Michael Thompson (Canadian politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Thompson
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Thompson in 2020
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| Toronto City Councillor for (Ward 21) Scarborough Centre Ward 37 (2003-2018) |
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| Assumed office December 1, 2003 |
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| Preceded by | Lorenzo Berardinetti |
| Chair of the Scarborough Community Council | |
| In office June 27, 2005 – December 1, 2006 |
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| Preceded by | Raymond Cho |
| Succeeded by | Norm Kelly |
| Personal details | |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Residences | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
Michael Thompson is a Canadian politician. He has been a city councillor in Toronto since 2003. He helps make decisions for the city and currently represents an area called Ward 21 Scarborough Centre.
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Michael Thompson's Early Life
Michael Thompson grew up in Scarborough, a part of Toronto. He is a Jamaican Canadian. He went to Ionview Public School and Sir John A. Macdonald Collegiate. Later, he earned a university degree, a Bachelor of Arts, from Concordia University in Montreal. Before becoming a city councillor, he worked in finance. He also started his own business services company.
His Journey in Politics
Michael Thompson first tried to enter local politics in 1994. He did not win that election. In 1998, he started working as an assistant to Councillor Lorenzo Berardinetti. When Councillor Berardinetti was elected to a different government role, Thompson successfully ran to take his place. This happened in the 2003 Toronto municipal election.
Focus on Community Safety
After being elected, Thompson became known for focusing on community safety. He often spoke about the need to address violence in the city. In 2005, Toronto experienced a difficult period with many shootings. Thompson suggested ways to make communities safer. He believed it was important to protect everyone, especially in areas most affected.
Improving Transportation
Thompson spent many years working to improve public transportation in Scarborough. He strongly supported replacing the old Scarborough RT train line. He wanted to extend the Bloor-Danforth subway into Scarborough. He believed this would help more people travel easily.
Working with Other Leaders
In November 2013, during a time when Toronto's mayor, Rob Ford, faced many questions, Thompson was part of the city council meetings. He asked questions to understand the situation better.
Thompson was re-elected in the 2014 municipal election. He won with a very large number of votes.
Helping Others in Unexpected Ways
In May 2017, Michael Thompson was on a flight from Jamaica to Toronto. He helped the Air Canada crew and other passengers. They worked together to calm down a passenger who was causing trouble. The plane had to land early in Orlando, Florida.
Changes to City Wards
Thompson ran for Toronto City Council again in the 2018 municipal election. This election was different because the number of city wards changed. The Ontario government decided to reduce the number of councillors from 50 to 25. Thompson supported this change. He won his election in the new Ward 21 Scarborough Centre.
Supporting Toronto's Night Economy
In 2019, Toronto Mayor John Tory gave Thompson a new role. He became the city's first Ambassador for the Night Economy. This job involves helping businesses that operate at night. He works to make sure these businesses can grow and succeed.
Recent Events
During the 2022 municipal election, Michael Thompson faced some serious accusations. He was charged with two counts by the Ontario Provincial Police. Following this news, Mayor Tory announced that Thompson would step down from his roles as chair of the city's economic development committee and as deputy mayor. His trial began in October 2024.
