Federal Government Contacts

Health
Minister: Mark Holland
Associate Minister: Ya’ara Saks
Parliamentary Secretary: Vacant
Conservative Critic: Dr. Stephen Ellis
Bloc Québécois Critic: Luc Thériault
NDP Critics: Don Davies and Bonita Zarrillo (Deputy Critic)

Innovation, Science and Industry
Minister: François-Philippe Champagne
Parliamentary Secretary: Ryan Turnbull
Conservative Critic: Rick Perkins
Bloc Québécois Critics: Maxime Blanchette-Joncas (Science and Innovation) and Sébastien Lemire (Industry)
NDP Critics: Brian Masse and Richard Cannings (Deputy Critic)

Mental Health and Addictions
Minister: Ya’ara Saks
Parliamentary Secretary: Darren Fisher
Conservative Critic: Todd Doherty (Mental Health and Suicide Prevention) and Laila Goodridge (Addictions)
NDP Critics: Gord Johns and Lisa Marie Barron (Deputy Critic)

Finance
Minister: Chrystia Freeland
Parliamentary Secretary: Rachel Bendayan
Conservative Critic: Jasraj Singh Hallan
Bloc Québécois Critic: Gabriel Ste-Marie
NDP Critics: Daniel Blaikie and Peter Julian (Deputy Critic)

Environment and Climate Change
Minister: Steven Guilbeault
Parliamentary Secretary: Julie Dabrusin and Adam van Koeverden
Conservative Critic: Gérard Deltell
Bloc Québécois Critics: Monique Pauzé (Environment) and Kristina Michaud (Climate change)
NDP Critic: Laurel Collins

The Honourable Anita Anand
President of the Treasury Board (July 2023)
MP, Oakville (Ontario)

The Honourable Anita Anand is a devoted leader with a proven record of service. In her Oakville community, she has served on the Board of Directors of the Lighthouse Foundation for Grieving Children, the Oakville Hospital Foundation, and Oakville Hydro Electricity Distribution Inc.

For the past two decades, Minister Anand has been a legal academic, employed most recently as a Professor of Law at the University of Toronto where she held the J.R. Kimber Chair in Investor Protection and Corporate Governance. She served as Associate Dean and was a member of the Governing Board of Massey College and the Director of Policy and Research at the Capital Markets Research Institute, Rotman School of Management. She has also taught law at Yale Law School, Queen’s University, and Western University.

The Honourable Bill Blair
Minister of National Defence (July 2023)
MP, Scarborough Southwest (Ontario)

The Honourable Bill Blair has demonstrated his ability to unite and engage others through his numerous roles in provincial, national, and international policing forums. He served as President of both the Ontario and Canadian Associations of Chiefs of Police, receiving the distinction of Commander of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces. He is the proud recipient of the 2011 Beth Sholom Brotherhood Humanitarian Award, and was honoured in 2013 by the Canadian Tamil Congress for his leadership and tremendous service to the people of Toronto.

Minister Blair is dedicated to many social causes, having worked with some of Toronto’s most respected and effective organizations such as Covenant House, the United Way, and the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto. He also served on the Board of Directors of the former Scarborough Hospital Foundation (now the Scarborough Health Network Foundation), and was Vice-Patron of the Good Neighbours’ Club, a day centre for elderly homeless men now called Haven Toronto.

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne
Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry (January 2021)
MP, Saint-Maurice—Champlain (Quebec)

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne was first elected in 2015 as the Member of Parliament for Saint-Maurice—Champlain.

Minister Champagne is a businessman, lawyer, and international trade specialist with over 20 years’ experience at large international companies in Europe, particularly in the fields of energy, engineering, and innovation.

Before entering politics, Minister Champagne was Vice-President and Senior Counsel of ABB Group, a leader in cutting-edge technology that operates in more than 100 countries. He also served as Strategic Development Director, acting General Counsel, and Chief Ethics Officer and Member of the Group Management Committee of AMEC Foster Wheeler, a world leader in the energy sector.

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
Minister of Public Services and Procurement (July 2023)
MP, Québec (Quebec)

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos was elected as Member of Parliament for Québec in 2015. He was appointed to cabinet by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and served as Minister of Families, Children and Social Development from November 2015 until November 2019, when he was appointed as President of the Treasury Board. As of October 2021, Minister Duclos serves as Health Minister.

