Photo by Jean-Marc Carisse

Biography: Judy Sgro

Honourable Judy A Sgro, Privy Council
Member of Parliament, York West

The Honourable Judy Sgro was first elected to the House of Commons for the riding of York West in a by-election on November 15, 1999, and re-elected in November 2000, June 2004, January 2006, and October 2008.

She has a long record of public service.

In January 2009, Michael Ignatieff, Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, appointed Judy Sgro to serve as Official Opposition Critic for Veterans Affairs, Seniors and Pensions.

Veterans and seniors in York West and across Canada need our help to ensure their health, security, dignity and quality of life, especially in these tough economic times. Judy is very pleased to be asked to focus her efforts working on behalf of Canada's veterans and seniors.
Ensuring that all veterans and seniors enjoy good health, and can count on independent living and good-quality housing, are priorities for the Liberal Party of Canada. In her capacity as critic, Judy will work to make sure that the Government implements programs to allow seniors to
remain active members of our society, and to provide benefits that fully respond to the needs of Veterans and their families.

Previously, Judy served as Official Opposition Critic for Labour, and Official Opposition Critic for National Revenue.

In 2006, Judy served as Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women. During her tenure as Chair, the Committee conducted an in-depth study on Human Trafficking.

In 2005, Judy was a Member of the Standing Committee on Justice, Human Rights, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. This role complemented her work as a community safety advocate, and her commitment to make Toronto a safer place to work and play. Judy continues to champion community safety issues, encouraging crime-prevention programs at the
local level, working to promote victim's rights, and supporting tough sentences for offenders.

In December 2003, Judy was appointed Minister of Citizenship and Immigration in Paul Martin's Cabinet. While Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Judy championed family re-unification policies and worked hard to ensure our Immigration system is fair and compassionate.

Previously, Judy served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Works and Government Services. In this role, she assisted Honourable Ralph Goodale with numerous files and gained valuable experience.

>From May 2001 to December 2002, Judy was Chair of the Prime Minister's Caucus Task Force on Urban Issues. Her report A Blueprint for Action was acclaimed and highly praised by numerous stakeholders. It has served as a reference for the creation of government policy to ensure Canada's urban regions have a sound foundation for future growth and prosperity.
The report focuses on three priority programs as pillars of Canada's Urban Strategy: a National Affordable Housing Program; a National Sustainable Infrastructure Program; and a National
Transit/Transportation Program.

Judy served on the Toronto City Council from 1995 to 1998. She was a member of many committees, and was appointed Mayor Lastman's Designate on the Toronto Police Services Board where she was elected Vice-Chair.

As Vice-Chair of the Toronto Police Services Board, she worked tirelessly to preserve the integrity of the Toronto Police Service. Judy used this opportunity to champion the fight for the rights of the Residents of Toronto.

In 1994, Ms. Sgro was elected Regional Councilor to the Metropolitan Toronto Council where she was a member of Metro Toronto's Budget Committee, as well as Planning and Transportation. She initiated Canada's first "John school" to combat street prostitution; a model adopted across Canada and the United States. Judy was a founding member of Streetlight Support Services, an organization to provide alternatives for individuals involved in prostitution.

She served on the North York City Council from 1987 to 1994 where she was a member of the executive committee of the Council. Judy was a member of the planning committee, North York Library, Intergovernmental, and numerous other committees of Council.

Involved in many community and charity organizations, she is Past President of the Downsview Unit of the Cancer Society. Most recently she has served on the Board of Governors for Villa Colombo. She is also a former Member of the Humber Hospital Board of Directors.

Judy was born in Moncton, New Brunswick. She is married and has three children and five grandchildren.

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