History of Charlie Angus in Timeline

Charlie Angus is a Canadian author, journalist, broadcaster, musician, and politician. Representing the New Democratic Party (NDP), he served as the Member of Parliament for Timmins—James Bay from 2004 to 2025. He was the NDP critic for Ethics, FedNor, Indigenous Youth, and Income Inequality and Affordability, and also the deputy critic for Labour, demonstrating his commitment to social and economic justice.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

November 14, 1962: Charles Angus Born

On November 14, 1962, Charles Joseph Angus was born. He is a Canadian author, journalist, broadcaster, musician, and politician.

1973: Moved to Toronto

In 1973, Charlie Angus moved from Timmins, Ontario, to Toronto.

1980: Co-founded L'Étranger

In 1980, Charlie Angus co-founded the punk rock band L'Étranger with Andrew Cash. Angus played bass and co-wrote many of the band's songs.

1990: Moved to Cobalt, Ontario

In 1990, Charlie Angus moved to Cobalt, Ontario, with his young family.

1995: Launched HighGrader Magazine

In 1995, Brit Griffin and Charlie Angus launched HighGrader, a magazine devoted to Northern Ontario life and culture.

1999: Award from Northern Lights Festival Boréal

In 1999, Charlie Angus received an award from the Northern Lights Festival Boréal in Sudbury for his outstanding contributions to Northern Ontario culture.

2000: Served as Trustee

From 2000, Charlie Angus served as a trustee on the Northeastern Catholic District School Board.

2004: End of term as Trustee

In 2004, Charlie Angus finished his term as trustee on the Northeastern Catholic District School Board.

2004: Elected as MP

In 2004, Charlie Angus was elected as the federal Member of Parliament for the riding of Timmins—James Bay as a member of the New Democratic Party (NDP).

2004: Elected to House of Commons

In the 2004 election, Charlie Angus was elected as the New Democratic Party candidate in the Ontario riding of Timmins—James Bay, winning election to the House of Commons of Canada.

2005: Denied Holy Communion

In 2005, Charlie Angus's parish priest denied him Holy Communion because Angus supported same-sex marriage, causing public reaction.

2006: Re-elected in Federal Election

Charlie Angus was re-elected in the 2006 federal election, winning with an outright majority.

2006: Recognized as Effective MP

In 2006, the Toronto Star selected Charlie Angus as one of the ten most effective opposition MPs after serving just two years as a Member of Parliament.

2007: Selected as 'Best Mentor'

Charlie Angus was selected as "Best Mentor" in Maclean's magazine's 12th annual Parliamentarians of the Year award and was also the 2007 winner for "Best represents constituents".

2007: NDP Critic for Canadian Heritage

From 2004 to 2007, Charlie Angus was the NDP critic for Canadian heritage.

2007: NDP Critic for Public Works and Treasury Board

In 2007, Charlie Angus became the NDP critic for Public Works and Treasury Board, as well as the NDP spokesman for digital issues.

2007: Maclean's Parliamentarian of the Year Award

In 2007, Charlie Angus won "Best Constituent Representative" at the Maclean's Parliamentarian of the Year Awards.

2007: Release of 'Cage Call'

In 2007, Charlie Angus's fifth book, Cage Call, a photo documentary with photographer Louie Palu, was released.

2008: Re-elected in Federal Election

In 2008, Charlie Angus was re-elected in the federal elections.

September 2010: Voted Against Abolishing Firearms Registry

In September 2010, Charlie Angus voted against a bill to abolish the Canadian Firearms Registry based on supportive studies provided by police, despite the registry's unpopularity with many of his constituents.

2011: Top Three MPs of the Year

In 2011, CTV News Channel's Power Play placed Charlie Angus among the top three MPs of the year.

2011: Re-elected in Federal Election

In 2011, Charlie Angus was re-elected in the federal elections.

2012: Named to Maclean's Power List

In 2012, Charlie Angus was named to Maclean's magazine's Power List as one of the 25 most influential Canadians.

2012: Shannen's Dream Motion Passed

In early 2012, Charlie Angus's parliamentary motion "Shannen's Dream," calling for an end to the systemic underfunding of First Nations education, passed unanimously through the House of Commons.

2015: Appointed NDP Critic

After the 2015 federal election, Charlie Angus was appointed NDP critic for Indigenous and Northern Affairs.

January 2016: Elected Caucus Chair

In January 2016, Charlie Angus was elected Caucus Chair.

November 23, 2016: Resigned from Roles

On November 23, 2016, Charlie Angus resigned from his roles as NDP critic for Indigenous and Northern Affairs and Caucus Chair to prepare for the 2017 New Democratic Party leadership race.