Tom Wappel

From Freepedia

Thomas William Wappel, MP (born February 9, 1950) is a Canadian Member of Parliament. He was first elected to the House of Commons as a Liberal Party candidate in the 1988 election and has been re-elected in every election since. He represents the Toronto riding of Scarborough Southwest. Prior to his becoming an MP, Wappel worked as a lawyer in Toronto. He is separated, with five children.

Wappel is a member of the "family caucus" and is a staunch social conservative. He has been a leading opponent of abortion and rights for homosexuals. He has also made controversial comments on immigration and the role of religion in government.

Wappel ran for the leadership of the Liberal Party at the 1990 Liberal leadership convention, coming in fourth place. In the House of Commons, Wappel serves as Chairman of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans.

In 2001, Wappel faced controversy when he refused to help a constituent of his, a veteran, because he suspected him of supporting rival candidates in previous elections. Wappel wrote a letter that said, in part "How is it that you are writing me for my help if you did not think enough of my abilities to justify voting for me? ... I can decide who to help or not." The letter was published in the National Post newspaper, and Wappel was forced to apologize.

There was speculation in the Canadian media, following Pat O'Brien's departure from the Liberal caucus over the same-sex marriage issue, that Wappel would also leave the party. He supported the Liberal government in a narrow confidence vote in June 2005, however, and has remained a Liberal party member since the same-sex marriage bill was passed.