Rob Oliphant has officially been sworn in as the new Member of Parliament for Don Valley West.

Mr. Oliphant first represented the riding from 2008-2011 as part of the Official Opposition. During that time, he was the Veterans Affairs Critic, Multiculturalism Critic and oversaw a busy constituency office which helped thousands of residents.

After his narrow electoral defeat in 2011, Mr. Oliphant served as the President and CEO of the Asthma Society of Canada. In this role he became a champion for health and the environment. He moved the organization’s focus more significantly to the effects of the environment, particularly climate change, on health in addition to being a patient advocacy group.

Mr. Oliphant, an Ordained Minister of the United Church of Canada, chose to swear his oath of allegiance on three holy books representing the three major religions of Don Valley West: the Bible (Christian), Tanakh (Jewish), and Qur’an (Muslim).

“These three holy books represent the most prominent faith groups of Don Valley West. This action is an important way to recognize and encourage the strength of diversity and multiculturalism in our community,” said Mr. Oliphant before being sworn in.

“It is important to acknowledge that our differences represent our greatest strength. Canada is a country that was built by immigration and flourishes through diversity,” said Mr. Oliphant.