Joe Fontana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joe Fontana
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Fontana in 2012
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| 61st Mayor of London | |
| In office December 1, 2010 – June 19, 2014 |
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| Preceded by | Anne Marie DeCicco-Best |
| Succeeded by | Joni Baechler |
| Member of Parliament for London North Centre |
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| In office June 2, 1997 – September 20, 2006 |
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| Preceded by | District created |
| Succeeded by | Glen Pearson |
| Member of Parliament for London East |
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| In office November 21, 1988 – June 1, 1997 |
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| Preceded by | Jim Jepson |
| Succeeded by | District abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 13, 1950 Cellara, Cosenza, Italy |
| Political party | Liberal |
Joseph Frank Fontana (born January 13, 1950) is a Canadian politician who was born in Italy. He was a member of the Liberal Party of Canada in the House of Commons of Canada from 1987 to 2006. He also served as the mayor of London, Ontario, from 2010 until 2014.
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Early Life and Education
Joe Fontana was born in Cellara, Italy, in 1950. When he was four years old, he moved to Canada with his parents.
He started studying chemical engineering at the University of Waterloo. However, he left school to become a drummer in a rock band. Later, he moved to London, Ontario.
He briefly returned to school at the University of Western Ontario. But he left again to work in real estate and the insurance business.
Getting Involved in Politics
Joe Fontana became interested in local politics. He was against building a federal prison in London.
In 1976, he ran for a spot on the London City Council, representing Ward 3, but he did not win. In 1978, he tried to become a Liberal candidate for a federal election, but he was not chosen.
Later in 1978, he was elected to the London City Council. He served on the council until 1988. From 1985 to 1988, he was also part of London's Board of Control.
Serving in the Canadian Parliament
In 1988, Joe Fontana was elected to the House of Commons of Canada. This is where Canada's laws are made. He was part of the opposition at the time.
He worked as a critic for urban affairs and housing. He also started a band called "True Grit" with other Liberal politicians. One of them was Jean Chrétien, who later became Prime Minister.
Joe Fontana became the leader of the Liberal politicians from Ontario. He helped with important projects, like looking into Via Rail (Canada's passenger train service). He also worked on a group studying the economy. In 1990, he supported Paul Martin in his bid to become the leader of the Liberal Party.
Key Roles in Government
He was re-elected in 1993. After that, he became a parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Transport. In this role, he helped introduce the National Airports Policy. This policy changed how airports in Canada were managed.
From 1996 to 1999, he was the leader of the national Liberal group three times. This was a record at the time. In 1999, he became the leader of the committee that deals with citizenship and immigration. He also led the Liberal group for Southwestern Ontario.
Joe Fontana served as the Minister of Labour in Paul Martin's government. He held this position until February 6, 2006. On that day, Stephen Harper became the new Prime Minister.
He was re-elected to the House of Commons in 1997, 2000, 2004, and 2006. After leaving his role as Minister, he became the critic for science and research for the Liberal Party. Many people thought he might try to become the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. However, he decided not to run and supported Gerard Kennedy instead.
Becoming Mayor of London
On September 8, 2006, Joe Fontana announced he would run for mayor of London. He ran against the current mayor, Anne Marie DeCicco-Best. On September 20, 2006, he officially left his seat in the House of Commons to focus on the mayoral race. However, he did not win that election.
He later announced he would run again in the 2010 London mayoral election. He ran against Anne Marie DeCicco-Best once more. This time, Joe Fontana won the election and became the mayor of London.
In 2012, Joe Fontana received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. He received this award because he was a member of the Privy Council of Canada.
Electoral Results Summary
Joe Fontana participated in several elections throughout his political career.
London Mayoral Elections
- In the 2010 London mayoral election, Joe Fontana won with 48,626 votes (47.2%). He defeated Anne Marie DeCicco-Best, who received 46,089 votes (44.8%).
- In the 2006 London mayoral election, Joe Fontana received 35,083 votes (35.7%). He lost to Anne Marie DeCicco-Best, who won with 57,891 votes (57.7%).
Federal Elections (Member of Parliament)
Joe Fontana was elected as a Member of Parliament for the Liberal Party in several federal elections:
- In 2006, he won with 40.12% of the votes.
- In 2004, he won with 43.08% of the votes.
- In 2000, he won with 51.54% of the votes.
- In 1997, he won with 51.72% of the votes.
- In 1993, he won with 55.8% of the votes.
- In 1988, he won with 37.7% of the votes.
See also
- List of University of Waterloo people
