The collected wisdom of ...

Chris Hodgson

President

Ontario Mining Association

Residence: Toronto

Q What's the toughest political decision you've ever had to make?

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

I respect anyone for making a decision to enter public life. Certainly for me the original decision to get involved with municipal politics in Haliburton was tough. However, the decision to give up public life while a provincial cabinet minister was even tougher.

Q If an NHL scout were to watch you play hockey, your style would closely resemble what player?

Hockey has been a game I've played all my life. Currently my four kids are playing hockey and love the game so I spend a lot of time at the rinks around Ontario. If I was on the ice, I think the scout would likely choose my old friend Bernie Nicholls, who starred for the LA Kings over me. Scouts tend to know that you have to have talent to play hockey for a living. My favourite player when I was growing up was Bobby Clarke. Today I like Steve Yzerman, Joe Sakic and Peter Forsberg.

Q What's the biggest fish you've ever caught? (details)

Probably the biggest fish I ever caught was a salmon out of Lake Ontario. However, the fish I am most proud of is one from my own backyard--a Haliburton Lake Trout weighing over six pounds.

Q What's the most valuable thing you've ever lost?

I'm reluctant to admit this but I lost the pin MPPs receive at their induction to the Legislature--a week after receiving it. Unlike Stanley Cup rings, I don't think you'll find this pin up for auction on eBay anytime soon.

Q What expertise do you bring to this job?

The mining industry is fast paced and ever changing, not unlike politics. I know I have to keep learning to be able to better help my members deal with the cycles of their industry. During my time in government, I gained an appreciation for the natural resources in our province and the need to build consensus on their use, to ensure all Ontarians benefit. New and even existing mining operations face this reality, and my job is to make sure their interests are advanced