Anthony Rota - Definition

Anthony Rota (born May 15, 1961 in North Bay, Ontario) is a Canadian politician. He is a current member of the Canadian House of Commons, representing the riding of Nipissing—Timiskaming for the Liberal Party.

Rota holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Wilfrid Laurier University, a diploma in Finance from Algonquin College, and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Ottawa.

Prior to his election, Rota worked for the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) as Regional Manager for Ontario. He has also served with the Canadian Technology Network in Ottawa, and has worked in the private sector. Rota is fluent in French, Spanish, Italian and English.

Rota began his political career at the municipal level, serving as a councillor in North Bay and chairing the city's planning and economic development committee. He won the federal Liberal nomination for Nipissing—Timiskaming in early 2004, defeating rival candidates Susan Church, Hugh McLachlan and Joe Sinicrope with 52% on the second ballot. In the general election held in June of that year, he narrowly defeated Conservative candidate Al McDonald.