Glen Pearson

Glen Pearson
MP
Member of the Canadian Parliament
for London North Centre
In office
November 27, 2006 – 2011
Preceded by Joe Fontana
Succeeded by Susan Truppe
Personal details
Born December 26, 1950
Calgary, Alberta
Political party Liberal
Spouse(s) Jane Roy
Residence London, Ontario
Profession firefighter
Religion United Church of Canada

Glen Douglas Pearson (born December 26, 1950) is a politician in Ontario, Canada. He is a former Member of Parliament for London North Centre, and is a member of the Liberal Party of Canada.

Life and career

Pearson was born in Calgary, Alberta. He is a professional firefighter in London, Ontario, Canada, well known for his charitable and humanitarian activities. He has recently retired as a captain in the London Fire Department, where he has worked for the past 29 years, but he is perhaps better known as the co-founder and volunteer executive director of the London Food Bank for the past 20 years. He has also previously been involved in the Ontario Association of Food Banks as a Board member, serving one term as Chairperson.

In 1998, along with his wife, Jane Roy, Pearson worked on human rights and development projects in Sudan. This work included building schools and infrastructure, general community development and campaigning against slavery.

On August 15, 2007, Pearson reunited his Sudanese born adoptive daughter, Abuk Roy, with her twin sister, Achan and brother Ater, who were previously thought to be dead.[1]

Politics

Pearson originally stood as the Liberal candidate in London—Fanshawe in the general election of January 23, 2006, losing to Irene Mathyssen of the New Democratic Party.

Following the resignation of Joe Fontana in London North Centre, he was elected in the resulting by-election on November 27, 2006. His closest competition was Green Party of Canada leader Elizabeth May, who received 26% of the vote.

His campaign emphasized environmental, health care and accountability issues.

A father of seven and grandfather of three, Pearson lives with his wife and their adopted children, Abuk, Achan and Ater in London, Ontario.

Wikinews has related news: Liberals, BQ, win Canadian by-elections

He supported Stéphane Dion in the Liberal leadership election, and introduced him on the night of the candidate speeches.

Electoral record

Canadian federal election, 2011
Party Candidate Votes%∆%Expenditures
ConservativeSusan Truppe 19,468 36.96 +3.99 –
LiberalGlen Pearson 17,803 33.80 -5.33 –
New DemocraticGerman Gutierrez 12,996 24.67 +7.20 –
GreenMary Ann Hodge 2,177 4.13 -6.30 –
Animal AllianceAnnaMaria Valastro 229 0.43 – –
Total valid votes 52,673 100.00–
Total rejected ballots 231 0.44+0.03–
Turnout 52,904 59.69–
Eligible voters 88,624 ––
London North Centre - Canadian federal election, 2008
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
LiberalGlen Pearson 21,018 39.13% +4.27%
ConservativePaul Van Meerbergen 17,712 32.97% +8.49%
New Democratic Steve Holmes 9,387 17.47% +3.39%
GreenMary Ann Hodge 5,603 10.43% -15.41%
Total valid votes 53,720
Total rejected ballots 222
Turnout 53,942
Canadian federal by-election, November 27, 2006: London North Centre
Party Candidate Votes%∆%
LiberalGlen Pearson 13,287 34.85% -5.27
GreenElizabeth May 9,864 25.87% +20.38
ConservativeDianne Haskett 9,309 24.42% -5.48
New DemocraticMegan Walker 5,388 14.13% -9.62
Progressive Canadian Steven Hunter 145 0.38% -0.09
IndependentRobert Ede 77 0.20% –
Canadian ActionWill Arlow 53 0.14% –
Total 38,123100.00%
Called as a result of Mr. Fontana's resignation on 20 September 2006.
London—Fanshawe - Canadian federal election, 2006
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
New DemocraticIrene Mathyssen 16,067
LiberalGlen Pearson 15,199
ConservativeDan Mailer 12,034
GreenDavid McLaughlin 1803

References

  1. ↑ CTV.ca | MP reunites long-lost Sudanese siblings in Canada

External links