Riding: London-Fanshawe
Irene Mathyssen, London-Fanshawe
I have served as the Member of Parliament for the riding of London-Fanshawe since 2006. My main focus is putting the needs of our community first. I have, with the hard work of my staff, been able to assist over 7,000 constituents with problems they have had accessing government services including: Employment Insurance, Canada Revenue, immigration issues, and accessing pension, veterans, and disability benefits. After funds were stolen from the Duchess of Kent Legion, I was able to successfully to obtain tax relief to keep the branch open and serving local veterans.
I was honoured to be named the Official Opposition Critic for seniors in the spring of 2011 after serving as the Status of Women critic for four years. I have also served as the chair of the NDP’s women’s caucus and as the vice-chair of the Status of Women committee. Over the years I have introduced many bills and motions that, if adopted, would go a long way to reducing poverty, promoting equality and protecting those who choose to serve in our cities and our country.
Previously, I served as the MPP for the area from 1990 to 1995 and taught high school English for over twenty-five years including 10 years at Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School. I have also served as a member of the Ontario Health Coalition.
I have a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Western Ontario.
I feel it is very important to be involved in the community. I am particularly proud of my work with ReForest London, Clean & Green London, Friends of Meadowlily Woods, and Upper Thames River Conservation Authority initiatives that protect and rehabilitate the local environment.
I was born and raised in the riding and I am proud to serve the community that has given me so much.
