Ed Ziemba
| Ed Ziemba | |
|---|---|
| Ontario MPP | |
|
In office 1975–1981 |
|
| Preceded by | Morton Shulman |
| Succeeded by | Yuri Shymko |
| Constituency | High Park-Swansea |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
May 2, 1932 Regina, Saskatchewan |
| Political party | New Democrat |
| Spouse(s) | Lois Rowntree |
| Relations | Elaine Ziemba, Sister-in-law |
| Residence | Toronto |
| Occupation | Businessman |
Edward John Ziemba (born May 2, 1932) is a former politician in Ontario, Canada. He was a New Democratic member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1975 to 1981 who represented the downtown Toronto riding of High Park—Swansea.
Ziemba was born in Regina, Saskatchewan and came to Toronto as a young boy. In the 1950s he adopted a new name and was known as Eddie John Harris. Ziemba said, "It was a good way to do business, to adopt an Anglicized name." Operating under this name he worked as an amateur boxer, a television repairman and a private investigator. He also operated a ladies fashion store on Bloor Street West. When he married he signed the licence as Edward Harris, but he decided to revert to his original name when his first child was born. These revelations did not come to light until after Ziemba was elected to the provincial legislature. Morton Shulman who preceded Ziemba as the member for High Park-Swansea stood by him. Shulman said, "I know nothing disreputable about him. He is a dedicated socialist and temperance man."
In the 1970s, Ziemba was secretary for the West Toronto Inter-Church Temperance Federation. William Temple, founder of the group said that Ziemba played a major part in keeping alcohol out of the Bloor West area of Toronto. Temple described Ziemba as "clean living and concerned about the welfare of the weak and helpless in his riding. He goes out of his way to help those in need."
In 1974, Ziemba ran for a seat on Toronto City Council. He placed third behind incumbents Bill Boytchuk and Elizabeth Eayrs. In the 1975 provincial election he ran as the New Democratic Party candidate in the riding of High Park-Swansea. He defeated, Progressive Conservative candidate Yuri Shymko by 1,773 votes. He was re-elected in 1977 this time defeating his old municipal rival Bill Boytchuk by 788 votes.
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