TORONTO – Retired Canadian senator and former MPP Bob Runciman has been appointed commissioner of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission. The appointment was announced by Michael Tibollo, minister of tourism, culture, and sport on February 5th.
Runciman, from Brockville, is no stranger to the SLPC or the region. He was first elected as a Member of Provincial Parliament in 1981 for the riding of Leeds. He served as MPP for Leeds, then Leeds-Grenville, for eight consecutive terms and served as a cabinet minister in the Frank Miller, Mike Harris, and Ernie Eves governments. He was elevated to the senate by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in January 2010 and served until his retirement in 2017.
“Senator Runciman is a recognized and respected leader with a long and distinguished career in public service,” Tibollo said in a release. “His leadership, knowledge and experience will be a great asset in promoting the St. Lawrence Parks Commission.”
“With decades of public service at the municipal, provincial and federal levels, no one understands our region better or the importance of Parks Commission’s attractions in supporting our local tourism economy and quality of life,” said minister of municipal affairs Steve Clark. “I look forward to working with Bob, his fellow commissioners and Parks Commission staff to enhance the visitor experience and let tourists everywhere know that we’re open for business.”
Runciman’s appointment is for a four-year term.
