
Evelyn Gigantes
Canadian Politician
- Lifespan
- November 1, 1942 – January 16, 2026Nov 1, 1942 – Jan 16, 2026
- Location
- Ottawa, Ontario, CanadaOttawa, Ontario, Canada

Canadian Politician
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Key moments and achievements from Evelyn Gigantes's life.
Evelyn was born
· Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Before entering politics, Evelyn Gigantes worked as a radio and television broadcaster with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). She hosted her own current affairs show in Ottawa and served as an interviewer, developing the public communication skills that would later define her political career.
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Before entering politics, Evelyn Gigantes worked as a radio and television broadcaster with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). She hosted her own current affairs show in Ottawa and served as an interviewer, developing the public communication skills that would later define her political career.
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In 1975, Evelyn Gigantes won a by-election in the riding of Carleton East, becoming a member of the Ontario Legislature for the New Democratic Party. This first electoral victory launched a political career that would span two decades in provincial politics.
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In 1975, Evelyn Gigantes won a by-election in the riding of Carleton East, becoming a member of the Ontario Legislature for the New Democratic Party. This first electoral victory launched a political career that would span two decades in provincial politics.
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In 1980, Evelyn Gigantes made history as the first sitting Ontario Member of Provincial Parliament to give birth while in office. This milestone was a groundbreaking moment for women in Canadian politics and challenged traditional expectations of female politicians.
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In 1980, Evelyn Gigantes made history as the first sitting Ontario Member of Provincial Parliament to give birth while in office. This milestone was a groundbreaking moment for women in Canadian politics and challenged traditional expectations of female politicians.
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When the Ontario NDP swept to power in 1990, Evelyn Gigantes was appointed Minister of Health in Bob Raes cabinet on October 1, 1990. In this role, she announced the province would establish fully funded free-standing abortion clinics to ensure reproductive health services remained accessible across Ontario.
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When the Ontario NDP swept to power in 1990, Evelyn Gigantes was appointed Minister of Health in Bob Raes cabinet on October 1, 1990. In this role, she announced the province would establish fully funded free-standing abortion clinics to ensure reproductive health services remained accessible across Ontario.
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Gigantes served as Ontario Minister of Housing, where she championed tenants rights and pushed for progressive housing reform. She proposed legalizing apartments within houses, known as granny-flats, leading to the landmark Residents Rights Act of 1994 that removed municipal power to ban basement apartments.
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Gigantes served as Ontario Minister of Housing, where she championed tenants rights and pushed for progressive housing reform. She proposed legalizing apartments within houses, known as granny-flats, leading to the landmark Residents Rights Act of 1994 that removed municipal power to ban basement apartments.
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Throughout her political career, Gigantes was recognized as a fierce advocate for tenants rights and reproductive health access. Her policy work ensured that abortion services remained available in Ontario and that vulnerable tenants had legal protections against exploitative housing practices.
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Throughout her political career, Gigantes was recognized as a fierce advocate for tenants rights and reproductive health access. Her policy work ensured that abortion services remained available in Ontario and that vulnerable tenants had legal protections against exploitative housing practices.
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The Residents Rights Act, championed by Gigantes during her tenure as housing minister, was passed into law in the summer of 1994. The legislation removed the ability of municipalities to ban basement apartments and improved tenant safety by giving renters the ability to file complaints against landlords.
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The Residents Rights Act, championed by Gigantes during her tenure as housing minister, was passed into law in the summer of 1994. The legislation removed the ability of municipalities to ban basement apartments and improved tenant safety by giving renters the ability to file complaints against landlords.
Evelyn Gigantes passed away