BIOGRAPHY: Barbara Warner
Seeking nomination as federal NDP candidate in BEACHES-EAST YORK
Barbara is a long-time champion of NDP values
As a caseworker at Dalhousie Legal Aid Services, Barbara helped families in crisis deal with Children’s Aid Society, assisted single parents to access support for housing/food/education, and represented youth in dealings with local police and Crown attorneys.
Barbara has been a strong defender of tenants’ rights at both Parkdale Community Legal Services and the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario. She has worked to prevent the eviction of low-income families, stop unfair rent increases, and empower tenants to organize and lobby the Ministry of Housing.
As a litigation associate at a Toronto law firm, she helped over 50 non-profits, charities, and individuals. Barbara has published papers on Employment Insurance reforms to address the needs of adoptive and multiple-birth parents and how corporate officers must be made accountable for failures to protect workers’ pensions
In her community, as the co-chair of the Parent/School Council at Kimberley Junior Public School, Barbara has organized fundraisers and school-wide skating trips to the local arena, and has spoken out on behalf of low-income families. Barbara has assisted First People’s organisations in serving their communities with Christmas hampers, funding youth activities and sports, and supporting job creation and economic development.
Barbara is an experienced lawyer who knows how to make government work
Barbara has worked with numerous legal societies to improve the court system and increase access for low-income Canadians. She has been a vocal advocate for women’s issues and the environment through her involvement with the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF), the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA), and the Ontario Environmental Network.
MUNICIPAL – Barbara has worked with the Mayor’s office, Councillors, and senior staff for daycare subsidies, fair treatment of small business, and emergency repairs for low-income seniors
PROVINCIAL – As Legislative Counsel at Queen’s Park, Barbara helped establish South Asian Heritage Month and Heritage Day in Ontario. She also wrote legislation to protect the Oak Ridges Moraine and worked with Ministry of Education senior staff to enhance training and apprenticeship opportunities for youth. Through the Ontario Bar Association, Barbara has worked with the Ministry of the Attorney General and lawyers to increase access to justice. She is currently part of team of lawyers setting up a legal clinic for low-income Ontarians
FEDERAL – As a full time legislative staff member at the House of Commons, Barbara represented her MP in meetings with community and industry activists. She also assisted in advocating for recognition of alternative medicine treatments within Canadian health care system.
INTERNATIONAL – Barbara gained international legislative experience at the UK House of Commons as part of a team set up by Prime Minister Tony Blair to celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of the voluntary and non -profit sector and addressed constituents concerns about health, environment, young offenders’ legislation, adequate levels of policing and social services in poverty-stricken communities.
Barbara is lifelong New Democrat who has the experience and the energy to fight tough campaigns
Barbara first campaigned for Michael Prue in the 1980s when he ran federally. In fact, she has canvassed and volunteered in municipal, provincial and federal campaigns for most of her life. She has held numerous positions on riding association executives, including secretary, provincial council delegate, women’s committee rep, youth rep, and member-at-large.
Barbara is a skilled politician who has already gained unique campaign experience on the ground as an NDP candidate
Barbara has shown she has what it takes to fight tough campaigns against highly experienced opponents. Her first experience as a candidate was in the 2003 provincial election in Scarborough Southwest.
