Judy Sgro
Member of Parliament
for Humber River—Black Creek
York West (1997–2015)
Assumed office
November 15, 1999
Preceded bySergio Marchi
Chair of the Standing Committee on International Trade
Assumed office
January 29, 2020
Preceded byMark Eyking
Chair of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
In office
February 3, 2016  September 11, 2019
Preceded byVance Badawey
Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
In office
12 December 2003  13 January 2005
Prime MinisterPaul Martin
Preceded byDenis Coderre
Succeeded byJoe Volpe
Toronto City Councillor for North York Humber
In office
January 1, 1998  November 14, 1999
Preceded byWard Created
Succeeded byPaul Valenti
ConstituencyWard 6
Metro Councillor for North York Humber
In office
December 1, 1994  December 31, 1997
Preceded byMario Gentile
Succeeded byCity Amalgamated
North York City Councillor
In office
1987  November 30, 1994
Preceded byMario Gentile
Succeeded byGina Severino
ConstituencyWard 2
Personal details
Born (1944-12-16) December 16, 1944
Moncton, New Brunswick
Political partyLiberal Party of Canada
SpouseSam Sgro
ResidenceThornhill, Ontario[1]

Judy A. Sgro[1] PC MP (born December 16, 1944) is a Canadian politician. A member of the Liberal Party of Canada, she currently represents the electoral district of Humber River—Black Creek in the House of Commons of Canada. Sgro currently serves as the chair of the Standing Committee on International Trade and as a Chair on the Canadian House of Commons Liaison Committee since 2016.[2][3]

Politics

Councillor

Sgro was introduced to politics when she was elected to North York City Council in 1987. In 1994 she was acclaimed as a Metro councillor for North York.[4] In 1998 she became a Toronto city councillor in the newly amalgamated city where she served a term as vice-chair of the Toronto Police Services Board.[5]

Federal politics

Government (1999–2006)

In 1997 Sgro's first attempt at Federal politics came up short when she tried to get elected in the riding of York South—Weston. She lost to John Nunziata, who was running as an independent, by 4,431 votes. In 1999 she won a by-election in York West to replace Sergio Marchi who had accepted an ambassadorial position to the World Trade Organization. She has since been re-elected by substantial pluralities.

In 2001, she was named chairperson of the Prime Minister's "Caucus Task Force on Urban Issues". In 2003 her group released an interim report recommending increased Federal support to recognize their economic and social value.[5] From December 12, 2003 to January 13, 2005 Sgro served as Minister of Citizenship and Immigration in the government of Paul Martin.

Political favouritism issues

In November 2004, controversy began to surround Sgro as questions arose surrounding her activities during the June election earlier that year. Several members of her ministerial staff had filed expense claims to travel to and work in her riding throughout the campaign ending on election day. More serious claims were also raised when Opposition Conservative MPs claimed she had given a special immigration permit to a campaign supporter – specifically Alina Balaican, a Romanian who had initially been admitted to the country to work as a stripper. New Democratic Party MP Pat Martin also accused Sgro's aides of making threats to deny ministerial permits to his constituents if he criticized her on the stripper controversy.[6] The press dubbed the issue "Strippergate".

On January 14, 2005, Sgro resigned from cabinet after further allegations that she had offered to intervene in the immigration hearing of Harjit Singh, a Brampton pizzeria owner, in exchange for free pizza for her campaign staff.[7] The following day, the Toronto Star revealed that Singh had previously committed credit card fraud.[8]

On January 31, 2005, Sgro filed a lawsuit against Singh for $750,000 in damages.[9] On May 10, 2005, the Federal ethics commissioner Bernard Shapiro cleared Sgro of all wrongdoing from the Strippergate debacle when it was found that Sgro didn't know that two staffers had put her in a position of conflict of interest. The ethics commissioner also concluded that Sgro had never met the woman or even knew that she had volunteered on her re-election campaign. Shapiro said to Sgro, "It appears you acted appropriately." Also the same day, Singh retracted his allegations and apologized to Sgro. He said, "I now admit I did not have a meeting with Judy Sgro and at no time did she request any campaign assistance from me. Nor did she help me with my immigration problems."[10]

Sgro was the first member of Cabinet to resign from Paul Martin's government. There was some speculation in the media that fellow minister Joe Volpe helped to engineer her resignation given that they had a cool relationship.[10]

Expenses issue

In June 2010 it was revealed that Sgro had been claiming expenses for rent on an Ottawa luxury highrise condominium owned by her adult children, violating rules for such expenses set by the Board of Internal Economy of the House of Commons. Sgro had paid $138,000 to purchase the condo in 2001, and then transferred the title on the property to her children in 2006; she then paid her children $22,000 a year in rent to live in the apartment, violating rules forbidding MPs from claiming expenses on goods or services contracted from family members.[11]

Asked about this controversy in 2013 by a reporter from Québecor Média, Sgro replied, "The issue was dealt with, an issue was pointed out... I immediately dealt with the issue and I would ask the prime minister and his folks to do the same thing. Thank you very much."[12]

Opposition (2006–2015)

Sgro served as the Opposition Critic for Industry for the Liberals.[13] On November 1, 2010, the Liberals released a white paper providing recommendations for retirement income security followed by a Pension Income Bill of Rights. The paper was created by a working group co-chaired by Sgro.[14]

On March 4, 2014, Sgro was re-nominated by acclamation as the Liberal candidate for the renamed riding of Humber River—Black Creek for the next federal election.[15] She subsequently won election to this seat.

