Now in his twentieth year of public service, Tony Martin has a distinguished record of being a champion for Sault Ste. Marie Algoma and Northern Ontario. Throughout his career, Tony has made a point of reaching out to all residents in the riding, working with diverse groups and individuals, listening to their concerns, and forcefully representing the communities' values in government.
Tony was given several important critic portfolios in the last term of Parliament, with responsibilities including persons with disabilities, poverty, and HRSDC senior social policy. He was also a member of the all-party Border Caucus, the Steel Caucus, and the Outdoors Caucus, as well as the NDP’s social policy, aboriginal, and agricultural committees.
In the most recent term, Tony introduced Bill C-545, An Act to Eliminate Poverty in Canada. This legislation, which will be the foundation for future policies addressing poverty, is the result of his life-long work on social issues and was created with leading national non-government poverty organizations. Tony also tabled in Parliament recommendations coming out of a landmark three-year study that grew into a national poverty strategy.
As a Member of Parliament since 2004, and previously as a Member of Provincial Parliament, Tony has been a passionate fighter for Northern jobs and industries. He worked on the successful restructuring of Algoma Steel and St. Mary’s Paper, has aided area farmers in getting necessary assistance, achieved in guaranteeing wood and tree supplies for local forestry businesses, brought in public infrastructure improvements, and succeeded in bringing in legislation to improve protection for local franchise owners.
Before entering politics, Tony’s community involvement has included youth work with the Catholic Church and as Coordinator of the Soup Kitchen Community Centre and General
Manager of a co-op housing construction company.
Tony is married to Saultite Anna Celetti, and they have four children.