In his role as Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Minister Duclos was responsible for the establishment of the Canada Child Benefit and the very first National Housing Strategy.

Prior to his election in 2015, Minister Duclos was a full professor and Director of the Department of Economics at Laval University. Minister Duclos is a well-published author, conference speaker and economics expert. In 2014, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, the highest accolade bestowed on Canadian researchers.

The Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Indigenous Services & Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (October 2021)
MP, Thunder Bay—Superior North (Ontario)

The Honourable Patty Hajdu was elected as Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North in 2015. She was appointed to cabinet by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and served as Minister of Status of Women from November 2015 until January 2017, when she was appointed as Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour.

Minister Hajdu previously worked in public health and focused on drug policy, youth development and homelessness. Prior to her election, she ran the largest homeless shelter in Northwestern Ontario.

She is a compassionate advocate for Thunder Bay-Superior North and all of Canada, believing that a more inclusive country benefits everyone. As Member of Parliament and Minister, she remains firmly focused on ensuring every Canadian has a fair shot at success.

The Honourable Mark Holland
Minister of Health (July 2023)
MP, Ajax (Ontario)

The Honourable Mark Holland was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Ajax in 2004 and served until 2011. He was re-elected in 2015, 2019, and 2021. He is currently serving his sixth term.

A lifelong resident of the Ajax-Pickering area, Minister Holland has served his community for over 20 years. He was elected as a Durham Regional Councillor, serving from 1997 to 2004. He also served as Acting Mayor of Pickering. During his time on council, he focused on the redevelopment of the Pickering waterfront, youth employment, and environmental issues.

As a Member of Parliament, Minister Holland has served as Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, as Chief Government Whip, as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Democratic Institutions. He has been a staunch advocate of marriage equality rights, and played a key role in helping to reform Canada’s animal cruelty laws.

In both public and private roles, Minister Holland has backed health-related initiatives. He served as Executive Director of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada’s Ontario Mission, as well as its National Director of Children and Youth, and helped to secure funding for Grandview Children’s Centre’s future Ajax location.

The Honourable Mary Ng
Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development (October 2021)
MP, Markham—Thornhill (Ontario)

The Honourable Mary Ng is a devoted community leader who has always believed in the power of public service. She has 20 years of experience in the areas of education, women’s leadership, job creation, and entrepreneurship.

Minister Ng immigrated to Canada from Hong Kong with her family, and grew up learning about the struggle and eventual success that many new immigrants experience in Canada.

Her years working for the Ontario Public Service, Ryerson University, and the Ontario Ministry of Education led to her being recognized as one of Canada’s top-performing public sector leaders. She later served as Director of Appointments for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan
President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Emergency Preparedness & Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (July 2023)
MP, Vancouver South (British Columbia)

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Vancouver South in 2015. He has previously served as Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada and as Minister of National Defence.

Minister Sajjan immigrated to Canada from India with his family when he was five years old. He grew up in South Vancouver and benefitted from everything the area’s diverse and culturally rich community has to offer.

Minister Sajjan has made serving others a cornerstone of his life. He is a former detective with the Vancouver Police Department, a former Lieutenant Colonel with the British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught’s Own), and a long-time advocate for youth education and mentorship programs.

The Honourable Ya’ara Saks
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions & Associate Minister of Health (July 2023)
MP, York Centre (Ontario)

The Honourable Ya’ara Saks was first elected as the Member of Parliament for York Centre in 2020. She has previously served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. She was also a member of the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development and the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, as well as various parliamentary associations and interparliamentary groups.

Minister Saks is a long-time community advocate and leader focused on promoting health and addressing inequalities in society. Before entering politics, she was a successful small business owner and the Director of Trauma Practice for Healthy Communities, a Toronto-based mental health charity working for better access to mental health services.

Minister Saks brings a Canadian and global perspective to her community engagement work. She has held advisory roles in policy, communications, and project management, having worked in the Office of the Mayor of Jerusalem and on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

Chris Bittle
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities (September 2023)
MP, St. Catherines (Ontario)

Mr. Chris Bittle was previously a civil litigator with Lancaster, Brooks and Welch LLP, specializing in commercial disputes, real estate litigation, defamation, and landlord-tenant matters.

Mr. Bittle was the Chair of Quest Community Health Centre Board of Directors – a local non-profit organization committed to providing quality primary health care and social services to the residents of the Greater St. Catharines area. His work at Quest has made him a strong advocate for sustainable health care.

