Maurizio Bevilacqua was first elected to the House of Commons in 1988 in the former riding of York North. He was re-elected in 1990, 1993, 1997, 2000, 2004, 2006 and 2008. After the 2004 general election, Mr. Bevilacqua returned as Member of Parliament for the new riding of Vaughan.

Mr. Bevilacqua was named to cabinet as Minister of State (Science, Research and Development) on January 15, 2002. He was later appointed Minister of State (International Financial Institutions) on May 26, 2002.

From 1997 through 2002 he served as Chairman of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance.

His re-election in 1993 established an all-time record for the most votes received by a candidate in a federal election. Mr. Bevilacqua was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour (1993-1994) and to the Minister of Human Resources Development (1993-1995).

Mr. Bevilacqua has received many prestigious awards, including “Premio Italiani nel Mondo” which is awarded by the Italian Government to individuals of Italian heritage who have served as outstanding role models. The State of Israel Bonds Canada also honoured Mr. Bevilacqua for his contribution to improving labour-management relations. In recognition of his work advancing Canada/US relations, he was presented with the Key to the City of Dallas.

Mr. Bevilacqua was born in Sulmona, Italy on June 1, 1960. He attended Emery Collegiate and York University where he obtained his bachelor of arts degree.