Despite having finished second in the last federal election the former Liberal MP for Hastings-Lennox and Addington says he loved every minute working for Canadians everywhere and especially those in his riding.
“I am so grateful for having this opportunity” says Mike Bossio. “We knew we were going to have a tough row to hoe to win the election. This region is historically a Conservative stronghold. My team and I did all we could and we ran a great campaign but I have always known that my hold on the job was a tenuous one because of the strong Conservative base in these parts. And congratulations to Derek Sloan. He ran a good campaign and worked hard to get elected. Best of luck to him.”
Despite the loss Bossio says he’s proud of the investments made in rural Canada and in his riding. “Without strong and continuous investment in basic infrastructure our rural communities cannot grow and become economically strong. I was chair of the Rural Caucus and we invested millions, record amounts, in broadband cellphone service upgrades, road and bridge projects along with water and sewer system upgrades.”
Bossio says $42 million will go into upgrading broadband service in Hastings-Lennox and Addington alone. Over $200 million in federal dollars will flow for better cellphone coverage in Eastern Ontario.
In Hastings-Lennox and Addington, 26 accessibility or seniors projects were funded by the national government in the past four years. The Town of Greater Napanee received $28 million for sewer system upgrades and the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte received $45 million to upgrade water treatment facilities and to allow expansion of the water system to provide better drinking water to more residents on the Territory. Six bridges in the riding have been slated for upgrading or to be replaced.
“When we invest in infrastructure, we not only help keep the local economy strong, but it helps clean up the environment as well.”
As far as the next election is concerned Bossio says he’s not even thinking about it or about running again. I’m pursuing my interests and enjoying reconnecting with my family. However, I’m keeping all options open.”
