Ted Opitz
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Lieutenant-Colonel Ted Opitz CD |
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|---|---|
| Member of the Canadian Parliament for Etobicoke Centre |
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In office May 2, 2011 – October 19, 2015 |
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| Preceded by | Borys Wrzesnewskyj |
| Succeeded by | Borys Wrzesnewskyj |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
August 25, 1961 Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Spouse(s) | Cynthia |
| Residence | Etobicoke, Toronto |
| Profession | Soldier, political advisor |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |
 Canada
|
| Service/branch |
 Canadian Army
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| Years of service | 1978–2011 |
| Rank | Lieutenant-Colonel |
| Battles/wars | Bosnian War |
| Awards | See list |
Ted J. Opitz, CD (born August 25, 1961) is a former Canadian politician and a retired Canadian Forces Lieutenant-Colonel who represented the Toronto riding of Etobicoke Centre as a member of the Conservative Party of Canada in the Canadian House of Commons from 2011 to 2015.
Opitz was born in the Parkdale area of Toronto in 1961 and is the youngest of four children. Opitz's parents were originally from Poland and immigrated to Canada shortly after World War II.
In 1978, Opitz enrolled as a private in the Canadian Army Reserves and rose to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel during 33 years of service. In 1998 and early 1999, he served in Bosnia as a member of NATO's Stabilization Force (SFOR). During his military career, he performed various roles ranging from Assistant to the Chief of Staff at Canadian Forces College, a course instructor and military planner for Pope John Paul II and his World Youth Day visit to Canada in 2002. Prior to running and being elected to Parliament, Opitz was the Commanding Officer of The Lincoln and Welland Regiment.
During his military service, Opitz also had parallel careers in the Telecom industry, as well as completing a BA in English at York University. Starting as a technician, Opitz worked his way up to sales and marketing and managerial roles in product management and high speed internet development.
In June 2008 Opitz was one of three candidates for the Conservative nomination in Mississauga South, losing to financial consultant Hugh Arrison.
For the past two years, Opitz was the Senior Regional Advisor to Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. In that role, he represented the Government of Canada and the Minister in the Greater Toronto Area and Southern Ontario.
In Etobicoke, Opitz has been recognized for his volunteer work with the Polish community and youth in the region. Opitz has lived in Etobicoke Centre with his wife Cynthia since 1994 and was elected as the Member of Parliament in May 2011.
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