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Uzoma Asagwara
Canadian politician From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Uzoma Asagwara (// ⓘ) is a Canadian politician who has served as the 11th Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Seniors and Long Term Care in Manitoba since October 18, 2023. A member of the Manitoba New Democratic Party, they have represented the Union Station electoral district in the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba since 2019.[1][2] Upon their election, Asagwara, alongside Jamie Moses and Audrey Gordon, became the first 3 black MLA's in the province's 150 year history.[3] Asagwara is also the first black and first openly LGBT person to serve as Deputy Premier since its creation in 1988.[4]
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Early and personal life
Asagwara was born in Winnipeg to Igbo Nigerian parents.[5] In 2008, Asagwara completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing from the University of Winnipeg and Brandon University.[6] Asagwara was the University of Winnipeg Female Athlete of the Year in 2005–06. In 2007 they led the Canadian Interuniversity Sport in scoring with 28.05 points per game.[7] Asagwara was a member of the Canada women's national basketball team for two years and was part of the team at the 2007 Pan American Games.[6][8] Prior to their election, Asagwara worked full-time as a registered psychiatric nurse specializing in adult and youth mental health and addictions.[9] They are non-binary.[10]
Asagwara served as a member of the former Premier's Advisory Council on education, poverty, and citizenship,[11] and as a member of the Women's Health Clinic board of directors.[12] In 2014, Asagwara founded Queer People of Colour Winnipeg,[13] a Winnipeg-based project which aims to promote the rights and safety of LGBTQ people of colour in the city.
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Political career
Opposition
In the 2019 Manitoba general election, Asagwara was elected to represent the Union Station electoral district.[1][2] Asagwara, alongside Jamie Moses and Audrey Gordon, is one of the first three Black Canadian MLAs elected in Manitoba.[2] They are also the first queer black person to win a seat[14] and Manitoba's first gender non-conforming MLA.[15]
While in opposition, Asagwara served as the Manitoba NDP's health critic.[16] During their time in the legislature, Asagwara has advocated for recognition of Manitoba's minority communities, and was able to pass a bill marking Somali Heritage Week.[17] In November 2021, Asagwara was re-nominated to represent the NDP in the Union Station riding.[18]
Minister of Health, Seniors, and Long-term Care
Following by the victory of the NDP in 2023 Manitoba general election, Asagwara was appointed by Premier Wab Kinew as Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-term Care and Deputy Premier. In August 2024, they announced that going forward, prescription birth control would be fully covered under the Manitoba Pharmacare program at an estimated cost of $11 million dollars.[19]
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Electoral record
References
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