Irene Mathyssen, MP - London-Fanshawe Irene has served as the Member of Parliament for the riding of London-Fanshawe since 2006. Her main focus is in the community, assisting constituents with accessing government services including Employment Insurance and Revenue Canada, resolving immigration issues, and accessing pension, veterans, and disability benefits. Irene is currently the Official Opposition Critic for Veterans, and sits on the Veterans Affairs Committee. She served previously as Seniors Critic, Pensions Critic, Deputy Heritage Critic, Critic for Status of Women, as the chair of the NDP’s women’s caucus and as the chair of the Status of Women committee. Irene serves as Deputy Whip for the NDP in the 42nd Parliament. Over the years Irene has introduced many bills and motions that, if adopted, would go a long way to reducing poverty, promoting equality and protecting those who choose to serve in our cities and our country. Previously, Irene served as the MPP for London-Fanshawe from 1990 to 1995 and taught high school English for over twenty-five years including 10 years at Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School. She has also served as a member of the Ontario Health Coalition. Irene holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Western Ontario. Particularly proud of her work with ReForest London, Clean & Green London, Friends of Meadowlily Woods, and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority initiatives that protect and rehabilitate the local environment, Irene feels it is very important to be involved in the community. Irene was born and raised the riding and is proud to serve the community that has given her so much.