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Alex Nuttall

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His Worship
Alex Nuttall
Nuttall in Barrie, 2022
47th Mayor of Barrie
Incumbent
Assumed office
November 15, 2022
DeputyRobert Thomson
Preceded byJeff Lehman
Official Opposition Critic for Youth, Sport and Persons with Disabilities
In office
August 30, 2017 – September 11, 2019
LeaderAndrew Scheer
Preceded byRachael Harder
Member of Parliament
for Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte
In office
October 19, 2015 – September 11, 2019
Preceded byDistrict established
Succeeded byDoug Shipley
Barrie City Councillor
In office
2006–2014
Preceded byTom Moore
Succeeded byMike McCann
ConstituencyWard 10
Personal details
Born
Alexander Nuttall

(1985-08-10) August 10, 1985 (age 39)
Liverpool, England, United Kingdom
NationalityCanadian
Political partyIndependent
Other political
affiliations		Conservative
Children2
ResidenceBarrie
EducationPolitical Science
Alma materLaurentian University
Redeemer University
ProfessionFinancial services
Websitewww.alexnuttall.ca

Alexander Nuttall (born August 10, 1985) is a Canadian politician who serves as the 47th and current mayor of Barrie. Previously, he served on Barrie City Council from 2006 until 2014, and as the member of Parliament for the federal electoral district of Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte from 2015[1] to 2019. Nuttall won the 2022 Barrie municipal election.[2]

Early life and education

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Nuttall was born on August 10, 1985 in Liverpool, England.[3] He immigrated to Canada with his family in 1989,[citation needed] and grew up living in government-subsidized housing in Barrie, Ontario, with his mother and two older brothers after his parents divorced when he was eight.[4]

He attended Allandale Heights Public School, was elected student mayor while attending St. Peter's Catholic Secondary School in 2002, and went on to graduate from Innisdale Secondary School in 2004. Nuttall majored in Political Science while studying at Redeemer University and Laurentian University.

Political career

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Barrie City Council (2006–2014)

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Nuttall served two terms as a city councillor on the Barrie City Council from 2006 until 2014. In 2006, Nuttall received 45.2% of the vote in Ward 10,[5] and in 2010 he was re-elected with 82.7% of the vote.[6]

During his time as a city councillor, Nuttall was employed in the financial services industry.[7]

Provincial politics (2010)

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In 2010, Nuttall sought the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario nomination for Barrie in order to be the candidate for the 2011 Ontario general election.

On December 8, 2010 Barrie's PC riding association nominating committee requested that he step down as a candidate. The campaign was briefly put on hold pending an internal investigation by the Ontario PC Party to determine the validity of concerns regarding member recruitment methods.[8] Nuttall's campaign was cleared to continue for the nomination meeting. The then-president of the Barrie riding association, Fred Hamelin, resigned from his role citing "personal ethics".[9]

Nuttall lost the nomination to Rod Jackson who went on to win the riding in the general election.[10]

Federal politics (2015–2019)

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Nuttall served as a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons, representing Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte from 2014 to 2019.

Following the 2015 Federal Election, Nuttall was appointed as the Official Opposition Critic for Economic Development for Southern Ontario on November 20, 2015.[11] On April 8, 2016, Nuttall also accepted the role of Official Opposition Critic Deputy Critic for Innovation, Science and Economic Development, as well as Official Opposition Critic for the New Sharing Economy.[12] On August 30, 2017, Nuttall was named Official Opposition Critic for Youth, Sports, and Persons with Disabilities.[13]

During the first half of the 42nd Parliament, Nuttall served on the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology.[7] Beginning in Fall 2017, he became a member of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities.

Nuttall did not run for re-election in the 2019 federal election.[14]

Reaction to Canada-wide opioid crisis

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In 2018, MP Alex Nuttall called for a debate in the House of Commons to discuss the opioid emergency in Barrie, ON.[15][16] Nuttall publicly supported the possibility of a declared public health emergency in Barrie to prevent further deaths due to the opioid crisis.[17] On November 26, 2018, Nuttall released a 49-page report opposing Canada's plan to address the opioid crisis.[18] The report outlined his strategy to combat the crisis by focusing on prevention alternatives.

