Jonathan Genest-Jourdain facts for kids

Jonathan Genest-Jourdain was born on July 16, 1979. He is a Canadian politician from the province of Quebec. Jonathan Genest-Jourdain was a Member of Parliament (MP) for the area known as Manicouagan. He was a member of the New Democratic Party (NDP). From 2011 to 2015, he was also part of the Official Opposition Shadow Cabinet.

Jonathan Genest-Jourdain's Political Journey

Starting in Local Politics

Jonathan Genest-Jourdain began his political career in 2009. He started in local politics in the city of Sept-Îles, Quebec. This means he was involved in decisions for his own community.

Working as a Lawyer and Activist

As a lawyer, Jonathan Genest-Jourdain worked hard for important causes. He was a strong supporter of issues related to Aboriginal people, Quebec, and Canadian history. He used his legal skills to help these groups.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

In the 2011 Canadian federal election, Jonathan Genest-Jourdain won a big election. He defeated the current MP, Gérard Asselin, who was from the Bloc Québécois party. This was a special win because he was the first ever NDP member to represent the Manicouagan area.

He also made history as one of two First Nations members representing Quebec in the House of Commons of Canada. The House of Commons is where Canada's laws are made. He worked on the Canadian House of Commons Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. This committee deals with issues important to Indigenous peoples.

His Background and Education

Jonathan Genest-Jourdain is a member of the Innu Nation. The Innu are one of Canada's Indigenous peoples. He comes from the reserve village of Uashat-Maliotenam. This village is located near Sept-Îles, Quebec.

He studied law at Université Laval and earned his law degree in 2004. Since 2007, he has been a member of the Bar of Quebec. This means he is officially allowed to practice law in Quebec. He has always focused on using his skills to help people in society.

Supporting Party Leadership

In 2012, Jonathan Genest-Jourdain supported Tom Mulcair. Tom Mulcair was running to become the leader of the New Democratic Party. This election was held after the death of the previous leader, Jack Layton.

End of His Term

In the 2015 Canadian federal election, Jonathan Genest-Jourdain ran for re-election. However, he finished third in his riding of Manicouagan. Marilène Gill from the Bloc Québécois party became the new MP for the area.

Jonathan Genest-Jourdain's Role in Shadow Cabinet

What is a Shadow Cabinet?

After Jonathan Genest-Jourdain became an MP in May 2011, he was given an important role. The leader of the NDP, Jack Layton, appointed him to the shadow cabinet.

The shadow cabinet is made up of members from the main opposition party. They "shadow" the government's ministers. This means they watch what the government is doing and suggest different ideas.

Deputy Critic for Aboriginal Affairs

In the shadow cabinet, Jonathan Genest-Jourdain became the Deputy Critic for Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. In this role, he helped to review and comment on the government's policies related to Indigenous peoples and northern regions.