102,542 Wikipedia Articles Preserved

Suzanne van Bommel, (born August 11, 1967 in London, Ontario) is a candidate for Canadian Parliament representing the Liberal Party of Canada in the riding of Elgin-Middlesex-London.

van Bommel is a farmer, teacher, entrepreneur and consultant. She co-owns Har Mar Farms Ltd., a hog and cash crop operation, with husband Patrick. The family, which includes daughters Petra, Cali and Maria have lived on the farm since 1989.

van Bommel was educated at the University of Western Ontario where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, Bachelor of Education degree and an Ontario Teachers’ Certificate.

She began her career as a teacher in 1991 with the London and District Catholic School Board. She took a leave from teaching in 1999 to manage MPP Steve Peters’ first provincial election campaign, a role she would play in his subsequent re-election campaigns. She later joined Peters in Toronto working as his Executive Assistant. When Peters was made Minister of Agriculture and Food, van Bommel served as Chief of Staff within the ministry for two years.

After leaving Queen's Park, van Bommel became Manager of Stakeholder Relations for Greenfield Ethanol (formerly Commercial Alcohols Inc.), a company that produces ethanol, promotes renewable fuels and develops ethanol plants throughout Ontario and Quebec. van Bommel also opened a fine dining establishment called M.E. & Suzie’s in Port Stanley, Ontario. The restaurant exclusively uses Ontario-grown produce and meats and boasts one of the largest selections of Ontario craft brewed beers and VQA Ontario wines.

Having served as President of both the London Middlesex Federal Riding Association and the Elgin-Middlesex-London Provincial Liberal Association, van Bommel has significant grassroots experience. Her successful nomination in 2007 as the federal Liberal candidate affirmed her support amongst area Liberals.