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MPP's stance caused disquiet for peers continued from p.14 "I think when I got there, there was a bit of a sense the labour movement had been put down by previous governments," he said. With Flynn's help, the government worked to build that relationship back up and "give labour a seat at the table." He later held similar roles in the Energy and Environment portfolios. Flynn also served, and chaired, several committees, including some of the work he's most proud of, such as head of the Select Committee on Mental Health and Addictions. The committee worked for 18 months between 2009 and 2010 to produce a final report, including 23 recommendations for a comprehensive mental health and addictions plan for Ontario. "A lot of people come up and tell me if that report had not been issued, we wouldn't have made the progress we have in mental health today and that feels good...." Flynn said. "I think it gave hope to a lot who had been suffering quietly." Flynn's 18 years at the municipal level, during which time he chaired several committees to do with urban planning, also helped him recognize a gas plant didn't belong in Oakville. "There was no thinking about it... when I saw the proposal I realized that's just wrong," Flynn said. "It just didn't make any planning sense at all." Flynn voiced his opposition to McGuinty that the Ontario Power Authority's recommendation, to build the largest power plant in the country in a residential neighbourhood, didn't make sense. His opinion, which wasn't shared by all, made some in his party feel "very uncomfortable." "I wasn't thinking elections, I was thinking of doing the right thing in terms of my community." The Oakville plant was cancelled in the fall of 2010, and Flynn said it's a moment he won't forget. "When the premier told the Ontario Power Authority he was disagreeing with them, that was one of the proudest moments I've had as a politician," he said. "When plans that big, get that far down the track, usually they just fall over the finish line on their own momentum, even if a political party has changed its mind, or tried to stop it." Today, as part of cabinet under the leadership of Premier Kathleen Wynne, Flynn is at the helm of the same portfolio he cut his teeth on over a decade ago, and in the job he's always wanted -- labour minister. "It's a busy schedule, and it's a tough schedule," Flynn said. "We're doing a number of things right now that usually only get done every 20 or 30 years and we've decided it's the time for them." Over the coming months, the government will be reviewing the Employment Standards and Labour Relations acts, doing work on mental health in the workplace, and introducing workplace legislation ensuring more protection for people working at heights. "It's a great time to be in labour," Flynn said. "I think, in the fullness of time, this is going to be one of those periods where we make some important decisions that are going to dictate the future of the province." 15 | Friday, November 14, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com OPEN HOUSE Monday November 24 TH 9:00AM - 5:00PM Join us for information on hearing loss and demonstrations on the latest in hearing aid technology. Complimentary hearing evaluation and consultation with a registered audiologist. Call 289-856-9933 to book an appointment. OPEN HOUSE SPECIAL! Wide selection of vanities to choose from located BetWeen ciBc & td BanK vanities to choose from Wide selection of Bedroom set clearance 50% off floor model Hearing Aid Technology Upgrade on select hearing aids plus complimentary remote control with purchase.* (Save up to $2000) FREE Siemens easyPocket Siemens Pure · Discreet · Rechargeable option · Wireless connectivity FIREPLACE & ENTERTAINMENT UNIT *While quantities last. See clinic for details. many sofa set styles to choose from chairs GroUP of seven framed Prints variety of Visit us in the new Palermo Professional Building. Corner of Dundas and Bronte, two blocks west from the new Oakville Hospital. FREE Parking Refreshments Provided. dininG sets now in two loCations to serve you better Burlington Mall Palermo Professional Building #230-2525 Old Bronte Rd. Oakville John Moon, M.Sc,AUD (C) Reg CASLPO · 905-635-8779 | South oakville Centre Classique -Decor.com (formerly hopedale mall) · 905-847-2975 choruscare.ca 289-856-9933 "caring for your communication."