Siddhesh Joshi (Editor)

Sheri Benson

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Preceded by
  
Riding Established

Role
  
Politician

Name
  
Sheri Benson

Profession
  
Community Activist





Political party
  
New Democratic Party

Conservative Randy Donauer loses to NDP's Sheri Benson in Saskatoon West riding


Sheri Benson is a Canadian politician, who was elected to represent the riding of Saskatoon West in the House of Commons of Canada in the federal election of 2015. Benson is a member of the New Democratic Party (NDP). Prior to her election she was the CEO of the local United Way and also served as a justice of the peace.

Contents

She is one of six out LGBT people serving in the 42nd Canadian Parliament, alongside Scott Brison, Rob Oliphant, Seamus O'Regan, Randall Garrison and Randy Boissonnault. Benson is the first out LGBT politician in Saskatchewan to be elected to the House of Commons and first out lesbian before being elected to parliament.

Benson was appointed the New Democratic Party critic for Labour in the 42nd Canadian Parliament.

United Way

As CEO for the local United Way, since 2009, Benson worked with community, labour and business groups to launch Saskatoon’s first-ever Plan to End Homelessness and Saskatoon's Housing First Program. Benson also implemented the organization’s ground-breaking Aboriginal Engagement Strategy.

Under Benson's leadership, United Way support for community programs grew 60%—to nearly $5-million in 2014.

Victims of Domestic Violence Act

Benson was the inaugural Justice of the Peace for Saskatchewan’s Victims of Domestic Violence Act. And in 2014, Benson's hard work was recognized with a YWCA Woman of Distinction Award for Community Building.

Community services

To further strengthen community services, she co-founded the Saskatoon Collaborative Funding Partnership and has co-chaired the Saskatoon Regional Intersectoral Committee.

References

Sheri Benson Wikipedia