Government Members key contacts
The following is a list of Government Members of Parliament whose public biographies indicate a special interest in Health Research or Health Care. We encourage advocates to pay extra attention to them. Their names are followed by extracts from their biographies taken from The Liberal Party of Canada website.
The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Health
Moncton—Riverview—Dieppe (New Brunswick)
Ms. Ginette Petitpas Taylor has spent her entire life advocating for a fair and just society for all. She was the former Chair of the New Brunswick Advisory Council on the Status of Women and a member of the Coalition for Pay Equity. She has volunteered with several community organizations, both provincially and locally, including the Coalition Against Abuse in Relationships and the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Suicide Prevention Committee in Moncton.
Ms. Petitpas Taylor was the Codiac RCMP Victim Services Coordinator, during which time she provided crisis counselling, domestic violence intervention, and domestic violence risk assessment to victims of crime. She also served on the City of Moncton’s Public Safety Advisory Committee, which was commissioned by Moncton City Council in 1996 to proactively influence the community through crime prevention promotion and to help Council respond to problematic issues as they arise.
Ms. Petitpas Taylor grew up in Dieppe, New Brunswick, and graduated from l’Université de Moncton with a Bachelor’s degree in social work.
The Honourable Jane Philpott
Minister of Indigenous Services
Markham–Stouffville (Ontario)
Dr. Jane Philpott is a family physician and served as the Chief of the Department of Family Medicine at Markham Stouffville Hospital and as an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto’s Department of Family and Community Medicine.
Between 1989 and 1998, Dr. Philpott worked in the West African country of Niger, where she practiced general medicine and helped to develop a training program for village health workers. In 2004, she founded Give a Day to World AIDS, which has raised over $4 million to help those affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa.
Dr. Philpott also served as co-curator of TEDxStouffville and as Family Medicine lead at the Toronto Addis Ababa Academic Collaboration, where she was instrumental in helping Addis Ababa University develop Ethiopia’s first training program for Family Medicine.
The Honourable Kirsty Duncan
Minister of Science and Minister of Sport
Etobicoke North (Ontario)
Dr. Kirsty Duncan was an Associate Professor of Health Studies at the University of Toronto and the former Research Director for the AIC Institute of Corporate Citizenship at the Rotman School of Management, a renowned international speaker, she has lectured for such organizations as the National Geographic, the Japanese Government, and the Young Presidents Organization.
She sat on the Advisory Board for Pandemic Flu for the Conference Board of Canada, and the University of Toronto, and is also helping organizations prepare for a possible flu panedmic throughout Canada and the United States. Dr. Duncan also sat on the Boards of the Indigenous Cooperative on the Environment, the Scottish Studies Foundation, the St. Andrew’s Society of Toronto, and the Toronto Foundation for School Success. She co-chaired the 2006 Fraser Mustard Awards Gala in support of student nutrition and in October, 2007, she chaired “Feeding Toronto’s Hungry Students Week.”
The Honourable Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
Mississauga–Malton (Ontario)
Mr. Navdeep Bains is a distinguished visiting professor at Ryerson University – Ted Rogers School of Management and holds an MBA with a specialization in Finance. As a Certified Management Accountant, he has worked several years in accounting and financial analysis for the Ford Motor Company of Canada.
Mr. Bains is a longtime resident of both Mississauga and Brampton and has strong ties to the social and cultural associations of Mississauga—Malton. Mr. Bains has been active in a variety of community organizations, as a board member for the Mississauga Food Bank, having worked with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Guru Gobind Singh Children’s Foundation, as well as having served as an Ontario board member with the Heart and Stroke Foundation. He is the recipient of a number of awards recognizing his work in promoting diversity within his community.
Having served as the Member of Parliament for Mississauga—Brampton South from 2004 to 2011, Mr. Bains gained extensive experience as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and as the Liberal Critic for Public Works and Government Services, the Treasury Board, International Trade, Natural Resources, and Small Business and Tourism.
