EVENT DATE: January 14, 2021
TOPIC: Personal Experiences with COVID-19 (via Zoom Webinar session)

In March, 2020, John and his wife, Assunta had just boarded the Sun Princess in California for a cruise featuring lots of relaxation, and even more Bridge. Almost immediately plans began to change as the COVID-19 pandemic reared its ugly head in North America. One of the activities that was impacted very quickly was cruising, and horror stories developed quickly.

John will speak on their experience with COVID, their departure from California, the stopover at Trenton Air Base, and finally their arrival back in Kingston. A memorable holiday, to be sure.

John received his BA and LLB from Queen’s University. After briefly working as a solicitor in industry in Toronto he moved back to Kingston and began his career in politics. He initially served as an Alderman on Kingston City Council from 1972 to 1980, when he was elected Mayor. He was re-elected twice, stepping down in 1988.

 John then served as Chair of the Ontario Housing Corporation, and was a Deputy Judge in Ontario’s Small Claims Court. At the same time, he began a distinguished career in federal and provincial politics, and was elected to the Ontario Legislature in 1995. John held several Cabinet posts, including Attorney-General, as well as Minister of Consumer Services, Municipal Affairs and Housing, and Environment.

He retired in 2014, and continues to live in Kingston.