Parliament AIIndependent · non-official
Portrait of Joanne Thompson. Photo: Lukasz Kobus, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Honourable

Joanne Thompson

Liberal · St. John's East, NL

Sitting MPfemaleAge not recorded

Photo: Lukasz Kobus, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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Biography

Joanne Thompson is a Canadian politician who serves as the Minister of Fisheries and the Member of Parliament for the riding of St. John's East since 2021. A member of the Liberal Party, she has served as the Minister of Seniors and Minister of Fisheries in the cabinets of Justin Trudeau and Mark Carney. encyclopedia

Languages
Englishofficial
Occupation before politics
business executive, politicianencyclopedia

Electoral history

  1. St. John's East

    Liberal · 45th ParliamentSince 2025-04-28
    Joanne Thompson28,681
    David BrazilRunner-up · Conservative11,941

    Difference 16,740 votes. 3 other candidates also ran.

    Elections Canada, 45th general election.

    official
  2. St. John's East

    Liberal · 44th Parliament2021-09-20 to 2025-04-27
    Joanne Thompson17,239
    Mary ShortallRunner-up · NDP-New Democratic Party13,090

    Difference 4,149 votes. 2 other candidates also ran.

    Elections Canada, 44th general election.

    encyclopedia

Education

Our sources do not list any education for this member.

    Experience

    Our sources do not list any previous employment for this member.

      Government roles

      In their own words

      1,082 Hansard interventions on file. These are the words said in the House, not a summary. Private conversations are not collected and are not invented.

      Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome everyone back to the House after the summer. I want to reply to the hon. member from Newfoundland and Labrador. We are moving forward with legislation across the entire sector, but it is very difficult to stand and push back when the Conserva…Oral Questions — Public Safety · 2026-09-24

      Where they stand

      Policy positions are scored only from this member's stored House words and, when it is on file, their own public website. Wikipedia and other encyclopedias may supply details such as a birth date, education or work history, and each of those details is labelled with its source, but they are never used to score a position. Members whose only sources are encyclopedias have no scored positions.

      A stored score on 9 of 14 topics. Each row names the end of that topic’s axis the stored words reached, and the sentence the score rests on.

      Climate

      Faster fossil phase-down

      The other end of this axis: Slower phase-down, production first

      Excerpts repeat calls for bold action and timely net zero transition while questioning fossil fuel subsidies.

      We can no longer deny the effects of climate change, and as a government we have moved beyond conversations surrounding climate change to real, bold action. One of my sons lives in British Columbia, and like many parents across the country, I watch with sorrow over the devastation, loss and pain of so families.
      Source of that line

      Energy

      Restrict new oil and gas

      The other end of this axis: Expand production and export

      Excerpts emphasize partnership for net zero and eliminating subsidies rather than expanding production.

      We are also seeing it in the work that is being done in partnership with oil and gas to begin to move to net zero, and in the real work that is happening to build industries now so that we can meet timelines in the future and create much greener technologies.
      Source of that line

      Federalism

      Provinces lead

      The other end of this axis: Ottawa leads

      Excerpt states federal government cannot impose on provinces in credentialing.

      I don't think that's something the federal government can enter into or impose at all. I want to state that very clearly.
      Source of that line

      Fiscal policy

      Higher taxes and public spending

      The other end of this axis: Lower taxes and tighter spending

      Excerpts defend government spending on affordability measures like child benefits and pandemic relief.

      Because the problem Canadians are facing is global, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, our government has been steadfast in delivering targeted and fiscally responsible financial supports to help Canadians through these challenges. We know that many are experiencing the rise in the cost of living through higher food prices and rent, and we know that this poses a particular challenge for lower-income Canadians, who are more vulnerable to these effects.
      Source of that line

      Foreign affairs

      Assertive alliances and sanctions

      The other end of this axis: Alliance restraint

      Excerpts criticize inaction on Russia and probe threats from China and Russia.

      Because the problem Canadians are facing is global, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, our government has been steadfast in delivering targeted and fiscally responsible financial supports to help Canadians through these challenges.
      Source of that line

      Health

      Expand public coverage

      The other end of this axis: More private delivery

      Excerpts highlight public investments in health care, seniors and mental health access.

      Strengthening and supporting access to health care is a cause close to my heart. I have worked to build a multidisciplinary primary health care team, and defined outcome metrics are critical to the evaluation of our system.
      Source of that line

      Housing

      Public supply and demand controls

      The other end of this axis: Market supply and deregulation

      Excerpts endorse national housing strategy and direct public investments in affordable units.

      This is why the national housing strategy is so important. It ensures that women have the housing they need to stay safe and thrive.
      Source of that line

      Immigration

      Higher permanent intake

      The other end of this axis: Lower intake

      Excerpts repeatedly support increasing immigration levels and welcoming refugees.

      This government continues to increase immigration levels and reduce wait times, support family reunification and deliver on a world-leading refugee resettlement program. This government understands that safer communities require action to strengthen gun control.
      Source of that line

      Labour

      Stronger unions and standards

      The other end of this axis: More flexibility for employers

      Excerpts back paid sick leave and just transition supports for workers.

      Speaker, in December, the House unanimously passed Bill C-3, which establishes paid sick leave for federally regulated workers and protection for health workers, and those accessing their care, from harassment and intimidation.
      Source of that line
      5 topics with no stored score
      • AgricultureNo position has been scored.
      • DefenceNo position has been scored.
      • Financial regulationNo position has been scored.
      • Public safetyNo position has been scored.
      • TradeNo position has been scored.

      Who lines up

      Comparing stored scores on the same questions.