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
Toronto–St. Paul’s (Ontario)
Prior to her election, Dr. Carolyn Bennett was a family physician and a founding partner of Bedford Medical Associates in Downtown Toronto. She was President of the Medical Staff Association of the Women’s College Hospital and Assistant Professor in the Development of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto. Dr. Bennett served on the Boards of Havergal College, the Women’s College Hospital, the Ontario Medical Association, and the Medico-Legal Society of Toronto. In 1986, Dr. Bennett received the Royal Life-Saving Society Service Cross — a Commonwealth award recognising her more than twenty years of distinguished service.
In 2003 she received the first ever CAMIMH Mental Health Champion Award. Dr. Bennett was also the first recipient of the National Award of Excellence for Outstanding Leadership and Dedication to Injury Prevention and Safety promotion in Canada. Dr. Bennett is also author of “”Kill or Cure? How Canadians Can Remake their Health Care System””, published in October 2000.
The Honourable Bill Blair
Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction
Scarborough Southwest (Ontario)
A born leader, Mr. 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 – and has been honoured by several community organizations for his leadership and tremendous service to the people of Toronto.
Mr. 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 Children’s Aid Society Toronto, and is the proud recipient of the 2011 Beth Shalom Humanitarian Award. Bill currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Scarborough Hospital Foundation, and is Vice-Patron of the Good Neighbours’ Club.
Mr. Blair was elected the Member of Parliament for Scarborough Southwest in October of 2015 and serves as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of Canada. He was recently named the Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction.
The Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
Thunder Bay-Superior North (Ontario)
Ms. Patty Hajdu is well known and well respected within her community for her work in substance use issues, harm reduction, housing, and public health. Ms. Hajdu was the Executive Director at Shelter House. She’s also the author and a key member of the Implementation Panel for the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy. In addition, she was on on the Community Advisory Board for the Homelessness Partnership Strategy.
Previously, Ms. Hajdu served as Chairperson for the Drug Awareness Committee of Thunder Bay. She was formerly on the Board of Directors for Alphacourt Mental Health Services and the Ontario Literacy Coalition. Ms. Hajdu has had a variety of her written work published, including several Chronicle Journal op-eds on the issue of homelessness.
The Honourable Mary Ng
Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion
Markham-Thornhill (Ontario)
Ms. Mary Ng is a devoted community leader who has always believed in the power of public service, with 20 years of experience in the areas of education, women’s leadership, job creation, and entrepreneurship.
Ms. Ng is committed to working with Justin Trudeau to grow and strengthen our middle class, and she understands what it takes to create new well-paying jobs for families in Markham–Thornhill.
Ms. Ng immigrated to Canada from Hong Kong with her family, and grew up learning the struggle and eventual success that many new immigrants face on Canadian soil.
Her years working for the Ontario Public Service, Ryerson University, and the Ontario Minister of Education led her to be recognized as one of Canada’s top-performing public sector leaders, before being recruited to serve as Director of Appointments for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Ms. Ng serves on the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology. She was recently named the Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion.
The Honourable Filomena Tassi
Minister of Seniors
Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas (Ontario)
Born in Hamilton and daughter of a proud steelworker, the Honourable Filomena Tassi chose to enter into a life of public service after six years as a corporate lawyer. Ms. Tassi developed her passion for youth and social justice during two decades as a chaplain at a local high school where she mentored youth and families.
Ms. Tassi’s record of effective volunteering for our community includes St. Joseph’s Hospital, Ancaster Food Drive, Inasmuch Shelter for Women, Good Shepherd, Neighbour to Neighbour and Ronald McDonald House. While serving as a chaplain she co-founded D.R.E.A.M.S (Dominican Republic Education And Medical Support), an organization that has since facilitated mission trips for thousands of youth.
As a life-long learner and school board trustee, Ms. Tassi has always had a passion for education. She co-created an experiential leadership program for youth in the Hamilton Catholic Board. A number of graduates from this program have entered professions of international development and missionary work.
