Electoral Firsts in Canada (Without Colour)

This article list notable achievements of women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and gay/lesbian/bisexual and transgendered people in Canadian politics and elections in Canada.

This list includes:
 * Members of Parliament -- Members of the Canadian House of Commons;
 * Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs);
 * Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs in Ontario);
 * Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) in Quebec; and
 * Members of the House of Assembly (MHAs) in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Women
Year that women won the right to vote in federal elections: 1918

First woman elected to a legislature in Canada: Louise McKinney, first woman elected anywhere in the British Empire, 1917-1921 Alberta Legislature for the Non Partisan League, a left wing prohibition, and social welfare party.

First women elected to the Canadian House of Commons
 * 1) Agnes MacPhail, Progressive, United Farmers of Ontario-Labour, Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) MP Grey South and Grey—Bruce, from 1921-1940 (She was also one of two women who were the first women as MPPs in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario for the Ontario CCF (the forerunner to the New Democratic Party) for the riding of York East 1943-1945 and 1948-1951)




 * 1) Martha Louise Black, Independent Conservative, MP Yukon, 1935-1940
 * 2) Dorise Nielsen, Unity (Communist) and Labour Progressive (Communist) MP North Battleford, Sask. 1940-1945
 * 3) Cora Taylor Casselman, teacher, Liberal MP, Edmonton East, 1941-1945
 * 4) Gladys Strum, teacher, CCF MP Qu'Appelle (elctoral district), Sask., 1945-1949

First female Prime Minister
 * Kim Campbell, Progressive Conservative Prime Minister 1993

Women who led federal parties
 * 1) Kathryn Cholette, Green Party of Canada, 1988-1990
 * 2) Audrey McLaughlin, New Democratic Party, 1989-1995
 * 3) Kim Campbell, Progressive Conservative Party of Canada 1993
 * 4) Alexa McDonough New Democratic Party 1995-2002
 * 5) Wendy Priesnitz, Green Party 1996-1997
 * 6) Joan Russow, Green Party 1997-2001
 * 7) Elizabeth May, Green Party 2006-present



Women who ran for the leadership of federal parties
 * 1) Mary Walker-Sawka (a candidate who got 2 out of 2231 votes in Progressive Conservative leadership convention, 1967),
 * 2) Rosemary Brown, 1975 New Democratic Party convention where she came in second,
 * 3) Flora Macdonald Progressive Conservative leadership convention, 1976, a popular Red Tory who came in fourth
 * 4) Sheila Copps, ran in 1989 Liberal convention, who came in third
 * 5) Audrey McLaughlin, 1989 New Democratic Party convention, won the leadership
 * 6) Kim Campbell, 1992 Progressive Conservative convention, won the leadership
 * 7) Alexa McDonough, 1995 New Democratic Party convention, won the leadership
 * 8) Francine Lalonde, 1996 Bloc Québécois leadership contest
 * 9) Pierrette Venne, 1996 Bloc Québécois leadership contest
 * 10) Diane Ablonczy, 2002 Canadian Alliance convention, who came in fourth
 * 11) Bev Meslo, 2003 New Democratic Party convention, who came in last
 * 12) Belinda Stronach, 2004 Conservative convention, who came in second
 * 13) Martha Hall Findlay, Liberal Party of Canada leadership convention, 2006
 * 14) Carolyn Bennett, Liberal Party of Canada leadership convention, 2006
 * 15) Hedy Fry, Liberal Party of Canada leadership convention, 2006
 * 16) Elizabeth May, Green Party of Canada leadership convention, 2006, won the leadership

Women who led provincial parties
 * 1) Thérèse Casgrain, F.C.C. (Quebec CCF) Quebec, 1951-1957(First Women to lead a Political Party in Quebec)
 * 2) Hilda Watson, Yukon Progressive Conservatives, 1978 (First woman to lead a political party in Yukon)
 * 3) Alexa McDonough, Nova Scotia New Democratic Party, 1980- 1994 (First woman to lead a political party in Nova Scotia, also the first woman to lead a party with seats in a Legislature)
 * 4) Shirley McLoughlin, British Columbia Liberal Party, 1981-1983 (First woman to lead a political party in B.C.)
 * 5) Sharon Carstairs, Manitoba Liberal Party, 1984-1993(First woman to lead a political party in Manitoba)
 * 6) Elizabeth Weir, New Brunswick New Democratic Party, 1988-2005 (First woman to lead a political party in New Brunswick)
 * 7) Barbara Baird-Filliter, New Brunswick Progressive Conservative Party, 1989-1991
 * 8) Lynda Haverstock, Saskatchewan Liberal Party 1989-1995 (First woman to lead a political party in Saskatchewan)
 * 9) Pat Mella, PEI Progressive Conservatives, 1990-96(First woman to lead a political party in P.E.I.)
 * 10) Rita Johnston, British Columbia Social Credit Party, 1990-1991
 * 11) Lyn McLeod, Ontario Liberal Party, 1992-1996 (First woman to lead a political party in Ontario)
 * 12) Catherine Callbeck, PEI Liberal, 1993-1996
 * 13) Grace McCarthy BC Social Credit, 1993-95
 * 14) Betty Hewes, Alberta Liberal Party, 1994 (interim)(First woman to lead a political party in Alberta)
 * 15) Lynn Verge, Newfoundland and Labrador Progressive Conservative Party 1995-96 (First woman to lead a political party in Newfoundland & Labrador)
 * 16) Ginny Hasselfield, Manitoba Liberal, 1996-97
 * 17) Pam Barrett, Alberta New Democratic Party, 1996-2000
 * 18) Nancy MacBeth, Alberta Liberal, 1998-2001
 * 19) Pat Duncan, Yukon Liberal Party, 1998 - present
 * 20) Bonnie Mitchelson, Manitoba Progressive Conservative Party, 2000 (interim)
 * 21) Helen MacDonald, Nova Scotia New Democratic Party, July 16, 2000-2001
 * 22) Joy MacPhail, British Columbia New Democratic Party, 2001-2003 (interim)
 * 23) Adriane Carr, British Columbia Green Party 2001 - present
 * 24) Carole James, British Columbia New Democratic Party, 2003 - present
 * 25) Allison Brewer, New Brunswick New Democratic Party, 2005 - present
 * 26) Lorraine Michael, Newfoundland & Labrador New Democratic Party 2006-present

note - Interim leaders, not elected

First women in Cabinet
 * Provincial: Mary Ellen Smith, British Columbia
 * Federal: Ellen Fairclough, 1957, Progressive Conservative