Julie Dabrusin
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources (September 2023)
MP, Toronto—Danforth (Ontario)

Since assuming her role as a federal representative of our community, Ms. Julie Dabrusin has served on the Special Joint Committee on Physician-Assisted Dying, which tabled its final report in February 2016. Ms. Dabrusin currently is the Chair of Heritage Committee, where she advocates for those working within Canada’s creative and cultural industries and who comprise an integral part of the vibrant Toronto-Danforth community. Julie is a member of Public Safety Committee as well. A proponent of active transportation, Julie is also a founding member of the All-Party Bike Caucus and a proud advocate for active and public transportation funding.

After launching the Danforth Hunger Squad for Second Harvest, Ms. Dabrusin witnessed first-hand the effects of income inequality and how it impedes Canadians’ access to nutritious food. In Ottawa, as Chair of the Liberal Food Policy Caucus and a participant in the All-Party Anti-Poverty Caucus, Julie is working alongside her colleagues to tackle food insecurity and food-related issues.

Pam Damoff
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular Affairs) (September 2023)
MP, Oakville North—Burlington (Ontario)

Pam Damoff was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Oakville North—Burlington in 2015. Ms. Damoff has previously served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health.

Ms. Damoff is a community activist and business professional with over 25 years of corporate experience. Before being elected as a Member of Parliament, she served as an Oakville town councillor from 2010 to 2015. During her time on council, she was a member of the Oakville Public Library Board, the budget committee of the Town of Oakville, and the Oakville Tourism Partnership.

She is passionate about many causes, including employment for persons living with disabilities, women’s empowerment, mental health, environmental protection, and cycling and improved cycling infrastructure.

Terry Duguid
Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and Special Advisor for Water (September 2023)
MP, Winnipeg South (Manitoba)

Mr. Terry Duguid is a strong advocate on environmental and public health issues. He has served as a board member for Concordia Hospital and is the founding president of the International Centre for Infectious Diseases, a non-profit organization established to support and enhance the mandate of the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Darren Fisher
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health (September 2023)
MP, Dartmouth—Cole Harbour (Nova Scotia)

Darren Fisher was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Dartmouth—Cole Harbour in 2015.

Mr. Fisher has previously served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Seniors, as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) and as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health.

His family has called the region home for generations, operating businesses and maintaining active involvement in the community. Mr. Fisher is known among his peers and community for relationship building, and his advocacy on recycling, poverty reduction, mental health awareness, healthy active living, and sickle cell disease awareness.

Yvonne Jones
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern Affairs and to the Minister of National Defence (Northern Defence) (September 2023)
MP, Labrador (Newfoundland and Labrador)

In 2003, Ms. Yvonne Jones was the first female in the province to be appointed Minister of Fisheries & Aquaculture. She was also the Minister Responsible for the Status of Women.

Ms. Jones began her career as a journalist and has worked throughout the province as a news reporter. She also carried out contract work as a researcher with Memorial University and as a Resource Employment Counselor with Human Resources Development Canada.

Through her volunteer work with the Battle Harbour Development Corporation, the Combined Councils of Labrador, the NunatuKavut and various literacy groups and councils, Ms. Jones played a significant role in improving the quality of life not only for the people of her district, but for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Stéphane Lauzon
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Citizens’ Services (September 2023)
MP, Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation (Quebec)

Mr. Stéphane Lauzon has previously served as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, as well as the Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of Sports and Persons with Disabilities.

After working at Canadian International Paper in the 1980s, Mr. Lauzon decided to return to school in 1992 to complete a teaching certificate and then worked in the field of vocational training for over 20 years. He became a City of Gatineau municipal councillor in November 2009. Recently, he managed construction projects at a company that he started himself, in addition to his duties as municipal councillor.

These duties included sitting on the Capital Property and Budget Committee, the Standing Committee on Housing, and the Committee on Seniors. In 2012 he became Chair of the Sports, Recreation and Community Life Committee and was Vice-Chair of the 2015 Jeux de la francophonie.

Rob Oliphant
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (May 2019)
MP, Don Valley West (Ontario)

Mr. Rob Oliphant is the former President and CEO of the Asthma Society of Canada, a national health charity and patient organization. He is a community leader with a long history of advocating for poverty reduction, affordable housing, at-risk youth, and seniors’ economic security.