Ms. Tassi entered politics to fulfill her passion for service to others. For her, the challenge to make the lives of others better is motivating and energizing. Ms. Tassi credits her parents for instilling in her the importance of viewing each person with dignity and respect. She is a life long Hamiltonian who is proud to represent the people of Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas as their Member of Parliament. Ms. Tassi was recently named the Minister of Seniors.
Mr. John Oliver
Chair of the Parliamentary Health Research Caucus
Oakville (Ontario)
Mr. John Oliver is the former President and CEO of Halton Healthcare Services and led the recent $2.7B infrastructure project for the new Oakville Hospital, which opened in 2015.
Mr. Oliver’s considerable healthcare expertise lead him to becoming the Assistant Deputy Minister to the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Mr. Oliver previously sat as the Chair of the Partnerships for Health System Improvement Review Panel of the Canadian Institute of Health Research, and as Pension Observer of the Hospitals of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP) Board.
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McMaster University and a Master’s degree in Health Sciences Administration from the University of Toronto.
Mr. Oliver has lived in Oakville for 19 years with his wife Joanna and his children Rachel, Alex and William. Mr. Oliver is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario (FCPA), and he holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McMaster University and a Master’s degree in Health Sciences Administration from the University of Toronto. He received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013 for service to Canada.
Ms. Marilyn Gladu
Member of Parliament
Sarnia-Lambton (Ontario)
Ms. Marilyn Gladu has been part of the Sarnia Lambton community for 33 years. She is a professional engineer who worked for Dow Chemical for 21 years, in a variety of roles locally and globally.
As an owner of a small business, Ms. Gladu has an appreciation for how business works from the small to global scale, and the needs of our local industry. During her career, Marilyn was the chair for the Canadian Society of Chemical Engineers locally and the National Director of Science and Industrial Policy for the same organization. Ms. Gladu has been an active member and director of the Conservative associations both provincially and federally since 2006. Elected as the Member of Parliament for Sarnia-Lambton in 2015, Ms. Gladu received the MacLean’s award as “Most Collegial Parliamentarian” as voted by the other members of Parliament shortly after. She served as the Official Opposition Science Critic, as well as the Chair for the Status of Women. She is the current Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Rail Caucus, in addition to the Vice-Chair of the Aerospace Caucus. Ms. Gladu also serves as the Shadow Minister for Health, as well as the Vice-Chair of the Parliamentary Health Research Caucus.
A prestigious moment in her early parliamentary career would be that her private members bill, C-277 (on palliative care) received unanimous consent of the House of Commons. The bill is currently before the Senate of Canada for final review and should receive Royal Assent in the months ahead. This legislation will make a difference in the lives of millions of Canadians.
Ms. Carol Hughes
Member of Parliament
Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing (Ontario)
Ms. Carol Hughes is a three-term MP who has worked hard for Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing since being elected in 2008. In addition to her role as MP, Ms. Hughes serves as Assistant Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees of the Whole in Canada’s 42nd Parliament.
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 is the Vice-Chair of the Parliamentary Health Research Caucus.
The Honourable Judith Seidman
Senator
Quebec
The Honourable Judith Seidman was appointed to the Senate on August 27, 2009. Prior to this appointment, she spent most of her career as a health research professional in the McGill University hospitals in Montreal, Quebec. As a research fellow at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, and as an Associate Professor of Social Work at the McGill School of Social Work, Ms. Seidman’s research and teaching focused on program and services evaluation, and the psychosocial determinants of health and illness.
Ms. Seidman was a National Health Research Doctoral Fellow (NHRDP) in Epidemiology and Biostatistics while she studied the role that social supports play in chronic disease outcomes. She was also actively engaged in aging-related research as a member of a community health team (CLSC) and as the Project Coordinator for the Canadian Study of Health and Aging. Ms. Seidman is the Senate representative of the Parliamentary Health Research Caucus.
