39 year old social activist Michelle Bilek, a long standing supporter of democracy, human rights, equality and the environment and advocate against violence and poverty is driven to challenge the status quo and make a difference in the lives of ordinary Canadians. Michelle works tirelessly for those less fortunate and those that feel they do not have a voice in the community. Michelle worked as a high school teacher; in Long Term Care and Retirement Residences in Peel Region; and at Princess Margaret Hospital in Psychosocial Education.
Michelle is the Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services (SAVIS), a former Board member with the United Nations Association in Canada, a member of the Council of Canadians, Interpares, and Fair Vote Canada. She has also been a guest editor with Canadian Women’s Studies Magazine and is a current member and participant in the Peel Poverty Action Group, Habitat for Humanity, Make Poverty History and Equal Voice.
Michelle is a committed New Democrat who was an executive member of the Oakville Riding Association for 5 years before returning to Mississauga in June 2008. She was the financial agent for the Oakville NDP and the Campaign Manager during the Provincial Election of 2007, the Oakville Federal NDP candidate in 2008, the Mississauga-Erindale Federal NDP candidate in May 2011 and the Mississauga-Erindale Provincial Candidate in October 2011. She also ran for School Board Trustee in the Mississauga Municipal election in 2010.
Michelle’s political values come from her upbringing and education. Michelle has studied Psychology & Sociology from McMaster and Women’s Studies & Gender Studies from York and is working to complete a Master’s Degree in Women’s Studies at York.
Michelle cares deeply about sustaining and improving our health care system and eradicating poverty in Canada and throughout the world. Michelle believes that poverty, malnutrition and homelessness are completely unnecessary - a shameful disgrace, if not criminal - in a country as wealthy as Canada.
Michelle has a diverse range of experience within the NDP and also within the communities of the Central West Region of Ontario. On April 13, 2012 Michelle was elected to the Ontario NDP Provincial Executive as the Women's Representative for the West Central Region of Ontario.In her role as Central West Region representative her dedication, skills, experience and connections will help build a strong presence for the NDP in this region.