Mayor of Barrie (2022–)

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In May 2022, Nuttall announced he was running for mayor of Barrie in the 2022 Barrie municipal election.[19][20] Nuttall won the election against six other candidates, including Barrie Deputy Mayor Barry Ward and City Councillor Mike McCann. He officially became the 47th Mayor of Barrie on November 15, 2022.[2] Prior to the election he was the Vice President of sales, marketing and customer service for the telecommunications company, North Frontenac Telephone Company (NFTC).[21]

On November 21, 2022, Mayor Nuttall announced that Barrie Ward 5 councillor Robert Thomson was his choice to serve as the next Deputy Mayor of Barrie.

In November 2023, Nuttall appeared before the Ontario legislature's Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy to argue for a proposal to expand Barrie's city boundaries by 2,200 hectares, taking land from the bordering Oro-Medonte and Springwater townships. Nuttall argued that this was necessary for to meet Barrie's economic and affordable housing goals. The same month, the councils of the two townships rebuffed discussions with Barrie.[22] A January 2024 Mainstreet Research found that 73% of residents in Greater Barrie area supported the proposal.[23]

In March 2024, Nuttall and federal housing minister Sean Fraser announced that Barrie would receive $25.6 million to help build 680 units over three years and approximately 4,000 homes over ten years as part of the Housing Accelerator Fund. The agreement was made possible after Barrie met requirements such as committing to allowing fourplexs as a mater of right, increasing the amount of city land available for affordable housing, and other changes.[24]

In August 2024, Nuttall made the first use of new strong mayor powers granted in the Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act to pause development on a multi-purpose field project near the city's waterfront that was going to primarily house a Royal Canadian Sea Cadets parade ground and minor sports teams. After a commissioned report recommended that the space become a park, that the city review its use of existing sports facilities and a planned new performing arts centre.[25]

In October 2024, Nuttall signed a letter, along with twelve other Ontario mayors, that called on Ontario Premier Doug Ford to invoke the notwithstanding clause to override the Section 7 Charter rights of Barrie residents living in homeless encampments. A January 2023 Ontario Superior Court of Justice decision had ruled that it was unconstitutional to enforce anti-encampment bylaws where there were an insufficient space in shelters to accommodate the affected. The letter also called on the provincial government to intervene in legal cases to apply the 2024 Supreme Court of the United States case City of Grants Pass v Johnson to prevent from ruling on municipal policies affecting homeless people, to strengthen involuntary commitment and involuntary treatment schemes, expanding drug diversion courts that focus on rehabilitation province-wide, and to strengthen trespass and open drug use.[26]

Community work

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PIE Education

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Nuttall co-founded the PIE Education program in 2010 with Barrie business owners Craig Russell and Angela Pidutti, owners of PIE Wood Fired Pizza Joint, as well as Adam Moulton, owner of Allandale Home Hardware.[27][28] To-date, the program has provided over 17,500 backpacks filled with school supplies for families living in government-subsidized homes and students in need.[29]

Boots and Hearts Barn Burner charity hockey game

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In 2018, Alex Nuttall became host and chair of the Boots and Hearts Barn Burner charity hockey game, formerly known as Hockey Night in Barrie.[30] The Barn Burner brings celebrity hockey players, such as Toronto Maple Leaf Captain, John Tavares, and local community members together to raise money for local charities.[31] On August 3, 2022, the event, held at Sadlon Arena in Barrie, raised $155,000 for the RVH Foundation at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, Easter Seals Barrie, and PIE Education.[32]

Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority

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Nuttall served as a member of the Executive Board of Directors for the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority from 2006 to 2010. During this time the Authority played a role in establishing the Lake Simcoe Protection Act, 2008.[33]