Mr. René Arseneault
Member of Parliament
Madawaska—Restigouche (New Brunswick)
A lifelong resident of the riding of Madawaska—Restigouche, Mr. René Arseneault has a deep-understanding of local issues and the interests of his fellow residents. Fully bilingual, he now wants to be the voice that defends his community in the House of Commons.
A lawyer specializing in corporate law and civil litigation for more than 20 years, Mr. Arseneault established his own practice in 1996 with his spouse, Michèle Pelletier. He is also a singer-songwriter who in 1989 won the Prix du public [people’s choice award] at the Gala de la chanson de Caraquet.
Mr. Arseneault has been involved in his community for over 25 years. In addition to providing pro bono legal services, Mr. Arseneault has sat on the board of directors for numerous non-profit organizations, and he is quick to share his artistic talents at fundraisers for community organizations. He co-founded the Balmoral Economic Development Association, Fondation École Régionale BDES inc. and Coopérative Radio Restigouche ltée – which he currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors. Mr. Arseneault has also been involved in youth sports development, specifically as a soccer and volleyball coach and assistant coach, and as a volunteer at the Jeux de l’Acadie.
Mr. Ramez Ayoub
Member of Parliament
Thérèse-De Blainville (Quebec)
Since entering Parliament Hill, Mr. Ramez Ayoub was appointed member of two committees; the Standing Committee on Health that studies issues related to Health Canada, the major issues facing society in this area and studying bills and regulations of the Canadian government in the matter and the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates which will also allows Mr. Ayoub to study the effectiveness and proper functioning of the various ministries, central agencies while taking part in the review process of the budget and expenditure of ministries and central agencies.
Mr. Frank Baylis
Member of Parliament
Pierrefonds-Dollard (Quebec)
Before his foray into politics, Mr. Frank Baylis was the President of Baylis Medical, a world leader in the design, manufacturing and sale of high technology products with applications in cardiology, oncology and the vascular system. Mr. Baylis is currently the Chairman of the Board of Baylis Medical. In 2011, he received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award from Ernst and Young.
Mr. Chris Bittle
Member of Parliament
St. Catharines (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.
Mr. Bill Casey
Member of Parliament
Cumberland—Colchester (Nova Scotia)
Mr. Bill Casey was born and raised in Amherst. He graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in 1967 with a degree in engineering and went into business in Amherst with his wife Rosemary. Together they raised three children, and have lived in Amherst ever since.
Mr. Casey is currently Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health.
As Chair of the Standing Committee on Health, Bill is responsible for chairing meetings of the Committee studying issues related to the programs of Health Canada and its agencies, and more broadly, health topics important to Canadians. The Committee reports to Parliament; the Committee does not make laws but may report to Parliament and recommend changes to the laws of Canada.
Ms. Celina Caesar Chavennes
Member of Parliament
Whitby (Ontario)
Ms. Celina Caesar Chavennes is a successful entrepreneur and the recipient of the Toronto Board of Trade’s Business Entrepreneur of the Year for 2012, as well as the 2007 Black Business and Professional Association’s Harry Jerome Young Entrepreneur Award recipient and is a celebrated research consultant.
She is an international lecturer on the inclusion of marginalized populations in clinical research and has a Bachelor of Science, an MBA in Healthcare Management and is an Executive MBA candidate.
She is a past member of the Governing Council at the University of Toronto, and past Vice Chair of Campus Council at University of Toronto, Scarborough.
She also served as member of the Institutional Advisory Board with CIHR’s Institute of Neuroscience Mental Health and Addiction, and is a member of the Congress of Black Women.
Ms. Julie Dabrusin
Member of Parliament
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.
Mr. Terry Duguid
Member of Parliament
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.
