Meet Dawn Gallagher Murphy

Dawn Gallagher Murphy proudly serves as the Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Newmarket—Aurora, having first been elected in June 2022 and re-elected in the 2025 provincial election. Her journey in public service began years earlier, when she worked closely with then-MPP Christine Elliott, supporting residents and healthcare services during one of the most critical times in our province’s history—the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since her election, Dawn has taken on a number of key responsibilities. She currently serves as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Long-Term Care, as well as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Natural Resources, following a previous appointment as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health. She is an active member of the Standing Committee on the Interior and the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, and she also serves as President of the Ontario section of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie, where she advocates for Ontario’s Francophone communities on the national and international stage.

Dawn has championed several major initiatives at Queen’s Park, including the successful passage of her Private Member’s Bill to proclaim June as Seniors Month, and a motion on the ethical use of artificial intelligence in government. She also played a key role in the creation of the York Region Mental Health Community Care Hub, helping to expand access to mental health and addiction services right here in Newmarket.

Before entering politics, Dawn spent more than 25 years in the secure payments industry, including 15 years as the head of her own consulting firm. She held leadership roles developing bilingual solutions for digital card payment technologies, working with major Canadian banks and clients across North America. Her expertise helped usher in innovations in mobile payments, chip cards, and contactless transactions, building trust and security in the digital economy.

Beyond her professional and political accomplishments, Dawn is deeply rooted in the values of family, service, and community.

Born in Hamilton, Ontario, she is the daughter of an Irish immigrant father who became an Anglican minister. Her upbringing instilled in her a deep sense of responsibility to serve others, and this has been a guiding principle throughout her life.

Dawn is a proud mother and wife, and she brings that same compassion and energy to her work in the community. Fluent in French, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a Minor in French from Western University, as well as a Certification in French Language from Sorbonne University in Paris, and a Certificate in Business from the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Paris.

Dawn has always found ways to give back. In 2019, she assembled and led a team in the Nature’s Emporium Run for Southlake, raising funds for local healthcare. She has also personally supported individuals with disabilities, coached community members, and launched a Community Spirit and Solidarity Award in local schools—recognizing students who demonstrate leadership, kindness, and inclusion.

Approachable and engaged, Dawn takes great pride in being accessible to her constituents. Whether it’s attending local events, meeting with small businesses, or responding to community concerns, she remains committed to being a strong voice for Newmarket—Aurora at Queen’s Park—and a neighbour who truly cares.