‘Evening with Michael’ Another Huge Success

MARATHON, ON – Wednesday, May 22nd the Marathon District Chamber of Commerce hosted it’s annual “Evening with Michael” in honour of Thunder Bay – Superior North MPP and Minister of Northern Development and Mines, the Honourable Michael Gravelle. Held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 183 hall the supper was sponsored by the Marathon Economic Development Corporation and Barrick Gold-Hemlo Operations.

Arriving, attendees took advantage of the regional crowd to catch up on networking and connect with political leaders and/or business people they might not otherwise have the opportunity to see in person. For many it was their first opportunity to see Michael Gravelle in person since his cancer diagnosis during the winter so his strong and healthy appearance no doubt set their minds at ease regarding his wellbeing.  Though mentioning he still had radiation therapy to undergo, he did so only briefly focusing on positivity, his confidence quite inspiring.

Prior to supper a number of scheduled speakers addressed those in attendance; Dr. George Macey, MDCC, who was also the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. In his speech, the guest of honour Michael Gravelle began by explaining that “In a strange way after about 18yrs of being MPP Thunder Bay-Superior North we’re just really starting to get things moving in a really exciting way” clearly rejuvenated and with a contagious enthusiasm he spoke of how much he continues to love his job and the passion he continues to have for it vowing his renewed commitment  “After 18yrs representing Northwestern Ontario, being a strong voice at cabinet, making sure that our voice is heard and making sure the decisions being made are in the best interest of Northern Ontario I stand before you someone feeling quite rejuvenated, reinvigorated”.

Mayor Rick Dumas gave one of his trademark short and sweet speeches though managing to list a great number of things he was thankful for in regards to Gravelle’s work with a number of initiatives.

Other speakers included Andrew Baumen of Barrick Gold-Hemlo Operations who gave a power-point presentation with information including how the’ “Life of Mine” of Barrick Hemlo was unfolding and work being done in regards to preparing those whose jobs would be ending, a group of 26 in June and others in coming years, as well as their incredible safety record and other information.   Clark Gilbert representative for Stillwater Canada followed committing to continuing Barrick Hemlo’s tradition of community support and prioritizing safety (will be published later this week to www.youtube.com/KarinaHunter).  Daryl Skworchinski, Chair of the Nawiinginokiima Forest Management Corporation also shared a very informative presentation bringing everyone up-to-date in regards to where the local FMC was at and the progress they had made since he had been named chair.

Finally the presentations were wrapped up by Joanie McGuffin who spoke of a project identifying locations in Algoma and the Northshore where members of the Group of Seven had created their works of art as well as a need to market Northshore communities as a group rather than singularly (a theme of the evening).

During supper of course there was a 50th birthday surprise for Al Cresswell (CLICK HERE for that story) which redirected the focus  for just a short while.  Prior to M. Gravelle’s departure which had to be kept on schedule due, to a meeting planned with Premier Kathleen Wynne the following day in Thunder Bay, Dominique Filane and Al Cresswell were excited to present the MPP with a banner which had been created for the “Shakedown in Railtown” charity boxing match between Filane and Cresswell for which Michael had originally been scheduled to be the referee unfortunately, life had stepped in and his cancer diagnosis had him beginning Chemotherapy the same week making it impossible for him to attend. The banner had been signed by everyone in attendance at the match with words of encouragement, friendship and support for M. Gravelle; he was clearly touched pointing out that it was this type of outpouring of support that had lifted him and given him strength in his battle against lymphoma (CLICK HERE for our interview with Michael that week when he began chemotherapy).

Thank you to the Marathon District Chamber of Commerce and sponsors Marathon Economic Development Corp, Barrick Hemlo-Gold Operations and all those who contributed to making this another incredibly successful evening!

 

Posted in Chamber of Commerce News, Community Events, Manitouwadge/Marathon, Municipal, Northern Ontario Headlines, Northern Ontario Politics, Provincial, Provincial Cabinet, Regional, video post | Comments Off on ‘Evening with Michael’ Another Huge Success

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