In 2007, Rick Bartolucci was elected for a fourth term to the Ontario Legislature. He was appointed Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing on August 18, 2010 after serving as Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services since October, 2007.
As the Province’s “Top Cop”, he supported the McGuinty Government’s “tough on crime” approach through various initiatives. Under Mr. Bartolucci’s watch, the strongest animal welfare legislation in the country, the PAW (Provincial Animal Welfare) Act, became law. He previously served as Minister of Northern Development and Mines and during his tenure, a number of key accomplishments were achieved. For example, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund was revitalized with a renewed focus on job creation.
In 2002, while a member of the Official Opposition, one of Mr. Bartolucci’s private members’ bills - the Police Memorials Act - became law, giving the Ontario Legislature the authority to name highway bridges and other structures in memory of fallen police officers.
Prior to entering provincial politics in 1995, Bartolucci was active at the municipal level. He served as Sudbury’s deputy mayor and chaired the City of Sudbury Budget Committee and Grievance Committee, as well as the Sudbury Regional Police Services Board’s Complaint Committee. Bartolucci was an educator for 30 years before entering politics.
Born and raised in Sudbury, Mr. Bartolucci is a graduate of Laurentian University. He and his wife, Maureen, have two adult children, Angie and Dan, and two granddaughters, Mia and Maggie.