What gives you courage?
I was fortunate to be raised by a very strong and loving family. I come from the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk and Laich-Kwil-Tach people of Northern Vancouver Island, part of the Kwakwaka’wakw, the Kwak’wala-speaking peoples. In my culture, we are taught in the Big House that everyone has a role to play in society to ensure balance. This has greatly shaped my sense of female empowerment and my commitment to equality between all individuals—to balance.
We are a matrilineal society; descent is traced and property is inherited through the female line. We have hereditary chiefs—always men—who are groomed for leadership by the women. My grandmother used to joke that when it came to the respective roles of women and men in our society, women were simply too busy and important to be chiefs. But in all seriousness, everyone has a different but equally important role to play in making our communities work well. Our system emphasized balance: between men and women, between clans, and between tribes.
In the Big House, unlike in the political systems of our two countries, there are no political parties—rather, we operate on the idea of consensus. We meet and we debate the issues and seek general agreement to help ensure that decisions are balanced and will stand the test of time.
Tell us about a time when you had to summon all of your courage.
I am not sure summoning courage is the best way to describe various situations that I have had to contend with in my life—particularly more recently. I would say, however, that finding an appropriate work-life balance is always a challenge. I do not think that I have found it yet. But this does make it especially important to have the right team and support from family and friends. My husband, Tim, and my “Board of Directors” support me and keep me grounded.
Kathleen Wynne
“We have to be vigilant in continuing to invest in our futures, in our communities, and in the institutions that strengthen our shared life with each other.”
Birthplace Toronto Western Hospital, but my hometown is Richmond Hill, ON
What age do you feel? People my age will often say, “It depends on the day.” But because of my current job, it really does!
Occupation Premier of Ontario
Book you gift most The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, and the wonderful 150 Stories that Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, pulled together from across the province
Favourite drink Every day, green tea; special days, strawberry milkshake
Favourite place in Canada That’s like asking a parent to choose their favourite child! I have a real soft spot for my hometown, Richmond Hill, where my parents still live.
How has your view of feminism changed over your lifetime?
I’m more of a realist now, maybe—and perhaps a touch disappointed. Change doesn’t happen as quickly as I’d hoped it would forty-five years ago. But that doesn’t mean I’m any less of a believer in ending gender inequality for women. In fact, I’m probably more passionate and committed to it now, because I’ve seen what inequality costs a society, and what it does to girls and women when they’re inhibited in any way from achieving their full potential.
When I was a girl, many of our mothers had to choose between raising a family and having a career, so we were under pressure as their daughters, I think, to show we could “do it all”—but without the supports that families need to allow two parents to be equally active outside of the home. I managed to choose both, eventually, after a number of years at home with my children, but lots of my contemporaries weren’t able to. I think young families now have more choices about how to balance their personal lives, raising young children and caring for aging parents, while also working in jobs or the community, or going to school. That’s the result of feminist women—and men—advocating for the supports that women need to make those choices.
At this age I’m much more realistic about the practical side of what feminism requires of all of us. And frankly I’m probably less patient. Sometimes I want to say, “Enough already. How are we still dealing with misogyny, discrimination, and violence? Let’s just do the right thing!”
Tell us about a time when you had to summon all of your courage.
The time in my life when I felt the most afraid and had to call up the courage to step forward and risk rejection by my family and community was when I came out at the age of thirty-seven. Changing my life put my whole family, and especially my three young children, at risk. I had to face the realities of homophobia and the risk of hurting my own children in some way as they dealt with the change in their lives.
What has been a defining moment in your personal or professional life?
Realizing I could make a difference in someone else’s life, other than my own children’s. When my kids were young in school, I saw how resources were being stripped from the classrooms and the quality of education was suffering. I was angry and frustrated and became involved as a parent-activist. And we were able to make a difference! It was my Margaret Mead moment: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” I went on to be a school board trustee; an MPP; minister of Education, Transportation, Aboriginal Affairs, Municipal Affairs and Housing, and Agriculture; and now premier.
What does being Canadian mean to you?
I was raised at a time when Canada was known around the world as a great peacekeeper. We were a country that believed in mediation and finding solutions together, across geographies, religion, race, and ethnicity. Not only around the world, but here at home too, as we’ve welcomed newcomers from every nation. I think those national qualities are in my own personal DNA (or my aspirations, at least) so I feel very in sync with that Canada: kind, resourceful, hard-working, hopeful.
