Newly elected Senator Bob Runciman, formerly the MPP of Leeds-Grenville, has requested that his designation in the Senate be changed from the current “Ontario” to “Ontario – Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes.” If his request is approved, the new designation will be used on government documents and correspondence.

According to Senator Runciman, he wants to change the designation as a way of paying back the community he owes everything to. He also hopes that the new designation draws attention to what he describes as one of Canada’s most beautiful and scenic regions.

The newly elected senator spent some 29 years in service of the region, and he vows to continue to do so with his new and higher position in government. One of the things he will try to do is work for the interests of the Rideau Lakes and Thousand Islands region.

One of his primary concerns will be the rural development of Eastern Ontario, he said.

On January 29, Friday, Runciman was named to the Senate. He will be officially sworn into office on the 3rd of March at a ceremony to be held in Ottawa.