Source: Your NDP Candidates « Ontario NDP
Wednesday 29 January 2025
Jill Andrew, Toronto–St. Paul’s
Dr. Jill Andrew, PhD is the MPP for Toronto-St. Paul’s. She is also the Official Opposition Critic for Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, and for Culture, Heritage. Jill is a member of the Ontario NDP Black Caucus, a first of its kind in Ontario legislative history. She was the first Black & Queer person to be elected to the Ontario Legislature.
Jill has been a leading voice on issues of gender, race and social justice, the housing crisis, healthcare inequities, education, long-term care and the immeasurable benefit of arts and culture. She has supported numerous people dealing with all sorts of issues, from evictions and bad faith landlords to insufficient government support to people with disabilities.
Jill co-founded Body Confidence Canada in support of body diversity. She received a Lifetime Advocacy Award from the Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention, the 2022 Viola Desmond Alumni Award, and the Nancy Ruth Award for her commitment to gender equity. She was also named one of Post City Magazine Toronto’s 21 Most Inspirational Women of 2021.
Outside of politics, Jill is an award-winning educator, an equity and body-image advocate and writer. She lives in Toronto – St. Paul’s with her partner and their two cats, Dorothy Dandridge and Josephine Baker.
****************************************************
Faisal Hassan, York South–Weston
Faisal Hassan is a dedicated advocate for the people of York South–Weston, committed to building a better future for his community. A former broadcaster and published author, Faisal has deep roots in York South–Weston, serving on the boards of the Centre for Equality Rights in Accommodation (CERA), Habitat for Humanity, and the Weston King Neighbourhood Centre. As a founding member of the Ontario NDP Black Caucus, he made history both as a member of this pioneering group and as the first Somali-Canadian elected to the Ontario Legislature.
During his term as MPP, Faisal was a relentless champion for his community, especially throughout the pandemic. He advocated for improved access to vaccines and testing, secured essential funding for small businesses, and worked closely with community partners to prevent unfair evictions. He stood up for frontline and essential workers, fought for better healthcare and seniors’ care, and worked to bring down the cost of living. Faisal has also been a strong ally to families impacted by gun violence, urging the province to address the root causes of violence and advocating for municipal authority to regulate handgun and ammunition sales.
Driven by the belief that housing is a human right, Faisal has consistently fought for real rent control, the end of above-guideline rent increases, and stronger tenant protections. His private member’s bill, which established Somali Heritage Week, is now recognized annually across the province. Faisal’s commitment to York South–Weston remains unwavering as he works with the Ontario NDP to build homes, hire doctors, fix schools, and make life more affordable for all.
********************************************
Marjorie Knight, Cambridge
Marjorie Knight knows firsthand the struggles that too many Ontarians face every day. She’s experienced the challenges of precarious work, raising a family while navigating poverty, and fighting for a better life. That’s why she’s dedicated her life to standing up for those who are being left behind by systems that don’t work for working people.
A tireless advocate for her community, Marjorie first stepped into politics in 2018 and has been a steadfast voice for change ever since. As a founding member of Rhythm and Blues Cambridge, she’s worked to create opportunities and build stronger connections for Black, Indigenous, and Racialized communities. Her work has earned her the recognition of her peers, including being honoured with the 2024 Woman of Distinction Award by YWCA Cambridge.
Marjorie’s commitment to lifting others up extends into her professional life. She serves as Community Faculty with the Lyle Hallman School of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University, helping to mentor the next generation of social workers. She also works as a Family Outreach Worker with the House of Friendship, connecting families with the support they need to thrive.
Her leadership doesn’t stop there—Marjorie sits on the boards of the Cambridge Shelter Corporation and ACCKWA, bringing her lived experience and deep passion for community care to the table.
Marjorie believes it’s time for real change in Ontario. She’s ready to fight for affordable housing, better healthcare, and schools that set every child up for success. She knows that when we work together, we can build the Ontario we all deserve.
*****************************************
Gemma Grey-Hall, Windsor—Tecumseh
Gemma Grey-Hall is an award-winning Canadian executive, entrepreneur, community leader, women’s advocate, and a certified fundraiser professional. Currently serving as a Director for Women’s Enterprise Skills Training, Black Women of Forward Action, Treasurer with VON Windsor Essex community corporation and executive member of the Windsor-Tecumseh riding association. Gemma continues to serve on numerous committees within Windsor and the Greater Essex County School Board. Gemma lives and works in Windsor with her husband of twenty years and family.