Linda Asper

Linda Asper (born 1 December 1943) is a politician in Manitoba, Canada. She joined the Liberal Party and then later returned to the New Democratic Party during the 1990s. She was a member of the Manitoba legislature from 1999 to 2003.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Early life

Asper holds a Ph.D. in education, and had an extensive career as an educator before entering political life. She was a Winnipeg school trustee for the Seine River division, and served as president of the Manitoba Teachers' Society and vice-president of the Canadian Teachers' Federation for a period of time.<ref name="leg">Template:Cite web</ref> Asper was also a member of the Faculty Council of the University of Manitoba, and served on the board of governors at St. Boniface College. In addition to her career in education, she was a member of the Manitoba Action Committee on the Status of Women.

Political career

In the 1990 provincial election, Asper ran as a Liberal in the south Winnipeg riding of Niakwa. She was defeated by Progressive Conservative candidate Jack Reimer<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> by 4,950 votes to 4,301.

By 1999, Asper had crossed over to the New Democratic Party. In that year's provincial election, she was elected as a New Democratic for the Winnipeg riding of Riel, defeating Progressive Conservative incumbent David Newman<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> 4,833 votes to 4,559.

Post-political career

In April 2003, Asper announced that she was leaving politics to take a position with Education International an advocacy group based in Brussels, Belgium. She now promotes the rights of both children and educators on an international level, and has been a vocal opponent of child labour practices.

Personal life

Linda Asper was the sister-in-law of the late Israel Asper.