• First elected the Member of Parliament for Vancouver East in 1997, re-elected in 2000, 2004 and 2006
• Elected to the Vancouver City Council in 1982 and served five consecutive terms
• From 1994 to 1997 worked with the Hospital Employees' Union (HEU), serving as Ombudsperson for Human Rights, Complaints Investigator, and Coordinator of Human Resources
• An outspoken advocate for drug policy reforms to stop the criminalization of drug users and the harm caused by Canada's prohibitionist policies
• Has received numerous awards from organizations such as the Vancouver and District Labour Council and the YMCA
• Born in England; has lived in Vancouver since 1969
• Mother of one son, Lief Eriksen; lives with her partner, Kimberly Elliott

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