions in Ontario and served as an MPP for 41 years. (Newshour/CBC Archives)
MP Yasir Naqvi, who also served as an MPP in Ontario for over a decade, referred to Bradley as “a legend in Ontario politics” in a post on X.
“He was kind, funny and devoted to serving the public. He always stood up for Ontario. I will forever miss my former seat-mate.”
In a message shared by Niagara Region before his passing, Bradley expressed gratitude towards his constituents for their trust in him.
“Our system of democracy is a true treasure, and I have always regarded it as a great honour to be able to advocate for the needs and desires of our city, our region, and our province,” he wrote.
Bradley is recognized as having the second-longest term as an MPP in Ontario history: an impressive total of 41 years. He’s only behind Harry Nixon, who served in provincial parliament from 1919 until his death in 1962.
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