Preceded by Lawrence O'Brien Residence William's Harbour Religion Anglican | Succeeded by Peter Penashue Profession Metis affairs leader Name Todd Russell | |
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Born December 22, 1966 (age 57)
William's Harbour, NL ( 1966-12-22 ) Political party Liberal Party of Canada | ||
Today Show- Todd Russell & Brant Webb (Part: 3) (2010)
Todd Norman Russell (born December 22, 1966) is a Canadian politician and was the Liberal member of Parliament for the riding of Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador from 2005 to 2011.
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Early life
Russell was born in William's Harbour, Labrador. He is of Inuit descent and was the president of Nunatukavut until his by-election win. He was educated at Memorial University in St. John's.
Federal politics
On May 24, 2005, Russell won a by-election in the riding of Labrador, vacated by the death of Liberal MP Lawrence O'Brien. His victory consolidated the standing of the federal Liberals in the minority parliament, which made it easier for the Liberals to pass budget legislation. He was re-elected in the 2006 and 2008 elections and served as the Critic for Aboriginal Affairs in the Official Opposition Shadow Cabinet.
In the 2011 election, Russell was defeated by Conservative Peter Penashue.
Following his electoral defeat Russell returned to the position of Nunatukavut president and has been vocal in his opposition to the Muskrat Falls hydroelectric project.