Dr. Doug Eyolfson
Member of Parliament
Charleswood–St. James–Assiniboia–Headingley (Manitoba)
Dr. Doug Eyolfson is a successful Emergency Room doctor who has dedicated his life to ensuring the well-being of others. He now wants to improve the health of his community as the strong local voice in Parliament they deserve.
A leader in the medical community, Dr. Eyolfson served as the medical director of Manitoba’s land ambulance program and is an assistant professor with the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Manitoba. He also served with Manitoba Air Ambulance, providing emergency care in remote areas.
Dr. Eyolfson’s research into hypothermia was published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology, which publishes original research that furthers our understanding of how the healthy human body functions under a variety of environmental and demanding conditions.
Mr. David Graham
Member of Parliament
Laurentides–Labelle (Quebec)
During more than eight years as a technology journalist, Mr. Graham founded, ran, organized, or volunteered with a number of charities, non-profits and community projects in the fields of technology, heritage and community action, including as a co-founder of the Open and Free Technology Community, three-term board member of Software In the Public Interest, and driver for Operation Nez Rouge in Mont-Tremblant, among many others, and obtained his flying licence and CPR-C certification.
Ms. Yvonne Jones
Member of Parliament
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.
Ms. Bernadette Jordan
Member of Parliament
South Shore–St. Margaret’s (Nova Scotia)
A professional fundraiser and community activist, Ms. Bernadette Jordan was previously the Development Officer for Health Services Foundation in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, where she has spent the last eight years as part of a team raising millions of dollars for health care in her region.
She has held positions such as the President of the Atlantic Community Newspapers Association and Earth Day Challenge Committee Chair.
Ms. Jordan believes in economic development that creates jobs in Nova Scotia–in both traditional industries and new ones–while still remaining committed to protecting the environment.
Mr. Majid Jowhari
Member of Parliament
Richmond Hill (Ontario)
Mr. Majid Jowhari is a successful businessman from the Richmond Hill community as well as the owner and CEO of his own boutique consulting firm, Iridium Management Consulting Group Incorporated.
Mr. Jowhari is actively involved in the local community, serving as a member in the Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce, The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, the Iranian Canadian Network, the Iranian Canadian Congress, Parya Trillium, and Mohandes.
The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) named Mr. Jowhari 2018’s Parliamentary Mental Health Champion.
Ms. Kamal Khera
Member of Parliament
Brampton West (Ontario)
Ms. Kamal Khera is a registered nurse, community volunteer and a political activist. She earned her Bachelors of Science in Psychology with Honours and her Bachelors of Science in Nursing with Honours.
Ms. Khera gained diverse experience within the field of Health through her professional experience with Centre of Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH), Peel Family Shelter, and William Osler Health Centre. Ms. Khera previously worked as a Registered Nurse in the Oncology Unit at St Joseph’s Health Centre in Toronto, which gave her a deep understanding of the issues that impact individuals every day.
Mr. David Lametti
Member of Parliament
LaSalle—Émard—Verdun (Quebec)
Mr. David Lametti is the Member of Parliament representing La Salle-Émard-Verdun and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. He was Parliamentary Secretary, International Trade between December 2015 and January 2017. Mr. Lametti was recently a Professor of Law at McGill University. He was Associate Dean (Academic) between 2008 and 2011.
He is a Member of the Institute of Comparative Law, and was a founding Member of the Centre for Intellectual Property Policy (CIPP); he served as its Director from 2009 to 2012. He is an internationally-recognized expert in property and intellectual property, with numerous publications, and has taught or lectured in many of the world’s most well-known universities in French, English and Italian.
Mr. Stéphane Lauzon
Member of Parliament
Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation (Quebec)
On December 7, 2015, the Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau named Mr. Stéphane Lauzon as Parliamentary Secretary to 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.
He is currently working towards a Bachelor of Business Administration at Université du Québec en Outaouais.