Currently, Mr. Oliphant was the President of the Global Allergy and Asthma Patient Platform and serves on the Governing Council of the Health Charities Coalition of Canada. In 2013, he was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of his contributions to Canada.

Terry Sheehan
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and Seniors (September 2023)
MP, Sault Ste. Marie (Ontario)

Prior to his election as the MP for Sault Ste. Marie, Mr. Terry Sheehan was a four term City Councillor for the city. He served two terms as a Trustee on the Huron Superior Catholic District School Board where he served constituents from the Sault and Algoma Districts.

Mr. Sheehan has spent his career working in both the private and public sectors in business, and community and economic development. Most recently, Terry acted as the Employment and Training Consultant for the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

Over the years, Mr. Sheehan also served on a number of local committees and boards including the Algoma District Municipal Association. To this day, he is known as a strong voice for Sault Ste. Marie that gets results. Since becoming the Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, Terry was elected Co-Chairman of the All-Party Steel Caucus, and Co-Chairman of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group. He also served on the Special Committee on Pay Equity.

Ryan Turnbull
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry (September 2023)
MP, Whitby (Ontario)

Ryan Turnbull was elected as the Member of Parliament for Whitby in 2019, and re-elected in 2021. He has been a member of various parliamentary committees, groups, and associations, including the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, and the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities.

Passionate about serving others, Mr. Turnbull is committed to making a difference for people in his community and all Canadians. He entered politics to support the development of innovative policies and solutions to address today’s toughest challenges and improve people’s lives. Since then, he has been a strong voice for building a sustainable economy and supporting resilient communities. He has strongly advocated for increased food security, better public transit and infrastructure, climate action, and improved access to affordable housing, among other issues.

Adam van Koeverden
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and to the Minister of Sport and Physical Activity (September 2023)
MP, Milton (Ontario)

Adam van Koeverden was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Milton in 2019. Mr. van Koeverden previously served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth and to the Minister of Canadian Heritage (Sport).

Mr. van Koeverden is a dedicated community leader and one of Canada’s most accomplished athletes. He has represented Canada at four Summer Olympic Games, winning a gold, two silvers, and a bronze medal. In addition to being a world, Olympic, and Canadian champion, he has volunteered extensively for organizations like Right To Play, WaterAid, Special Olympics Canada, and the David Suzuki Foundation. Along with his father, Mr. van Koeverden is also a strong advocate for Parkinson Canada.

Before entering politics, Mr. van Koeverden worked as a managing consultant with Deloitte, and as a broadcaster, writer, and producer with CBC Sports. He also served as Chair of the Canadian Olympic Athletes’ Commission and was a member of the Government of Canada Working Group on Gender Equity in Sport, promoting safe sport and addressing gender-based violence. He is a leading public speaker who has spoken to tens of thousands of students at schools in the Halton region and across Canada.

Helena Jaczek
MP, Markham—Stouffville (Ontario)
Chair, Parliamentary Health Research Caucus

The Honourable Dr. Helena Jaczek was elected to serve as Member of Parliament for Markham—Stouffville in 2019 and re-elected in 2021. She is the Minister Responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and Vice-Chair of the Treasury Board of Canada. After many years in general practice on staff at Women’s College Hospital in Toronto, Helena became the Medical Officer of Health and Commissioner of Health Services for the Regional Municipality of York. During her 18 years in that role, she was responsible for public health, land ambulance and long-term care in a region of more than one million people.

Dr. Jaczek joined the Parliamentary Health Research Caucus as the Liberal Chair in 2023.

Stephen Ellis
MP, Cumberland—Colchester (Nova Scotia)
Vice-Chair, Parliamentary Health Research Caucus

Dr. Stephen Ellis has served as a family physician in the Truro region of Nova Scotia for the last 22 years and currently serves as a medical lead for COVID-19 response in the Northern Zone. Dr. Ellis was also a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force for nine years, attaining the rank of Captain. Dr. Ellis is currently a member of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health.

Dr. Ellis joined the Parliamentary Health Research Caucus as the Conservative Vice-Chair in 2022.

Carol Hughes
MP, Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing (Ontario)
Vice-Chair, Parliamentary Health Research Caucus

Carol Hughes is a five-term MP who has worked hard for Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing since being elected in 2008. In addition to her role as MP, Ms. Hughes has served as Assistant Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees of the Whole since 2015.

