Joel Harden
Joel Davison Harden is a Canadian politician, who was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in the 2018 provincial election. He represents the riding of Ottawa Centre as a member of the Ontario New Democratic Party.
Harden grew up in Vankleek Hill, Ontario. Prior to being elected, Harden was a researcher at the Canadian Federation of Students. He has also been an instructor at the Department of Law and Legal Studies at Carleton University and an adjunct professor at Brock University and has also taught at Nipissing University, McMaster University and the Labour College of Canada. From 2005 to 2010, he was senior researcher at the Canadian Labour Congress and was director of the labour education department at the Canadian Labour Congress from 2010 to 2012.
Harden earned his undergraduate degree in sociology and political studies at Queen's University and his masters and doctorate in political science at York University. From 1998 to 2000, he was the chairperson of the Ontario section of the Canadian Federation of Students.
Harden is a self-described democratic socialist.
Harden is a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement.
On August 23, 2018, Harden was appointed Official Opposition Critic for Accessibility & Persons with Disabilities; Pensions; Seniors' Affairs.Electoral record
