About Joel

Joel has a proven track record of legislative and electoral wins. He believes in the power of community organizing.

That means working with neighbours and being welcoming to everyone. With Joel’s leadership, New Democrats have built strong relationships with Ottawa’s charities, non-profits, community groups, and our allies in the labour movement.

Joel has dedicated his life and work towards advocating for social and environmental justice. He lives in Old Ottawa South with his family and tries his best to bike everywhere he goes.

Before Politics

Prior to being your MPP, Joel was a researcher with the Canadian Federation of Students and Director of Education for the Canadian Labour Congress, for which he designed the campaign that expanded the Canada Pension Plan. Joel also taught at the Carleton University Department of Law and Legal Studies and is author of the book "Quiet No More: New Political Activism in Canada and Around the Globe".

In the Legislature

Voula's Law

On March 6, 2021, Joel put forward Voula’s Law (Motion 129), which re-affirmed the rights for seniors and people with disabilities to receive visitors of their own choosing in congregate care homes (eg: long-term care, retirement homes, group homes). Voula’s Law was passed unanimously, affirming important rights.

Transit Advocacy

On November 17, 2021, the Ford Government declared a public inquiry into Stage 1 of Ottawa’s LRT. For months they said this was the “City of Ottawa’s problem”, but persistent advocacy from Joel, local journalists, and residents changed that. It was a major win for transparency and accountability in public infrastructure.

COVID Support

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Joel and the Ottawa Centre staff team worked hard to support Ottawa residents and small businesses. When the Convoy Occupation happened in February 2022, this work intensified. We outlasted the Convoy, we defended our community, and we will do so again if needed.

Protecting Vulnerable Road Users

From September 21-24, 2023, Joel and the Ottawa Centre staff team organized a “Safety Ride” from Ottawa to Toronto to promote Bill 40, The Moving Ontarians Safely Act. Joel cycled to Toronto, stopping in Kingston, Brighton, Oshawa, Scarborough and ending at Queen’s Park. Public meetings were held along the way to listen to residents and their concerns about road safety. Sadly, the Conservatives voted against Bill 40, but pledged to bring their own vulnerable road user law forward soon. Joel is working with advocates to ensure this happens.

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Address: PO Box 4312, Station E, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B3