Dave Levac | Something to Talk About | Live to Air Brantford Podcast
Dave began his working career as an elementary school teacher in 1977 . During his career he introduced and implemented an award winning conflict resolution program for his students and in 1989 Dave became a principal. He was named OECTA Distinguished Teacher in 1994. Levac received the Canada 125 Medal in 1993 and was named Brantford's Citizen of the year in 1997. He also served as co-ordinator of Queen Elizabeth's Royal visit to Brantford in 1gg7. He was awarded the Queen Elizabeth ll Golden Jubilee Medal in 2A02 and the Queen Elizabeth ll Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. He has also been awarded an Ontario Service Award and the YMCA Canada Peace Medal. He recently received the inaugural "Joseph Brant Award" from Robert Land Academy for "Loyalty, Labour, courage, commitment and Honour". Dave brought his strong drive for community service to the Ontario Legislature, first by being elected in 1999. Re-elected in 2003, 2007 , 2011 and 2014. Dave has had several private member's bills passed into law (a rear feat), including "Smoke Free Amendment Act (first co- sponsored bill by two different parties, The Fire Fighters Memorial Day Act, and Sabrina's Law. He was awarded "The Order of Merit" by the Ukrainian President for his work on the "Holodomor Memorial Day Act." This medal is similar to a Knighthood in England. lt was also the first tri- party sponsored bill in Ontario history. Locally, Dave has delivered many results to his community. Among the long list of accomplishments Dave considers the following key to the success and future success of Brant and the region: a new MRl, Brownfield clean up grants, Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre complex grant, Brant Twin Pad complex grant, major grants building the Laurier Brantford Campus, funding for Steadman Hospice, Birthing Centre and Emergency expansion grants for the Brantford General Hospital., Y/Laurier complex grant, Detox/Rehabilitation Centre grant and GO Service in Brantford to name a few. ln 2003 Dave was appointed Chief Government Whip. He followed as Parliamentary Assistant for Community Safety and Correctional Services then PA for Energy and lnfrastructure. After the 2011 election, Dave looked for new opportunities to serve by running for Speaker of the Legislature of Ontario. He was elected Speaker on the second ballet, a resounding vote of confidence from all sitting members. Internationally, Levac has been a member of and lead delegations to The Council of Commonwealth Governments, Council of State Governments (CSG), Francophonie Governments and many others. He has won a special award for his contributions to the CSG. (One of only 2 Canadians awarded over 52 years.) He was also responsible for several "Friendship Agreements" with other countries. Dave served as Speaker from November 2011 until 2018. He was heralded by most MPPs and political commentators as one of the most effective Speakers in recent history, presiding with dignity and integrity. He is now the longest serving speaker in Ontario history. After 45 years of public service between teaching and politics, Dave retired, choosing not to run in the 2018 provincial election. Not to fade away, Dave accepted a position of Distinguished Visiting Professor at McMaster University where he brings experiential learning to 4th year students.
