Joel Harden MPP / Député, Ottawa Centre

“Lord love a duck.”  These are words my grandmother often used against those making nonsensical arguments. Suffice it to say, I’m a chip off that block.  It’s been difficult to see the manufactured... More

In politics, as in life, it’s easy to point out problems, but harder to offer solutions. And yet, great solutions exist. You just need to find them, learn from them, and support them. I’ll cite thr... More

I don’t talk about my family very much, but last weekend gave me an exception to that rule. Andrea, my sister, had a 37-hour ordeal at a local hospital emergency room (ER), and her experience offer... More

When I heard about Ed Broadbent’s death yesterday, I was reading his book “Seeking Social Democracy: Seven Decades in the Fight for Equality”. The publisher, ECW Press, had sent me a review copy. I... More

Soon we will close our MPP Office in Ottawa Centre from December 22 to January 2. Our talented staff team will take a deserved pause to recuperate. As we prepare to do that, let’s reflect on 2023. ... More

Last week, I celebrated a global citizens movement that temporarily stopped the bloodshed and bombs in Gaza and Israel. Over 100,000 people rallied on Parliament Hill last Saturday.  Today, with bo... More

"Ring the bell which still can ring Forget your perfect offering There is a crack, a crack in everything That’s how the light gets in" – Leonard Cohen, Anthem (1992). Do you love music? I sure do. ... More

This week was the culmination of much work for Bill 40: The Moving Ontarians Safely Act, the vote at Second Reading happened last night. I was hoping to relay good news today about Bill 40, but we ... More

Last week I promised a veteran’s story from my own family, so this is Walter Russell Davison, my maternal grandfather. Grandpa D, as he was lovingly called, never discussed his military service. He... More

Next week I won’t be in Toronto, I’ll be home in Ottawa Centre. Queen’s Park is recessed so MPPs can attend local events prior to Remembrance Day ceremonies. At this time of year, we remember the s... More