Hugh O'Neil
Mr. O`Neil was appointed to and joined the board of directors of both the Ontario Arts Council and Ontario Arts Foundation in 2010 . In addition to his 20-year political career, Mr. O`Neil`s professional background includes work as an elementary school teacher and real estate broker. The former MPP for Quinte held cabinet positions in the Peterson government, including Minister of Industry, Trade and Technology, Minister of Mines, Minister of Tourism and Recreation, and Minister of Culture and Communications. He has been honorary chair with several organizations such as the Quinte Ballet School of Canada, the Loyalist college foundation, the Lung Association, and the Belleville Festival of Trees, and is also a former vice-chair of the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Presently, Mr. O'Neil is a member of the Committee constructing the Afghanistan Memorial near Canadian Forces Base Trenton.
He is an honorary patron of the Quinte Symphony Orchestra and was an Honorary Colonel in the Canadian Armed Forces. He has an honorary diploma from Loyalist College and is the recipient of the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Confederation awarded by the Governor General and of the Queen`s Silver Jubilee Medal. Mr. O'Neil is a resident of the Belleville, Trenton area and is presently involved in the family commercial and investment business.