Peggy Nash
CM
Member of Parliament
for Parkdale—High Park
In office
May 2, 2011 – August 4, 2015
Preceded byGerard Kennedy
Succeeded byArif Virani
In office
January 23, 2006 – October 13, 2008
Preceded bySarmite Bulte
Succeeded byGerard Kennedy
President of the New Democratic Party
In office
August 15, 2009 – June 18, 2011
Preceded byAnne McGrath
Succeeded byBrian Topp[1]
Personal details
Born (1951-06-28) June 28, 1951
Toronto, Ontario
Political partyNew Democratic Party
SpouseCarl Kaufman
Children3
ResidenceToronto
ProfessionLabour negotiator

Peggy A. Nash CM (born June 28, 1951) is a Canadian labour official and politician from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She was the New Democratic Party (NDP) Member of Parliament (MP) for the Parkdale—High Park electoral district (riding) in Toronto, and was the Official Opposition's Industry Critic. Before becoming a parliamentarian, she worked as a labour official at the Canadian Auto Workers union (CAW).

In 2005, she became the first woman to negotiate a major contract with one of the Detroit-based automobile corporations. She was first elected as the MP for Parkdale—High Park in the 2006 federal election. In the 2008 federal election, she was defeated in her re-election bid by Liberal candidate Gerard Kennedy. Following the 2006 election, Nash returned to her previous job as a labour official with the CAW. She was elected to a two-year term as the federal NDP's president on August 15, 2009, at the party's convention in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She was a candidate again in the 2011 federal election, and defeated Kennedy, earning 47% of the vote to regain her former seat in the House of Commons of Canada.In 2012, Nash was a candidate for the leadership of the federal NDP. She finished fourth on the second ballot at the party's convention in Toronto on March 24, 2012. In April 2012, she was reappointed as the NDP's Finance Critic by new leader Thomas Mulcair.

Life prior to politics

Nash was born in Toronto, and holds an Honours B.A. in French language and literature from the University of Toronto and is fluent in English, French and Spanish.[2] Nash has lived in the Parkdale—High Park electoral district for over twenty years, where she is married with three sons.[3] In the years before she ran for parliament, Nash worked as a ticket agent and union activist with the Canadian Airline Employees Association. When that union merged with the Canadian Auto Workers in 1985, she became an assistant to national president Bob White. When he stepped down, she continued in that same capacity with his successor Basil "Buzz" Hargrove. She worked as a labour negotiator in the transportation, service and manufacturing sectors and was the first labour woman responsible for major auto negotiations in North America, when she negotiated the 2005 Ford Canada contract.[4] Nash also wrote articles published in Our Times, Canadian Dimension, The Canadian Forum, and Our Schools Our Selves, and co-authored an article in the Canadian Labour Law Journal.[2]

Member of Parliament

39th Parliament • 2006 to 2008

Nash's initial campaign for electoral office was unsuccessful. She vied for the federal parliamentary seat in the Parkdale–High Park electoral district during the 38th Canadian general election.[2] She lost a close contest to the incumbent Liberal Member of Parliament (MP) Sarmite Bulte on June 28, 2004.[5] Nash ran again in the 39th Canadian general election, in a rematch of the 2004 campaign. Bulte came under heavy criticism as she received campaign donations from entertainment companies, which was considered a conflict of interest given she supported stricter copyright laws.[6] Nash narrowly won the election with a 4.6% margin, or 2,301 votes, on January 23, 2006.[7]

Her first term as an MP was during the 39th Canadian Parliament. Nash became the NDP's Industry Critic and Member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology.[2] She introduced a bill to reinstate a national minimum wage of $10 per hour.[8] Other House of Commons issues she advocated for included ones that dealt with water sustainability,[9] public transit,[10] and the Arts.[11] She brought forward legislation including the "Once in a Lifetime" bill, to reunite new Canadians with their families.[12] She championed several consumer issues such as reducing credit card interest rates, ATM fees, and payday lender interest rates.[13]

As a member of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology,[2] Nash was instrumental in stopping the acquisition of MacDonald Dettwiler by U.S.-owned Alliant Techsystems.[14] MacDonald Dettwiler is the Canadian space company which produced the Canadarm and RADARSAT-2 satellite, and impacts the issue of Canadian Arctic sovereignty. Nash argued that the sale would have devastated the Canadian aerospace industry and eliminated Canadian control over a technology developed with the aid of millions of Canadian taxpayers' dollars.[15]