Ms. Alaina Lockhart
Member of Parliament
Fundy Royal (New Brunswick)
Ms. Alaina Lockhart is the Member of Parliament for the riding of Fundy Royal in New Brunswick and the Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Tourism. She is the first woman ever elected to represent the riding, and has served as a member of the Standing Committees for Agriculture and Agri-Food, and for Veterans Affairs, two areas her constituents have consistently identified as priorities for the region.
Since her election, Ms. Lockhart has presented two motions in the House of Commons focused on growing the economy and strengthening the workforce in Atlantic Canada, both of which passed unanimously. Most recently, her private members motion, M-39 Immigration as a Means of Growth in Atlantic Canada, mandates a Parliamentary study on ways to increase and retain immigrants to Atlantic Canada. Alaina serves on the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology.
Mr. Lloyd Longfield
Member of Parliament
Guelph (Ontario)
In October 2015, Mr. Lloyd Longfield was elected to Parliament as the Liberal Party of Canada candidate for Guelph, Ontario. Mr. Longfield serves as a member of the Standing Committee for Industry, Science and Technology and as a member of the Standing Committee for Agriculture and Agri-Food. Lloyd is active in many caucuses including chairing the Innovation & Technology Caucus. Mr. Longfield is also vice chair of the Digital Caucus and the Automotive Caucus and serves as Secretary of the Ontario Caucus. A Triple Bottom Line approach guides Mr. Longfield’s work in representing Guelph and he is currently championing Social, Environmental and Economic issues facing the community and, ultimately, Canada.
Mr. Brian May
Member of Parliament
Cambridge (Ontario)
Mr. Bryan May was elected as Cambridge’s Member of Parliament in October 2015, serving the communities of Cambridge, North Dumfries, and North Brant. He chairs the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities. Mr. May serves on two parliamentary committees, one parliamentary subcommittee, and is a member of four parliamentary associations and groups.
Deeply entrenched in community activism, Mr. May has a long track record of facilitating positive development with those who need it most. It is this unwavering dedication to helping others which motivates Mr. May, making him a strong representative for the riding of Cambridge.
His senior management experience spans roles with non-profit organizations including the YMCA, the Boys and Girls Club of Canada, and the University of Waterloo. Mr. May served on the committee for the Oxford Active Living/Youth Action Plan, was a member of the Y Service Club, and was the Executive Treasurer of the Social Planning Council of Cambridge and North Dumfries— an organization focused on collecting, analyzing, and openly sharing data to strengthen community with the goal of eliminating poverty.
Mr. David McGuinty
Member of Parliament
Ottawa South (Ontario)
Mr. David McGuinty is a fluently bilingual lawyer by trade and has worked with governments, businesses, and not-for-profit organizations around the world on a broad range of matters including the economy and the environment.
Based in Cotê d’Ivoire from 1988 to 1990, Mr. McGuinty worked tirelessly on behalf of UNICEF in 23 West and Central African countries as part of a broader UN effort to seek consensus on the ratification of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child.
In 1995, Mr. McGuinty was chosen to serve as President and CEO of the Prime Minister’s National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy.
Also from 1995, Mr. McGuinty served as National Program Director of LEAD Canada, an NGO where he worked with CIDA among other many organizations. With LEAD, he mentored future leaders across Canada and internationally in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the United States. Mr. McGuinty has also advised the Rockefeller Foundation.
He has received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal for “outstanding and exemplary contributions” to his community and to Canada.
Mr. Ron McKinnon
Member of Parliament
Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam (British Columbia)
As a member of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, and the Standing Committee on Health, Mr. Ron McKinnon studied complex legislation such as Medical Assistance in Dyingand the Cannabis Act, and participated in a number of studies, such as Pharmacare, Human Trafficking, Access to Justice, Support for Jurors, and Antimicrobial Resistance.
Recognizing that British Columbia is seized by an opioid crisis, Mr. McKinnon introduced a Private Members Bill, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act. His legislation became law in May 2017 after receiving unanimous all-party support in both House of Commons and Senate. The new law is saving lives by encouraging people to call 911 in the event of a drug overdose. It provides immunity from prosecution for possession of controlled substances when someone calls for medical assistance in the instance of a drug overdose.