Government (2015–present)

Sgro currently serves as the chair of the Standing Committee on International Trade. She was re-elected in the 2019 federal election.

Personal life

She and her husband Sam Sgro are the parents of three children. Judy's daughter, Deanna Sgro, was a candidate for the Ontario Liberal Party during the 2018 Ontario general election, as well as the 2018 Toronto municipal election for Humber River-Black Creek.

Election results

2021 Canadian federal election
** Preliminary results — Not yet official **
Party Candidate Votes%±%
LiberalJudy Sgro18,83360.7-0.4
ConservativeRinku Shah5,40217.4+1.1
New DemocraticMatias De Dovitiis5,06616.3-2.7
People'sRaatib Anderson1,2354.0+2.9
GreenUnblind Tibbin3681.2-0.9
Marxist–LeninistChristine Nugent1250.4
Total valid votes 31,029
Total rejected ballots
Turnout 46.97
Eligible voters 66,067
Source: Elections Canada[16]
2019 Canadian federal election: Humber River—Black Creek
Party Candidate Votes%±%Expenditures
LiberalJudy Sgro23,18761.1-5.81$93,410.00
New DemocraticMaria Augimeri7,19819.0+8.06$18,120.64
ConservativeIftikhar Choudry6,16416.3-3.96$3,300.00
GreenMike Schmitz8042.1+0.47none listed
People'sAnia Krosinska4021.1none listed
United Stenneth Smith1140.3-$0.00
Marxist–LeninistChristine Nugent890.2-0.36$0.00
Total valid votes/expense limit 37,958100.0
Total rejected ballots 503
Turnout 38,46156.8
Eligible voters 67,656
Liberal hold Swing -6.94
Source: Elections Canada[17][18]
2015 Canadian federal election: Humber River—Black Creek
Party Candidate Votes%±%Expenditures
LiberalJudy Sgro23,99566.9+19.9
ConservativeKerry Vandenberg7,22820.2-1.9
New DemocraticDarnel Harris3,85110.7-17.1
GreenKeith Jarrett5841.60
Marxist–LeninistChristine Nugent2010.6
Total valid votes/Expense limit 35,859100.0   $195,631.84
Total rejected ballots 333
Turnout 36,192
Eligible voters 60,994
Source: Elections Canada[19][20]
Liberal hold Swing +18.5
2011 Canadian federal election: York West
Party Candidate Votes%±%Expenditures
LiberalJudy Sgro13,03047.0-12.4
New DemocraticGiulio Manfrini7,72127.8+9.1
ConservativeAudrey Walters6,12222.1+5.4
GreenUnblind Tibben4501.6-3.6
Christian HeritageGeorge Okoth Otura2310.8
Canadian ActionArthur Smitherman1700.6
Total valid votes/expense limit 27,724100.0
Total rejected ballots 267 1.0+0.2
Turnout 27,991 48.2-0.1
Eligible voters 57,287
2008 Canadian federal election: York West
Party Candidate Votes%±%Expenditures
LiberalJudy Sgro16,99759.4-4.4$35,514
New DemocraticGiulio Manfrini5,36318.7+4.6$12,354
ConservativeKevin Nguyen4,77316.7-1.9$12,960
GreenNick Capra1,4885.2+2.2$1,557
Total valid votes/expense limit 28,621 100.0$77,457
Total rejected ballots 2190.8
Turnout 28,840 48.3
2006 Canadian federal election: York West
Party Candidate Votes%Expenditures
LiberalJudy Sgro21,41863.78$48,741.93
ConservativeParm Gill6,24418.59$71,005.65
New DemocraticSandra Romano Anthony4,72414.07$8,845.73
GreenNick Capra1,0022.98$1,692.18
IndependentAxcel Cocon1920.57$1,801.61
Total valid votes 33,580 100.00
Total rejected ballots 261
Turnout 33,841 57.90
Electors on the lists 58,450
2004 Canadian federal election: York West
Party Candidate Votes%±%
LiberalJudy Sgro17,90364.7-12.6
New DemocraticSandra Romano Anthony4,22815.2+6.0
ConservativeLeslie Soobrian3,12011.2+0.5
Christian HeritageJoseph Grubb1,5805.7
GreenTim McKellar8243.0
Total valid votes 27,655100.0

Note: Conservative vote is compared to the total of the Canadian Alliance vote and Progressive Conservative vote in 2000 election.