Nash has also been active in Parliamentary Friendship Groups for Poland, Ukraine and Tibet. As the Member of Parliament representing the largest population of Tibetan refugees in Canada, she helped push for a resolution declaring the Dalai Lama an honorary Canadian citizen, and also personally introduced a motion calling for negotiations between China and Tibet.[16] Both resolutions received unanimous support in the House of Commons.[16] She was a parliamentary representative on the 2006 Canadian post-war fact-finding mission to Lebanon that was condemned by the Conservative government for its support for the legalization and decriminalization of Hezbollah in Canada.[17][18]

40th Canadian general election and its aftermath

In the 40th Canadian general election, held on October 14, 2008, she was defeated by Gerard Kennedy, the Liberal candidate who formerly represented the electoral district at the provincial level.[19] Nash was subsequently mentioned as a potential candidate for the Ontario New Democratic Party 2009 leadership election, although she did not run.[20]

After leaving Parliament, she returned to her position as one of the five assistants to CAW president Ken Lewenza.[4] Her new duties within the CAW shifted from transportation to dealing with CAW bargaining units in post-secondary education and airlines.[4] Her responsibilities also included representing the union at the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC).[4] At the federal party's national convention in Halifax, Nova Scotia, she was elected party president on August 15, 2009.[21]

41st Parliament • 2011 to 2015

On January 15, 2010, it was announced on the Parkdale—High Park NDP website that Nash would be running for the nomination to be the electoral district association's candidate in the 41st Canadian general election.[22] She was acclaimed as the NDP candidate in Parkdale—High Park on January 28, 2010, and campaigned until the May 2, 2011 election.[23][24][25] In a rematch of the 2008 campaign, Nash defeated Kennedy by 7,313 votes, or 14 percent, to regain her seat in parliament.[26] Jack Layton, in his role as Leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition during the 41st Canadian Parliament, appointed Nash as the Finance Critic in his Shadow Cabinet on May 26, 2011.[27] When she became an MP again, she did not re-offer to run for president, and Brian Topp was acclaimed as her replacement at the federal NDP's Vancouver bi-annual convention on June 18, 2011.[1]

Leadership candidacy

With Jack Layton's death on August 22, 2011, the NDP began seeking a new federal leader. On September 9, the NDP's executive decided the rules for the leadership election, the date and place for the convention. Nash expressed interest in running, but appeared hesitant at first to run, because she would have to resign as the Finance Critic.[28] By the last week of October, she sent signals that she intended to run,[29] and announced her candidacy on October 28 at a press conference in Toronto.[30] Nash was endorsed by former federal NDP leader Alexa McDonough, who stated "[Nash] has the skills and experience to take on what she described as the Conservative government's failing economic policies".[31] On March 24, 2012, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, she placed fourth on the second ballot, and was automatically dropped from contention.[32] She did not back any of the remaining candidates, and freed her delegates — that had not already voted in advance — to vote for whomever they wanted.[33] A few weeks later, new NDP leader Thomas Mulcair reappointed her to the Official Opposition's Shadow Cabinet as the Finance Critic on April 19.[34]

42nd Canadian general election

Nash ran for another term in the 2015 federal election, but lost her seat to Arif Virani when the Liberal Party swept all 25 ridings in Toronto, including Parkdale—High Park.

Life After Office

Nash is a decorated political and social commentator featured in The Globe and Mail,[35] The Toronto Star,[36] The Hill Times, The Conversation,[37] Policy Options,[38] Rabble,[39] The Lawyers Daily,[40] and the Huffington Post.[41] Her work covers labour rights/disputes, women's rights/advocacy and political commentary on municipal, provincial and federal elections.

In 2017 Nash started her position as a Senior Advisor to the Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Toronto Metropolitan University.[42] As a part of this role Nash is a co-founder and a co-instructor of the Women in the House program. Nash also acts as a lead at the Institute for Future Legislators at Toronto Metropolitan University.[43]

In spring 2020 Nash was presented with an Honorary Doctorate of Law from Brock University, recognized as along-time advocate for labour, human rights, gender equality and democratic engagement. Her public acceptance of the degree was delayed until spring 2022.[44]

In May 2022 Nash published her book Women Winning Office: An Activist's Guide to Getting Elected, a practical handbook for activist women on how to open doors and take their place in the political process.[45]

Awards

Nash has been involved with many organizations advancing women's equality. She was a founding member of Equal Voice, an all-party organization which advocates for the election of more women in Canada,[2] and was a recipient of a Certificate of Honour from the City of Toronto for her contribution to women's equality.

