Jim Henderson (Ontario politician) facts for kids

Donald James Henderson, often called Jim, was a Canadian politician. He was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. He served as a Liberal representative from 1985 to 1995. He represented areas like Humber and Etobicoke—Humber.

Jim Henderson's Early Life and Education

Jim Henderson went to several universities. These included the University of Toronto and Johns Hopkins University. He studied to become a medical doctor. He also became a psychiatrist and a psychoanalyst. Before entering politics, he worked at hospitals. He was also a professor at the University of Toronto.

Jim Henderson's Political Career

Jim Henderson decided to enter politics in 1985. He was elected to the Ontario legislature. He won against Morley Kells in the Toronto area of Humber. His party, the Liberal Party, formed a minority government after this election. Henderson said he simply walked into the Liberal office and wanted to be a candidate.

First Steps in Government

Initially, Henderson was a parliamentary assistant. This role helps a minister with their work. He worked for the Ministry of Community and Social Services. In 1986, he disagreed with his own party. The government wanted to stop doctors from charging extra fees. Henderson supported the doctors during their strike. This made the premier, David Peterson, unhappy. Henderson was seen as more conservative than other Liberals.

Re-election and New Roles

He was later appointed as a parliamentary assistant for the Ministry of Colleges and Universities. In the 1987 Ontario general election, he was re-elected. He won by an even larger margin. This was in the new area called Etobicoke—Humber. He continued to help the Ministry of Colleges and Universities. Later, he worked on the province's Anti-Drug Strategy.

Opposition and Defeat

In the 1990 Ontario general election, the Liberal Party lost. The Ontario New Democratic Party won the election. However, Henderson still won his seat. He defeated his opponent by about 3,500 votes. After this, he became his party's critic for Culture and Communications. This meant he spoke for his party on these topics.

In the 1995 Ontario general election, the Progressive Conservatives won. Henderson lost his seat to Doug Ford, Sr.. Doug Ford, Sr. was the father of former Toronto city councillor Rob Ford.

Bills and Ideas

While in government, Henderson proposed several bills. These are ideas for new laws. One bill in 1988 was about child custody. It suggested that parents should share custody after a divorce. This would happen unless it harmed the children. Another bill in 1987 was about health. It would have allowed people to get anonymous HIV tests. He also wanted members of parliament to have more freedom. This would let them vote based on their area's views.

Later Life and Passing

After leaving politics, Jim Henderson returned to his work. He practiced psychoanalysis in Toronto until 2011. He passed away on May 2, 2020. He died from problems related to Parkinson's disease and COVID-19. This happened during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada.