Helena was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Markham—Stouffville in 2019 and was re-elected in 2021. She has served as the Minister of Public Services and Procurement, as well as the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.

Helena was the Member of Provincial Parliament for Oak Ridges—Markham from 2007 to 2018. During that time, she served as Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Chair of Cabinet, and Minister of Community and Social Services.

Prior to her work at the provincial level, Helena practised medicine at the Women’s College Hospital for many years. She was the Medical Officer of Health and Commissioner of Health Services for York Region, where she was responsible for public health, land ambulance, and long-term care for 18 years.

She’s been a leader on the boards of Reena, a non-profit organization providing services to people with developmental disabilities, and the Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care.

Helena’s leadership has earned her numerous awards, including the Distinguished Service Award from the Association of Local Public Health Agencies, the In Celebration of Women Award from York Region, the Helen Keller Award by the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons, the Ontario Psychological Association Public Service Award, the Ontario Medical Association’s Life Membership and the Award for Planning Excellence in Environmental Planning from the Canadian Institute of Planners
Helena holds a medical degree and a Master of Health Sciences from U of T and a Master of Business Administration from the Schulich School of Business at York University.