Language selection

Government of Canada / Gouvernement du Canada

Search

Committee Profile

Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage (CHpC)
43rd Parliament, 1st Session

Scott Simms, LPC (Chair)

Scott Simms

Biography (from the political party’s website)

Scott was first elected to the House of Commons in 2004 as the Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Gander-Grand Falls-Windsor. On October 19th, 2015 he was elected for the fifth time as the Member of Parliament for the new riding of Coast of Bays-Central-Notre Dame. Scott’s past roles include critic of both Fisheries and Oceans, and Democratic Reform, Canadian Heritage Committee and Chair of the Liberal Atlantic Caucus.

Before being elected to the House of Commons Scott delivered the National weather forecast on the Weather Network. He graduated from Mount Allison University in New Brunswick with a degree in commerce and went on to study broadcast journalism at Loyalist College. Scott was born and raised in Bishop’s Falls and to this day maintains a residence nearby with his son, Jackson.

Roles as Parliamentarian of interest to PCH

Critic

Committees

Private Member’s Business of interest to PCH

Question period of interest to PCH

Written questions of interest to PCH

Main interests

Lyne Bessette, LPC

Lyne Bessette

Biography (from the political party’s website)

Lyne Bessette was born in Cowansville to dedicated, hard-working parents who instilled in her a sense of determination, altruism, generosity, compassion, as well as an environmental awareness and the importance of family.

After attending high school at Massey-Vanier, Lyne went on to study science at the Cégep de Sherbrooke. Around that time, she started a career as a professional cyclist, which opened doors to some of the most valuable experiences a person can have—meeting exceptional people; seeing all kinds of diversity, from extreme poverty to extreme wealth; and bearing witness to the love people feel for their region and country.

Her impressive record includes two Olympic Games, several world championships and one gold medal at the London Paralympic Games, racing in tandem with a blind cyclist. Lyne is a team player par excellence, and she is passionately devoted to Brome–Missisquoi.

She is a passionate advocate both for youth and for people with disabilities, and she also supports a number of foundations that are close to her heart. She is always open to hearing new ideas, and she is ready to do more for her community. Her passion for healthy living, sports and people is an integral part of her daily life.

Lyne is full of rallying ideas. She firmly believes that her concrete actions can make Brome–Missisquoi a more inclusive, flourishing place. Her priorities are the environment, seniors, youth, businesses and the local economy.

Lyne Bessette’s proverbial door is always open, and she will have her boots on the ground with Justin Trudeau and the Liberal team to steadfastly contribute to the Party’s positive politics.

Roles as Parliamentarian of interest to PCH

Private Member’s Business of interest to PCH

Question period of interest to PCH

Written questions of interest to PCH

Main interests

Shaun Chen, LPC

Shaun Chen

Biography (from the political party’s website)

Shaun Chen has dedicated his life to public service and the people of Scarborough – a characteristic he continues as our Member of Parliament for Scarborough North. Elected in 2015, Shaun has served on the Standing Committees on Citizenship and Immigration, Public Accounts, and Veterans Affairs.

A lifelong advocate for children and youth, Shaun was first elected in 2006 and subsequently re-elected in 2010 and 2014 to the Toronto District School Board as Trustee for Ward 21, Scarborough–Rouge River. After serving as Vice-Chair for three years, he was elected in 2014 as Chair, the first Scarborough Trustee to hold the post.

As Chair of the TDSB, Shaun worked to increase transparency and accountability at Canada’s largest school board. He led the TDSB to approve a balanced $3 billion operating budget, enact a new whistle-blower policy and establish an integrity commissioner to ensure the highest standards of ethical conduct.

Shaun also served as Director of the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association and member of the City of Toronto Children’s Services Advisory Committee, where he worked to support a multi-year strategy to expand Toronto’s child care system.

Named by Maclean’s as one of “100 young Canadians to watch,” Shaun grew up in Scarborough and graduated from Sir John A. Macdonald Collegiate Institute. He went on to the University of Toronto, where he received his BSc in Computer Science and Equity Studies and MA in Sociology in Education.