2000 Canadian federal election: York West
Party Candidate Votes%±%
LiberalJudy Sgro19,73777.3+3.1
AllianceMunish Chandra2,72410.7+7.9
New DemocraticJulia McCrea2,3619.2+1.5
MarijuanaG. Marcello Marchetti5372.1
Marxist–LeninistAmarjit Dhillon1750.7
Total valid votes 25,534100.0

Note: Canadian Alliance vote is compared to the Reform vote in 1997 election.

Canadian federal by-election, November 15, 1999: York West
Party Candidate Votes%±%
LiberalJudy Sgro10,03474.2+0.5
Progressive ConservativeElio Di Iorio1,72112.7+5.2
New DemocraticJulia McCrea1,0547.8-2.1
ReformEnzo Granzotto3772.8-6.2
Canadian ActionStephen Burega2421.8
GreenHenry Zeifman1010.7
Total valid votes 13,529100.0
Liberal hold Swing +1.3
By-election due to the appointment of Sergio Marchi as Canadian Ambassador to the World Trade Organization
1997 Toronto City Council Election: North York Humber
Council Candidate
2 to be elected
Vote  %
Judy Sgro14,33433.83
George Mammoliti10,22624.13
Gina Serverino6,87516.22
Tony Marzilli5,20512.28
Bob Churchhill5,01211.83
Michael Marson7221.70
1997 Canadian federal election: York South-Weston
Party Candidate Votes%±%
IndependentJohn Nunziata17,16345.0
LiberalJudy Sgro12,73233.4-36.7
New DemocraticOdoardo Di Santo3,5529.3+3.9
ReformKathleen Crone2,3636.2-8.6
Progressive ConservativeJan Harnett1,9255.1-1.8
GreenShelley Lipsey1710.4
Marxist–LeninistGinette Boutet1120.3+0.1
IndependentHassan Husseini980.3
Independent gain from Liberal Swing
Total valid votes 38,116 100.0
1994 Metro Toronto Council Election: North York Humber
Council Candidate Vote  %
Judy Sgro Acclaimed
1991 North York City Council Election: Ward 2
Council Candidate Vote  %
Judy Sgro Acclaimed
1988 North York City Council Election: Ward 2
Council Candidate Vote  %
Judy Sgro6,88267.43
Gerry Iuliano2,39823.50
Luigi Cavaleri9269.07

References

  1. 1 2 "Search For Contributions". Elections Canada. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  2. Canadian House of Commons Liaison Committee
  3. "Roles - Hon. Judy A. Sgro - Current and Past - Members of Parliament - House of Commons of Canada".
  4. "1994 Toronto General Election Results (Former Metropolitan Toronto): Former Municipality of the City of North York: Metro Councillor". City of Toronto. Retrieved August 11, 2012.
  5. 1 2 Moloney, Paul; Campion Smith, Bruce (January 15, 2005). "A well-earned reputation as a battling politician; Judy Sgro loses cabinet portfolio: She promises a fight to clear her name". Toronto Star. p. F1.
  6. Fife, Robert (December 27, 2004). "Sgro aide tried to silence critics by withholding permits, MPs allege". Ottawa Citizen. p. A9.
  7. "Sgro quits cabinet to fight allegations". CTV News. Archived from the original on March 22, 2007.
  8. "Sgro's accuser trying to avoid deportation". CTV News. January 15, 2005. Archived from the original on July 21, 2012.
  9. Sean, Gordon (February 1, 2005). "Sgro sues Singh for slander, libel; 3 others named in $750,000 lawsuit: Accusations led to minister resigning". Toronto Star. p. A6.
  10. 1 2 Geiger, John (May 11, 2005). "The belated vindication of Judy Sgro". National Post. p. A22.
  11. Glen McGregor; Stephen Maher (June 7, 2010). "Toronto MP uses taxpayers' money to rent condo owned by her children". The Vancouver Sun. Archived from the original on June 22, 2014. Retrieved June 22, 2014.
  12. Kirkup, Kristy (June 11, 2013). "Liberal MP Judy Sgro sloughs off questions about her housing expenses". Toronto Sun. Retrieved June 22, 2014.
  13. "Judy Sgro: Member of Parliament at House of Commons". LinkedIn. Retrieved August 11, 2012.
  14. "Liberals plan to ease CPP rules". The Province. November 3, 2010. p. A11.
  15. http://www.elections.ca/WPAPPS/WPR/EN/NC/Details?province=-1&distyear=2013&district=2268&party=1&keywords2=Sgro&selectedid=7119
  16. "Official Voting Results". Elections Canada. Retrieved September 25, 2021.
  17. "List of confirmed candidates". Elections Canada. Retrieved October 4, 2019.
  18. "Election Night Results". Elections Canada. Retrieved November 4, 2019.
  19. Elections Canada – Confirmed candidates for Humber River—Black Creek, 30 September 2015
  20. Elections Canada – Preliminary Election Expenses Limits for Candidates Archived August 15, 2015, at the Wayback Machine
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