Personal life

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While a federal MP, Nuttall employed the wife of another former Conservative MP Brian Storseth as an assistant.[34] Nuttall broke his left navicular bone playing soccer in January 2023 and had surgeries in February 2023 and 2024 to deal with the injury and a subsequent infection.[35]

Electoral history

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2022 Barrie Mayoral Candidate Vote %
Alex Nuttall 13,401 42.72
Barry Ward 12,624 40.24
Gerry Marshall 2,745 8.75
Mike McCann 1,700 5.42
Andrew Gordon 449 1.43
Weldon Hachey 315 1.00
Rob Haverson 134 0.43

Federal

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2015 Canadian federal election: Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte
Party Candidate Votes % ±% Expenditures
Conservative Alex Nuttall 21,091 41.74 −12.81 $151,648.41
Liberal Brian Tamblyn 21,005 41.57 24.63 $101,563.29
New Democratic Ellen White 5,202 10.29 −9.73 –
Green Marty Lancaster 2,648 5.24 −0.85 $30,596.20
Libertarian Darren Roskam 401 0.79 – $1,353.95
Independent Ram Faerber 188 0.37 – $10.93
Total valid votes/expense limit 50,535 99.64   $207,773.31
Total rejected ballots 181 0.36 –
Turnout 50,716 67.44 –
Eligible voters 75,207
Conservative hold Swing -18.72
These results were subject to a judicial recount,[36] and modified from the validated results in accordance with the Judge's rulings. The margin of Alex Nuttall over Brian Tamblyn decreased from 108 votes to 86 votes as a result of the recount.[37]
Source: Elections Canada[38][39][40]

