Tobias Enverga facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Honourable Tobias Enverga
Senator for Ontario
In office September 6, 2012 – November 16, 2017
Nominated by	Stephen Harper
Appointed by	David Johnston
TCDSB Trustee for Ward 8
In office December 1, 2010 – September 5, 2012
Preceded by	Oliver Carroll
Succeeded by	Garry Tanuan
Personal details
Born	(1955-12-02)December 2, 1955 Lucena, Quezon, Philippines
Died	November 16, 2017(2017-11-16) (aged 61) Medellín, Colombia
Political party	Conservative
Spouse	Rosemer
Children	3 daughters (Rystle, Reeza and Rocel)
Alma mater	Colegio de San Juan de Letran, York University, Centennial College

Tobias C. Enverga Jr. (born December 2, 1955 – died November 16, 2017) was an important Canadian politician. He was the first person of Filipino background to become a Senator in Canada. He worked hard to help his community and people with special needs.

About Tobias Enverga

Tobias Enverga was born in the Philippines. He moved to Canada and became a project manager at the Bank of Montreal. He worked there for over 30 years. He also went to college and university in the Philippines and Canada. He studied economics and computer skills.

Helping the Community

Before becoming a Senator, Tobias Enverga was a school trustee in Toronto. This meant he helped make decisions for Catholic schools in the city. He was the first Filipino-Canadian elected to a public job in Toronto. He started "Rosary Day" for Catholic schools to pray together.

He also helped organize Asian Heritage Month celebrations. He was a director for the Canadian Multicultural Council. He started the Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation. He also led the Philippine Independence Day Council.

Mr. Enverga supported many charities too. These included ANCOP Canada and Kol Hope Foundation for Children. He also helped the Community Alliance for Social Justice. This group works for fairness and helps people who are struggling. He also helped send aid when Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines.

Becoming a Senator

Tobias Enverga was chosen to be a Senator for Canada on September 6, 2012. He was part of the Conservative Party. He was the first Filipino-Canadian to serve in the Senate.

What a Senator Does

One of his main goals as a Senator was to help people with Down syndrome. This was important to him because one of his daughters has Down syndrome. Senator Enverga also strongly supported multiculturalism. This means celebrating all the different cultures in Canada.

He started the first Philippine Flag-Raising event on Parliament Hill. This event celebrated Philippine Independence Day on June 12. Many people from Ontario and Quebec came to this special event.

Senator Enverga was part of several important groups in the Senate. These groups are called Standing Committees. He worked on committees for Aboriginal Peoples, Banking, Trade and Commerce, and National Finance. He also helped with Maritime Search and Rescue Operations and National Security and Defense.

He was also Canada's main representative at a meeting called the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA). He talked with leaders from Southeast Asian countries. They discussed how Canada handles disasters, drug policies, and trade.

He was also a member of the Canadian group for ParlAmericas. This group includes lawmakers from 35 countries in North, Central, and South America. He helped build connections with other politicians and community leaders.

Awards and Recognitions

Tobias Enverga received many awards for his work. In 2008, he received the Linkapil Award. This award is given to Filipinos who help with development in the Philippines.

In 2012, he received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. This medal honors people who have done great service for Canada. He was also given the rank of Knight Grand Officer of Rizal (KGOR) by the Philippine Order of the Knights of Rizal.

His Passing

Tobias Enverga passed away on November 16, 2017. He was on a trip to Medellín, Colombia, for a parliamentary meeting.