Rob Oliphant, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West

Two Offices Working For You

Office Staff

Our Constituency office and our Ottawa office are staffed by some fantastic and capable people who are there to work for you.

Constituency Office

Angela Bonfanti – Special Assistant

Born and raised in Toronto, Angela received her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from York University. She joined the office of the Honourable John Godfrey in July of 2004 as a Constituency Assistant and continued her employment with Rob Oliphant as Special Assistant following the 2008 election. She sits on a number of local community committees focusing on community development and services. Angela is married to local restaurateur Ross Bonfanti, and together have a son Paolo and a puppy Zeus.

Mazhar Shafiq – Community Outreach Assistant

Born in Lahore, Pakistan, Mazhar obtained his bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the University of Engineering & Technology Lahore. In 2000, Mazhar immigrated to Canada with his wife and son. He received his post graduate diploma in Quality Assurance, Manufacturing & Management from Sheridan College. He has served as the Co- Chair of the Thorncliffe Park P.S. Advisory Council and as the Chair of the steering committee of the Thorncliffe Park Tenants’ Association. Mazhar also serves as a committee member for Toronto East General Hospital and the International Development & Relief Foundation.

Jake Brockman – Special Assistant

Born and raised in Toronto, Jake is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and History from Trinity College at the University of Toronto. Jake serves on the Board of Directors for the Ontario Student Debating Union and is the co-chair of the 2011 Ontario Provincial Debating Championships. Jake is also a tennis coach at a local community club and enjoys playing and watching almost every sport.

Ottawa Office

Kathy Kocsis – Special Assistant

Originally from the Niagara region, and a graduate of both Carleton University and Algonquin College, Kathy Kocsis began her Ottawa career in journalism before transitioning to parliamentary work. She has worked for several Ontario Members of Parliament, including 15 years in the office of the former Member of Parliament of Don Valley West, The Honourable John Godfrey. Kathy is married, has two teenagers, and a Shih Tzu.

Noah Farber – Legislative Assistant

Born in Brampton, Ontario, Noah obtained his Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Western Ontario. Prior to moving to Ottawa and beginning his work in Mr. Oliphant’s office, Noah worked as the Canadian Director for an international non-profit organization in the Jewish community. Noah is a passionate sports fan, an avid reader and has a keen interest in international affairs.

Matthew Conley – Special Assistant

Born in Lethbridge, Alberta, Matthew is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Ottawa. Prior to working in the office of Mr. Oliphant, Matthew worked as a Parliamentary Page in the House of Commons and as IT Coordinator for Coldwell Banker Real Estate. Matthew enjoys golfing, reading, playing chess, volunteering and staying up-to-date on current events.