Mr. Rob Oliphant
Member of Parliament
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.
Mr. Anthony Rota
Member of Parliament
Nipissing—Timiskaming (Ontario)
Mr. Anthony Rota chaired the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and the YMCA’s Kids First Campaign, and also co-chaired the local FIRST Robotics Regional Competition
Before transitioning into federal politics, Mr. Rota served as a city councillor in North Bay and as an innovation/network advisor for the National Research Council of Canada. As the Member of Parliament for Nipissing—Timiskaming from 2004 to 2011, he served as the Liberal Critic for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario and the National Liberal Caucus Chair.
Ms. Kim Rudd
Member of Parliament
Northumberland–Peterborough South (Ontario)
Ms. Kim Rudd has a long history in her riding as both a local business owner and a community advocate. She is past president and owner of Willis College–Cobourg, owner of Archer First Aid/CPR and NC Training Inc., and co-founder of a local daycare facility
Ms. Rudd is also an active volunteer within her community. While working with a number of community organizations, she has received much praise, particularly for the integral role she played in attracting eight new physicians to Cobourg, and for her service as President of the Cobourg Chamber of Commerce.
[Mr. Dan Ruimy
Member of Parliament
Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge (British Columbia)
Since being in office, some of Mr. Dan Ruimy’s proudest achievements have included Town Halls, Round Table discussions and the Constituency Youth Council (CYC). These depict who Dan is at his core as his goal is to be available to the community so that they can openly engage with him on various issues.
With a few years behind him, Mr. Ruimy is now focused on raising the profile of his constituency. He wants Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge to be known for the upstanding and hardworking individuals that make up the heart of our communities. It is not a completed speech in the House of Commons for him without mentioning his beloved community at least twice or thrice.
Mr. Ruimy is currently serving as the Chair of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology (INDU) and is also a member of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA). These committees are important to him as he gets to work on issues that are at the center of peoples lives such as employment and skills development with the HUMA committee. While through chairing INDU he is able to be involved with the evolution of innovation and technology that our country is creating.
Mr. Don Rusnak
Member of Parliament
Thunder Bay—Rainy River (Ontario)
In 2015, Mr. Don Rusnak was elected as the first Indigenous Member of Parliament to represent the riding of Thunder Bay—Rainy River. In this role, he also served as the first chair of the Liberal Indigenous Caucus. In September of 2017 Mr. Rusnak was appointed as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services.
Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Mr. Rusnak is the proud son of Anishinaabe and Ukrainian parents. He studied Political Science and Integrated Forest Resource Management at Lakehead University, and continued his education at the University of Manitoba and Osgoode Hall, where he studied Law.
Prior to entering politics Mr. Rusnak worked at Manitoba Health, helping improve health care delivery for Northern Manitobans. He served as a Crown Prosecutor in Eastern Alberta, where he prosecuted criminal and regulatory offences on behalf of the province, and as the interim Executive Director of Grand Council Treaty 3 in Kenora, where Mr. Rusnak worked to improve the finances and function of the organization.
In order to be closer to his family and community, Mr. Rusnak returned to Thunder Bay in 2010 and opened a legal practice, focusing on the respectful representation of community members across Northwestern Ontario.
Mr. Raj Saini
Member of Parliament
Kitchener-Centre (Ontario)
A proud resident of Kitchener-Waterloo, Mr. Raj Saini has owned and operated the award-winning Greenbrook Pharmacy for nearly 20 years.
A committed and active supporter of local organizations, Mr. Saini works tirelessly to engage his community in politics and international affairs. He is a proud Rotarian of many years, a board member of the Canadian International Council, Waterloo Region branch and a long-time champion of Liberal values. He is passionate about improving the local economy, creating jobs and promoting the health and well-being of Kitchener Centre’s residents through intelligent, fiscally responsible environmental and health policy.
