Helena Jaczek
- Born
- England
- Education
- Medical degree and Masters of Health Science from the University of Toronto; Masters of Business Administration from York University
- Career
- General practice physician at Women's College Hospital in Toronto; chief medical officer of health in York Region for 18 years
- Political Experience
- Member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 2007 to 2018 representing Oak Ridges—Markham; Minister of Community and Social Services from 2014 until 2018; Minister of Health and Long-Term Care in 2018; elected as the Member of Parliament for Markham—Stouffville in 2019 and 2021
- Notable
- Emigrated to Canada in 1963 at age 12
Based on publicly available information — may contain inaccuracies
Business & Financial Interests
Before entering federal politics, Helena Jaczek had a long career in medicine and public health. She worked as a physician and later served for nearly two decades as the Medical Officer of Health and Commissioner of Health Services for the Regional Municipality of York in Ontario. This role involved overseeing the public health department for one of Canada's largest municipalities.
Key Relationships & Connections
As a member of the federal cabinet, Helena Jaczek served under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. She held senior roles including Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, placing her within the Prime Minister's inner circle of government decision-makers.
Potential Conflicts of Interest
In 2023, the federal Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner released a report concluding that Helena Jaczek had contravened the Conflict of Interest Act. The investigation found that she sponsored two private member's bills that were substantially similar to proposals written by the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. The Commissioner determined that by sponsoring these bills, she used her position as an MP to improperly further the private interests of the organization, with which she had a history of involvement.
Public Controversies
A significant public controversy involving Helena Jaczek arose from an investigation by the federal Ethics Commissioner. In a report made public in 2023, the Commissioner found she broke conflict of interest rules. The report stated she used her position to advance the interests of the MS Society of Canada by sponsoring two bills closely resembling proposals from the organization. The Commissioner noted that while she did not personally benefit, her actions improperly furthered the group's private interests. The finding received national media attention.
Where Helena falls on key policy spectrums
Your Money
People & Society
How We're Governed
Land & Community
Helena Jaczek won with 31,658 votes (51.4%)
Total votes cast: 61,644
How does Helena Jaczek's voting record line up with your values?
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