THE GREATEST HAMILTONIAN

What makes a great Hamiltonian? My guess is that it is the same criteria that makes a great Canadian. When we think about what makes a great Hamiltonian, it's not about the wealth, the prestige, or the popularity of the individual, but it is about what contributions the person has made to bettering the lives of others, honoring the past, present, and providing a brighter future for its society. Hamilton has developed immensely, and had it not been the devotion and contributions of several individuals, it may not be the pre-industrialized city we see it as today.

The decision was not easy, as there were many people like Lincoln Alexander, Karen Kain, and even the founder of Hamilton itself, the man who envisioned the ambition of a great city "Steel City" George Hamilton: my greatest Hamiltonian is Michael G. DeGroote.

Michael DeGroote has accomplished so much, and he has affected contributed to various aspects of Hamilton that has better the lives of the citizens of Hamilton. For a many who never finished high school, he has been on the fore-front of encouraging education for all aspiring youths today. His $105 million dollar contribution to McMaster alone, in business and medicine shows his devotion to life long learning, that will in effect assist us one day find cures for many of the major diseases in health today.

His billion dollar business, Laidlaw, has created so many job opportunities to the residence of Hamilton, a city that has experienced a slump, since no longer relying on it's steel factories for economic success. His garbage collection, and recycling program has promoted the idea of a "Greener" Canada. He has opened the school bus program that has expanded to other cities in Ontario, creating safe transportation for children.

He also purchased the Hamilton TigerCats, encouraging athleticism and promoting the growth of the city of Hamilton.

Michael G. DeGroote has left a legacy in Hamilton that is not only honorable, but has set a promising future for Hamilton residents. He is not popular or very known, but the contributions he has made to the city of Hamilton will be recognized and spoken of for decades to come.