Image

Bailey’s new job helps with Queen’s Park reno project

April 12, 2024

The Independent

Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey has a new job.

Bailey, a three-term MPP, has been named the parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Legislative Affairs. The ministry is the lead in the restoration of Ontario’s Legislative Building.

In 2023, the province announced the building which houses Ontario’s government would be undergoing renovations. Legislative Building first opened its doors on April 4, 1893 and has not undergone a major renovation in over 100 years.

The makeover, estimated to cost at least $1 billion, will include careful interior deconstruction to preserve heritage elements while modernizing building systems to address safety and accessibility issues. The project will include securing and preparing a temporary place to conduct parliamentary business. It will take about eight years.

Bailey is one of 33 people who were given new assignments prior to the Easter break.

Since 2022, Bailey has served as parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Consumer Affairs and the Solicitor General.

With the 38 parliamentary assistants and 30 cabinet ministers, only 10 do not hold positions which include increased pay. An MPP earns $116,000 per year. That increases to over $140,000 when an MPP holds the position of parliamentary assistant.

The Ministry of Government and Consumer Services Solicitor General.

Share This

Image
Front Page

Grand Bend traffic will improve as bridge construction wraps up Thursday

June 25, 2026

The Independent The traffic in Grand Bend will be a lot better than anticipated over the Canada Day weekend. Earlier this week, the municipality said it would be July 3 before the work on the Ontario Street bridge at the corner of Main and Highway 21 would be open. But Thursday, Lambton Shores announced all traffic lanes on the bridge

Read More

Image
Front Page

York1’s traffic plan shows 200 trucks per day going to Dresden site

June 25, 2026

Trucks coming from Sarnia are expected to go down Oil Heritage Road, through six Lambton communities Heather Wright/The Independent It appears York1 has scaled back the size of its project on the outskirts of Dresden. But Lambton County will still see increased traffic, particularly on Oil Heritage Line. The Municipality of Chatham-Kent held a public meeting in Dresden Wednesday to

Read More

Image
Front Page

Ten custodians let go at Bluewater Bridge as contractor hired

June 25, 2026

The Independent Ten unionized custodians are out of work after the Federal Bridge Corporation replaced them with an independent contractor. Officials with the Public Service Alliance Canada – PSAC – say the employees, some with 20 years of service were let go June 15 and given just 10 minutes to leave the building. The union local President Matt Delaroche called

Read More

Image
Front Page

Fire hall renos could cost $850,000, take until 2028

June 24, 2026

Heather Wright/The Independent It will likely take $850,0000 and until 2028 to completely renovate the Petrolia/North Enniskillen fire department. That from a consultant who drew up plans to improve the health and safety features of the Centre Street hall. The department needs a decontamination room. Provincial labour laws say firefighters must shower before leaving the hall. There was a plan

Read More