First female Speaker of the Canadian House of Commons: Jeanne Sauvé, 1980-1984

First female federal Justice Minister (Attoney General): Kim Campbell (Progressive Conservative)

First female Defence Minister: Kim Campbell, (Progressive Conservative)

First female Speaker of the House
 * Nancy Hodges Alberta Liberal, MLA 1941-1953, made speaker of BC legislature in Dec 1949.

First female senator: Cairine Wilson, 1930

First female Govenor General of Canada: Jeanne Sauvé, (1984-1990)

First female Premiers
 * 1) Rita Johnson, BC, 1991 (Social Credit)
 * 2) Nellie Cournoyea, Northwest Territories, 1991-1995, (non-partisan consensus government)
 * 3) Catherine Callbeck, PEI, 1993-1996, (first elected female Premier) (Liberal)
 * 4) Pat Duncan, Yukon, 2000-2002, (Liberal)

First female MLAs elected in British Columbia: Mary Ellen Smith, Liberal MLA 1918-????, elected to replace he dead husband

First female MLA elected in Alberta: Louise McKinney, she was also the first woman elected anywhere in the British Empire, 1917-1921 Alberta Legislature for the Non Partisan League, a left-wing prohibition and social welfare party.

First female MLA elected in Saskatchewan: Sarah Ramsland, Saskatchewan Liberal - Pelly 1919 by-election - 1925. Replaced her husband Max who won the seat in 1917 general election after his death. Was re-elected in 1921 and defeated in 1925. First female MLA elected in Manitoba: Edith McTavish Rogers, Manitoba Liberal MLA 1920-1932

First female MPPs elected in Ontario:
 * Agnes Macphail and Rae Luckock, CCF (the forerunner to the New Democratic Party MPPs for York East 1943-1945, 1948-1951 and for Bracondale 1943-1945 respectively

First female MNA elected in Quebec: Marie-Claire Kirkland, elected in 1961. Also first woman appointed a cabinet minister in Quebec, the first woman appointed acting premier, and the first woman judge to serve in the Quebec Provincial Court.

First female MLA elected in New Brunswick: Brenda Robertson, New Brunswick Progressive Conservative MLA, 1967-1984

First female candidate in P.E.I.: Hilda Ramsay, P.E.I. CCF candidate in 1951

First female MLA elected in P.E.I.: Jean Canfield, PEI Liberal MLA 1970-1979

First female MHA elected in Newfoundland & Labrador (Pre-Confederation): Helena Squires, MHA 1930-1932

First female MLA elected in Nova Scotia: Gladys Porter, Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative MLA 1960-1967

First female MLA elected in Yukon: G. Jean Gordon, Non-Affilated, MLA 1967-1970

First female MLA elected in Northwest Territories Lena Pederson in 1970 to 1975

First female MLA elected in Nunavut: Manitok Catherine Thompson, Independant, 1999-2003

First female elected in a municipal election: Mary Teresa Sullivan, Halifax City Council, 1936+

First female mayor: Barbara Hanley, Webbwood, Ontario (1936-1944)

First female mayor of a city: Charlotte Whitton, Ottawa (1951-1956, 1960-1964)

Female presidents of major political parties
 * 1) Agnes Macphail - Founding President of the Ontario CCF) 1932-?
 * 2) Gladys Strum - President of Saskatchewan CCF 1944-195?

Aboriginal Canadians
First Aboriginal Canadian elected to a Legislature in Canada: Frank Arthur Calder, BC New Democratic Party, 1949-1975 (first treaty native elected anywhere in Canada)

First Aboriginal Canadian elected to the Canadian House of Commons (first Aboriginal Canadian MP):

First Aboriginal Canadian woman elected to the Parliament of Canada: Ethel Blondin-Andrew, Liberal Party of Canada Western Arctic, 1988-2006

First Aboriginal Canadian MLA elected in British Columbia: Frank Arthur Calder, BC New Democratic Party, 1949-1975* (first treaty native elected anywhere in Canada)

First Aboriginal Canadian MLA elected in Alberta: Mike Cardinal, Alberta Progressive Conservatives MLA Athabasca-Redwater 1989-present

First Aboriginal Canadian MLA elected in Saskatchewan: Lawrence Riel Yew Saskatchewan New Democratic Party MLA Cumberland, 1982-1986 and second was Keith Goulet MLA, Cumberland, 1986-2003

First Aboriginal Woman MLA elected in Saskatchewan: Joan Beatty, Saskatchewan New Democratic Party MLA for Cumberland, 2003 to present

First Aboriginal Canadian MLA elected in Manitoba: Elijah Harper, Manitoba New Democratic Party MLA Rupertsland, 1981-1992

First Aboriginal Canadian MPP elected in Ontario: Peter John North Ontario New Democratic Party) MPP 1990-1993, Independent MPP 1993-1999

First Aboriginal Canadian MNA elected in Quebec:

First Aboriginal Canadian MHA elected in Newfoundland & Labrador: Wally Andersen Newfoundland & Labrador Liberal MHA Torngat Mountains, 1996-present

First Aboriginal Canadian MLA elected in Yukon

First Metis Canadian elected to a Legislature in Canada: Louis Riel, Indpenedent, MP Provencher, Manitoba 1873+

