Ernie Isley becomes third member of Lakeland Credit Union Wall of Distinction

The recognition of a long political career, community building, and education was the scene at Lakeland Credit Union’s Bonnyville branch last Wednesday, as Ernie Isley became the third person to be enshrined on the Wall of Distinction.

The former four-term MLA from 1979 to 1993, as well as Bonnyville Mayor from 2006 to 2013, spoke in front of a small, but crowded group of family and friends in the front foyer of the branch, before LCU welcomed guests for a barbecue outside.

“I’m at a loss for words,” said Isley, which brought laughter and surprise from people who know that is almost never the case. “This is one of the greatest honours when you are recognized by your peers.”

Moving to Bonnyville in 1971 to become principal of Bonnyville Centralized High School, Isley’s impact on Bonnyville is unmeasurable.

During his tenure as a Progressive Conservative MLA, he was Minister of Manpower, Minister of Public Works, Supply, and Services, and Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Development.

He was narrowly defeated in 1993 by Leo Vasseur, In a 2006 municipal by-election, Isley won unacclaimed as Mayor, and would remain in the role until being defeated by Gene Sobolewski in 2013.

He joins Victor Ringuette and Josephat Hamel on the Wall of Distinction.

“Ernie has been an incredible pillar and leader within the community,” said board chair Salman Arabi. “His man years of service and leadership has provided so much importance, growth, and unity for which we as community members honour and respect greatly.” 

Much of Isley’s family was on hand for the occasion.

He said that most of his family, which includes his wife of 66 years, four children, ten grandchildren, and 21 — about to turn 22 grandchildren — live within 20 kilometres of town.

Vice-chair Judy Cabay held back tears while making her speech.

“Through his years of bold leadership, community involvement and ability to unite people, as he has done so many times, it has had a profound and long-lasting impact on the strength and growth of the community we know and love today,” she said. 

“Mr. Isley, we honour you, we respect you, we are inspired by you. We can only hope that we can give back to this community as much as you.”

On The Morning After, current mayor Elisa Brosseau congratulated Isley.

“His resume of what he did, not only for the Town of Bonnyville, but for the region goes far and deep. We wouldn’t have a lot of things that we have today, if isn’t for him. And I mean Kinosoo, the waterline, things like that. He was a key member of bringing a lot of those things to the region.”

Also on hand at the ceremony was Cold Lake Mayor Craig Copeland. Back before the Air Weapons Range tax revenue distribution was unsettled, it was not uncommon for Copeland and Isley to spar back and forth.

He gave kudos to the Credit Union’s choice.

“Ernie politically is the strongest we’ve had. In government, the Lakeland area has been underserved for getting minister positions for our MLAs. 

“Ernie was great. We had a lot of good conversations. It was great, I loved those times. Total respect to Ernie.”

Ceremony