Roles as Parliamentarian of interest to PCH

Private Member’s Business of interest to PCH

Question period of interest to PCH

Written questions of interest to PCH

Main interests

Anthony Housefather, LPC

Anthony Housefather

Biography (from the political party’s website)

Anthony Housefather was elected as Member of Parliament for Mount Royal on October 19, 2015. In February 2016, he was elected as Chairman of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, which has the power to examine and to produce reports on the policies, programs and expenses of the Department of Justice.

Moreover, Anthony has two Law Degrees (B.C.L. and LL.B.) from McGill University and an MBA from Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business. Until he was elected an MP, he served as Executive Vice President Corporate Affairs and General Counsel at Dialogic Corporation.

Anthony was first elected to office in 1994. He was initially elected as a municipal councillor in Hampstead, then elected in Côte-Saint-Luc/Hampstead/Montreal West, and served as Mayor of Côte-Saint-Luc between 2005 and 2015.

On a personal level, Anthony participates in numerous activities in his community. He is a member of the drama society and swim team. His performance in swimming earned him seven medals at the 2013 Maccabiah Games, in Israel. He has also been a volunteer for many years within a number of organizations serving the English speaking and Jewish communities.

Roles as Parliamentarian of interest to PCH

Private Member’s Business of interest to PCH

Question period of interest to PCH

Written questions of interest to PCH

Main interests

Tim Louis, LPC

Tim Louis

Biography (from the political party’s website)

As a successful business owner, professional musician, and community charity volunteer, Tim Louis is a community leader who understands how to create well-paying new jobs for the families of Kitchener—Conestoga. Tim has lived in the Forest Heights area of Kitchener for the past 25 years, where he and his wife are raising their two children. His involvement in local community initiatives allows him to have an understanding of our communities and the families that work hard everyday to create a better life for everyone in Kitchener—Conestoga. As the Team Trudeau candidate for Kitchener—Conestoga, Tim is committed to working with Justin Trudeau to further grow our middle class and every every family working hard to join it, and support the diverse needs of our community.

Tim Louis has firsthand experience with the challenges that middle-class families face every day, right here. He understands the connections to the manufacturing sector, the arts, the tech sector, as well as farming and agriculture. Tim believes that together, we can prioritize infrastructure, jobs, protecting our farmlands through sustainability and local initiatives, and increasing services for our aging population and young families.

Kitchener—Conestoga needs a strong voice in Ottawa that understands that many of us are taking care of our parents and trying to save for our own retirement, while ensuring our children and the next generation have the opportunities and quality of life they deserve. Tim Louis will never stop working for our priorities and be the champion we need as our next Member of Parliament.

Roles as Parliamentarian of interest to PCH

Private Member’s Business of interest to PCH

Question period of interest to PCH

Written questions of interest to PCH

Main interests

Martin Shields, CPC

Martin Shields

Biography (from the political party’s website)

After a three-decade long career in education and 10 years of public service in local government, Martin Shields wishes to continue to serve his constituents, this time as Member of Parliament for the newly created Bow River riding.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Arts and prior to his career in politics, Martin served as a teacher and school administrator for 30 years. He was also a part time University instructor for 20 years.

Martin believes a life in politics is a natural extension from his career in education. In 2004 he was first elected to serve as councillor on City of Brooks council. In 2007 he was elected as Mayor of Brooks, a position he has easily held through succeeding municipal elections.

Martin has been living in Brooks with his family for 38 years and is committed to the success and quality of the community. His involvement through the years includes various organizations such as the Alberta Library Trustees Association (board member), the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (vice-president), the Shortgrass Regional Library System Board (vice-chair), Palliser Regional Health Board (vice-chair), Palliser Area Health Advisory Committee (vice-chair), and the Bow River Basin Council.

Martin serves as Deputy Chair of the Conservative Party’s Alberta Caucus, and as a member of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage and Standing Joint Committee on the Scrutiny of Regulations.

