Sheri Benson
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Sheri Benson | |
|---|---|
| Deputy Leader of the New Democratic Party | |
| In office March 14, 2019 – October 20, 2019[1] | |
| Leader | Jagmeet Singh |
| Preceded by | David Christopherson |
| Succeeded by | Alexandre Boulerice |
| Member of Parliament for Saskatoon West | |
| In office October 19, 2015 – September 11, 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Riding Established |
| Succeeded by | Brad Redekopp |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1962 or 1963 (age 62–63)[2] |
| Party | New Democratic |
| Portfolio | NDP Critic for Housing |
Sheri Benson (born 1962 or 1963) is a Canadian politician who represented the riding of Saskatoon West in the House of Commons of Canada from the 2015 election until her defeat in 2019. She is a member of the New Democratic Party (NDP). Prior to her election, she was the CEO of the local United Way and also served as a justice of the peace.[3][4]
Benson lived in Brandon[5] and Winnipeg during her early childhood, where she also participated in Girl Guides of Canada programs as a Brownie and Guide. As a member of Girl Guides, Benson earned a fire safety badge for which she was presented a certificate of achievement by Howard Pawley, and often went by the nickname "Safety Sher".[6]
Background and prior community involvement
As CEO for the local United Way, since 2009, Benson worked with community, labour, and business groups to launch Saskatoon's first-ever Plan to End Homelessness and Saskatoon's Housing First Program. Benson also implemented the organization's ground-breaking Aboriginal Engagement Strategy.
Under Benson's leadership, United Way support for community programs grew 60%—to nearly $5-million in 2014.
Benson was the inaugural Justice of the Peace for Saskatchewan's Victims of Domestic Violence Act. In 2014, Benson received a YWCA Woman of Distinction Award for Community Building.
To further strengthen community services, she co-founded the Saskatoon Collaborative Funding Partnership and has co-chaired the Saskatoon Regional Intersectoral Committee.
