Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the mayor of the Township of Perth South, Jim Aitcheson, following his sudden passing last week. Jim was dedicated to his family and his community. He was a proud life member of the Downie Optimist Club. In politics, he was first elected as a Downie Ward councillor, and he would go on to serve as deputy mayor, mayor and three-term warden of Perth County. Jim served as warden during some of the most challenging times the county has faced. Under Jim's leadership, significant efforts were made to improve mental health supports for first responders and the communities they serve.
Jim was a no-nonsense type of leader, and while some of his advice may have used language that would not be considered parliamentary, we always knew where we stood with Jim. To his wife, Lori, and their kids, Kelly, Tracey and Greg, I want to say that I know they are as proud of him as he was of them.