"I'm tired of watching while people in our community do everything right, but just fall further behind – all while the Liberals and Conservatives stand by letting the ultra-wealthy make things worse. 

I understand what people are going through right now, and as a proud New Democrat, I will fight to make life better for people. We're going to work to get more help with the high cost of living, deliver more truly affordable housing and defend access to the health care services people depend on." - Clare Hacksel 

Like many people in Toronto-Danforth, Clare's parents immigrated to Canada. They ran a small business on Queen Street, where she spent many Saturdays running the register behind the counter. After Clare's father died, her mother worked twice as much to ensure she and her sisters could stay in their home and pursue their goals. This upbringing convinced Clare to commit her life to serving others, which she's done through the mentorship of at-risk youth, harm reduction programs, and mental, sexual and obstetrical health care services. 

Clare is a Registered Midwife working in Toronto's East End. She has a Master's degree in Social Policy from the University of Oxford, over 15 years of leadership roles in the healthcare and social services sector, and she is a member of the Health Network for Non-Insured Clients. 

Clare was also our federal candidate in 2021. She was the Chair of the Board at VIBE Arts for Children and Youth and is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the National Abortion Federation Canada. In Toronto-Danforth, she's been a Board member of the South Riverdale Child-Parent Centre. She volunteers at Bethany Baptist Church Foodbank, she was a co-chair of her son's school parent council and she organizes the DeGrassi Park annual Pumpkin Parade. 

In recognition of Clare's work in the non-profit sector, she received the Toronto Community Foundation Vital People Award in 2013. She was named one of Canada's Top 100 Women by the Canadian Executive Network in 2022. 

Visit Clare's website and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to learn more about her background and work fighting for progressive values in Toronto-Danforth.