Margarett Best : Ask Biography

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Margarett Best (born 1958 in May Pen, Jamaica) is a Canadian politician. She was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in the 2007 provincial election, representing the riding of Scarborough-Guildwood. She is a member of the Liberal Party.

Best, an African Canadian lawyer and community activist, was born in Jamaica. She was educated at the University of Toronto at Scarborough and Osgoode Hall Law School.

A member of the Ontario Legislature, she was appointed Minister of Health Promotion after the 2007 election. Her ministry supports a wide range of programs and services that include chronic disease prevention, physical activity, sport participation, injury prevention and mental wellness.

A lawyer, advocate, mentor and dedicated community volunteer, Best has been recognized with numerous awards for her community service, including the African Canadian Achievement Award in 2006. In 2008, she was conferred with a Honourary Doctorate of Laws Degree by the Northern Caribbean University. Minister Best has also received the BBPA Women of Distinction Award and, in October 2009, was bestowed with a 2009 National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada Award in the Distinguished Services category of Equality/Social Justice.

She is a mother, an avid gardener who loves the arts and has a passion for writing.