Mr. Francis Scarpaleggia
Member of Parliament
Lac-Saint-Louis (Quebec)
Mr. Francis Scarpaleggia has made the protection of Canada’s freshwater a personal priority.
He is also a founding member of the all-party Parliamentary Committee on Palliative and Compassionate Care. In this capacity, he organized and chaired hearings in Montreal in the fall of 2010 to hear testimony for the Committee’s report, entitled Not to be Forgotten: Care of Vulnerable Canadians.
Before entering politics, Mr. Scarpaleggia taught business administration at Montreal’s Dawson College. Prior to that, he spent several years working in the private sector, including as a corporate financial analyst.
Ms. Brenda Shanahan
Member of Parliament
Châteauguay-Lacolle (Quebec)
Ms. Brenda Shanahan holds an MBA, a Bachelor of Social Work and a Bachelor of History. During her career as a banker, social worker and financial educator, she provided counsel in financial management and developed financial literacy workshops and materials as well as being a commentator on financial issues for various media outlets.
A long-time resident of Châteauguay and mother of three adult children, Ms. Shanahan has been involved in a number of organizations such as Amnesty International and the Canadian Federation of University Women.
During the first half of her term, Ms. Shanahan served on the Special Joint Committee on Physician-Assisted Death, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts and the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates. She is now member of the Committee of Parliamentarians on National Security and Intelligence. She is also Vice-Chair of the Quebec Liberal Caucus and Co-Chair of the Multiparty Global Health Caucus.
Mr. Terry Sheehan
Member of Parliament
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.
Mr. Sheehan serves on the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology.
Ms. Sonia Sidhu
Member of Parliament
Brampton South (Ontario)
A registered cardiology technologist, diabetes educator and clinical research coordinator, Ms. Sonia Sidhu’s dedication to her community and helping her fellow citizens drives her to be the strong local voice for the riding of Brampton South.
A passionate community advocate, Ms. Sidhu has volunteered with numerous organizations including the environmental initiatives of Guru Nanak Mission Canada in Brampton South, Nahani Way Public School, Trillium Health Centre and Karma Grow, a local charity community garden initiative.
Mr. Adam Vaughan
Member of Parliament
Spadina-Fort York (Ontario)
Before entering politics, Mr. Adam Vaughan was a broadcast journalist for more than 20 years, specializing in municipal affairs for both the CBC and Citytv. He covered all three levels of government and has written about urban issues too.
In the last Parliament, Mr. Vaughan was appointed the Liberal Critic for Housing and Urban Affairs and worked with Justin Trudeau, Liberals and local governments across the country to re-establish a national housing policy as part of a new urban agenda for Canada. Adam served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs from December 2015 to January 2017. On January 26, 2017, Adam was appointed as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development (Housing and Urban Affairs).
Mr. Nick Whalen
Member of Parliament
St. John’s East (Newfoundland and Labrador)
A successful lawyer and professional engineer, Mr. Nick Whalen is involved with numerous community organizations, including serving as the director of the Parkinson Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, and chair of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Canada – a registered charity supporting wildlife and sustainable development in Africa, primarily at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya.
He also serves as pro bono counsel to the Gospel Folk Seniors Choir. Mr. Whalen is a partner and patent agent at the law firm McInnes Cooper, where he practices corporate commercial law, energy law, and intellectual property law.
Ms. Kate Young
Member of Parliament
London West (Ontario)
Ms. Kate Young was first elected Member of Parliament for London West in October 2015. She was subsequently appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and served in that role until January 2017. Since then, Kate has been appointed as the Parliamentary Secretary for Science.
Prior to being elected, Ms. Young had a lengthy career in journalism and public relations in both the private and public sector. Best known as the first female news anchor at CFPL-TV in London, Ms. Young also served as Manager of Public Affairs and Community Relations for the Thames Valley District School Board and Manager of Community Relations at TD Financial Group.