Donald Abel
Don Abel | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 4, 1952 |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, union leader, newspaper publisher, municipal officer |
| Years active | 1990–1995 (MPP) |
| Known for | Ontario New Democratic Party MPP for Wentworth North (1990–1995) |
Donald "Don" Clarke Abel (born February 4, 1952) is a former politician from Ontario. He represented Wentworth North as a Ontario New Democratic Party MPP between 1990 and 1995.
Background
Abel pursued studies in economics, industrial sociology, political science, labour history, and labour law at the Labour College of Canada located in Ottawa. His professional experience includes roles in purchasing and plant management with the Wentworth County Board of Education. Additionally, he held the position of president for Local 1572 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) for a decade. Prior to his election, he also worked as a National Service Representative for CUPE.
During his time in office in 1992, Abel's son Mark suffered paralysis due to a skiing incident in New York State. The family incurred medical expenses totaling $50,000, which were ultimately offset by community fundraising efforts and contributions from all three political parties represented in the Legislative Assembly.
Politics
In the provincial election of 1990, Abel unseated incumbent government house leader Chris Ward to become the MPP for Wentworth North. That same year, he introduced Bill 22, known as the Deaf Persons' Rights Act—a private member’s bill designed to grant hearing-ear dogs rights comparable to those of guide dogs for the visually impaired. Although the bill advanced through second reading and committee approval stages, it did not become law before the government was defeated in 1995.
Throughout his legislative term, Abel held positions as both deputy whip and whip. He chaired the NDP caucus personnel committee and participated on several standing committees such as general government, finance and economic affairs, estimates, and the ombudsman committee.
In 1994, Abel was one of twelve NDP members who opposed Bill 167, legislation intended to provide financial benefits to same-sex partners; this bill was rejected by a vote of 68-59 after Premier Bob Rae permitted a free vote among party members.
Abel also made an unsuccessful bid for mayor of Dundas prior to its merger with Hamilton-Wentworth.
He later ran as the NDP candidate in Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock during the 2011 provincial election. Despite finishing third behind candidates with parliamentary experience, his campaign achieved an 11.32% increase in vote share—the highest NDP performance in that riding since 1990. Abel contested the same seat again in 2014, further improving his vote percentage by 2.44%.
After politics
Following his electoral defeat in 1995, Abel established the Dundas Review, a weekly newspaper serving the local community of Dundas, Ontario. Subsequently, he held roles including Senior Licensing Officer/Municipal Law Enforcement Officer and Deputy Division Registrar for the City of Kawartha Lakes until retiring in 2012.