Todd Russell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Todd Norman Russell
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| Member of Parliament for Labrador |
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| In office May 24, 2005 – May 30, 2011 |
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| Preceded by | Lawrence D. O'Brien |
| Succeeded by | Peter Penashue |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 22, 1966 St. Anthony, Newfoundland |
| Political party | Liberal Party of Canada |
| Profession | Metis affairs leader |
Todd Norman Dwayne Russell, born on December 22, 1966, is a Canadian politician. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) for the area of Labrador in Newfoundland and Labrador. He represented the Liberal Party from 2005 to 2011.
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Early Life and Background
Todd Russell was born in St. Anthony, Newfoundland. He grew up in a place called William's Harbour.
He is from the Métis people, who are an Indigenous group in Canada. Before he became an MP, he was the president of NunatuKavut. This is an Indigenous group in his home region. He studied at Memorial University in St. John's.
His Time in Politics
Becoming an MP
On May 24, 2005, Todd Russell won a special election called a by-election in Labrador. This election was held because the previous Liberal MP, Lawrence D. O'Brien, had passed away.
His victory helped the federal Liberal Party keep its strength in a "minority parliament." This meant they had enough support to pass important laws, like the budget.
Re-election and Role
Todd Russell was re-elected as an MP in the 2006 and 2008 federal elections. During his time in Parliament, he served as the "Critic for Aboriginal Affairs."
This role meant he was the main person in his party who focused on issues important to Indigenous peoples. His party was part of the "Official Opposition," which checks on the government's work.
End of His MP Role
In the 2011 election, Todd Russell was not re-elected. He was defeated by Peter Penashue from the Conservative Party.
After Federal Politics
Focus on the Muskrat Falls Project
After leaving federal politics, Todd Russell returned to his role as president of NunatuKavut. He has spoken out against the Muskrat Falls hydroelectric project. This is a large project that generates electricity from water.
Other Important Work
In 2016, Todd Russell asked the Canadian government to apologize. He wanted them to say sorry for how residential school survivors from Newfoundland and Labrador were treated. These schools were a difficult part of Canadian history for Indigenous children.
