Jill Andrew

Andrew attended Humber College, where she earned a child and youth worker diploma. She also holds a Bachelor of Education (BEd) from York University amongst her other undergraduate degrees, a master’s degree from the University of Toronto in women and gender studies, a PhD from the York University Faculty of Education.^[1]

Andrew ran as the NDP candidate in Toronto—St. Paul's in the 2018 provincial election and was elected as a member of Provincial Parliament (MPP).^[2] She was the critic for culture and women's issues and was part of the Ontario NDP Black caucus, along with fellow MPPs Laura Mae Lindo, Faisal Hassan, Rima Berns-McGown and Kevin Yarde.^[3] She is the first Black and Queer person to be elected to the Ontario Legislature.^[1]

Andrew served as official opposition critic on a number of portfolios, including women's issues, culture and heritage.^[4] Andrew has passed several pieces of legislation, including Bill 61 which proclaims the week beginning February 1 in each year as Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Bill 61 received Royal Assent in December 2020.^[5][6]

As of August 11, 2024, Andrew served as the Official Opposition critic for Women's Social and Economic Opportunity as well as for Culture and Heritage. She was defeated in the 2025 Ontario general election by Liberal candidate Stephanie Smyth.^[7]

Andrew identifies as queer.^[8] Andrew and her partner Aisha Fairclough, a television producer and diversity consultant, are members of the community consortium that own Glad Day Bookshop, an LGBT bookstore in Toronto's Church and Wellesley gay village.^[9] Andrew cofounded the group Body Confidence Canada.^[10]