Prior to entering politics, she was a lawyer, community activist and volunteer. Broten attended McMaster University from 1986 to 1990, and has both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree from the institution. She also received an LL.B. from the University of Western Ontario in 1993. She was a law clerk to Madam Justice Claire L'Heureux-Dubé at the Supreme Court of Canada from 1993 to 1994, and later had a practice in civil and commercial litigation. She has also served as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Gatehouse, a community centre for survivors of child abuse.
Broten first ran for the Ontario legislature in the provincial election of 1999, but was defeated by Progressive ConservativeMorley Kells in Etobicoke-Lakeshore by close to 5,000 votes. She ran again in the the 2003 election, and defeated Kells by almost the same margin amid a provincial shift to the Liberals.
LaurelBroten was appointed Minister of the Environment by Ontario PremierDalton McGuinty in June 2005.
Laurel also oversaw the implementation of tough standards for the disposal of hazardous waste, which halted the import of untreated toxic waste into Ontario.
Laurel is past chair of the board of the Gatehouse, a community-funded centre for survivors of child abuse.
Broten first ran for the Ontario legislature in the provincial election of 1999, but was defeated by Progressive Conservative Morley Kells in Etobicoke-Lakeshore by close to 5,000 votes.
LaurelBroten's Biography - Ministry of the Environment.