First Inuk Canadian elected to the Canadian House of Commons (first Inuk Canadian MP): Peter Ittinuar, New Democratic Party, a pilot from the North West Territories, MP Nunatsiaq, NWT 1979- ("Inuk" (plural: Inuit) are the people formerly known as "Eskimos")

First Inuk elected in southern Canada: George Hickes (politician) Manitoba New Democratic Party MLA, Point Douglas, 1990 - present

First Inuk speaker of a legislature: George Hickes (politician) Manitoba New Democratic Party MLA, Speaker 1999 - present

Jewish Canadians
Extended full political rights: 1831, in Lower Canada (Quebec)

First Jewish Canadian elected to a Legislature in Canada: Ezekiel Hart, elected in Lower Canada in the by-election of April 11, 1807

First Jewish Canadian cabinet minister (provincial or federal): David Croll, Ontario Liberal, Ontario Cabinet of Premier Mitchell Hepburn, 1934-1937

First Jewish Canadian federal cabinet minister: Herb Gray, Liberal, first appointed in 1969 as Minister without portfolio by Pierre Trudeau (Liberal)



First Jewish Canadians elected to the Canadian House of Commons (first Jewish Canadian MP)
 * 1) Henry Nathan, Liberal MP Victoria 1872-1874
 * 2) A.A. Heaps, CCF (the forerunner to the New Democratic Party) MP, Winnipeg North 1935-1940
 * 3) Fred Rose, Labour Progressive (Communist) MP Cartier, Quebec 1943-1947

First Jewish leader of a federal party: David Lewis, New Democratic Party 1971-1975

First Jewish Premier: Dave Barrett, BC New Democratic Party Premier 1972-1975

First Jewish Senator: David Croll, Liberal, appointed 1955.

Jewish leaders of provincial parties
 * 1) Dave Barrett, BC New Democratic Party, 1969-May 20, 1984
 * 2) Stephen Lewis, Ontario New Democratic Party, 1970-1978
 * 3) Izzy Asper, Manitoba Liberal, 1970-75
 * 4) Sidney Spivak, Manitoba Progressive Conservatives, 1971 to 1975
 * 5) Stuart Smith, Ontario Liberal 1976-1982
 * 6) Bob Rae, Ontario New Democratic Party 1982-1996
 * 7) Larry Grossman, Ontario Progressive Conservatives, November 22, 1985 - September 10, 1987

Other Jewish Canadian Members of Parliament
 * Herb Gray - Liberal MP

Jewish Canadian MPPs, MLAs & MNAs
 * Howard Epstein - Nova Scotia NDP MLA 1998-present

First Jewish Supreme Court Judge: Bora Laskin, 1970, subsequently Chief Justice

African-Canadians
Early African-Canadians elected in Canada (Note: the first African-Canadian elected in Canada is unknown, and it was probably before Canada was a country.)
 * 1) Burr Plato, councillor for Niagara Falls, 1886-1901
 * 2) William Hubbard, Alderman for Toronto 1893-1932

First African-Canadian candidate to run for the House of Commons: Bill White - Spadina, CCF (the forerunner to the New Democratic Party) 1949

First African-Canadian elected in Canada: Leonard Braithwaite, Etobicoke—York, Ontario Liberals MPP, 1963-1975

First African-Canadian candidate to run for the Ontario Legislature
 * 1) Stanley G. Grizzle ran for the Ontario CCF (the forerunner to the Ontario New Democratic Party) in 1959 provincial election in York East (East York).
 * 2) Jack White ran for the Ontario NDP in 1963 provincial election in Davenport and Leonard Braithwaite, Ontario Liberals in Etobicoke—York in 1963.

First African-Canadian woman elected in Canada: Rosemary Brown Vancouver—Burrard, Burnaby—Edmonds, BC New Democratic Party MP 1972-1986

First African-Canadian elected to the House of Commons (first Black MP): Rt. Hon Lincoln Alexander - Hamilton Mountain, Progressive Conservative MP 1968-1984



Second African-Canadian Canadian MP: Howard McCurdy - Windsor-St. Clair, New Democratic Party MP 1984-1993

Other African-Canadian Canadian MPs
 * Ovid Jackson - Grey—Bruce, Liberal MP, 1993-2004
 * Hedy Fry – Vancouver Centre, Liberal MP, 1993 - present
 * Jean Augustine – Etobicoke Lakeshore, Liberal MP, 1993-2006
 * Gordon Earle – Halifax West New Democratic Party MP, 1997-2000
 * Marlene Jennings – Notre-Dame-de-Grace (electoral district), Liberal MP, 1997 - present
 * Maka Kotto, Saint Lambert, Bloc Quebecois MP, 2004 - present
 * Vivian Barbot, Papineau (electoral district), Bloc Quebecois MP, 2006 - present

First African-Canadian Canadian women elected to the House of Commons (first Black female MPs)
 * Jean Augustine, Etobicoke Lakeshore, Liberal MP, 1993 - present,
 * Hedy Fry, Vancouver Centre, Liberal MP, 1993 - present

African-Canadians who ran for the leadership of a major party
 * 1) Rosemary Brown - Vancouver—Burrard MLA for the BC NDP, ran in 1975 for federal New Democratic Party leadership, who came in second
 * 2) Howard McCurdy - Windsor—St. Clair MP for the federal New Democratic Party, ran in 1989 for NDP leadership
 * 3) Yvonne Atwell, Nova Scotia New Democratic Party MLA, ran for the Nova Scotia NDP leadership in 1996
 * 4) Hedy Fry, Liberal Party of Canada leadership convention, 2006

First African-Canadian MLAs in British Columbia: Emery Barnes, BC New Democratic Party MLA Vancouver Burrard 1972-1996 and Rosemary Brown, Vancouver Burrard, BC New Democratic Party MLA 1972-1986

First African-Canadian female MLA in British Columbia: Rosemary Brown, Vancouver Burrard, BC New Democratic Party MLA 1972-1986

