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.[2][3]

Sheri Benson
Deputy Leader of the New Democratic Party
In office March 14, 2019 – September 11, 2019 Serving with Alexandre Boulerice
Leader	Jagmeet Singh
Preceded by	David Christopherson
Succeeded by	Alexandre Boulerice
Member of Parliament for Saskatoon West
In office October 19, 2015 – September 11, 2019
Preceded by	Riding Established
Succeeded by	Brad Redekopp
Personal details
Born	1962 or 1963 (age 57–58)[1] Brandon, Manitoba, Canada
Political party	New Democratic
Residence	Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Portfolio	NDP Critic for Housing

Early life

Benson lived in Brandon[4] 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".[5]

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.[6]

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.[7] 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
	Conservative	Brad Redekopp	18,597	47.7	+14.82
	New Democratic	Sheri Benson	15,708	40.3	+0.74
	Liberal	Shah Rukh	2,863	7.3	-17.18
	Green	Shawn Setyo	1,042	2.7	+0.96
	People's	Isaac Hayes	775	2.00	-
Total valid votes/Expense limit			38,985	100.0
Total rejected ballots			397
Turnout			39,382	64.7
Eligible voters			60,887
	Conservative gain from New Democratic		Swing		+7.45
Source: Elections Canada[8][9]

2015 Canadian federal election
Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%	Expenditures
	New Democratic	Sheri Benson	14,921	39.6	-11.7	–
	Conservative	Randy Donauer	12,401	32.9	-9.64	–
	Liberal	Lisa Abbott	9,234	24.5	+20.73	–
	Green	Lois Carol Mitchell	658	1.7	-0.87	–
	Canada Party	Jim Pankiw	271	0.7	–	–
	Libertarian	Bronek Hart	230	0.6	–	–
Total valid votes/Expense limit			37,715	100.0		$190,628.75
Total rejected ballots			170	–	–
Turnout			37,885	67.78	–
Eligible voters			55,886
	New Democratic notional hold		Swing		-10.67
Source: Elections Canada[10][11]

References

1. https://thestarphoenix.com/news/local-news/ridings-to-watch-benson-fights-for-second-term-in-saskatoon-west-battleground
2. Giles, David (19 October 2015). "NDP's Sheri Benson wins in Saskatoon West". Global News. Retrieved 29 September 2016.
3. "Sheri Benson - About". sheribenson.ndp.ca. Retrieved 22 February 2016.
4. News, CJME. "Sheri Benson, NDP". 980 CJME. Retrieved 2020-03-31.
5. "GM Grazings" (PDF).
6. 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.
7. "Hedy Fry wins decisively as Liberals sweep Canada for majority". Daily Xtra. 20 October 2015. Retrieved 29 September 2016.
8. "List of confirmed candidates". Elections Canada. Retrieved October 4, 2019.
9. "Election Night Results". Elections Canada. Retrieved November 8, 2019.
10. Elections Canada – Confirmed candidates for Saskatoon West, 30 September 2015
11. Elections Canada – Preliminary Election Expenses Limits for Candidates

External links