Jennifer Stevens

Jennifer Stevens is a Canadian politician, who was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in the 2018 provincial election. She represents the riding of St. Catharines as a member of the Ontario New Democratic Party. Prior to her election in the legislature, she was a city councillor for 15 years for St. Catharines City Council.

Background Stevens has a background in the not-for profit sector, serving on the board of the Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre. She also served on the Merritton Athletic Association.

Political career Stevens' political career began in municipal politics. She served as city councillor for 15 years, for St. Catharines City Council, representing Merritton Ward (Ward 1), located in the city's southeast. Stevens' first foray into provincial politics was in the 2014 Ontario general election, where she was unsuccessful against Liberal incumbent Jim Bradley. In the 2018 Ontario general election, Stevens defeated Bradley, becoming the first woman to represent St. Catharines in the legislature.

In April 2021, Stevens introduced a private member's bill titled Bill 274, Intimate Partner Violence Disclosure Act. The bill was based on Clare's Law, and sought to provide additional protections for individuals at-risk of domestic violence. Bill 274 was defeated in a vote the same month; after the Progressive Conservatives voted against it.

Stevens was re-elected in the 2022 Ontario general election, defeating Progressive Conservative candidate and St. Catharines city councillor Sal Sorrento.

As of August 11, 2024, she serves as the Official Opposition critic for Sports, Tourism, and for Veterans, Legions, and Military Affairs.

In October 2024, Stevens introduced a bill known as Bill 213, Affordable Home Heating Act. The bill proposed creating a Heating Support Program to assist low-income seniors and families with the costs of heating their homes during the winter. On December 9, the bill was defeated.

In 2024, she advocated for increased supports for homeless veterans. Stevens stated that the number of homeless veterans was growing, and that they were having difficulties accessing government assistance.

Electoral record

2014 St. Catharines City Council Election - Ward 1 - Merriton Candidate Total votes % of total voteJennie Stevens (X) 2,42327.32%David Haywood 1,55717.56%Brandon Curie 1,09212.31%Leslie Seaborne 1,02311.54%Marta Liddiard 6767.62%Geoffrey Black 3113.51% Total valid votes 8,868100.00

2010 St. Catharines City Council Election - Ward 1 - Merriton Candidate Total votes % of total voteJennie Stevens (X) 2,29432.96%Jeff Burch (X) 2,06429.66%David Haywood 1,13416.29%Garry Robbins 81711.74%Sam Sacco 4917.05%Cameron Alderdice 1602.30% Total valid votes 6,960100.00

2006 St. Catharines City Council Election - Ward 1 - Meritton Candidate Total votes % of total voteJeff Burch 2857 33.01%Jennie Stevens (X) 2849 32.92%Sheila Morra (X) 2049 23.68%Robbie Craine 899 10.39% Total valid votes 6,960100.00

2003 St. Catharines City Council Election - Ward 1 - Merriton Candidate Total votes % of total votesSheila Morra 161521.12%Jennie Stevens 152819.98%Mike O'Leary 132617.34%John Anderson 83010.85%Jack Wallace 5336.97%Matthew Bell 5236.84%Robbie Craine 4105.36%George Goff 3714.85%Jim Fannon 2303.01%Jonathon Inkol 1592.08%Fely Ante Whitfield 1231.61% Total valid votes 7,648100.00

2000 St. Catharines City Council Election - Ward 1 - Merriton Candidate Total votes % of total votesJames Almas 2,58937.17%Wendy Patriquin 2,06029.57%Jennie Stevens 1,71124.56%George Goff 6068.70% Total valid votes 6,966100.00