Eddie Francis
| Eddie Francis | |
|---|---|
Francis in 2011
|
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| 33rd Mayor of Windsor | |
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In office December 1, 2003 – November 30, 2014 |
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| Preceded by | Mike Hurst |
| Succeeded by | Drew Dilkens |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 1974 (age 42) Windsor, Ontario |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Alma mater | University of Western Ontario, University of Windsor Law School |
| Profession | lawyer, entrepreneur |
Edgar "Eddie" Francis (born May 1974) is the former mayor of Windsor, Ontario. He was 29 years old when he was elected mayor in 2003, the youngest mayor in Windsor's history and one of the youngest mayors ever elected in Canada. He is also Windsor's first Lebanese-Canadian mayor.
Francis was born in Windsor to Lebanese Maronite Catholic parents who had recently immigrated to Canada from Lebanon. He speaks fluent English and Arabic.
Francis is an alumnus of Notre Dame Elementary School and Holy Names Catholic High School, both in Windsor. While in high school, Francis was a major contributor to student life while participating in the student council, and held the office of student body president. He holds a combined honour's degree in chemistry and biochemistry from the University of Western Ontario. He graduated from the University of Windsor Law School and was called to the Bar in 2002.
Prior to entering politics, Francis ran and operated Royal Pita Baking Company with his brothers. Under their stewardship the "mom and pop" operation's distribution quickly expanded to other markets, including London, Ontario, Toronto and 12 U.S. states. In 2003, he was awarded the Windsor Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award as the Young Entrepreneur of the Year for his work with Royal Pita.
Francis was first elected to Windsor City Council in a by-election in June 1999, following the resignation of Rick Limoges. He became the youngest city councillor in Windsor's history, beating a record previously held by Limoges, when he was chosen to represent Ward 5 (Riverside / Forest Glade) at the age of 25. Shortly after being elected to city council, Francis enrolled in the University of Windsor Law School. He graduated in 2002 and articled with the international law firm of Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone. Subsequently, Francis was called to the Bar of the Law Society of Upper Canada.
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