In 2006, Now named Nash the Best MP in Toronto.[46] Before she served in the House of Commons, she was active in foreign-affairs matters including being a Canadian election monitor in the first post-apartheid elections in South Africa in 1994; and, an election monitor in both the 2004 and 2007 Ukrainian elections. She was the recipient of two environmental awards from the Sierra Club of Canada and she helped create the NDP Green Car Strategy with Greenpeace and the Canadian Auto Workers.

In February 2009, in recognition for her work as a trailblazer who opened doors for women in the labour movement, and making childcare issues a public priority, Nash became the recipient of the 2009 YWCA Toronto Woman of Distinction award, in the Labour category. [47][48] The YWCA also recognized her contributions for advancing the women's causes in politics, through her involvement with the founding of Equal Voice and becoming an elected member of the House of Commons.[48] She was presented with the award at the 29th Annual YWCA Women of Distinction Awards Dinner, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on May 13, 2009.[47]

In December 2022, Nash was invested into the Order of Canada in recognition for her advocacy for rights and equality in Canadian politics and the labour movement and for being the first woman in North America to lead union negotiations with a major auto company, breaking barriers in male-dominated sectors.[49]

In 2023 Nash was shortlisted for The Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Adult Non-fiction, Women's Issues and The Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Adult Non-fiction, Social Change. [50]

