Rotarian Dave Allen introduced Chris Malette, Member of Parliament for the Bay of Quinte as today's guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Belleville. Elected as a Member of Parliament for the Bay of Quinte on April 28, 2025, Chris Malette brings a lifetime of storytelling, public service and community leadership to Ottawa. A Windsor native and longtime Belleville resident, Chris spent 36 years with the Belleville Intelligencer as a reporter, columnist and editor before serving as Managing Editor for Metroland Media. Throughout his journalism career, Chris earned a reputation for asking tough questions, listening carefully and ensuring local voices were heard. Those decades spent covering the community reinforced a belief that every story, and every solution begins with listening.
In 2018, Chris Malette ran for Belleville City Council and voters responded with confidence and re-elected him in 2022. During his time on Council, Chris chaired the Green Task Force and served on numerous municipal and regional committees focused on conservation, transit and social services. Building on that experience, he successfully sought election as the Member of Parliament for Bay of Quinte in 2025. One of Chris's earliest lessons in leadership was that it is built on relationships, not titles, a principle that continues to guide him today. In Parliament today, Chris serves on the Standing Committee on National Defence and participates in the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association, bringing a strong local voice to national conversations.
During the lunch meeting, MP Chris Malette led a great discussion about Belleville's growth and how federal investments can deliver real results for residents across Belleville and the Bay of Quinte. Four key priorities were the focus: building the housing and infrastructure our communities need, creating opportunities for local businesses and young people, strengthening our position as a hub for advanced manufacturing and skilled trades and protecting the Great Lakes and local environment. It is evident that Chris is proud to be a representative in Parliament of Belleville. Clearly his job as he sees it is the guy for Bay of Quinte, being out and about in this riding.
Thanked by Past President Doug Peterson as a champion for Belleville and the Bay of Quinte area, bringing a mix of skills to the table.