In September 2018, Martin was appointed Deputy Shadow Minister of Canadian Heritage

Roles as Parliamentarian of interest to PCH

Committees

Private Member’s Business of interest to PCH

Question period of interest to PCH

Written questions of interest to PCH

Main interests

Steven Blaney, CPC (Vice-Chair)

Steven Blaney

Biography (from the political party’s website)

Steven Blaney was born in Sherbrooke and grew up in Sainte-Marie-de-Beauce. He now lives in Lévis with his wife, Marie Bouchard, and his two children, William-Antoine and Alexandra. Steven graduated from the University of Sherbrooke, becoming a civil engineer in 1988. In 2002, he completed his MBA in Lévis.

After his studies, Steven worked as a consultant, entrepreneur and advisor in the fields of urban infrastructure and environmental technology. He was an active member of the largest group of environmental professionals in Canada, Réseau Environnement, and served as president of its Québec-Chaudière-Appalaches chapter from 2003 to 2006.

Steven was elected to the House of Commons for the first time in 2006 and re-elected in 2008 and 2011 as the MP for Bellechasse–Les Etchemins–Lévis. He wants to contribute to lasting prosperity in his riding. Steven is proud to represent such a diverse and dynamic constituency and pledges to serve the people of Quebec with passion.

Soon after becoming an MP, Steven was appointed vice-chair of the Quebec Conservative Caucus. In October 2008, he was appointed chair. He sat on the Indian Affairs Committee and the Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Committee. Given the importance of the Afghanistan mission, Steven joined the Defence Committee and took part in a visit to Kandahar in January 2006. On May 31, 2007, Steven became chair of the Standing Committee on Official Languages, which strives to promote linguistic duality across Canada. He was also a member of the Canada-France Interparliamentary Association.

Roles as Parliamentarian of interest to PCH

Critic

Minister

Committees

Private Member’s Business of interest to PCH

Question period of interest to PCH

42nd Parliament

43rd Parliament

Written questions of interest to PCH

42nd Parliament

43rd Parliament

Main interests

Nelly Shin, CPC

Nelly Shin

Biography (from the political party’s website)

Nelly Shin is an entrepreneur, educator, humanitarian and musician. Her family immigrated to Canada from South Korea in the late 1970’s to flee political tension. Her parents opened a floral store where Nelly learned first hand the challenges facing the small business community. After fifteen years of hard work and perseverance, her family transformed their humble shop into an award winning floral design studio that hired multiple employees and serviced high profile events like the Queen’s Tour and G8 Summit.

While helping to build her family business, Nelly completed a B. Mus and B. Ed. Upon graduation, she worked as a public high school English and Music teacher. Her compassion and aspiration for social innovation was deeply cultivated while teaching in inner city neighborhoods, where family crisis, poverty and violence, including a stabbing of one of her students, profoundly shaped her humanitarianism. After serving the school board for seven years, she embarked on a journey of outreach to the hurting, poor and marginalized. Her experiences in the front lines gave her a personal taste of poverty, its impact on human dignity, and insight into the societal impact of family brokenness, mental health issues, and gaps in the system.

A professionally trained classical pianist, singer, composer, and conductor, Nelly Shin has received airplay on Adult Contemporary radio formats in North America and abroad as a recording artist. The scenic landscapes of the West Coast have inspired Nelly to produce multiple music recordings and the manuscript to her first novel.

MISSING CONTENT

Roles as Parliamentarian of interest to PCH

Private Member’s Business of interest to PCH

Question period of interest to PCH

Written questions of interest to PCH

Main interests

Kevin Waugh, CPC

Kevin Waugh

Biography (from the political party’s website)

Kevin Waugh was born in Saskatoon and has lived in the riding for most of his life. For nearly four decades, he has been an active community member of this city and enjoyed a wonderful career in communications.

Prior to running for Federal Office in 2015, Kevin served as a trustee with the Saskatoon Board of Education and was on the Saskatchewan School Boards Association Executive.

