Sheri Benson

Sheri Benson (born 1962 or 1963) is a Canadian politician who represented the riding of Saskatoon West in the House of Commons of Canada from the 2015 election until her defeat in 2019. She 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.[3][4]

Sheri Benson
Deputy Leader of the New Democratic Party
In office
March 14, 2019 – October 20, 2019[1]
Serving with Alexandre Boulerice
LeaderJagmeet Singh
Preceded byDavid Christopherson
Succeeded byAlexandre Boulerice
Member of Parliament
for Saskatoon West
In office
October 19, 2015 – September 11, 2019
Preceded byRiding Established
Succeeded byBrad Redekopp
Personal details
Born1962 or 1963 (age 60–61)[2]
Brandon, Manitoba, Canada
Political partyNew Democratic
Residence(s)Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
PortfolioNDP Critic for Housing

Early life

Benson lived in Brandon[5] and Winnipeg during her early childhood, where she also participated in Girl Guides of Canada programs as a Brownie and Guide. As a member of Girl Guides, Benson earned a fire safety badge for which she was presented a certificate of achievement by Howard Pawley, and often went by the nickname "Safety Sher".[6]

Background and prior community involvement

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.

Benson was the inaugural Justice of the Peace for Saskatchewan's Victims of Domestic Violence Act. In 2014, Benson received a YWCA Woman of Distinction Award for Community Building.

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

Politics

Benson was elected in the 2015 federal election representing Saskatoon West.

Benson was appointed as Deputy Leader of the NDP serving with Alexandre Boulerice on March 14, 2019, by party leader Jagmeet Singh. She also served as the NDP critic for Housing in the 42nd Canadian Parliament.[7]

She was one of five out LGBT people serving in the 42nd Canadian Parliament, alongside Rob Oliphant, Seamus O'Regan, Randall Garrison and Randy Boissonnault.[8] Benson was the first out LGBT politician in Saskatchewan to be elected to the House of Commons.

She was defeated by Conservative Brad Redekopp in the 2019 federal election.

Electoral record
2019 Canadian federal election: Saskatoon West
Party Candidate Votes%±%Expenditures
ConservativeBrad Redekopp18,59747.70+14.82$82,759.63
New DemocraticSheri Benson15,70840.29+0.73$101,089.71
LiberalShah Rukh2,8637.34-17.14$13,960.24
GreenShawn Setyo1,0422.67+0.93$658.36
People'sIsaac Hayes7751.99-$2,776.00
Total valid votes/expense limit 38,98598.99
Total rejected ballots 3971.01+0.56
Turnout 39,38263.96-2.48
Eligible voters 61,577
Conservative gain from New Democratic Swing +7.05
Source: Elections Canada[9][10]
2015 Canadian federal election: Saskatoon West
Party Candidate Votes%±%Expenditures
New DemocraticSheri Benson14,92139.56-11.57$138,813.32
ConservativeRandy Donauer12,40132.88-9.66$120,540.81
LiberalLisa Abbott9,23424.48+20.71$27,228.57
GreenLois Carol Mitchell6581.74-0.83$248.05
Canada PartyJim Pankiw2710.72–$22,678.24
LibertarianBronek Hart2300.61–$603.00
Total valid votes/expense limit 37,71599.55  $192,280.99
Total rejected ballots 1700.45–
Turnout 37,88566.44–
Eligible voters 57,021
New Democratic notional hold Swing -0.33
Source: Elections Canada[11][12]

References
  1. "Ms. Sheri Benson, M.P." ParlInfo.
  2. "Ridings to Watch: Benson fights for second term in Saskatoon West battleground".
  3. Giles, David (19 October 2015). "NDP's Sheri Benson wins in Saskatoon West". Global News. Retrieved 29 September 2016.
  4. "Sheri Benson - About". sheribenson.ndp.ca. Retrieved 22 February 2016.
  5. News, CJME. "Sheri Benson, NDP". 980 CJME. Retrieved 2020-03-31. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  6. "GM Grazings" (PDF).
  7. Kirkup, Kristy (12 November 2015). "Tom Mulcair taps Nathan Cullen, Charlie Angus, Guy Caron for top critic roles". CBC News. The Canadian Press. Retrieved 12 November 2015.
  8. "Hedy Fry wins decisively as Liberals sweep Canada for majority". Daily Xtra. 20 October 2015. Retrieved 29 September 2016.
  9. "List of confirmed candidates". Elections Canada. Retrieved October 4, 2019.
  10. "Election Voting Results". Elections Canada. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  11. Elections Canada – Confirmed candidates for Saskatoon West, 30 September 2015
  12. Elections Canada – Preliminary Election Expenses Limits for Candidates


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