About Rick
Rick was born and raised in Chatham-Kent. He was first elected to the Ontario Legislative Assembly in October of 2011, and is proud to serve as the MPP for Chatham-Kent Leamington in his third term and the 42cd Parliament of Ontario. Since the last session of the 41st Parliament, the riding has expanded to include Pelee Island, Lakeshore, Stoney Point, Comber and Lighthouse Cove. The riding also changed its name from Chatham-Kent-Essex to Chatham-Kent–Leamington.
Rick strongly believes in building solid working relationships not only with those at Queen’s Park but also within his constituency. Shortly after Rick was elected, he was asked what is was like to be MPP.
“Before the election, my family consisted of my wife, three children and a dog,” he answered. “Now my family consists of over 110, 000 people! I will work hard and (to) represent all of them at Queen’s Park and in my riding”.
Before entering politics, Rick’s entrepreneurial spirit allowed him to work with some of Canada’s most renowned companies via his company the Nicholls Training Group, including a major truck assembly plant, a natural gas utility, as well as clients spanning the finance, automotive, high tech, insurance, retail, hospitality, and education sectors. He also provided training and development for agencies in both the Canadian and U.S. governments.
At home, Rick is a proud husband, father, and grandfather, remaining active within the Chatham-Kent community. Rick has been involved with the Chatham-Kent Toastmasters, and was past president of Gideon’s International of Canada – Chatham chapter. He also coached little league baseball and sponsored girl’s minor soccer. Rick’s community involvement has also included Softball Canada as an umpire, for which he was recognized for his knowledge of the game, professionalism, and ability “to make the tough calls”.
His experience as a baseball umpire has been useful in the Ontario Legislature – Rick serves as the Government Deputy Speaker. He continuously demonstrates his passion for his work, serving on Caucus Advisory Teams for the Ministry of the Attorney General, the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, as well as the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services. Two of Rick’s proposals from the last government -a concrete barrier on the 401 highway in Southwest Ontario and better safety standards for school-busses- have already been implemented in the first year of the new government. He looks forward to continuing this track record with more improvements to public policy for the benefit of families and communities.
Rick’s motto is accessible and accountable, maintaining responsive offices in Chatham, Leamington, and Queen’s Park.
