Meet Donna Skelly

Donna Skelly is an enthusiastic and skilled advocate for her constituents as a Member of Provincial Parliament for Flamborough-Glanbrook, and a powerful voice for the interests of business and taxpayers.

Donna was compelled to enter provincial politics because of the mess the previous Liberal government made of the hydro file. She could no longer sit on the sidelines and watch soaring costs and deepening debt chase away businesses and jobs.

Donna entered politics after a successful 30-year career in broadcast journalism. She produced and hosted Square Off, a widely-acclaimed current affairs program at CHCH Television. Donna anchored daily regional newscasts and reported on local, provincial and national news events. She held leadership roles as President of the local union employee bargaining unit. She stepped up to advocate before the CRTC and parliamentary committees for the value in supporting local news.

Donna started her broadcast journalism career at CHIP-FM Radio in Fort Coulonge, Quebec. She then moved on to CHRO-TV in Pembroke, Ontario where she anchored the local newscasts. Donna spent many hours reporting on the activities at the Canadian military base in Petawawa, which later prepared her when she was assigned to cover the Canadian troops stationed at Doha, Qatar during the first Gulf War.

Donna has covered a range of issues as a news reporter, including the first-degree murder trial of Dellen Millard who killed three people, including Hamilton husband and father Tim Bosma.

Donna Skelly founded a leading-edge news service in Hamilton. She understands the challenges facing the small business community.

In March 2016, Donna was elected to Hamilton City Council where she quickly earned a reputation as a Councillor who took a stand against wasteful spending at City Hall.

Donna introduced a motion calling for the installation of hearing loop systems in all new or renovated city-owned public assembly areas equipped with sound systems and microphones. The motion was approved unanimously by city council making Hamilton a leader in inclusivity and accessibility for the hearing impaired.

Donna was the Chairperson of the Audit, Finance and Administration Committee. She also served on the General Issues Committee, the Mayor’s Intelligent Community Sub-Committee, Art Gallery of Hamilton, Hamilton Arts Council Board of Directors and the Hamilton Status of Women Committee. She was a recipient of the YWCA Woman of the Year in Politics Award. She served on the National Advisory Board for Canadian Culture and she served on the Board of Banyon Community Services, a not-for-profit organization serving at-risk youth and people with disabilities. Donna has a reputation for community building and empowering others.

Donna grew up in Capreol, Ontario outside of Sudbury. She’s a graduate of the broadcast journalism program at Seneca College in Toronto. She has a keen understanding of the strengths and challenges facing communities across the province.

When she is not meeting with constituents or attending one of the many events throughout her riding, Donna can be found at the Nathan Cirillo Leash-Free Park with her dog Louie.

Donna lives in Hamilton. She is the proud mom of two adult sons Dane and Cole and a doting grandmother to her grandson Rino.