References

  1. 1 2 Smith, Joanna (19 June 2011). "Heated debate as New Democrats defer motion to drop socialist from constitution". The Toronto Star. Toronto. Archived from the original on 22 June 2011. Retrieved 25 June 2011.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Parliamentarian File". PARLINFO. Parliament of Canada. 2012. Archived from the original on 30 September 2012. Retrieved 5 May 2012.
  3. ↑ "Peggy Nash Biography". NDP Team. New Democratic Party. 13 April 2011. Archived from the original on 1 April 2011. Retrieved 13 April 2011.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Van Alphen, Tony (19 November 2008). "Nash back at CAW after poll defeat". The Toronto Star.
  5. ↑ "Canada Votes 2004: Parkdale–High Park results". CBC News. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. 29 June 2004. Archived from the original on 20 April 2010. Retrieved 27 April 2011.
  6. ↑ "Historian calls Liberal MP's fundraiser a worry". 2006 Election. CTV. 6 January 2006. Retrieved 27 April 2011.
  7. ↑ "Canada Votes 2006: Parkdale–High Park results". CBC News. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. 24 January 2006. Archived from the original on 27 April 2011. Retrieved 27 April 2011.
  8. ↑ Brennan, Walter (19 February 2007). "Layton targets 'prosperity gap'; NDP leader wants national minimum wage restored, starting at $10 an hour". The Toronto Star. p. A7.
  9. ↑ Diebel, Linda (22 March 2008). "A national disaster, made for TV; As we speak, Canada is quietly negotiating away rights to our water. The cloak-and-dagger dealings mirror the subject of a critically acclaimed CBC series that was dropped late last year. Coincidence?". The Toronto Star. p. ID3.
  10. ↑ Gray, Jeff (9 August 2008). "NDP's green proposal would give the TTC $840-million, Layton says". The Globe and Mail. Toronto. p. A9.
  11. ↑ "Opposition launches Commons review of arts cuts". CBC Arts. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. 26 August 2008. Archived from the original on 5 December 2011. Retrieved 16 October 2008.
  12. ↑ Keung, Nicholas (9 December 2006). "Bill to let immigrants sponsor extended family members". The Toronto Star. p. A27.
  13. ↑ Wilson, Nancy (7 March 2008). "Same Card, Lower Rate" (Youtube Video). CBC Morning News. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 27 April 2011.
  14. ↑ "Prentice asked to delay decision on MDA sale". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. 13 March 2008.
  15. ↑ "Prentice asked to delay decision on MDA sale". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. 6 April 2008.
  16. 1 2 Cash, Andrew (23 September 2008). "Kingmaker Kennedy's crisis". Now.
  17. ↑ "Lebanon PM chastises Ottawa on conflict". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. 21 August 2006. Retrieved 16 October 2008.
  18. ↑ Fraser, Graham (23 August 2006). "Hezbollah compared to Nazis by Tory MP; Kenney says no negotiations with terror group Attacks comments in Lebanon by opposition MPs". The Toronto Star. p. A6. Retrieved 26 May 2011.
  19. ↑ Doolittle, Robyn (15 October 2008). "Kennedy swings win over Nash". The Toronto Star. p. A27.
  20. ↑ Benzie, Robert; Francine Kopun (19 October 2008). "Nash touted to energize NDP leadership race". The Toronto Star. Retrieved 26 May 2011.
  21. ↑ Galloway, Gloria (15 August 2009). "Folksy Dexter plays the hero". The Globe and Mail. Toronto. Retrieved 22 September 2009.
  22. ↑ Funke, Alice (15 January 2010). "Peggy Nash to Run Again". Pundits' Guide to Canadian Federal Elections. Alice Funke. Retrieved 16 January 2010.
  23. ↑ "Nash Gets Nomination for Parkdale–High Park". News and Events. Canadian Autoworkers. Retrieved 26 May 2011.
  24. ↑ "Parkdale--High Park 35-068 (Ontario)". LIST OF CONFIRMED CANDIDATES. Elections Canada. Archived from the original on 14 April 2011. Retrieved 13 April 2011.
  25. ↑ McGrath, John Michael (18 April 2011). "Gerard Kennedy versus Peggy Nash in Parkdale–High Park: the huggiest grudge match ever". Daily Informer. Toronto Life. Retrieved 26 May 2011.
  26. ↑ "Preliminary Results, Parkdale–High Park". 2011 General Election. Elections Canada. Archived from the original on 3 May 2011. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
  27. ↑ Fitzpatrick, Meagan (26 May 2011). "Layton announces team of critics". CBC News. Retrieved 26 May 2011.
  28. ↑ Fitzpatrick, Meagan (9 September 2011). "NDP will choose new leader in March". CBC News. CBC News.
  29. ↑ Smith, Joanna Smith (26 October 2011). "Peggy Nash will join NDP race Friday". The Toronto Star. Toronto. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 26 October 2011.
  30. ↑ "MP Peggy Nash announces NDP leadership bid". CBC News. Toronto. 28 October 2011. Retrieved 28 October 2011.
  31. ↑ "Former NDP leader Alexa McDonough endorses Peggy Nash". The Globe and Mail. 10 November 2011. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  32. ↑ Stuffco, Jered (24 March 2012). "Mulcair wins NDP leadership, vows to fight politics of fear". CTV News. Toronto. Archived from the original on 27 March 2012. Retrieved 5 May 2012.
  33. ↑ Minsky, Ann (24 March 2012). "Thomas Mulcair elected as new leader of the federal NDP". Global News. Toronto. Archived from the original on 5 May 2012. Retrieved 5 May 2012.
  34. ↑ "Mulcair Names NDP Shadow Cabinet". The Huffington Post. Toronto. 19 April 2012. Archived from the original on 22 April 2012. Retrieved 5 May 2012.
  35. ↑ "Sexual-harassment legislation is long overdue". The Globe and Mail. 8 November 2017. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  36. ↑ Nash, Peggy (26 March 2018). "Why women's votes matter now". Toronto Star. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  37. ↑ Nash, Peggy (30 October 2020). "What a Trump win or loss will mean for feminism". The Conversation. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  38. ↑ Nash, Peggy (4 March 2021). "Why should taxpayers be on the hook for sick pay when multinationals are raking in money?". Policy Options. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  39. ↑ Nash, Peggy (14 June 2012). "Peggy Nash: Bill C-38 voting marathon is democracy in action". rabble.ca. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  40. ↑ "It's election time: Why we run | Peggy Nash - Law360 Canada". www.law360.ca. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  41. ↑ "After Spectacular Failure, NDP Needs A Leader Who Can Inspire". HuffPost. 5 April 2016. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  42. ↑ "Peggy Nash • Toronto Metropolitan University Faculty Experts". experts.torontomu.ca. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  43. ↑ "About". Toronto Metropolitan University. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  44. ↑ "Hon docs celebrated for groundbreaking work". The Brock News, a news source for Brock University. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  45. ↑ Nash, Peggy (6 June 2022). "Peggy Nash: An activist's guide to getting elected". canadiandimension.com. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  46. ↑ "Best MP". BEST OF TORONTO : CITYSCAPE. Now Communications Inc. 26 October 2006. Archived from the original on 24 October 2007.
  47. 1 2 "2009 YWCA women of distinction awards: Meet the recipients" (PDF). YWCA of Toronto. 12 February 2009. Retrieved 5 December 2009.
  48. 1 2 "Peggy Nash, Labour: Leading the way for working mothers and their children" (PDF). YWCA of Toronto. 12 February 2009. Retrieved 5 December 2009.
  49. ↑ "List of people invested into the Order of Canada on December 14, 2022". The Governor General of Canada. 7 December 2022. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  50. ↑ "Women Winning Office". btlbooks.com. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
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