Kevin has been a big local supporter of many organizations and sat on many non-profit boards throughout the years.

He is the recipient of the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal for “long standing community involvement”. Kevin has helped many organizations over the years fundraise for childrens’ initiatives like the YMCA Strong Kids program, which allows children to experience summer camp.

He was elected as a Member of Parliament in October 2015 and was appointed Deputy Critic for Canadian Heritage and National Historic Sites. In September 2017 his role changed from Canadian Heritage as he was then asked to represent caucus as the Deputy Critic for the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee.

Kevin is a strong voice for Saskatoon-Grasswood.

Roles as Parliamentarian of interest to PCH

Deputy Critic

Private Member’s Business of interest to PCH

Question period of interest to PCH

Written questions of interest to PCH

Main interests

Martin Champoux, BQ (Vice-Chair)

Martin Champoux

Biography (from the political party’s website)

A communications specialist, Martin Champoux has made a name for himself over a 30-year career in the Quebec media, notably at the helm of the culinary show Que-qui qui mijote? on TVA. Mr. Champoux has distinguished himself in the region as director of communications, marketing and development for the Village québécois d'antan. He was also involved in the organization of the Classic Soucy-UV Mutuelle, for the benefit of the Sainte-Croix / Heriot Foundation and the improvement of health care in the MRC of Drummond.

Roles as Parliamentarian of interest to PCH

Critic

Private Member’s Business of interest to PCH

Question period of interest to PCH

Written questions of interest to PCH

Main interests

Heather Mcpherson, NDP

Heather McPherson

Biography (from the political party’s website)

For 25 years, Heather has dedicated herself to building strong communities locally, nationally and internationally. Most recently, she was the executive director of an organization representing nonprofits in Alberta who work on poverty reduction, human rights, environmental protection and gender equality. She holds a master's degree in education from the University of Alberta and has taught internationally.

Heather is established and lives in Edmonton Strathcona and has chosen to live with her family in the community of Argyll. As a mother in the workforce, she understands the challenges that families in her community face as costs rise and life becomes less affordable.

Heather is fighting for real solutions for families in Edmonton Strathcona and across Canada, including universal drug coverage, affordable housing and decent pensions. She is committed to fighting the climate emergency thanks to the NDP's plan to create a future with zero net carbon emissions, to create at least 300,000 quality green jobs and ecological and affordable public transportation.

Roles as Parliamentarian of interest to PCH

Private Member’s Business of interest to PCH

Question period of interest to PCH

Written questions of interest to PCH

Main interests

Parliamentary Secretary

Julie Dabrusin, LPC

Julie Dabrusin

Biography (from the political party’s website)

Julie Dabrusin is the Member of Parliament for the riding of Toronto-Danforth, and is a Member of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage and the Special Joint Committee on Physician-Assisted Dying.

Born and raised in Montreal, Julie has lived in Toronto–Danforth since 1998. Fully bilingual and having degrees in Middle East Studies and Law, Julie spent thirteen years as a litigator at Rogers Partners LLP. Julie also spent one year as a commission counsel to the Toronto External Contracts Inquiry, which investigated government procurement of services and goods.

For the past four years, Julie has dedicated herself to being a mother and role model for her two daughters, and bringing real change to her local community.

A strong community leader, Julie serves on the Board of Directors of Park People, a Toronto alliance for better parks, and founded Friends of Withrow Park, an organization dedicated to encouraging the use of this public green space. Julie advocated on behalf of the community to save 7 local pools slated for closure as part of the City of Toronto’s 2012 budget debates and established and chaired the Frankland Community Advisory Committee to improve the use of the City’s recreational resources.

These and other volunteer efforts earned Julie the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for Community Service in 2013.

Roles as Parliamentarian of interest to PCH

Committees

Private Member’s Business of interest to PCH

Question period of interest to PCH

Written questions of interest to PCH

Main interests

Page details

Date modified: