Tim Hudak’s career is one founded on energy, ideas, and principles.

His grandparents came to Canada from Eastern Europe in the 1930s in advance of WWII. Tim, born in Fort Erie, Ontario, to a high school teacher and principal, learned the importance of education and self-reliance from his parents and grandparents.

After graduating from Notre Dame College School in Welland, Tim put himself through university working as a customs officer on the Peace Bridge. He earned a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Economics at the University of Western Ontario, and was subsequently awarded a full academic scholarship to the University of Washington where he obtained his Masters of Arts in Economics.

Before entering public life in 1995, Tim worked in the tourism and economic development business and for Walmart Canada helping the company transition into the Canadian market.

Once elected as a Member of Provincial Parliament at the age of 27, Tim was recognized as a rising star, and was appointed Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health. He subsequently held the ministerial portfolios of Northern Development and Mining, Tourism, Culture and Recreation, and Consumer and Business Services.

Tim’s approach to government is pragmatic and results driven. As minister, he cut Ontario mining taxes to the lowest in Canada, creating new jobs in the mining industry. At the same time, believing that government has a role in helping people in need, he successfully championed for the doubling of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.

Tim was Minister of Tourism during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. While the world was still in shock, Tim convened meetings with leaders in the tourism industry and built a plan that provided an additional $14 million in marketing support to help the industry recover.

Tim understands the needs of the modern age. As Minister of Consumer and Business Services, he undertook the modernization of consumer protection. Laws that were written many years before on manual typewriters were updated to reflect the needs of consumers and entrepreneurs in the Internet age.

Tim seizes new challenges. In 2007, he won the new riding of Niagara West-Glanbrook which includes parts of the City of Hamilton. Even though it was two-thirds new territory for Tim, he built a new riding organization and won with 51 per cent support – his largest margin of victory, despite downward provincial trends.

Tim is an avid reader of political and Canadian history. He was a volunteer sports coach, and loves basketball, soccer and football. When time permits Tim enjoys mountain biking, outdoor cooking and kayaking on the Welland River near his home.

Tim lives in Wellandport with his wife Debbie and their two-year-old daughter, Miller.