First African-Canadian MPP in Ontario: Leonard Braithwaite, Etobicoke-York, Ontario Liberal MPP 1963-1975

First African-Canadian female MPP in Ontario: Zanana Akande, St-Andrew's-St. Patrick's, Ontario New Democratic Party MPP 1990-1994

First African-Canadian MNA in Quebec: Jean Alfred, Papineau, Parti Québécois MNA 1976-1981

First African-Canadian Female MNA in Quebec: Yolande James, Nelligan, Liberal MNA 2003-present

First African-Canadian MLA in Nova Scotia: Wayne Adams, Nova Scotia Liberal MLA for Preston 1993-1998

First African-Canadian female MLA in Nova Scotia: Yvonne Atwell, Nova Scotia New Democratic Party MLA for Preston 1998-1999



Other African-Canadian MPPS, MLAs, MNAs & MHAs
 * Mary Anne Chambers - Ontario Liberal MPP Scarborough East 2003 - present
 * George Rogers - Alberta Progressive Conservative MLA Leduc-Beaumont-Devon 2004 - present
 * Percy Paris - Nova Scotia NDP MLA Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank 2006-present

African-Canadian Speakers of Legislatures in Canada
 * 1) Emery Barnes, BC New Democratic Party MLA 1972-1996, Speaker in BC Legislature 1993 to 1996 when he retired.
 * 2) Alvin Curling, Ontario Liberal MPP 1985-2005, Speaker 2003-2005

African-Canadians in Cabinet
 * 1) - *Rt. Hon Lincoln Alexander - Hamilton Mountain, Progressive Conservative MP 1968-1984, federal Cabinet Minister in 1979
 * 2) - Alvin Curling, Ontario Liberal MPP 1985-2005, provincial Cabinet Minister 1985

First African-Canadian woman in Cabinet: Zanana Akande, St-Andrew's-St. Patrick's, Ontario New Democratic Party MPP 1990-1994



First African-Canadian Governor General of Canada: Michaëlle Jean Governor General of Canada, 2005-present

First African-Canadian Lieutenant Governor: Rt. Hon Lincoln Alexander Lt. Governor of Ontario, 1985-1991

First African-Canadian Senator: Anne Cools, Liberal Senator 1983-2004, Conservative, 2004+

Other African-Canadian Senators
 * Donald Oliver - Progressive Conservative Senator
 * Calvin Ruck - Liberal Senator

African-Canadian presidents, vice presidents and secretaries of political parties
 * Yvonne Atwell - Vice President of the Nova Scotia New Democratic Party 200?-present
 * Diane O'Reggio - Secretary of the Ontario New Democratic Party

First African-Canadian female mayor: Daurene Lewis - 1984

Past African-Canadian Mayors
 * Ovid Jackson - Mayor of Owen Sound, Ontario 1982-1993?, Alderman 1974-1982
 * George Rogers - Mayor of Leduc, Alberta 1998-2004

African-Canadian City Councillors
 * Wayne Adams - Halifax City Councillor 1979-1993
 * Rob Davis - Toronto City Councillor, York-Eglinton ????-2000,
 * Garnett Manning - Brampton City Councillor Ward9/10 2003-present
 * Bev Salmon - Metro Toronto Regional Councillor ????-1997, North York City Councillor ????
 * Ron Jones - Windsor, Ontario City Council 2002-Present
 * Michael Thompson - Toronto City Councillor, Scarborough Centre 2003-present

African-Canadian School Trustees
 * Stephnie Payne - Toronto School Board Trustee 1988?-present
 * Ron Jones - Greater Essex County District School Board 1982-1994
 * Shelly Harding-Smith - Greater Essex County District School Board 2000-2006
 * Douglas Sparks - Halifax Regional School Board Trustee, 2000-present
 * Bernadette Reid - Halifax Regional School Board Trustee, 2000-present

South Asians

 * Note: South Asians include those of Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Nepalese or Bangladeshi ancestry.

First South Asian Canadian candidate in Canada: Hardial Bains, Marxist-Leninist Party of Canada - Eglinton - 1972 federal election

First South Asian elected in Canada: Moe Sihota, BC New Democratic Party MLA, Esquimalt-Port Renfrew 1986-1991, Esquimalt-Metchosin, 1991-2001

South Asian leaders of major political parties Note: Hardial Bains was the first South Asian Canadian to lead a political party. He founded and led the Marxist-Leninist Party of Canada from 1970-1997
 * 1) Raj Pannu, Alberta New Democratic Party Feb 2nd 2000-2004 (MLA 1997 - present) (Punjabi)
 * 2) Ujjal Dosanjh, BC New Democratic Party Feb 24th 2000-2001 (Punjabi)

South Asian MPs
 * Jag Bhaduria, Markham—Whitchurch—Stouffville, Liberal MP 1993-1997 (India, ?)
 * Gurbax Singh Malhi, Bramalea—Gore—Malton, Liberal MP 1993 - present (India, Sikh)
 * Herb Dhaliwal, Vancouver South, Liberal MP 1993-2004 (India, Sikh)
 * Gurmant Grewal, Surrey Central, Reform/Alliance/Conservative MP 1997 - present (India, Sikh)
 * Deepak Obhrai, Calgary East, Reform/Alliance/Conservative MP 1997 - present (Tanzania, ?)
 * Rahim Jaffer, Edmonton—Strathcona, Reform/Alliance/Conservative MP 1997+ (Uganda, Muslim)
 * Ujjal Dosanjh, Vancouver South, Liberal MP 2004+ (India, Sikh)
 * Wajid Khan, Missisauga—Streetsville, Liberal MP 2004+ (Pakistan, Muslim)
 * Navdeep Bains, Missisauga—Brampton South, Liberal MP 2004+ (India, Sikh)
 * Yasmin Ratansi, Don Valley East, Liberal MP 2004+ (Africa, Ismali Muslim)
 * Nina Grewal, Fleetwood—Port Kells, Conservative MP 2004+ (India, Sikh)
 * Ruby Dhalla, Brampton—Springdale—Malton, Liberal MP 2004+ (India, Sikh)
 * Sukh Dhaliwal, Newton—North Delta, Liberal MP 2006+ (India, Sikh)

