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Uzoma Asagwara

Uzoma Asagwara (// ^ⓘ; born September 23, 1984) is a Canadian politician who has served as the Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-term Care of Manitoba since October 3rd 2023. Prior to politics they were a nurse and basketball player. Since 2019, they have represented the Union Station electoral district in the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.^[1][2] Asagwara is a member of the Manitoba New Democratic Party.

Biography[edit]

Asagwara was born in Winnipeg to Igbo Nigerian parents.^[3] In 2008, Asagwara completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing from the University of Winnipeg and Brandon University.^[4] Asagwara was the University of Winnipeg Female Athlete of the Year in 2005–06. In 2007 they led the Canadian Interuniversity Sport in scoring with 28.05 points per game.^[5] Asagwara was a member of the Canada women's national basketball team for two years and was part of the team at the 2007 Pan American Games.^[4][6] Prior to their election, Asagwara worked full-time as a registered psychiatric nurse specializing in adult and youth mental health and addictions.^[7] They are non-binary.^[8]

Asagwara served as a member of the former Premier's Advisory Council on education, poverty, and citizenship,^[9] and as a member of the Women's Health Clinic board of directors.^[10] In 2014, Asagwara founded Queer People of Colour Winnipeg,^[11] a Winnipeg-based project which aims to promote the rights and safety of LGBTQ people of colour in the city.

Legislative Assembly of Manitoba[edit]

In the 2019 Manitoba general election, Asagwara was elected to represent the Union Station electoral district.^[1][2] Asagwara, alongside Jamie Moses and Audrey Gordon, is one of the first three Black Canadian MLAs elected in Manitoba.^[2] They are also the first queer black person to win a seat^[12] and Manitoba's first gender non-conforming MLA.^[13]

While in opposition, Asagwara served as the Manitoba NDP's health critic.^[14] During their time in the legislature, Asagwara has advocated for recognition of Manitoba's minority communities, and was able to pass a bill marking Somali Heritage Week.^[15] In November 2021, Asagwara was re-nominated to represent the NDP in the Union Station riding.^[16]

Electoral record[edit]

References[edit]