Toronto’s political scene is both engaging and at times tumultuous. Our city has produced many political figures recognized not only in Toronto but right across the country. Today, we’re focusing on Ivan Baker, a Toronto-born member of the Liberal Party of Canada. Learn more about Baker’s life and political journey on torontoyes.com.
Getting to Know the Politician
Ivan was born in Toronto in 1977. He was raised in a Ukrainian family that had immigrated to Canada. As a result, the future politician’s childhood was steeped in Ukrainian culture and traditions. Notably, Ivan’s grandfather was a devoted patriot who actively fought for Ukraine’s independence in his time. It was his grandfather who instilled in him a deep appreciation for the Ukrainian language and culture. Ivan’s family didn’t end up in Toronto by mere chance. His grandmother, mother, and grandfather were compelled to leave Ukraine during the Second World War due to persecution by the Soviet regime. Despite being born in Toronto, Ivan never lost touch with his roots. He attended a Ukrainian school in Toronto, deepening his understanding of his ancestral language and history.
For his higher education, Ivan Baker earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from York University and a master’s degree from Dartmouth College. Prior to his political career, he worked as a business consultant for the Boston Consulting Group in both Toronto and New York. It’s also worth mentioning that this Toronto native is recognized for his volunteer work, especially with the Toronto network of young leaders and international initiatives in Rwanda. Baker was even awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his dedicated community service.
Since 2014, this local figure has been a Liberal Party of Canada member, representing the Etobicoke Centre riding in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Five years later, Ivan Baker made a bid for Canada’s federal parliament. This move established him as a prominent politician on the national stage.
The Politician and Ukraine
Overall, the political efforts of this son of Toronto are significantly focused on supporting Ukraine. In 2020, he took on the role of chairing the Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Canadian Parliament. The group aims to unite representatives from various political parties who stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian state. Notably, Baker is a staunch advocate for providing Ukraine with lethal defensive weaponry, humanitarian aid, and financial backing. Moreover, the politician champions Ukraine’s accession to NATO. Ivan Baker himself has made multiple visits to the conflict zone in Eastern Ukraine. Indeed, Ivan plays a pivotal role within Canada’s Ukrainian diaspora. He is one of the few politicians actively calling for the recognition of Russia’s war against Ukraine as genocide and spearheading legislative initiatives to support the Ukrainian diaspora and promote Ukrainian culture in Canada.
It’s important to remember that Toronto’s Ukrainian diaspora is one of the largest and most vibrant in the world. According to 2025 data, Ontario is home to approximately 134,000 Ukrainians, with nearly 65,000 residing directly in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Furthermore, the history of Toronto’s Ukrainian community dates back to the late 19th century. This was when the first Ukrainian immigrants arrived in Canada. Over the years, Toronto has blossomed into a key hub for Ukrainian culture, education, and community life in Canada. Thanks to this diaspora, the language, traditions, and religious practices are actively preserved here. Additionally, Ukrainian Canadians actively support their churches, schools, cultural centres, media outlets, and community organizations.
This, then, offers a glimpse into the impactful work of a notable Canadian politician, born right here in Toronto. We hope this piece has been insightful and that you’ve learned something new about our shared city.