MPP: Bas Balkissoon - Scarborough-Rouge River

Thank You, Lord for MPP Bas Balkissoon and his service to the people of this province. We pray that your hand would continue to guide his life and bless his work. Make him aware of those who genuinely need his help and enable him to contribute to their well-being. Give him the strength and endurance he needs and let him know that his efforts are appreciated. Bless his family with health and wholeness and may they be aware of your presence in their lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Bas Balkissoon was born in Trinidad and immigrated to Canada in 1970.

He was elected to the Ontario legislature in a by-election in 2005 and was re-elected in the 2007, 2011 and 2014 general elections.

Balkissoon currently serves as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services.

He also serves as Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House.

Bas is a member of the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly, the Standing Committee on Estimates and the Select Committee on Developmental Services.

Bas served on the Select Committee for Mental Health and Addictions that published a final report listing recommendations to establish and implement a comprehensive mental health and addictions plan for Ontario.

In 2008, Bas served on the Select Committee that developed the Poverty Reduction Strategy.
He was the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Community and Social Services from 2010-2012, the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care from 2007-2010 and to the Minister of Community Safety in 2006-2007.

Bas Balkissoon was first elected in 1988 to municipal government as a City Councillor for the City of Scarborough and then to the amalgamated City of Toronto in 1997, serving a total of 17 years.
During his 17-year career in municipal politics, Balkissoon served on several standing committees, including the Budget Committee, Audit Committee, Toronto Transit Commission and Toronto Police Services Board.

He also served as chairman of Waste Diversion Ontario and board member for the Metro Toronto Housing Authority and the Social Housing Services Corporation.
In 2001, Balkissoon played a key role in exposing many inappropriate business dealings at the City of Toronto.

Before entering politics, Balkissoon worked for Bell Canada for 17 years in various management positions. During that time, he served as an Advisor to the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Post, Telephone and Telegraph for just over two years.

Balkissoon and his family have lived in Scarborough-Rouge River for over 30 years.

http://basbalkissoon.onmpp.ca/Biography