Full Biography

Edwin Anthony Holder, P.C., M.P., B.A., CStJ, UE has lived in London for the last 34 years. His roots are in eastern Canada, with his father born in Holderville, New Brunswick and his mother born in Glace Bay, Cape Breton. The family moved to Upper Canada and in 1954 Ed was born in Toronto, Ontario. At the age of 10, Eds family moved to California where they lived for 5 years before returning to Toronto. While in California, Ed earned his high school letter specializing in languages, and participated on the track team and chess club at school. Back in Toronto, Ed became President of his high school, Malvern Collegiate, while also playing on the football team and organizing the schools United Way efforts. He was selected as the Toronto Area High School Representative for the opening of the Metro Toronto Zoo.

In 1976, Ed graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a degree in Philosophy. At Western, Ed re-instituted the defunct Faculty of Arts Students Council, and established the Faculty of Arts study hall and intramural sports. He was President of the Faculty of Arts Students Council throughout his time at Western. While there, he also co-founded the BKTP (Be Kind To People) committee, an initiative in which students were involved in several charitable activities, including weekly visits to seniors at a local hospital, regular visits to locally incarcerated inmates and visits to new immigrants to London, welcoming them to their new community. He also played guitar and led singing for the congregation of the university parish church.

Moving back to Toronto after graduation, he worked several years for a major Canadian insurer (Prudential Insurance) as a group insurance underwriter. He was active as Vice President of his Companys staff association and was a member of the Stouffville Lions Club, the Stouffville Chamber of Commerce and the Metropolitan Toronto Board of Trade. He was also a fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Ed returned to London in 1981 to continue his career in insurance. He founded Ontario West Insurance Brokers Ltd. and Ontario West Insurance Agency Ltd. which merged with Stevenson & Hunt Insurance Brokers Limited in 1991. In 1995, Ed became a Partner with Stevenson & Hunt and President in 1999. With its head office in London, Ed has been involved with the acquisition of several insurance brokerages, establishing new office locations in Cambridge, Waterloo and Toronto. Stevenson & Hunt enjoyed tremendous growth, with 4 divisions and quadrupled its employee group to 160 staff. Stevenson & Hunt has grown to become one of Canadas largest insurance brokerages. During his tenure as President, Stevenson & Hunt has been acknowledged by a number of organizations for its philanthropy and spirit of volunteerism. In 2004, Stevenson & Hunt was selected as recipient of the United Ways Community Caring Award in the Large Business Category. In the same year and two more times over the following three years the Company was a finalist for the London Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Business Achievement Award Large Company. In 2005, Stevenson & Hunt was selected by the City of London and the London Economic Development Corporation as the Featured Company of the Month in recognition of industry leadership in providing innovative and unique value to the marketplace and making an outstanding contribution to the economic well-being of London. In 2008, Ed stepped down as President of Stevenson & Hunt to pursue politics.

Ed was a member of the Presidents Club for several major insurance companies and Stevenson & Hunts international representative for Assurex Global, an international network of the worlds largest independent insurance brokers. He completed the Health Insurance Association of America (HIAA) program, received his RIBO insurance license, 4 CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter) courses, completed his GBA (Group Benefits Analyst) designation and completed his RPA (Retirement Plans Associate) designation.

When he first moved to London, Ed founded the Directors Club of London, which has developed into one of Londons premier business-networking groups. He retired as Chair of the Club and sits as Founder and Lifetime Member.

In 1982, Ed joined his local community association in Old South London and following several years of service, became President. Although he no longer resides in Old South he is a lifetime member, and part of his connection is carrying on his role over the last 25 years as emcee of the community fair, Gathering on the Green. It is an event dedicated to family and raising funds for local area school programs and charities. Ed was honoured in 2004 with an OSCOR, recognizing his ongoing support of the Old South Community Organization.

Ed describes himself as a Political Activist. Certainly hes been involved with the soft politics of community activism and the hard politics of the Conservative Party both provincially and federally. Throughout the 80s, he worked ...

• on the Conservative Riding London West Board of Directors in a variety of functions including Membership Chair; and
• on campaigns for such prominent Londoners as Gord Walker, Tom Hockin, Vaughan Minor, and Bob Wood in a variety of leadership and volunteer roles.

In 1993, Ed stepped in to run as the federal Progressive Conservative candidate for London Middlesex. Like most Conservatives that year, he lost. Due to a family tragedy, he removed himself from active party participation to devote his time and energies to his family, business and the community.