First South Asian female MPs: Yasmin Ratansi, Don Valley East, Liberal MP 2004+ (Ismali, Muslim), Nina Grewal, Fleetwood—Port Kells, Conservative MP 2004+ (India, Sikh) and Ruby Dhalla, Brampton—Springdale—Malton, Liberal MP 2004+ (India, Sikh) (Yasmin Ratansi is the first Muslim woman elected in Canada, and Nina Grewal and Ruby Dhalla are the first Punjabi women elected in Canada)

First South Asian MLA elected in BC: Moe Sihota, BC New Democratic Party MLA, Esquimalt-Port Renfrew 1986-1991, Esquimalt-Metchosin, 1991-2001

First South Asian MLA elected in Alberta

First South Asian MLA elected in Manitoba: Gulzar Cheema, Manitoba Liberal MLA Kildonan 1988-1990

First South Asian MPP elected in Ontario: Murad Velshi, Ontario Liberal MPP Don Mills 1987-1990

First South Asian MLA elected in Nova Scotia: Leonard Preyra Nova Scotia NDP MLA Halifax Citadel 2006-present

South Asian MPPs/MLAs:
 * Moe Sihota, BC New Democratic Party MLA, Esquimalt-Port Renfrew 1986-1991, Esquimalt-Metchosin, 1991-2001
 * Ujjal Dosanjh, BC New Democratic Party MLA, Vancouver Kensington, 1991-2001
 * Harry Lali BC New Democratic Party MLA, Yale-Lillooet, 1991-2001, 2005 - present
 * Rob Nijjar, BC Liberal MLA Vancouver Kingsway 2001-2005
 * Patty Sahota, BC Liberal MLA Burnaby Edmonds 2001-2005
 * John Nuraney, BC Liberal MLA Burnaby Willingdon 2001 - present (Ismaili)
 * Jagrup Brar, BC New Democratic Party MLA, Surrey-Panorama Ridge, 2004by - present
 * Harry Bains, BC New Democratic Party MLA Surrey Newton 2005 - present
 * Raj Chouhan, BC New Democratic Party MLA Burnaby Edmonds 2005 - present
 * Wally Oppal, BC Liberal MLA, Vancouver Fraserview 2005-present
 * Harry Sohal, Alberta Progressive Conservative MLA Calgary McCall 1993-1997
 * Raj Pannu, Alberta New Democratic Party MLA, Edmonton Stratcona, 1997 - present
 * Shiraz Shariff, Alberta Progressive Conservative MLA Calgary McCall 1997 - present
 * Bharat Agnihotri, Alberta Liberal MLA, Edmonton Ellerslie, 2004 - present
 * Mo Elsalhy, Alberta Liberal MLA Edmonton McClung, 2004 - present
 * Gulzar Cheema, Manitoba Liberal MLA Kildonan 1988-1990, the Maples 1990-1993by, BC Liberal MLA Surrey Panorama Ridge 2001-2004by
 * Bidhu Jha, Manitoba New Democratic Party, Raddison, 2003 - present
 * Murad Velshi, Ontario Liberal MPP, Don Mills 1987-1990
 * Raminder Gill, Ontario Progressive Conservative MPP,

Bramalea—Gore—Malton—Springdale 1995-2003
 * Vic Dhillon, Ontario Liberal MPP, Brampton West Missisauga, 2003+
 * Kuldip Kular, Ontario Liberal MPP, Brampton Gore Malton Springdale, 2003+
 * Dr. Shafiq Qaadri, Ontario Liberal MPP, Etobicoke North, 2003 - present
 * Khalil Ramal, Ontario Liberal MPP, London Fanshawe, 2003+
 * Harinder Takhar, Ontario Liberal MPP, Missisauga Centre 2003+
 * Bas Balkissoon, Ontario Liberal MPP Scarborough Rogue River 2005by - present

South Asian Canadian Senators
 * Mobina Jaffer, Liberal Senator, 2001-present

South Asian presidents, vice presidents and secretaries of political parties
 * Raj Sharan - Former president of the Newfoundland & Labrador Newfoundland & Labrador New Democratic Party

Tamil Canadians
First Tamil-Canadian candidate to run for the House of Commons:
 * 1) Joseph Thevarkunnel, NDP candidate in 2004 federal election for Oak Ridges
 * 2) David Thomas, NDP candidate in 2004 federal election for Don Valley West.

First Tamil-Canadian candidate to run in Ontario
 * Chandran Mylvaganam, NDP Candidate in 1993 by-election in Don Mills

Arab Canadians
First Arab Canadian elected to the House of Commons (first Arab Canadian MP): Pierre De Bane, 1968-1984, Liberal MP Matane, Quebec (Palestinian)

Arab Canadian MPs


 * Fonse Faour, 1978-1980, New Democratic Party MP in Newfoundland
 * Mac Harb, 1988-2004, Liberal MP Ottawa Centre (Lebanon)
 * Mark Assad, 1997-2004 Liberal MP Gatineau
 * Georges Farrah, 2000-2004 Liberal MP Bonaventure—Iles-de-la-Madeleine
 * Helena Guergis, Conservative MP Simcoe—Grey, 2004-present
 * Omar Alghabra, Liberal MP Mississauga--Erindale 2006-present
 * Maria Mourani, Ahuntsic, Bloc MP 2006-present

First Arab Canadian in Cabinet
 * Pierre De Bane, 1968-1984, Liberal MP Matane, Que. (Palestinian)

Arab Canadian leaders of political parties
 * 1) Fonse Faour Newfoundland New Democratic Party leader, 1980-1981
 * 2) Hassan Husseini Communist Party of Ontario, 1998-2001
 * 3) Lorraine Michael Newfoundland New Democratic Party leader 2006-present

