- Born and raised in Timmins
- Elected as Member of Parliament for Timmins - James Bay in 2004, re-elected in 2006, 2008 and 2011
- Critic for Ethics and Accountability, and Digital Affairs
- Named ‘Top Constituency MP in Canada’ by Maclean’s Magazine
- Has a well-earned reputation as one of the hardest-working MPs in Ottawa
- Writer, broadcaster and musician; was a member of the Juno-nominated band Grievous Angels, as well as 1980s punk band L’Étranger.
- Honoured for “Outstanding Contribution to Northern Culture” at the 1999 Festival Boreal in Sudbury
- The Late Peter Gzozski once referred to Charlie as ‘The Bard of the North’
- Has been a regular contributor to CBC, TVO and national newspapers
- Has published five books on Northern Ontario life and culture
- In the 1980s, with his wife, Charlie ran a house for the homeless in downtown Toronto
- Worked for three years with northern First Nations in Quebec on issues of community development and economic opportunities
- He and his wife have three daughters.