Former Ontario Child Advocate to run for NDP in 2022

TORONTO — Award-winning child and youth advocate Irwin Elman will run for Ontario’s New Democrats in Don Valley West in 2022. Elman was the Ontario Child Advocate from 2008 to 2019.

Elman is an experienced educator, counsellor, youth worker, program manager, policy developer, and youth advocate. He has previously worked as Manager of the Pape Adolescent Resource Centre in Toronto and Director of Client Service at Central Toronto Youth Services. His advocacy has been recognized by organizations including The Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada, which presented him with a “Stand Up For Kids Award.”

Elman will be acclaimed as the Ontario NDP candidate for Don Valley West at a nomination meeting Oct. 26.

Quotes

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath
“Irwin’s dedication to a better world for the next generation is inspiring. His advocacy for children and youth in our province is highly respected, and I know he can deliver progress for families and working people in Don Valley West. I couldn’t be happier that Irwin has found his home with Ontario’s New Democrats. We’re committed to going to bat for young people, and rebuilding education and health care, together.”

Irwin Elman, NDP candidate for Don Valley West
“I’m joining Andrea Horwath and the NDP in their fight to ensure all Ontarians can build the good life they’re working hard for. Young people have taught me over the years to strive to dwell in possibility. It is that possibility I have seen as I travelled across Ontario, that possibility I have seen in Don Valley West and that possibility I see in the NDP. I deeply believe we can be a province where every child has what they need when they need in order to thrive, and where the well-being of people is the motivation behind every single decision government makes. Investments in health care, mental health care, education and more affordable homes will build a stronger province, and a brighter future.

When the Liberals had the chance to help, they created hallway medicine, cut 1,600 nurses, and drove up the price of child care. With their sense of entitlement, the Liberals set the stage for Ford’s cuts which have been especially devastating for so many who were already struggling. I believe with all my heart this is the moment to meet the challenge of the recovery by seeing and doing what is possible. This time let’s elect a government that is on our side. This time, it’s Andrea and the NDP.”

Biography

• Elman is a Global Advisor at Until the Last Child and Fellow at the Laidlaw Foundation of Ontario
• Elman served as Ontario’s first and only Child Advocate from 2008 to 2019
• Elman was recognized as “Advocate of the Year” by the North American Adoption Council
• Elman and his wife are raising their two young sons in Toronto