Lunch with the Leader of the Opposition

Meet Ontario's watchdog on the programs, policies and conduct of the Government

“The role of the Opposition in our parliamentary system reflects the premise that a delicate balance must be maintained between permitting elected governments to govern and legislate effectively, and ensuring that power is exercised with care and with respect for minorities and for dissenting views.”

Guest Speaker - Patrick Brown, Leader of the Opposition
Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario

Patrick Brown was elected Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario on May 9, 2015.  He ran on a platform of Party renewal, promising to grow the Party to over 100,000 members from every walk of life and every corner of the province.  A bigger Party, firmly rooted in every neighbourhood of every community in Ontario, is key to reconnecting the PC Party with the people of the province before the next provincial election.

Patrick Brown’s family has had deep roots in Simcoe County for the past 75 years since his grandparents moved to Angus in 1945. Growing up, many of Patrick’s best memories came from playing hockey in Guthrie, cross-country skiing with his dad in Oro-Medonte, or spending time at the family farm in Midland. One of three children in a close family, Patrick often credits his parents with teaching him the values and principles – including his work ethic – that have guided his career.

Patrick’s interest in politics began at a young age, serving two terms as President of the Progressive Conservative Youth Federation (PCYF). He was then first elected to Barrie City Council in 2000 and was re-elected in 2003 with 72% of the vote. In 2006, he defeated an incumbent Liberal cabinet minister in the federal election and became the Member of Parliament for Barrie. He was re-elected in 2008 and 2011, each time increasing his share of the vote.