First Arab Canadian Senator: Mac Harb, Liberal Senator 2004 - present

Arab Canadian MPPs/MLAs (first Arab/Muslim elected to Alberta Legislature and first Muslim Cabinet Minister anywhere in Canada)
 * Larry Shaben, Alberta Progressive Conservative MLA, Lesser Slave Lake, 1975-1989
 * Moe Amery, Alberta Progressive Conservative MLA, Calgary East, 1993 - present
 * Sine Chadi, Alberta Liberal MLA, Edmonton Roper, 1993-1997
 * Mark Assad, Quebec Liberal MNA, 1970 to 1976, 1981 to 1988, Gatineau—La Lièvre
 * Georges Farrah, Quebec Liberal MNA, Îles-de-la-Madeleine, 1985-1998
 * Fatima Houda-Pepin, Quebec Liberal MNA, La Pinière, 1994-present

Iranian (Persian) Canadians
First Persian Canadian candidate in Canada

Armenian Canadians
First Armenian Canadian elected to the House of Commons (first Armenian Canadian MP)
 * Sarkis Assadourian Liberal MP (Syrian Armenian), Don Valley North, 1993-1997 & Brampton Centre, 1997-2004

Chinese Canadians
First Chinese Canadian candidate in Canada: Catherine Emily Ling, 1941 BC provincial election for the Emancipation Party in Vancouver Point Grey

First Chinese Canadian elected in Canada: Douglas Jung, Vancouver Centre, Progressive Conservative MP, 1957-1962

First Chinese Canadian women elected in Canada: Jenny Kwan, BC New Democratic Party MLA, and Ida Chong, BC Liberal MLA, both elected in 1996 BC provincial election

First Chinese-Canadian female MP: Sophia Leung, Vancouver Kingsway Liberal MP 1997-2004



First Chinese Canadian leader of a political party (federally or provincially)
 * 1) Arthur Lee, BC Liberal leader, 1984-1987 (*The BC Liberals had no seats)
 * 2) Victor Lau, Saskatchewan Green Party Leader 2006 (interm?)

First Chinese-Canadian in Cabinet: Bob Wong, 1987 Ontario Liberal, became Minister of Energy

First Chinese Canadian Senator: Vivienne Poy

First Chinese Canadian Governor General of Canada: Adrienne Clarkson Governor General of Canada, 1999-2005

Chinese Canadian Lieutenant Governors
 * 1) David Lam, British Columbia Lieutenant Governor 1988-1995
 * 2) Norman Kwong, current Lieutenant Governor of Alberta

Chinese Canadian MPs
 * Douglas Jung, Vancouver Centre, Progressive Conservative MP, 1957-1962
 * Arthur Lee, Vancouver East, Liberal MP, 1974-1979
 * Raymond Chan, Richmond BC, Liberal MP, 1993-2000, 2004-present
 * Sophia Leung, Vancouver Kingsway, Liberal MP, 1997-2004
 * Inky Mark, Dauphin—Swan River, Reform/Canadian Alliance/Conservative MP, 1997-present
 * Mike Chong, Wellington—Halton Hills, Conservative MP, 2004-present (1/2 Chinese)
 * Meili Faille, Vaudreuil—Soulanges, Bloc Quebecious MP, 2004-present (1/2 Chinese)
 * Olivia Chow, Trinity—Spadina, New Democratic Party MP, 2006-present

Chinese Canadian MPPs/MLAs
 * Jenny Kwan, BC New Democratic Party MLA, Vancouver in 1996 - present
 * Ida Chong, BC Liberal MLA Oak Bay-Gordon Head 1996 - present
 * Richard Lee, BC Liberal MLA Burnaby North 2001 - present
 * Patrick Wong, BC Liberal MLA Vancouver-Kensington 2001-2005
 * John Yap BC Liberal MLA Richmond-Steveston 2005+
 * Gary Mar, Alberta Progressive Conservatives, Calgary MacKay 1993-present
 * Bob Wong, Ontario Liberal MPP, Fort York 1987-1990
 * Tony Wong, Ontario Liberal MPP, Markham, 2003-present

First Chinese Canadian mayor in North America:
 * Peter Wing, Mayor of Kamloops, first elected 1966, served for three terms

Chinese Canadian mayors (past & present)
 * Peter Wong (Canadian politician) - Mayor of Sudbury 1982-1991

Chinese-Canadian City Councillors
 * Alex Chiu - Markham City Councillor Ward 8, 1985-present
 * George Chow - Vancouver City Councillor
 * Olivia Chow - Toronto City Councillor Trinity Spadina ????-2005

Chinese-Canadian School Trustees
 * Tam Goossen - Toronto School Board Trustee ????-????
 * Noah Ng - Toronto School Board Trustee 2003-present
 * Gin Yee - Halifax Regional School Board Trustee, Oct. 2004-present

Vietnamese Canadians
MPPs/MLAs
 * Hung Pham, Alberta Progressive Conservative, Calgary Montrose 1993-present
 * Wayne Cao, Alberta Progressive Conservative, Calgary Fort, 1997-present

Filipino Canadians


First Filipino elected in Canada: Conrad Santos, Manitoba New Democratic Party MLA Burrows 1981-1988, Broadway 1990-1999, Wellington 1999-present

First Filipino Canadian elected to the House of Commons (first Filipino Canadian MP): Dr. Rey Pagtakhan, Winnipeg North, Liberal MP, 1988-2004

First Filipino Canadian appointed to the Federal Cabinet: Dr. Rey Pagtakhan, Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific)(2001-2002), Minister of Veterans Affairs(2002-2003), Secretary of State (Science, Research and Development)(2002-2003), Mininster with political responsibility for Manitoba (2002-2003), Minister of Western Economic Diversification(2003-2004)