Ed joined the London Chamber of Commerce in 1982 serving on and chairing a number of committees. In 1990, he organized the most successful membership drive in the Chambers history, resulting in the addition of 168 new members. For that effort Ed was honoured as Volunteer of the Year by the Chamber. He was appointed to the Board of Directors in 1989, to the Executive in 1990, and in 1992 became President of the Board of Directors. He received a special Presidents recognition award in 2001 for his continued involvement in the Chambers major fundraising initiative, the Chamber Comedy Auction. Ed currently sits on the Chambers Board of Governors.

In 1985, in recognition of his contributions to the local community, Ed was selected by the West London Jaycees as Outstanding Young Londoner.

In 1989 and 1990, Ed assumed responsibility as co-chair, General Business Division of the United Way. In 2005. Ed was appointed to sit on the Campaign Cabinet for the United Way as Chair of the Finance Division, with its goal to exceed $1 million. This division was responsible for about 1/6th of all funds raised in the campaign. In January 2006, both the Finance Division and the overall London campaign successfully exceeded their goals.

Ed is co-chair  with Wayne Dunn of the Business Cares Food Drive, whose motto is Taking Care of Business Means Taking Care of People. Initially established in 1990, it has grown to where in December, 2014 Business Cares, with the strong support of participating employers and employee groups, raised a record 290,870 pounds of food. The London Food Bank counts many social service agencies and thousands of Londoners as its recipients who regularly depend on this important organization.

In 1992, Ed co-chaired Canada Unity London, a group of local caring Londoners dedicated to the preservation of a whole and united Canada. The group organized a strong campaign to promote Canadian unity by encouraging Fanshawe College students to sell Canadian flags door-to-door and by being part of a larger effort to keep Quebec in Canada.

In 1992, to acknowledge his community service, Ed was honoured with the Governor Generals Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Confederation.

In 1996, following the tragic loss of their young son Bruno in a car accident, Ed and his wife joined the Bereaved Families of London, a strong caring group committed to supporting each other in their grief. Ed has participated in the fundraising Walk-a-thon to Remember and was responsible for arranging for the installation of park benches at the site of the Angel Tree, planted in Victoria Park in London to remember the children.

Ed accepted a position on the Board of Directors of the London Convention Centre in late 1997. He finished his term in his role as Chair of the Board in 2002. During his 2 years as Chair, the London Convention Centre experienced two of the best financial years in its history. This was in large measure due to the superior staff at the Convention Centre and a legacy of previous Boards strong and committed leadership.

Ed is past Chair of the Board of Directors for St. John Ambulance, an organization totally dedicated to community service, including first aid training. Established in 1909, St. John Ambulance London is Canadas oldest Brigade. From sending all Brigade units to assist in the major ice storm in eastern Ontario and Quebec, to sending the first Canadian paramedic team to Ground Zero in New York on September 11. 2001, St. John Ambulance London members demonstrated tremendous leadership through Eds tenure on the Board. St. John Ambulance is proud that its first aid training has grown dramatically over the last several years. Ed has acted as chief fundraiser for St. John Ambulance London over a number of years, helping to raise in excess of $500,000. Ed played a regional role with St. John as Chair of the Administrative Centre Management Team. Ed received a Priority Vote of Thanks, admission to the Order of St. John as a serving member of the Order, promotion to Officer and then to Commander of the Order; in 2011, he was the recipient of the St. John Ambulance Long Service Medal. Since being elected, he has worked with the Chancellor to continue his role of service to St. John Ambulance at the national level, including two successful St. John Ambulance Day on the Hill events.

In 2005, Ed accepted the role as Chair of a Task Force reviewing the viability of reinvigorating the London International Airshow as a community event and major fundraiser for St. John Ambulance as well as Jesse's Journey in 2007. With Ed as the first President of Wings and Wheels, this event morphed into the Great Lakes International Air Show with Ed as an advisor, which now provides financial support for London and St. Thomas charitable causes.

Ed served along with Wayne Dunn as co-chair of the Sunshine Dreams Golf Classic, Londons most successful charity fund-raising golf tournament. In 2005, the final tournament raised in excess of $292,000 for Sunshine Kids, disabled or life-threatened children who have their biggest dreams fulfilled. Every child should have a dream and so the County Heritage/Stevenson & Hunt Golf Classic Endowment has now left an everlasting legacy by having achieved in 2005, monies in excess of $1.3 million, to provide ongoing dreams in perpetuity for deserving kids. In February 2012, Ed was appointed to the national Board of Directors for the Sunshine Foundation of Canada.

In December, 2001 in response to the pending cancellation of Londons annual Rockin New Years Eve party, Ed took a leadership role as Co-Chair with a small group of Londoners raising $45,000 to allow Londoners to again enjoy bringing in the New Year at Victoria Park. This grew to where New Years Eve 2005, with Ed again as co-chair along with Bruce McGuffin, more than 25,000 Londoners kicked off Londons special sesquicentennial birthday party Celebrate London at Victoria Park with amazing Canadian entertainment, fireworks, hot chocolate and family-fun entertainment. All free! He continues in this role as Co-Chair of Rockin' New Years' Eve on behalf of London families.

In the Spring of 2003, Ed co-organized a fundraising initiative and successfully patriated the Canadian Memorial Cross of Sir Frederick Banting, KBE, MC on behalf of Banting House National Historic Site, London. This is the medal received by Silver Cross Mothers. Banting House Museum is a national museum dedicated to the work and research of Canadas first Nobel Prize winner and last Canadian to be knighted, due to his discovery of insulin. The Canadian Memorial Cross was awarded to Bantings widow after his death. His medal got out of the familys possession and into public auction, and required the efforts of a committee of two to raise almost $80,000 in ten days to ensure the medal would go to Banting House Museum in London, the birth place of insulin. His Memorial Cross is there today.

Ed participated in 2003 as a Judge for Londons annual Rib-fest raising significant operating dollars on behalf of the Boys & Girls Club of London.

Ed is a member of the Rotary Club of London, which was established in London in 1915. He was an officer of Rotary as Sergeant-At-Arms until his election, and since 2003 has been honoured by five-times being named a Paul Harris Fellow in appreciation for his support of the principles of Rotary International. In 2004, Ed was further honoured by his selection as recipient of the Jack Burghardt Community Service Above Self award. In 2005, he co-emceed Rotary Internationals 100th anniversary Gala at the London Convention Centre and has acted as emcee for a number of Rotary functions.

Ed is a member of the London Club, where he sat on the Executive and as President. His term as President was preceded by his roles as Vice President and Secretary Treasurer. He co-chaired the Membership Development Committee and in 2003, with the support of a member-wide effort, chaired the Clubs most successful membership drive in its history, resulting in 172 quality members being added to its roster.

Ed was Chair and Co-Chair along with Kevin Switzer for nine years for the YMCA of London charity golf tournament, Y Fore Kids, with proceeds committed to sponsoring youth activities. In 2011, with his team, they raised $230,000 for the Y kids programs. Y Fore Kids has now established a $1.1 million endowment for the express purpose of continually providing less privileged children the ability to participate in Y-sponsored camps and programs. In 2012, Ed was awarded, along with co-chair Kevin Switzer, the YMCA of Western Ontario's prestigious "William Bowman Award" For Volunteerism.

Ed has been active as a member of many organizations, including the Canadian Club of London, the Better Business Bureau, a founding member of the London Garrison Community Council (where he sat on the Membership Committee) -which promotes stronger relations between the military and the London community, the Officers Mess at Wolseley Barracks, the Old South Community Organization, the Portuguese Club of London, the Protea Club of London and the Strathroy and Stratford Chambers of Commerce.

In 2004, Ed and his wife, Judite, were recognized for their community service by their selection as Honorary Patrons for Music Reigns, a major fundraiser for Kings College University and Orchestra London.

Also in 2004, Ed was elected to the Board of Governors of the University of Western Ontario. He sat on the Campus & Community Affairs Committee, as well as on the Development and Fund Raising Committee. In January 2006 he was appointed as Chair of the Bylaws Committee and Vice-Chair of the Property & Finance Committee. He was a member of Senate, sat as a committee member of the McIntosh Gallery Committee, as well as the Senior Operations Committee. He was re-appointed to the Board of Governors for a second 4-year term, but stepped aside in 2008 following his election.

In 2004, Ed represented South-Western Ontario as a delegate to the Canadian Diabetes Association annual meeting in Quebec.

In 2005, Ed was asked to sit on the Grand Theatre Foundation Board of Directors, to provide ongoing support of the financial requirements of Londons local Grand Theatre, and was honorary emcee of the Grand Variety Show celebrating Londons 150th birthday.

In 2005, Ed sat on the Board Development Committee of Hopes Garden, an organization committed to supporting those with eating disorders and had been a member of Hopes Garden Advisory Group.

Also, in 2005 Ed was named Honorary Patron of the London Professional Firefighters Association for his commitment to the community at their Valentines Gala supporting autism research.

In 2005, Ed was invited to sit as a community member of the Editorial Board for the London Free Press, in which notables are invited to make representations to the Board on various areas of interest, with input, questions and answers from the Board.

In 2005, although not a member of Toastmasters,  Ed was honoured as Recipient of the Toastmasters International Communication and Leadership Award in recognition of exemplary communication and leadership while serving his Community. Province and Nation.

In 2008, Ed was nominated as the Candidate for the pending federal election with the Conservative Party of Canada. He was successful in the subsequent campaign and was elected to represent the constituents of London West as their Member of Parliament. In 2011, he was re-elected with a significant plurality.

Ed leads, along with Mike Tanzey, the march Walk A Mile in Her Shoes for guys man enough to walk a mile around Victoria Park in red pumps to raise awareness of domestic violence. He has done this since the parade was established by Womens Community House five years ago.

In 2012, Ed was honoured with the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal to recognize his commitment to community. It was presented to him by the Speaker of the House of Commons.

In 2013, Ed joined the Byron-Springbank Legion Branch 533 in support of the important work Legions do on behalf of Veterans. He comes from a military family with his father, Donald and Uncle Byron joining the Army the New Brunswick Rangers at the start of World War II. Byron never came home and is buried in Belgium. Eds moms brother, Chuck McIntyre joined the 48^th Highlanders in that war. 

In 2013, Ed was awarded the post-nominal UE which celebrates his roots to United Empire Loyalists dating back to the 1700s in New Brunswick. He was the keynote speaker at the ceremony hosted by the United Empire Loyalists Association of Canada, where his ancestry was traced to Jacob Holder, who fought with British General Cornwallis in the last major battle of the United States War of Independence.

In 2013, Ed was asked to be the first Male Ambassador for Tampon Tuesday, in celebration of their fourth anniversary. All product received is then given to the London Food Bank, for distribution.

Ed has participated several times as a panel speaker at HOBY (Hugh OBrien Youth) Conferences at Ridgetown College where he typically speaks with a couple of hundred bright young high school students about their political activism and other subjects.

In 2013, Ed took part in, and received, his St. John Ambulance First Aid certification CPR/AED. In 2015 Ed used his skills as a First Aider to assist a young person in distress.

Ed was a member of the Standing Committee on International Trade since his first election until March, 2014. He has also been a member of the Standing Committee on Government Operations & Estimates, the Library of Parliament, Status of Women, the Standing Committee for Transport & Infrastructure and a member of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology.

On March 19, 2026 Ed was appointed to the Privy Council and elevated to the Federal Cabinet. He serves as the Minister of State (Science and Technology) and was responsible for producing the 2014 Canada Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy to carry Canada through the next several years.

He has been a member of more than 25 country and regional Parliamentary and Friendship Groups. Ed sat as the Chair of the Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Group and Vice-Chair of the ParlAmericas Inter-Parliamentary Group, supporting the principles of democracy throughout South and Central America.

Ed is dedicated to his wife, Judite, and daughter, Claudia. Judite and Claudia are both entrepreneurs and owners of four very successful businesses - Chocolaterie Bernard Callebaut, Gammage Flowers  (Canada's oldest flower shop), Wrights Send-A-Basket and Razzle Dazzle Cupcakes. Claudia is married to a London firefighter, Cedo Ivanisevic and they have two beautiful daughters - Maia and Katia.

INTERESTS

Ed is a public speaker and considers this part of his community service. For many years he has spoken to groups including:

• Economic Club of Canada
• Chambers of Commerce
• HOBY (Hugh OBrien Youth) organization - speaking about leadership and politics to young high school students
• Seniors organizations throughout southwestern Ontario
• Business groups, networking organizations, charitable groups and college graduation ceremonies speaking about the power of combining business and networking with community service. Audiences have included:
  • The Colleagues Club
  • Toastmasters international District Conference
  • Project Managers Institute conference
  • Western University, Department of Communications and Western student groups
  • Fanshawe College convocation
  • International Association of Business Communicators
  • Fanshawe Leadership student classes
  • Westervelt College convocations
  • Directors Club of London
  • Academic institutions

Ed has acted as auctioneer for a number of charitable events including Partners In Research, the Rotary Club, the Can-Am Police Fire Games and the Sunshine Foundation.

Ed's hobbies include music, guitar and vocals, Canadian history, chess, stamp and coin collecting and reading.

As an avid Canadian Confederation history buff. Ed has organized several Sir John A. Macdonald birthday celebrations in honour of Canadas first Prime Minister. He is a great fan of Terry Fox and has worked with his family in various ways to honour his accomplishments. His third Canadian hero (aside from his Cape Breton mother) is Sir Frederick Banting, another Londoner and great Canadian.

EDUCATION

CAREER

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

HONOURS AND AWARDS

Ed has received many personal acknowledgements during his career: