Linda Asper (born 1 December 1943) is a politician in Manitoba, Canada. She joined the Liberal Party and then later returned to the New Democratic Party during the 1990s. She was a member of the Manitoba legislature from 1999 to 2003.[1]
Asper holds a Ph.D. in Education, and had an extensive career as an educator before entering political life. She was a Winnipeg school trustee for the Seine River division, and served as President of the Manitoba Teachers' Society and Vice-President of the Canadian Teachers' Federation for a period of time.[2] Asper was also a member of the Faculty Council of the University of Manitoba, and served on the board of governors at St. Boniface College. In addition to her career in education, she was a member of the Manitoba Action Committee on the Status of Women.
In the 1990 provincial election, Asper ran as a Liberal in the south Winnipeg riding of Niakwa. She was defeated by Progressive Conservative candidate Jack Reimer[3] by 4950 votes to 4301.
By 1999, Asper had crossed over to the New Democratic Party. In that year's provincial election, she was elected as a New Democratic for the Winnipeg riding of Riel, defeating Progressive Conservative incumbent David Newman[4] 4833 votes to 4559.
In April 2003, Asper announced that she was leaving politics to take a position with Education International an advocacy group based in Brussels, Belgium. She now promotes the rights of both children and educators on an international level, and has been a vocal opponent of child labour practices.
Linda Asper was the sister-in-law of the late Israel Asper.