Sheri Benson

Sheri Benson
MP
Member of the Canadian Parliament
for Saskatoon West
Assumed office
October 19, 2015
Preceded by Riding Established
Personal details
Political party New Democratic
Residence Saskatoon
Profession Member of Parliament
Portfolio NDP Critic for Labour

Sheri Benson MP is a Canadian politician, who was elected to represent the riding of Saskatoon West in the House of Commons of Canada in the federal election of 2015. Benson is a member of the New Democratic Party (NDP). Prior to her election she was the CEO of the local United Way and also served as a justice of the peace.[1][2]

She is one of six out LGBT people serving in the 42nd Canadian Parliament, alongside Scott Brison, Rob Oliphant, Seamus O'Regan, Randall Garrison and Randy Boissonnault.[3] Benson is the first out LGBT politician in Saskatchewan to be elected to the House of Commons and first out lesbian before being elected to parliament.

Benson was appointed the New Democratic Party critic for Labour in the 42nd Canadian Parliament.[4]

Background and prior community involvement[2]

United Way

As CEO for the local United Way, since 2009, Benson worked with community, labour and business groups to launch Saskatoon’s first-ever Plan to End Homelessness and Saskatoon's Housing First Program. Benson also implemented the organization’s ground-breaking Aboriginal Engagement Strategy.

Under Benson's leadership, United Way support for community programs grew 60%—to nearly $5-million in 2014.

Victims of Domestic Violence Act

Benson was the inaugural Justice of the Peace for Saskatchewan’s Victims of Domestic Violence Act. And in 2014, Benson's hard work was recognized with a YWCA Woman of Distinction Award for Community Building.

Community services

To further strengthen community services, she co-founded the Saskatoon Collaborative Funding Partnership and has co-chaired the Saskatoon Regional Intersectoral Committee.

Electoral record

Canadian federal election, 2015
Party Candidate Votes%±%Expenditures
New DemocraticSheri Benson14,92139.6-11.7–
ConservativeRandy Donauer12,40132.9-9.64–
LiberalLisa Abbott9,23424.5+20.73–
GreenLois Carol Mitchell6581.7-0.87–
Canada PartyJim Pankiw2710.7––
LibertarianBronek Hart2300.6––
Total valid votes/Expense limit 37,715100.0   $190,628.75
Total rejected ballots 170––
Turnout 37,88567.78–
Eligible voters 55,886
New Democratic notional hold Swing -10.67
Source: Elections Canada[5][6]

References

  1. ↑ Giles, David (19 October 2015). "NDP's Sheri Benson wins in Saskatoon West". Global News. Retrieved 29 September 2016.
  2. 1 2 "Sheri Benson - About". sheribenson.ndp.ca. Retrieved 22 February 2016.
  3. ↑ "Hedy Fry wins decisively as Liberals sweep Canada for majority". Daily Xtra. 20 October 2015. Retrieved 29 September 2016.
  4. ↑ Kirkup, Kristy (12 November 2015). "Tom Mulcair taps Nathan Cullen, Charlie Angus, Guy Caron for top critic roles". CBC News. The Canadian Press. Retrieved 12 November 2015.
  5. ↑ Elections Canada – Confirmed candidates for Saskatoon West, 30 September 2015
  6. ↑ Elections Canada – Preliminary Election Expenses Limits for Candidates


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