Copps, Sheila (1952–)

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Copps, Sheila (1952–)

Canadian politician and journalist. Name variations: Sheila Copps Miller. Born Sheila Maureen Copps, Nov 27, 1952, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; dau. of Victor K. Copps (14-year mayor of Hamilton) and Geraldine Copps (Hamilton city councillor); attended University of Western Ontario, McMaster University, and University of Rouen; married and divorced.

Began career as a journalist for the Hamilton Spectator and Ottawa Citizen; as a Liberal for Hamilton Centre riding, elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in the provincial election (1981), serving until 1984; elected to House of Commons (1984), as MP for Hamilton East; served in the Cabinet as deputy prime minister (Nov 1993–June 1997), minister of the Environment (Nov 1993–Jan 1996), minister of Canadian Heritage (Jan 1996–April 1996, June 1996–1997); sworn to the Privy Council (1993); controversial legislator, ran unsuccessfully for party leadership (2003); retired from politics (2004).

See also autobiographies Nobody's Baby (1986) and Worth Fighting For (2004).

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