First Filipino Canadian to run for the leadership of a major party: Conrad Santos, Manitoba New Democratic Party leadership 1988

Filipino Canadian MPPs/MLAs
 * Conrad Santos, Manitoba New Democratic Party MLA Burrows 1981-1988, Broadway 1990-1999, Wellington 1999 - present (Winnipeg)
 * Cris Aglugub, Manitoba New Democratic Party MLA the Maples 1999 - present

Filipino-Canadian City Councillors
 * Mike Pagtakhan - Winnipeg City Council, Point Douglas Ward

Japanese Canadians
First Japanese Canadian candidate in Canada: Joan Kabayama, Grenville—Carleton New Democratic Party 1972 federal election

First Japanese Canadian elected to the House of Commons (first Japanese Canadian MP): Bev Oda, Conservative MP, Clarington—Scugog—Uxbridge, 2004-present

Japanese Canadian MPPs/MLAs
 * David Tsubouchi Markham, Ontario Progressive Conservative MPP, 1995-2003

Korean Canadians
First Korean Canadian candidates in Canada
 * 1) Dr. David Kho, Ontario New Democratic Party, 1987 provincial election Scarborough—Agincourt
 * 2) Raymond Cho, New Democratic Party, 1988 federal election, Scarborough—Rogue River

First Korean-Canadian elected to a legislature: Sandy Lee, North West Territories

Korean-Canadian City Councillors
 * Raymond Cho - Toronto City Councillor, Scarborough—Rouge River

Italian Canadians
First Italian Canadian Elected to the Federal Legislature (1st Italian Canadian MP)
 * Hubert Bandanai Liberal MP Fort WIlliam 1958-1968

First Italian Canadian Cabinet Minister (Federal)
 * Monique Bégin, 1976.09.14 Appointed Minister of National Revenue

First Italian Canadian Senator
 * Pietro Rizzuto, Liberal Senator appointed in 1976

First Italian Canadian to Run for the Leadership of a Major Party (Federally or Provincially) -
 * 1) John Nunziata - Federal Liberal Leadership race 1990
 * 2) Tony Silipo - Ontario NDP leadership race 1996
 * 3) Joseph Cordiano - Ontario Liberal leadership race 1996
 * 4) Maurizio Bevilacqua - Liberal Party of Canada leadership convention, 2006
 * 5) Joe Volpe - Liberal Party of Canada leadership convention, 2006


 * Note - a list of Italian Canadian politicians are too numerous to list

Maltese Canadians
First Maltese Canadian MP
 * Sue Barnes - Liberal MP London West 1993-present

Portuguese Canadians
First Portuguese Canadians elected to the House of Commons (first Portuguese Canadian MPs)
 * 1) John Rodriquez, Nickel Belt, New Democratic Party MP, 1974-1980, 1984-1993 (Guyanese Portuguese)
 * 2) Mario Silva, Davenport, Liberal MP 2004-present

Portuguese Canadian MPPs/MLAs
 * Carl DeFaria, Ontario Progressive Conservative, Missisauga East 1995-2003

Greek Canadians
First Greek elected in Canada: George Samis, Ontario New Democratic Party MP 1974 by-election - 1985, Cornwall

First Greek Canadian elected to the House of Commons (first Greek Canadian MP): Gus Mitges, Progressive Conservative MP, Grey—Simcoe 1972-1993

First Greek Canadian Senator
 * Philippe Deane Gigantès, Liberal Senator appointed in 1984

Greek Canadian MPs
 * Jim Karygiannis, Liberal MP, Scarborough—Agincourt, 1988-present
 * Eleni Bakopanos, Liberal MP, Saint-Denis, Quebec, 1993-present
 * John Cannis, Liberal MP, Scarborough Centre, 1993-present

Greek Canadian MPPs/MLAs
 * Peter Delefes, Nova Scotia New Democratic Party MLA Halifax Citadel 1998-1999

Macedonian Canadians
First Macedonian Canadian MP
 * Lui Temelkovski - Liberal MP Oak Ridges-Markham 2006-present

Polish Canadians
First Polish Canadians elected to the House of Commons (first Polish Canadian MPs)
 * 1) Alexandre Edouard Kierzkowski, St. Hyacinthe, Quebec, Liberal MP, 1867-1872
 * 2) Fred Rose, Labour Progressive (Communist) MP 1943-1947, from Cartier, Quebec

Polish Canadian MPs
 * Stanley Haidasz, Liberal MP Trinity, Parkdale, 1957-1978
 * Steve Otto, York East, Liberal MP, 1962-?
 * Jesse Flis, Parkdale—High Park Liberal MP, 1979-1984, 1993-1997

Polish Canadian MPPs/MLAs
 * Paul Yakabuski Ontario Progressive Conservative MPP Renfrew South 1963-1987
 * Jan Dukszta Ontario New Democratic Party MPP Parkdale 1971-1981
 * Edward Ziemba Ontario New Democratic Party MPP High Park-Swansea 1975-1977-1981
 * Gary Malkowski Ontario New Democratic Party MPP York East 1990-1995
 * Elaine Ziemba Ontario New Democratic Party MPP High Park-Swansea 1990-1995
 * Marilyn Mushinski, Ontario Progressive Conservative MPP, Scarborough Centre 1995-2003
 * Leona Dombrowsky, <Ontario Liberal MPP, Hastings—Frontenac—Lennox and Addington 1999-present
 * John Yakabuski, Ontario Progressive Conservative MPP, Renfrew-Nippising-Pembroke 2003+

Latvian Canadians
First Latvian Canadian MP: Sarmite Bulte, Liberal MP Parkdale—High Park, 1997-2006

Slovak Canadians
First Slovak Canadian to run for the leadership of a major party: Peter Kormos, Ontario New Democratic Party leadership 1996

Ukrainian Canadians
First Ukrainian Canadian elected to the House of Commons (first Ukrainian Canadian MP): Michael Luchkovich United Farmers/CCF MP from Vegreville, Alberta, 1926-1935

