Longtime Sudbury-area MPP Elie Martel dies at age 90

Elie Martel, longtime NDP MPP for Sudbury East and former party house leader, has died.

Elie Martel, who held the former Sudbury East riding for the provincial NDP for two decades, died Aug. 13 at age 90.

A leading figure for the New Democrats in northern Ontario, his obituary said that he was first elected to the Ontario Legislature in 1967 and served as NDP house leader from 1978 to 1985.

“He doggedly fought for improved workplace health and safety and player safety in youth hockey,” his obit said.

He worked for the CNR and Inco in his early years, before earning a BA in history from Laurentian University. He taught at St. Mary’s school in Capreol before becoming MPP.

“After leaving the Legislature, Elie remained politically active, especially during election campaigns,” his obituary said.

He and his wife, Gaye Martel, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on the day he passed. His daughter, Shelley Martel, was also an NDP MPP in Sudbury East and served in the cabinet of Premier Bob Rae in the 1990s.

France Gélinas, MPP for Nickel Belt, paid tribute to Martel on social media.

“Residents will remember Elie as a good listener, a hard worker who was always willing to help,” Gélinas said.

“I will remember Elie as a mentor who knew everything and everyone. It didn’t matter where we went in the riding, he knew the people, their history, their struggles and their successes. Whenever I faced a hurdle, Elie was always there to help me. I know how fortunate I was to have Elie guiding me. I will miss him.”

Sudbury MPP Jamie West said Martel was the driving force behind “the Ham Commission, which became the basis of the Occupational Health & Safety Act in Ontario.”

A visitation will be held from 1-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Lougheed Funeral Home at 4605 Michelle Drive in Hanmer.

A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church at a later date.