Bob Benzen

Bob Benzen (born March 3, 1959) is a Canadian politician who served as the member of Parliament (MP) for Calgary Heritage from 2017 to 2022. He was elected to the House of Commons of Canada in a by-election on April 3, 2017.[2] He succeeded former Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who had resigned as an MP in 2016.

Bob Benzen
Member of Parliament
for Calgary Heritage
In office
April 3, 2017 – December 31, 2022[1]
Preceded byStephen Harper
Succeeded byShuvaloy Majumdar
Personal details
Born (1959-03-03) March 3, 1959
Three Hills, Alberta, Canada
Political partyConservative
SpouseSue Benzen
Children3
Residence(s)Calgary, Alberta, Canada
ProfessionBusinessman

Prior to his election, Benzen was a businessman specializing in data storage and information management for energy companies.[3]

Benzen was responsible for initiating Erin O'Toole's removal as Conservative leader in 2022, after he submitted a letter from 36 Conservative MPs calling for a leadership review.[4]

Politics

Benzen voted in support of Bill C-233, an act to amend the Criminal Code of Canada (sex-selective abortion), which would make it an indictable or summary offence for a medical practitioner to knowingly perform an abortion solely on the grounds of the child's genetic sex.[5]

Benzen voted against a bill that would prohibit forcing children or adults to undergo conversion therapy aimed at altering their sexual orientation; however, the bill was ultimately passed and conversion therapy in Canada was banned.[6][7]

On October 21, 2022, Benzen announced that he would retire from his role as MP on December 31, 2022.[8] The by-election to replace him was held on July 24, 2023.[9] He was succeeded by Shuvaloy Majumdar.[10]

Electoral record
2021 Canadian federal election
Party Candidate Votes%±%
ConservativeBob Benzen30,87057.66-13.07
New DemocraticKathleen Johnson9,32017.41+8.26
LiberalScott Forsyth8,96016.73+2.77
People'sBailey Bedard2,6825.01+3.06
GreenMalka Labell7661.43-2.08
MaverickAnnelise Freeman7141.33–
RhinocerosMark Dejewski2300.43–
Total valid votes 53,54299.42
Total rejected ballots 3130.58+0.13
Turnout 53,85565.89-4.76
Eligible voters 81,735
Conservative hold Swing -10.66
Source: Elections Canada[11]
2019 Canadian federal election: Calgary Heritage
Party Candidate Votes%±%Expenditures
ConservativeBob Benzen40,81770.72-0.76$75,391.36
LiberalScott Forsyth8,05713.96-7.76$6,153.00
New DemocraticHolly Heffernan5,2789.14+6.25$143.81
GreenAllie Tulick2,0273.51+1.73none listed
People'sStephanie Hoeppner1,1231.95-none listed
IndependentHunter Mills2280.40-none listed
Christian HeritageLarry R. Heather1850.32-1.10$4,539.49
Total valid votes/expense limit 57,71599.55
Total rejected ballots 2600.45+0.16
Turnout 57,97570.65+37.19
Eligible voters 82,059
Conservative hold Swing +3.50
Source: Elections Canada[12][13][14]
Canadian federal by-election, April 3, 2017: Calgary Heritage
Resignation of Stephen Harper
Party Candidate Votes%±%
ConservativeBob Benzen19,38371.47+7.71
LiberalScott Forsyth5,88921.72−4.25
New DemocraticKhalis Ahmed7852.89−4.39
GreenTaryn Knorren4841.78−0.35
Christian HeritageJeff Willerton3851.42
LibertarianDarcy Gerow1140.42−0.00
National AdvancementStephen J. Garvey760.28
Total valid votes/Expense limit 27,116 99.71 –  
Total rejected ballots 78 0.29 −0.10
Turnout 27,194 33.46 −39.16
Eligible voters 81,270
Conservative hold Swing +5.98
Source: Elections Canada[15]

References
  1. https://twitter.com/BobBenzen/status/1609259741322280962
  2. "Byelection results: Liberal Mona Fortier, Conservative Bob Benzen projected to win". CBC News, April 3, 2017.
  3. Bob Benzen Official Website, April 3, 2017.
  4. "Conservative caucus revolt triggers vote on Erin O'Toole's leadership". Cbc.ca. Retrieved March 1, 2022.
  5. House of Commons (June 2, 2021). "2nd reading of Bill C-233, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sex-selective abortion)". LEGISinfo. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
  6. Siever, Kim (June 23, 2021). "Canadian MPs approve conversion therapy ban". Alberta Worker. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
  7. House of Commons (December 8, 2021). "Bill C-4 An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)". LEGISinfo.
  8. "Calgary Heritage MP Bob Benzen to ring in new year with return to private life". 20 October 2022.
  9. "Federal byelection called for Calgary Heritage - Calgary | Globalnews.ca". Global News. Retrieved 2023-06-19.
  10. https://enr.elections.ca/ElectoralDistricts.aspx?ed=1612&lang=e
  11. "forty-fourth general election 2021 — Poll-by-poll results".
  12. "List of confirmed candidates". Elections Canada. Retrieved October 4, 2019.
  13. "forty-third general election 2019 — Poll-by-poll results". Elections Canada. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
  14. "Candidate Campaign Returns". Elections Canada. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
  15. "Official Voting Results". www.elections.ca. Retrieved 2022-12-31.


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