References

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  1. ^ Cheryl Browne (2015-10-20). "Nuttall wins Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte". Barrie Examiner. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  2. ^ a b Simon, Chris (24 October 2022). "'This isn't a one-man show': Alex Nuttall elected as Barrie's next mayor". Barrie Advance. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
  3. ^ "Roles - Alexander Nuttall". Library of Parliament. Retrieved November 3, 2024.
  4. ^ Cole, Nikki (July 4, 2024). "SERIES: Barrie mayor calls childhood in social housing his 'biggest blessing'". Barrie Today. Retrieved November 3, 2024.
  5. ^ John Sisson, City Clerk (2006-11-13). "City of Barrie: Final Summary or Vote" (PDF). The City of Barrie. Retrieved 2006-11-20.
  6. ^ Dawn A. McAlpine, City Clerk (2010-10-29). "City of Barrie: Final Summary or Vote" (PDF). The City of Barrie. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-09-25. Retrieved 2010-10-29.
  7. ^ a b "ParlInfo Has Moved". lop.parl.ca. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  8. ^ "PC party picks leader Friday". simcoe.com. 14 December 2010. Retrieved 24 February 2022.
  9. ^ "Bernier's national membership chair MP Nuttall was accused of membership fraud in 2010". hilltimes.com. The Hill Times. 9 December 2010. Retrieved 24 February 2022.
  10. ^ "Controversy in Nuttall nomination bid". simcoe.com. Barrie Advance. 9 December 2010. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  11. ^ "Conservatives Announce Official Opposition Shadow Cabinet and Critics | Conservative Party of Canada - Canada's Official Opposition". Conservative.ca. 2015-11-20. Archived from the original on 2017-08-31. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  12. ^ "Statement by the Leader of the Official Opposition on the intention of MP Maxime Bernier to seek the Conservative Party of Canada leadership | Conservative Party of Canada - Canada's Official Opposition". Conservative.ca. 2016-04-08. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  13. ^ "OFFICIAL OPPOSITION SHADOW MINISTRY" (PDF). Ottawa, ON: Conservative Party of Canada. 30 August 2017. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  14. ^ "'I will not seek re-election': MP Alex Nuttall stepping away from politics". CTV News. Barrie. March 25, 2019. Retrieved October 25, 2019.
  15. ^ "Alex Nuttall on Opioid Crisis in Canada". Ottawa: Open Parliament. December 10, 2018. Retrieved September 23, 2022.
  16. ^ Beatrice Vaisman (November 28, 2018). "Local MP outlines plan to combat opioid crisis". CTV News. Barrie. Retrieved September 21, 2022.
  17. ^ Raymond Bowe (March 1, 2019). "Barrie MPs say they stand behind city if an opioid emergency is declared". Barrie Today. Barrie. Retrieved September 23, 2022.
  18. ^ Raymond Bowe (November 26, 2018). "MP's mind unchanged on Barrie injection site following Vancouver visit". Barrie Today. Barrie. Retrieved September 21, 2022.
  19. ^ Dana Roberts (2022-06-11). "Former MP Alex Nuttall officially launches campaign for Barrie mayor". CTV News Barrie. Retrieved 2022-06-11.
  20. ^ "Barrie's mayoral race begins as candidates file paperwork". CTV News Barrie. 2 May 2022. Retrieved 2022-05-22.
  21. ^ "NFTC - North Frontenac Telephone Company on LinkedIn". LinkedIn. Retrieved 2022-09-22.
  22. ^ "Province asks Barrie, Oro-Medonte to iron out boundary dispute". Orillia Matters. January 23, 2024. Retrieved November 3, 2024.
  23. ^ "Barrie area residents signal support for municipal boundary adjustment, new poll suggests". iPolitics. January 23, 2024. Retrieved November 3, 2024.
  24. ^ Bruton, Bob (March 14, 2024). "Barrie gets $25.6M boost from feds to fast-track housing". Barrie Today. Retrieved November 3, 2024.
  25. ^ Roberts, Dana (August 15, 2024). "Barrie mayor uses Strong Mayor Powers for 1st time over controversial field". CTV News. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  26. ^ Draaisma, Muriel (October 31, 2024). "Ontario mayors ask Ford to use notwithstanding clause to clear homeless encampments". CBC News. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  27. ^ "Helping kids go back to school in Barrie". Barrie Advance, Simcoe.com. 2013-08-19. Retrieved 2022-09-24.
  28. ^ "About PIE Education". PIE - WOOD FIRED PIZZA. Retrieved 2022-09-24.
  29. ^ "PIE Education backpack program kicks off with $10K donation". BarrieToday.com. 2022-08-26. Retrieved 2022-09-24.
  30. ^ Chris Simon (2018-05-18). "Hockey Night in Barrie will return to BMC in August". Barrie Advance, Simcoe.com. Retrieved 2022-09-24.
  31. ^ Shawn Gibson (2022-07-28). "Barn Burner charity game 'a perfect fit' for Leafs captain". BarrieToday.com. Retrieved 2022-09-24.
  32. ^ Shawn Gibson (2022-08-04). "'The best feeling': Barn Burner raises $155K". BarrieToday.com. Retrieved 2022-09-24.
  33. ^ "Lake Simcoe Protection Act, 2008". Government of Ontario. 24 July 2014. Retrieved 2022-09-25.
  34. ^ Bruton, Bob (May 31, 2024). "Mayor says no conflict exists with city's plans for iPolitics newsletter". Barrie Today. Retrieved November 3, 2024.
  35. ^ Bruton, Bob (December 23, 2023). "Mayor hopes foot surgery will make it right". Barrie Today. Retrieved November 3, 2024.
  36. ^ "Recount for Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte riding to be held next week". CTV News Barrie. October 30, 2015.
  37. ^ Ian McInroy (6 November 2015). "Conservative candidate Alex Nuttall keeps seat for Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte after official recount". Barrie Examiner. Retrieved 7 November 2015.
  38. ^ Canada, Elections. "Voter Information Service - Find your electoral district". www.elections.ca.
  39. ^ Canada, Elections. "Error page". www.elections.ca. Archived from the original on August 15, 2015.
  40. ^ "Election Night Results". Elections Canada. Retrieved 22 October 2015.
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