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Post by Dean Robinson on Jul 18, 2007 10:39:48 GMT -5
Mary Anne Chambers will not seek re-election Scarborough East MPP, cabinet minister cites personal health reasons for decision BY MIKE ADLER July 12, 2007 03:48 PM
Mary Anne Chambers, who took charge of two Ontario ministries in her first term as a politician, says she isn't running again. The Scarborough East MPP said she made a difficult decision in early June to bow out of politics, though proud of what she's been able to do over four years. "I'm disappointed myself. It's not something that I'm happy about," Chambers, a self-confessed workaholic said of her surprise announcement this week that she won't seek a second term in order to protect her health.
"I am not very good at taking care of myself," she explained in an interview. "I do have to slow down and take better care of myself, at least for a while."
While she'll keep her seat and cabinet post as Ontario's Minister for Children and Youth Services until the Oct. 10 provincial election, the former senior vice-president of Scotiabank will soon experience something new - life without a full slate of activities.
One of Scarborough's more amiable politicians, Chambers said she takes pride in having listened to people who weren't listened to and having moved agendas forward "where people had almost given up hope."
In 2003, before deciding whether to run against then-incumbent Steve Gilchrist of the Progressive Conservatives, Chambers considered what she could accomplish as an MPP.
"I thought about the opportunity to be a voice at the table, so that voices that aren't heard would be heard."
By heading the ministries of Training, Colleges and Universities from 2003 to 2005 and Children and Youth Services afterward, Chambers concluded, "I have been able to improve the lives of probably millions of people."
But to this day, she said, she tells people she's not really a politician at all.
"I don't like the spin that's put on things sometimes. I don't like the need to oppose something just because you're in opposition or it's not your idea," Chambers said.
"That's kind of bizarre, but that's politics."
In statements this week, Premier Dalton McGuinty credited Chambers as "the driving force" behind his government's Youth Opportunities Strategy and Ontario Child Benefit, while Conservative Leader John Tory also praised Chambers, saying he believes Ontario "is a more inclusive place thanks to her efforts."
A grandmother of two and married now for 37 years, Chambers said she hopes to make fresh contributions as a private citizen, though she has served already on boards of the United Ways of Greater Toronto and Canada, the Rouge Valley Health System and University of Toronto.
First, though, Chambers said she'll work as much as possible to see Margarett Best, a lawyer and community activist from Pickering, elected as her successor.
"I'm really happy we have identified someone who would be awesome as a Liberal candidate," Chambers said of Best, who will be appointed the party's nominee for Scarborough-Guildwood, as Chamber's redistributed riding will be known.
Gary Grant, a police superintendent who introduced the Crime Stoppers Program to Toronto is the Conservative candidate. New Democrats next week are set to nominate Neethan Shan, a teacher and York Region public school trustee.
Chambers said she still has a few more months in office to cross some items off her wish list. "I expect to be busy right up to the very end," she added.
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Post by Dean Robinson on Jul 18, 2007 10:41:44 GMT -5
female minister Canadian Press
TORONTO — The Liberals are losing another female cabinet minister this fall as the growing list of women leaving politics is sparking concern about gender balance in the Ontario legislature.
Mary Anne Chambers, minister of children and youth services, said Wednesday she isn't running again in the Oct. 10 election for unspecified health reasons.
"It was a very difficult decision because I'm not finished yet,'' Chambers said in an interview. "I still have things on my wish list, of what I want to get done before October, so I'll be working hard until the end.''
But with her imminent departure, the Toronto-area politician now joins the increasing number of women -- cabinet minister Marie Bountrogianni, Liberal backbencher Jennifer Mossop and NDP veteran Shelley Martel -- who are choosing not to remain in provincial politics.
The fact that she is following such women out the door of the legislature is just "purely coincidental,'' said Chambers, who was first elected in 2003.
While political rivals suggest Liberal women are leaving because they are worried about running on their record, others say it's a troubling sign politicians of all stripes need to make the profession more attractive for women.
With two kids at home and an equally busy spouse, Bountrogianni said she often found it difficult to juggle her various roles with midnight sittings at the legislature.
"Whoever forms the next government should take a very serious look at that because we won't be able to attract not only good women, but family-oriented men,'' said Bountrogianni.
"It's very difficult. If there was an easy solution, it would have been found by now.''
In her post as democratic renewal minister, Bountrogianni said she grappled with how to make politics more family-friendly. Now, she said it's incumbent on the next government to form a committee to study the issue and look at what other jurisdictions have done.
Rosemary Speirs, chair of the group Equal Voice, said the growing exodus of strong women from politics is troubling. Without a foundation of incumbent women, Speirs said it's going to be difficult to increase the number of women sitting in the legislature after Oct. 10.
"We are quite worried about it,'' she said.
"We were hoping to make substantial gains for women in this election. We thought we were building on a pretty strong base, particularly on the number of women in the Liberal party. When major figures leave, you worry about whether you can reach those goals.''
Women now make up 25 per cent of the legislature, thanks to a recent byelection. Speirs said her group had hoped to see that increase to more than 30 per cent.
But Lisa MacLeod, a rookie Conservative politician with a two-year-old daughter, said she fears there will end up being fewer women sitting in the legislature after Oct. 10 than there are now
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Post by Dean Robinson on Jul 18, 2007 10:43:48 GMT -5
Attention News Editors:
Chambers announces decision to not run, applauds new candidate Youth Opportunities Strategy, Expansion of child care spaces, increased support for autism services among highlights for Chambers
SCARBOROUGH, ON, July 11 /CNW/ - Scarborough East MPP Mary Anne Chambers announced today she will not be running in the upcoming provincial election and introduced candidate Margarett Best for the riding of Scarborough Guildwood. "This has been a very difficult decision to make. I have worked hard to serve my constituents and the children and youth of Ontario," said Chambers. Chambers' decision was based on her recognition of the need to slow down for her personal health. "I am happy to have contributed to the significant improvements that our government has made in areas that are so important to the quality of life that we have in this wonderful province. We have increased funding for children's mental health services, bringing an end to a 12 year funding freeze. We have tripled funding for autism services and eliminated the age cut off for children requiring intensive behaviour intervention (IBI) treatment, and provided investments that will benefit 7,000 more children with complex special needs." "I want to thank Mary Anne for her strong commitment to public service and wish her well," said Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty. "Mary Anne worked tirelessly for the most vulnerable with passion. She was the driving force behind the creation of our government's Youth Opportunities Strategy which is providing opportunities to young people and so that they can reach their true potential. She oversaw the Ontario Child Benefit which is helping 1.3 million kids living in poverty and expanded quality, affordable childcare for families. She will be missed. I am pleased to welcome Margarett Best as our candidate in Scarborough Guildwood this fall and wish her well in carrying on Mary Anne's legacy." Chambers was elected in October 2003 and immediately named to Cabinet. As Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities she oversaw the largest multi-year investment in postsecondary education in 40 years, including the creation of tuition grants and other improvements to the Ontario Student Assistance program (OSAP). Under her leadership, the Ontario government made significant changes to strengthen the Private Career Colleges Act, and launched a review of regulatory practices which later led to the passage of the Fair Access to the Regulated Professions Act for internationally trained individuals. Since her appointment as Minister of Children and Youth Services in June 2005, Chambers has created training and employment opportunities for thousands of youth from underserved communities; created legislation to establish the first regulatory College for Early Childhood Educators in North America, led the creation of 22,000 new licensed child care spaces and improved access to subsidies; strengthened accountability and provided more opportunities for children in need of protection to have permanent, caring homes; led the passage of legislation for the establishment of an Independent Child Advocate. Chambers will continue her work as MPP for Scarborough East and Minister of Children and Youth Services until the October election. Best, a lawyer and columnist, has been a longtime community activist, working with a variety of groups including business and community associations during her over 20 years of volunteer service in Ontario. She is comfortable teaching leadership skills to young people, participating in the Scarborough Youth Career Fair, on the Ontario Provincial Police Advisory Committee on diversity issues, as well as participating as a volunteer and fundraiser for various community organizations. Though the nomination date has yet to be set, Best has received unanimous support from the riding executive. "Minister Chambers is an inspiration to me. She has been an excellent example and a role model for many. I look forward to following in her footsteps in serving the people of Scarborough, and continuing the work of Premier McGuinty's Liberals for all Ontario families in education, health care, the environment, and in strengthening our communities," said Best.
For further information: Ben Chin, (416) 358-6291
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Post by Dean Robinson on Jul 18, 2007 10:46:53 GMT -5
Hamilton Liberal decides not to run Email story Print Choose text size Report typo or correction License this article Tag and save First-term MPP said not to like political lifestyle
Jul 12, 2007 04:30 AM Robert Benzie Queen's Park Bureau Chief
Yet another Liberal MPP is calling it quits from Premier Dalton McGuinty's team.
Judy Marsales (Hamilton West) will announce at a riding association meeting on July 25 that she is not seeking re-election, the Star has learned.
"She wanted to come here to make a difference and she feels she has, but now she's going to be cheerleading for Hamilton from the sidelines," a source close to the first-term MPP said yesterday.
Marsales, 55, who runs Hamilton's largest independent real estate business with 45 salespeople and a third office opening in September, is said to be tired of the daily commute to Toronto and tedious night sittings at the Legislature.
"To say her husband hates politics is an understatement," said a Liberal insider, noting the MPP has four grown children and a new grandson.
"Women have a different approach to the lifestyle than men do and they do politics differently," said the source.
Indeed, Marsales' departure will follow in the wake of three other prominent Liberal women who are leaving provincial politics.
As first reported in the Star yesterday, Children and Youth Services Minister Mary Anne Chambers will not be on the ballot in the Oct. 10 election due to health concerns.
Chambers' surprise move came after Democratic Renewal Minister Marie Bountrogianni (Hamilton Mountain) and Liberal MPP Jennifer Mossop (Stoney Creek) announced on June 16 they were leaving to spend more time with family.
Liberal MPPs Ernie Parsons (Prince Edward-Hastings) and Richard Patten (Ottawa Centre) and New Democrat MPP Shelley Martel (Nickel Belt) have said they won't be running again.
Due to electoral boundary realignment, Marsales would have faced a tough battle against New Democrat MPP Andrea Horwath (Hamilton East) in the new riding of Hamilton Centre.
With three Hamilton-area Liberal incumbents stepping down, the New Democrats like their chances in Steeltown.
"The Liberals are dropping like flies here," said Horwath, who won a previously safe Liberal seat in a 2004 by-election after the death of popular Dominic Agostino.
Meanwhile, both McGuinty and Progressive Conservative Leader John Tory praised the departing Chambers, who will be succeeded in Scarborough-Guildwood by anointed Liberal candidate Margarett Best.
"Mary Anne worked tirelessly for the most vulnerable with passion. She will be missed. I am pleased to welcome Margarett Best ... and wish her well in carrying on Mary Anne's legacy," the premier said in a statement.
Tory had worked with Chambers, a senior vice-president of Scotiabank and past chair of the United Way of Canada, over the years.
"Her tremendous work on behalf of Ontario's black communities ... produced some of her most significant accomplishments," he said.
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Post by Dean Robinson on Jul 18, 2007 10:52:04 GMT -5
Females leaving politics threatens gender balance
Thu, July 12, 2007
Liberal cabinet minster Mary Anne Chambers says she won't run in the Oct. 10 Ontario election.
By CHINTA PUXLEY, CP
TORONTO -- The Liberals are losing another female cabinet minister this fall as the growing list of women leaving politics is sparking concern about gender balance in the Ontario legislature.
Mary Anne Chambers, minister of children and youth services, said yesterday she isn't running in the Oct. 10 election for unspecified health reasons.
"It was a very difficult decision because I'm not finished yet," Chambers said. "I still have things on my wish list, of what I want to get done before October, so I'll be working hard until the end."
But with her imminent departure, the Toronto-area politician joins the increasing number of women -- cabinet minister Marie Bountrogianni, Liberal backbencher Jennifer Mossop and NDP veteran Shelley Martel -- who are choosing not to remain in provincial politics.
The fact that she is following such women out the door of the legislature is "purely coincidental," said Chambers, who was first elected in 2003.
While political rivals suggest Liberal women are leaving because they are worried about running on their record, others say it's a troubling sign politicians of all stripes need to make the profession more attractive for women.
With two kids at home and an equally busy spouse, Bountrogianni said she often found it difficult to juggle her various roles with midnight sittings at the legislature.
"Whoever forms the next government should take a very serious look at that because we won't be able to attract not only good women, but family-oriented men," said Bountrogianni.
"It's very difficult. If there was an easy solution, it would have been found by now."
In her post as democratic renewal minister, Bountrogianni said she grappled with how to make politics more family friendly. She said it's incumbent on the next government to form a committee to study the issue and look at what other jurisdictions have done.
Rosemary Speirs, chairperson of the group Equal Voice, said the growing exodus of strong women from politics is troubling.
Without a foundation of incumbent women, Speirs said it's going to be difficult to increase the number of women sitting in the legislature after Oct. 10.
"We are quite worried about it," she said. "We were hoping to make substantial gains for women in this election. We thought we were building on a pretty strong base, particularly on the number of women in the Liberal party. When major figures leave, you worry about whether you can reach those goals."
Women make up 25 per cent of the legislature, thanks to a recent byelection. Speirs said her group had hoped to see that increase to more than 30 per cent.
But Lisa MacLeod, a rookie Conservative politician with a two-year-old daughter, said she fears there will end up being fewer women sitting in the legislature after Oct. 10 than there are now.
"All three parties need to look at doing this in a better way," said MacLeod, who suggested restricting night sittings of the legislature and having on-site day care.
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Post by cascritic on Jul 19, 2007 7:49:54 GMT -5
"I am not very good at taking care of myself," she explained in an interview. "I do have to slow down and take better care of myself, at least for a while."
Well she wasn't very good at looking after the children of Ontario either in my opinion.
"Her tremendous work on behalf of Ontario's black communities ... produced some of her most significant accomplishments," he said.
Her most tremendous work should have been all children, not just in the Ontarion's black communities.
"All three parties need to look at doing this in a better way," said MacLeod, who suggested restricting night sittings of the legislature and having on-site day care.
I think the parties already know before they start this type of job there is no day care and there will be night meetings, if they can't do the job they set out to do before they get the position, then find another job, IMO they are just doing it for the money and no other reason.
CONGRATS to Ontario for loosing one of the biggest reasons the system of children is the way it is. Hope we get it right next time around.
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