Tonya was born and raised in Nova Scotia and has been living in the Halifax-Chebucto riding for over 20 years, with her husband and four children. A familiar face in the community, Tonya is very well known for her volunteer work and dedication to the children and seniors in her community. She is a dog owner, a music lover and a patron of the arts. She loves to cook, bike, bowl and is an avid pickleball player. She comes from a family of leaders, educators, and entrepreneurs who have instilled in her the importance of community and the value of approaching life guided by the proverb “it takes a village.”
An alumnus from Saint Mary’s University, she began her professional career as an educational program assistant. She later worked over a decade as an account executive relocating families within Canada. She has worked with the Federal government and Treasury Board overseeing policy analysis and contract review. In recent years, Tonya’s focus was on long-term care of a family member, raising her four children, as well as gaining experience in the healthcare sector working as a pharmaceutical assistant.
Tonya knows volunteerism is at the root of every strong community. She has been Treasurer for the Westend Steelers Basketball Association, President of the Westmount School Association, and St. Agnes Junior High Parent/Teacher Association. She was pivotal in the development of the neighborhood park on Mumford Road to provide space for both students and seniors to gather and assisted with the fundraising campaign to refurbish the Westmount School gymnasium. Knowing the value that sport brings to youths, Tonya has also coached several teams including basketball, volleyball, and soccer. Currently, she volunteers at the Daily Bread; an outreach program assisting community members experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.