Modeling Journey

Liberal Party of Canada Announces Four New Women Candidates in Ontario

OTTAWA - Ontario campaign co-Chairs Brenda Kurczak, Jeff Kehoe and Chris Koddermann announced today the nominations of four exceptional women candidates to run for the Liberal Party of Canada in the next federal election: Christine Innes (Trinity-Spadina), Deborah Gillis (Halton), Margaret Black (Newmarket-Aurora) and Kimberley Love (Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound).

“These incredible women boast a proud personal history of accomplishment and service to their community,” said Ms. Kurczak. “We look forward to their contributions to the political process in our province and our country.”

“The nomination of these four exceptional candidates brings the Ontario campaign four big steps closer to being ready for the next election,” said Mr. Koddermann. “Their unique skill-sets and perspectives are a testament to the importance of female participation in Canadian politics.”

"The talent and experience of these four women represent the tremendous strength of the future Liberal government," said Mr. Kehoe. “These candidates are further proof of the talent our Party is attracting under the Leadership of Michael Ignatieff.”

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Background

Christine Innes has been nominated to run in the riding of Trinity-Spadina. A Toronto-based lawyer and a dedicated community activist, Ms. Innes brings a depth of experience both inside and outside government. Early in her career she worked on Parliament Hill for the Hon. Jim Peterson and at Queen’s Park for the Hon. Greg Sorbara. Following her graduation from Osgoode Hall Law School, she became a litigator with the well-known Toronto firm Fraser Milner Casgrain. She currently serves as a senior advisor to Ontario’s Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. Ms. Innes balances her family and professional life with numerous community pursuits, including fundraising for the Alexandra Park Community Centre, Parent’s Association Executive, her community church and as founder and Co-Chair of the Bloor-Borden Market which brings local farmers and their produce to the inner city.

Deborah Gillis has been appointed to run in the riding of Halton by Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff. Ms. Gillis has advanced women’s causes through both her professional and community pursuits. As Vice President, North America for Catalyst, she has worked globally to promote the advancement of women in business. A breast cancer survivor, Ms. Gillis is a patient representative on the Cancer Quality Council of Ontario and has raised thousands of dollars for breast cancer research through her participation in the Weekend to End Breast Cancer. Her distinguished career includes work for the Governments of Ontario and Nova Scotia, as well as PricewaterhouseCoopers and Grant Thornton.

Margaret Black has been acclaimed as the candidate for the Liberal nomination in Newmarket Aurora and will be nominated on August 12. Ms. Black has served her community for five terms as Mayor of King Township and Councillor for the Regional Municipality of York. A lawyer by profession, her extensive experience includes a term as Chair of the York Region Police Services Board and service on the boards of the Southlake Regional Health Centre, Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust, Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, and the Greater Toronto Agricultural Action Board. Ms. Black has been recognized for her distinguished political career as a recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Award and the Rural Female Politician Award.

Kimberley Love has been nominated to run in the riding of Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound. A marketing and communications consultant and lecturer at Wilfrid Laurier University, Ms. Love has deep roots in Grey County and is passionate about traditional Liberal values as well as agricultural issues. Having lived in both rural and urban Canada, she brings a unique perspective which makes her ideally suited to represent the people of Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound.