Pre-politics
She studied at the University of Windsor, earning a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology). She then taught at the Ontario School for Mentally Challenged Children, worked as a controller at a trucking firm, volunteered for ten years helping immigrants and refugees settle and find work in Canada, served as a community member of the Ontario Parole Board. At the time of her election, she was the Vice-President of a firm employing more than 100 people.
Political career
In 1993, she was elected to the riding of Brampton. In 1997, she won the seat to Brampton West-Mississauga, and a third mandate on November 27, 2000.