Every couple of years, we have seen both good and bad politicians enter public office. Most would claim to be miracle workers who strive to enhance the quality of life of their voters. But the real tests comes on how well they keep their promises and how they effectively manage political issues when they’ve won their seat in parliament. Cheri DiNovo is a Canadian social democratic politician who has been referred to as “the new female power [in politics]” by journalists. Her climb to politics has been a series of turnabouts which makes for a very interesting story.

Cheri DiNovo is a Toronto born native and a mother of two girls. Through a series of tragedies including her mother’s death, she made it her goal to help transform the lives of others for the better. Becoming an ordained minister of the Emmanuel-Howard Park United Church was her first platform to achieving that goal. In fact, Cheri performed the first legalized same sex marriage in North America before the law changed in 2001. She also works actively to fight for the human rights of marginalized communities including women, the poor, LGTB individuals and the homeless.

After 12 years as an outspoken minister, Cheri decided to run for public office as she believed that she can do more good for the poor, and dispossessed in politics. In 2006, she represented the New Democratic Party. The election process went on an ugly turn when her opponents decided to use the controversial components of her life on the streets against her. This became known as the worst public smear campaign of the 2006 election year. The tactic however, backfired and Cheri was elected to Queen’s Park on September 14 to represent the provincial riding of Parkdale-High Park. She was also then re-elected as a member of the provincial parliament in 2007.

Today, Cheri continues to fight for a wide range of Canadians ranging from small business individuals to those below the poverty line. Cheri also continues to pursue various poverty related issues including the increase in the minimum wage rate and welfare rates in the province. She also persists for more affordable housing and introduced policies to end the government tax on the federal child benefit supplement.

Her two major campaigns to end poverty in Ontario were the Living Wage Bill and Payday Lending Bill. The Living Wage Bill aims to increase Ontario’s minimum wage rate to $10.25 while the Payday lenders Bill deals with licensing and capping interest rates charged within the various industries. These policies have received strong support from the media and millions of residents across Ontario. In fact, Cheri DiNovo Facebook page increased in viewership throughout her various campaigns. It makes sense since during her movement to get the bills passed in 2007, one million Ontarians were making less than the $10 rate. It was hard fought battle, one that was rebuffed and then later approved by the McGuinty government in 2010 where the minimum wage rate was raised to $10.25.

Cheri DiNovo is a wonderfully articulate, educated and well informed MPP who strives to enhance the lives of millions of Ontario residents. In a technology driven society, her Cheri DinNovo blog and Cheri DiNovo Twitter account provides detailed information of ongoing campaigns and as a medium to get opinions across. As a woman who struggled, fought and thrived through life, you can expect nothing less from her at Queen`s Park. It might be worth it to follow her through her political journey, good and bad.

Author Bio: As a political leader in the limelight, Cheri DiNovo Facebook page offers citizens of Ontario daily updates on her most recent campaign to repeal breed discrimination. Visit the Cheri DiNovo blog for easy access to news feed and more.

Category: Politics
Keywords: people, biography, politics, business, culture, society, family, relationships, legal, news,policies