MPP: Michael Coteau - Don Valley East

Father, we thank You for the strength that You have given to Hon Michael Coteau, MPP; strength of character, integrity and the ability to understand the complexities that he faces in his everyday life. We ask that You would further strengthen him and that he would clearly see the issues that stand before him as he makes decisions that will affect the people of Ontario. In the name of Jesus, amen.

Michael Coteau was elected in 2011 as the MPP for Don Valley East and previously served as the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Previously, Michael was elected as a school trustee for the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) in 2003, 2006 and 2010.

As a trustee, Michael advocated for student nutrition, community use of space and the use of educational technology. He initiated the Community Use of Schools motion that drastically cut user fees and made the schools more accessible to groups that offer programs for children. He helped introduce nutritional changes in schools that supported healthy food programs and increased awareness of student hunger.

Michael worked as an ESL teacher and curriculum developer before becoming a community organizer for a United Way agency in Scarborough where he organized the Malvern Youth Cabinet, the Law and Order Youth Group and the Malvern Photo Club.

He was also the Marketing Manager for ABC Life Literacy, where he was responsible for the organizing of the Family Literacy Day across Canada, and was Executive Director of Alpha Plus, a national literacy organization mandated to support adult education through the use of technology.

Michael grew up in Don Valley East and attended Don Mills Middle School and Victoria Park Collegiate Institute. He holds degrees from Carleton University in both Political Science and Canadian History. Michael and his wife Lori live in Toronto with their two beautiful daughters, Maren and Myla.

http://michaelcoteau.onmpp.ca/Biography