THUNDER BAY – This past Saturday it was my pleasure to sit down with Senator Frank Mahovlich. The “Big M” as #27 was known through his Hall of Fame Hockey career with both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadians. The Senator was in Thunder Bay campaigning with Liberal candidate Yves Fricot.
My personal memory of Senator Mahovlich was from the 1972 Super Series where Team Canada defeated the Soviet Union is an eight game series.
Today, the quiet gentleman, is working on several issues through his Senate office. Senator Mahovlich is on the Agriculture and Forestry Committee.
One of his tasks has been working to boost Canada’s forest sector.
Yves Fricot commented how when Senator Mahovlich and the Committee traveled to Washington DC during the softwood lumber dispute, that he was able to meet with more American Senators and officials in a faster time than any other Canadian officials.
The discussion ranged on how politics seems more focused on immediate issues, with less of the heady excitement of Canada’s past where the political parties and leaders would offer big projects and large visionary ideas.
The impact on young people of negative ads said Senator Mahovlich is an increased lack of interest in politics. It is a message echoed by many.
During his short trip to Thunder Bay the Senator visited with young people at the 31@ Junot Centre, stopped by the Home and Garden Show, and visited the Elks Hockey Tourney to meet with young people.