First Ukrainian Canadian leader of a major political party: Roy Romanow, Saskatchewan New Democratic Party eader 1987-2001

First Ukrainian Premier: Roy Romanow, Premier of Saskatchewan 1990-2001

First Ukrainian Canadian Governor General of Canada: Ray Hnatyshyn

Czech Canadians
First Czech Canadian MP
 * Otto Jelinek PC MP 1972-1979 High Park-Humber Valley, 1979-1993 Halton,

Hungarian Canadians
First Hungarian Canadian elected to the House of Commons (first Hungarian Canadian MP): Tom Wappel, Liberal MP, Scarborough West 1988-2000; Scarborough Southwest 2000-present

First Hungarian-born Canadian elected to the House of Commons: Andrew Telegdi, Liberal MP Waterloo, 1993-present

Croatian Canadians
First Croatian Canadian elected to a Legislature: John Sola, Ontario Liberal MPP, Missisauga East, 1987-1993 (expelled)

First Croatian Canadian elected to the House of Commons (first Croatian Canadian MP): Dave Stupich, New Democratic Party MP, Nanaimo—Cowichan, 1988-1993

First Croatian-born Canadian elected to the House of Commons: Janko Peric, Liberal MP, Cambridge, 1993-2004

People with disabilities
First hearing-impaired (deaf) person elected in Canada: Gary Malkowski Ontario New Democratic Party MPP York East (East York) 1990-1995

Cerebral Palsy candidates in past elections: Kevin Kinsella, New Democratic Party, 2000 federal election

Quadraplegic and paraplegic candidates

2006 federal election:
 * David Couturier, Conservative, Beauharnois—Salaberry
 * Donna Martyn, New Democratic Party, Edmonton Centre

2006 Toronto municipal election
 * Raza Al-Jabbar, Candidate for Ward 26 City of Toronto.

First quadraplegic person elected in Canada: Percy Wickman Alberta Liberal MLA Edmonton-Whitemud

First person with a permanent physical disability (C4 quadraplegic)to be elect person elected to the House of Commons: Steven Fletcher, Conservative, Charleswood—St. James, Manitoba, 2004 - present (also the first Brazilian born MP)

First quadraplegic mayor : Sam Sullivan, Mayor of Vancouver, November 2005 - present

Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender
First openly-gay candidates in Canada
 * 1) Robert Douglas Cook, 1979 BC provincial election for GATE (Gay Alliance Toward Equality) Party in West Vancouver-Howe Sound
 * 2) George Hislop, 1981 Ontario provincial election, Independent candidate in St. George. (Also ran in 1981 Toronto municipal election)

First openly-gay MP: Svend Robinson, New Democratic Party, elected in 1979, came out in 1988



First MP elected as an openly-gay candidate to a first term: Bill Siksay New Democratic Party MP for Burnaby—Douglas elected in 2004

First gays/lesbians to run for leadership of a major party
 * 1) Svend Robinson, 1995 New Democratic Party leadership election -- came in first on first ballot, but withdrew
 * 2) Marcel Hatch, New Democratic Party 2001 leadership challenger
 * 3) Scott Brison, Progressive Conservative leadership election, 2003 -- came in third
 * 4) Scott Brison, Liberal Party of Canada leadership election, 2006
 * 5) Ashley MacIsaac, Liberal Party of Canada leadership election, 2006

First openly-gay leaders of political parties
 * 1) Chris Lea, Green Party of Canada, 1990 - 1996
 * 2) Allison Brewer, New Brunswick New Democratic Party, Sept 25, 2005 - present
 * 3) André Boisclair, Parti Québécois, Nov 15, 2005 - present

First openly gay/lesbian senators
 * 1) Laurier Lapierre, Liberal
 * 2) Nancy Ruth (formerly Nancy Jackman) PC, first lesbian senator, appointed in 2006, came out in 1990(?)

First openly-gay mayor : Glen Murray - former Mayor of Winnipeg

Gay Canadian politicians
 * Dominic Agostino - former Liberal MPP 1995-2004 (it was revealed that he was gay after he died in 2004 of cancer)
 * Pierre Bourgault - activist, Quebec separatist
 * Libby Davies - New Democratic Party MP, Vancouver East, 1997-present
 * Stéphane Émard-Chabot - former Ottawa City Councillor
 * Brent Hawkes - Revenend, former NDP candidate
 * Brian Huskins - Activist, former Liberal candidate
 * Helen Kennedy - former East York (part of Toronto) City Councillor
 * Lorne Mayencourt - British Columbia Liberal MLA and cabinet minister
 * Matthew McLauchlin - Activist, former NDP candidate
 * Réal Ménard - Bloc Quebecois MP Hochelaga-Maisonneuve 1993-present
 * Alex Munter - former Ottawa city councillor, head of Canadians for Equal Marriage, former New Democratic Party candidate
 * Glen Murray - former Mayor of Winnipeg
 * Ted Nebbeling - British Columbia Liberal MLA and cabinet minister
 * Michael Phair - Edmonton City Councillor
 * Kyle Rae - Toronto City Councillor (first openly gay Toronto city councillor)
 * Ian Scott - Ontario Liberal MPP 1985-1992 (came out in 1993)
 * Mario Silva - Liberal MP Davenport 2004-present, came out shortly after elected
 * George Smitherman - Ontario Liberal MPP 1999-present, Minister of Health
 * Tim Stevenson - British Columbia New Democratic Party) MLA and Vancouver city councillor
 * Charlotte Whitton - former Mayor of Ottawa 1951-56, 1960-64
 * Mary-Woo Sims - Activist, former NDP candidate
 * Kathleen Wynne - Ontario Liberal MPP, 2003-present

Transgendered candidates
 * Enza Anderson - Candidate for Mayor of Toronto in 1997 and 2000. Candidate for City Council in 2003.
 * Susan Gapka - Candidate for Toronto City Council 2006.