Well known for his work as a school trustee, MP and city councillor, Jay Aspin has earned an award from the Ontario Public School Boards Association (OPSBA) for his “outstanding contribution to education.”
Aspin received the Bernadine Yackman annual award Friday in Toronto.
"This has really put the icing on the cake of my long political career. What a memorable occasion," Aspin told BayToday.
OPSBA is an association of 72 public school boards impacting 1.3 million students and providing a strong and effective voice on behalf of public education in Ontario.
"Well, I can tell you ….It’s been one heck of a ride! Basically, my 46-year run as a trustee was interrupted by 18 years serving on the North Bay City Council and one term serving as the Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming."
Aspin says his first love in politics was as a trustee.
"I can recall two of my most memorable highlights. The first was in 1984 when selected by the Ontario School Trustees Council to lead what turned out to be the final public meeting with Premier Bill Davis regarding the separate school funding issue. The second and more recent highlight happened this past term as Chair of the 2018-22 Near North District School Board. I led a tremendously effective board in what we described as our '3 R challenge'–not your traditional 3 R’s… our R’s were Rehabilitation, Restoration of the Reputation of the board.
"Unfortunately, the former board had a very challenging term leaving it void of public confidence. As a team, we managed to right the ship all within the challenge of a very disruptive pandemic."
Aspin was not re-elected to the school board in last year's election, after serving as its chairman.
Aspin extended his appreciation to a number of key individuals including his wife, Joanne, who he calls "my rock of Gibraltar.”
He also thanked all trustees of the 2018-2022 Near North Board especially Vice Chair, John Cochrane, and trustee Bill Steer for their solid support.
"I am truly humbled and will cherish this award for the rest of my life!," Aspin told delegates.
