Elie Martel

Elie Walter Martel (November 26, 1934 – August 13, 2025) was a Canadian politician who served in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1967 to 1987, as a member of the Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP). He represented the Sudbury East electoral district from its inception in 1967 until he retired in 1987. During the late 1970s and into the 1980s, he was the Ontario NDP's house leader. He was on the party's labour left wing and had conflicts with party leadership, including future premier Bob Rae. After he retired from politics, he served on the Ontario government's Environmental Assessment Board as one of its vice chairs. His daughter Shelley Martel took over his Sudbury East seat and continued to serve the people of Sudbury when it became the Nickel Belt electoral district at the end of the 20th century. Between her and her father, the Martels represented Sudbury at Queen's Park for 40 years. Prior to his political career, Martel was a teacher and principal in the Catholic school system in the Sudbury area.