Steve Owens (Canadian politician)

Stephen David Owens (September 21, 1956 – July 8, 2016) was a politician from Ontario, Canada. He was a New Democratic member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1990 to 1995 who represented the Toronto riding of Scarborough Centre. He served as a cabinet minister in the government of Bob Rae.

Steve Owens
Ontario MPP
In office
1990–1995
Preceded byCindy Nicholas
Succeeded byDan Newman
ConstituencyScarborough Centre
Personal details
Born(1956-09-21)September 21, 1956
Toronto, Ontario
DiedJuly 8, 2016(2016-07-08) (aged 59)
Toronto, Ontario
Political partyNew Democrat
SpouseJoanne
OccupationHospital worker, Union executive
PortfolioMinister without portfolio, (1994-1995) Responsible for Education and Training

Background

Owens held a General Arts and Science Certificate, and worked as a hospital orderly at Toronto General Hospital.[1] He served as president and vice-president of Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 2001, and was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion.[2]

Politics

In 1990, he ran as the New Democratic Party candidate in the 1990 provincial election, defeating Liberal incumbent Cindy Nicholas by 4,162 votes in the riding of Scarborough Centre.[3] The NDP won a majority government and Owens was appointed as parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Correctional Services. Later he served as a parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Finance.[4] On October 21, 1994, he was appointed as a Minister without portfolio responsible for Education and Training, serving as an assistant to Education Minister Dave Cooke.[5]

During his tenure as MPP he also served as party whip and caucus chair.[6][7]

The NDP were defeated in the 1995 provincial election, and Owens finished third against Progressive Conservative Dan Newman in his bid for re-election.[8] In 2003, he supported Bill Blaikie for the leadership of the federal New Democratic Party.

Electoral record
1990 Ontario general election
Party Candidate Votes%±%
New DemocraticSteve Owens13,40147.3
LiberalCindy Nicholas9,23932.5
Progressive ConservativeJoe Trontadus5,71320.1
Total valid votes 28,353100.0
Toronto Star.[3]
1995 Ontario general election
Party Candidate Votes%±%
Progressive ConservativeDan Newman12,71745.87
LiberalMary Ellen Pimblett7,16325.84
New DemocraticSteve Owens6,84124.67
IndependentJohn Brereton6492.34
Natural LawEleanor Hyodo3491.25
Total valid votes 28,079100.0
Elections Ontario.[8]

After politics

Owens worked for ACCES Employment Services finding professional work for new immigrants. He volunteered for the Toronto International Film Festival and in May 2016 was given an Ontario Volunteer Service Award.[1]

References
  1. "Stephen David Owens 1956-2016". The Globe and Mail. July 9, 2016.
  2. Pugliese, David; Hum, Peter (September 7, 1990). "Ontario's new government is made of social...". Ottawa Citizen. CanWest News. p. 1.
  3. "How Metro-Area Voted". The Toronto Daily Star. Toronto. 1990-09-07. p. A10.
  4. "No friends of no-fault: Insurance plan faces enemies even in NDP ranks". The Windsor Star. February 3, 1993. p. A3.
  5. "Rae rejigs duties of 3 veterans". The Spectator. Hamilton, Ont. October 22, 1994. p. A16.
  6. Coyle, Jim (May 29, 1991). "Japanese investment flap overblown windbaggery". The Ottawa Citizen. p. A5.
  7. "Probability of provincial layoffs doesn't sit well in backbenches". The Hamilton Spectator. April 1, 1993. p. A8.
  8. "Summary of Valid Ballots by Candidate". Elections Ontario. 1995-06-08. Retrieved 2012-09-04.
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