A tireless advocate for the communities she serves, Ms. Hughes was a leading figure in the fight to preserve ten federal constituencies for Northern Ontario. She has been a prominent spokesperson for passenger rail service, preserving postal service outlets, and good jobs in the region. Ms. Hughes has worked with First Nations on local and national issues and served as the New Democrat critic for First Nations Health prior to assuming the responsibilities of Assistant Deputy Speaker.

With decades of labour experience, Ms. Hughes understands the priorities of hardworking families. She has introduced legislation to expand access to Employment Insurance benefits and to require mandatory reporting of workplace accidents and occupational diseases. She has also worked with veterans on legislation that will create a Defence of Canada Medal to honour those who served domestically to protect Canada during the Cold War.

Ms. Hughes joined the Parliamentary Health Research Caucus as the NDP Vice-Chair in 2013.

The Honourable Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia
Senator (Newfoundland and Labrador)
Senate Representative, Parliamentary Health Research Caucus

Senator Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia was appointed to the Senate in 2018, representing the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. He is a respected physician and medical educator with strong community ties to Twillingate, NL.

Senator Ravalia was born and raised in the southern African country of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). He immigrated to Canada in 1984 and practiced family medicine in Twillingate, NL until his appointment to the Senate in June 2018. As an immigrant from a minority population group, Senator Ravalia proudly represents the regional interests of his fellow Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, with a focus on rurality, disenfranchised populations, resource management, eldercare and health needs.

Senator Ravalia joined the Parliamentary Health Research Caucus as the Senate Representative in 2022.

Alberta

British Columbia

Manitoba

New Brunswick

Newfoundland and Labrador

Nova Scotia

Nunavut

Ontario

Prince Edward Island

Quebec

Saskatchewan

Yukon

Alberta
Hon. Patti Laboucane-Benson (Independent Senators Group)

British Columbia
Hon. Mobina S.B. Jaffer (Independent Senators Group)
Hon. Yonah Martin (Conservative)

Manitoba
Hon. Raymonde Gagné (Independent Senators Group)
Hon. Mary Jane McCallum (Independent Senators Group)
Hon. Marilou McPhedran (Independent Senators Group)

New Brunswick
Hon. Nancy J. Hartling (Independent Senators Group)
Hon. Percy Mockler (Conservative)
Hon. Rose-May Poirier (Conservative)

Newfoundland and Labrador
Hon. Elizabeth Marshall (Conservative)
Hon. Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia (Independent Senators Group)

Northwest Territories
Hon. Margaret Dawn Anderson (Independent Senators Group)

Nova Scotia
Hon. Wanda Elaine Thomas Bernard (Progressive Senate Group)
Hon. Jane Cordy (Progressive Senate Group)
Hon. Mary Coyle (Independent Senators Group)
Hon. Colin Deacon (Independent Senators Group)
Hon. Stan Kutcher (Independent Senators Group)
Hon. Michael L. MacDonald (Conservative)

Nunavut
Hon. Dennis Glen Patterson (Conservative)

Ontario
Hon. Salma Ataullahjan (Conservative)
Hon. Yvonne Boyer (Independent Senators Group)
Hon. Donna Dasko (Independent Senators Group)
Hon. Marty Deacon (Independent Senators Group)
Hon. Tony Dean (Independent Senators Group)
Hon. Frances P.C. Lankin (Independent Senators Group)
Hon. Sabi Marwah (Independent Senators Group)
Hon. Rosemary Moodie (Independent Senators Group)
Hon. Kim Pate (Independent Senators Group)

Quebec
Hon. Pierre-Hughes Boisvenu (Conservative)
Hon. Patrick Brazeau (Independent Senators Group)
Hon. Renée Dupuis (Independent Senators Group)
Hon. Rosa Galvez (Independent Senators Group)
Hon. Leo Housakos (Conservative)
Hon. Tony Loffreda (Independent Senators Group)
Hon. Paul J. Massicotte (Independent Senators Group)
Hon. Marie-Francoise Mégie (Independent Senators Group)
Hon. Julie Miville-Dechêne (Independent Senators Group)
Hon. Chantal Petitclerc (Independent Senators Group)
Hon. Judith Seidman (Conservative)

Saskatchewan
Hon. Denise Batters (Conservative)

Yukon
Hon. Pat Duncan (Independent Senators Group)