16 Facts About Maria Minna

Maria Minna's father worked in the construction industry and her mother laboured as a factory worker.

Maria Minna is the third eldest of five children, having three sisters and a brother.

Maria Minna attended a vocational high school earning a diploma and started working as a secretary.

Maria Minna served as president of the National Congress of Italian-Canadians.

Maria Minna sought the Liberal nomination for the riding of York West in 1984.

Maria Minna tried to get nominated in the riding of York North in 1988 but lost to Maurizio Bevilacqua.

Maria Minna later appealed the nomination but withdrew the complaint claiming that the appeal process was tainted.

Maria Minna was elected to parliament in the 1993 election in which the Liberal party won all but one of the 99 Ontario seats.

Maria Minna held the post until the beginning of 2002.

On December 11,2001, Maria Minna was accused of improperly voting in a municipal by-election.

Maria Minna was bitter about the demotion and complained to the Liberal Party's women's caucus that she was told to keep quiet about the issue.

In October 2004, Maria Minna was appointed special adviser to the Minister of Foreign Affairs on issues of women, peace and security.

In March 2005, Maria Minna led a five-person Parliamentary delegation to assist with the peace process in Sri Lanka.

From 2006 to January 2009, Maria Minna was the Official Opposition Critic for the Status of Women.

On May 2,2011, during the 41st federal election, Maria Minna lost her seat to NDP candidate Matthew Kellway.

Maria Minna has received several awards recognizing her involvement with the immigrant community.