Laurel Broten

Laurel C. Broten is a politician in Ontario, Canada. She is currently a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, representing the riding of Etobicoke—Lakeshore for the Ontario Liberal Party. On October 7, 2009, she was appointed Ontario Minister of Children and Youth Services and Minister Responsible for Women's Issues^[1].

Early Life

Prior to entering politics, she was a lawyer, community activist and volunteer. Broten attended McMaster University from 1986 to 1990, and has both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree from the institution. She also received an LL.B. from the University of Western Ontario in 1993. She was a law clerk to Madam Justice Claire L'Heureux-Dubé at the Supreme Court of Canada from 1993 to 1994, and later had a practice in civil and commercial litigation. She has also served as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Gatehouse, a community centre for survivors of child abuse.

1999 Election

Broten first ran for the Ontario legislature in the provincial election of 1999, but was defeated by Progressive Conservative Morley Kells in Etobicoke-Lakeshore by close to 5,000 votes. She ran again in the 2003 election, and defeated Kells by almost the same margin amid a provincial shift to the Liberals.

38th Parliament

On October 23, 2003, she was named as the Parliamentary Assistant to Premier Dalton McGuinty. There she conducted province-wide consultations to develop meaningful reforms to address domestic Violence in Ontario. This led to the Government’s Domestic Violence Action Plan which included a groundbreaking public education campaign. She also chaired the Premier’s Shared Air Summit, which drew scientists and policy makers from across North America to tackle the linked issues of smog and transboundary air pollution.

Minister of the Environment

Laurel was then promoted to cabinet as Minister of the Environment on June 29, 2005. As Minister of the Environment, she developed policies under one of Canada’s most comprehensive Climate Change Plans in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. She also introduced the Clean Water Act designed to better safeguard Ontario’s drinking water.

39th Parliament

Laurel was re-elected in 2007 and was appointed Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. While there Laurel authored a report detailing a Five Point Action Plan to create more opportunities and reduce barriers for internationally trained doctors in Ontario. Her report formed the basis for new legislation in 2008.

In addition Laurel is a champion for children’s and economic issues. In 2008 she introduced legislation that requires a duty to report images of child abuse. Then in 2009 she unanimously passed a resolution calling for a review of reporting standards for listed companies.

In 2009, Laurel was appointed Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure.

On October 7, 2009, Laurel Broten was named Minister of Children and Youth Services.

Family

Laurel, who is fluently bilingual, lives in Etobicoke with her husband and twin sons.

Electoral record

References

External links

• Laurel Broten official MPP Site
• Laurel Broten profile at Legislative Assembly of Ontario
• Laurel Broten Liberal party of Ontario biography

Table of offices held