We can see just south of the border how quickly the gains won in the past to make a society fairer and kinder can be challenged, and even dismantled. So we have to be diligent, basically working every day for justice and ensuring there are opportunities for everyone. Life isn’t a zero-sum game; we can’t let people tell us it is winner takes all. We have so much to draw on in Canada, including our rich traditions and heritages, and all the new talents and resources that have found their way to our shores. We have to be vigilant in continuing to invest in our futures, in our communities, and in the institutions that strengthen our shared life with each other.
Are women different from men as political leaders?
It’s really dangerous to generalize, but in my experience, yes. Not better or worse, just different. That’s why it’s so important that we’re all at the decision-making table, bringing together those diverse backgrounds and perspectives. From my years in public life, I think the women with whom I’ve worked observe things differently and process information differently than the men. Often, women bring more people along with us for the journey. And the food is always, always better.
Selected Honours and Achievements
Monica Adair The co-founder of Acre Architects, Monica Adair is a strong advocate for the arts and shaping the future, and the recipient of a Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s Young Architect Award.
Shelley Ambrose Shelley Ambrose is the publisher of The Walrus and executive director of The Walrus Foundation.
Christina Anthony The founder of Forum for Women Entrepreneurs, Christina Anthony is the recipient of a YWCA Women of Distinction Award (Community Building category) and an Association of Women in Finance Community Legacy Award. She was named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2007.
Louise Arbour A former Supreme Court of Canada Justice, Louise Arbour is a leader in human rights and the UN’s point person on international migration. She was made a Companion to the Order of Canada and has been awarded honorary doctorates by twenty-seven universities.
Jean Augustine Jean Augustine has had a distinguished career as an educator, politician, and advocate for social justice. The first African-Canadian woman elected to the federal cabinet and the
House of Commons, she is the recipient of a YWCA Women of Distinction Award and a Member of the Order of Canada.
Janet Austin As CEO of the YWCA Metro Vancouver and former Chair of the Vancouver Board of Trade, Janet Austin has received the Order of British Columbia, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and Diamond Jubilee Medals, a Business in Vancouver BC CEO Award, and BC Business Most Influential Women Award.
Ulrike Bahr-Gedalia Ulrike Bahr-Gedalia is a marketing powerhouse with a passion for diversity, equality, inclusion, and innovation. A champion for STEAM education, she has received a Women’s Executive Network Top 100 Award twice.
Nini Baird Founding chair of the TELUS Vancouver Community Board and TELUS Fund, Nini Baird is a Member of the Order of Canada and has won a Women’s Executive Network Top 100 Award.
Kim Baird Kim Baird is former chief of the self-governing Tsawwassen First Nation. Serving as elected chief for six terms, she negotiated and implemented the first modern treaty in the BC Treaty Negotiation Process. Kim has been recognized with the Order of British Columbia and an Indspire Award, and she is a Member of the Order of Canada.
Yaprak Baltacioğlu An accomplished public sector leader who is currently the secretary of the Treasury Board, Yaprak Baltacioğlu has received a Women’s Executive Network Top 100 Award, and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and Diamond Jubilee Medals.
Janet Bannister A passionate supporter of entrepreneurs and businesses who launched Kijiji Canada, Janet Bannister leads investments with Real Ventures to accelerate growth and create impact.
Meg Beckel shares Canada’s conservation practices and vision with the world as President & CEO at the Canadian Museum of Nature.
Jeanne Beker A Member of the Order of Canada, Jeanne Beker is a multimedia fashion entrepreneur, journalist, speaker, and author, who hosted Fashion Television for twenty-seven years.
Cindy Blackstock A Canadian-born Gitxsan activist for child welfare and the Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada. She is also a professor for the School of Social Work at McGill University.
Rose Boyko The first Indigenous woman appointed as a Superior Court judge in Canada, Rose Boyko is a member of the McLeod Lake Indian Band and recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Barbara Brink The force behind Science World, Barbara Brink is a Member of the Order of Canada and recipient of the Queen’s Gold Jubilee Medal and a YWCA Women of Distinction Award.
Judy Brooks The co-founder of Blo Blow Dry Bar and three other businesses, Judy Brooks is a business strategist and entrepreneur who was named an Influential Woman in Business by Business in Vancouver.
Manon Brouillette Manon Brouillette is the President and CEO of Quebec’s biggest telecommunications and entertainment experience, Videotron. She has received a Women’s Executive Network Top 100 Award twice, and the Stratège prize from the Association des professionnels de la communication et du marketing.
Beverley Busson The first female Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Beverley Busson was the head of British Columbia’s Organized Crime Agency. She has been awarded the Order of Merit of the Police Forces and the Order of BC.
Brenda Butterworth-Carr Brenda Butterworth-Carr is the first Indigenous woman to head the RCMP’s E Division, the largest RCMP division in Canada.
Kim Campbell Canada’s first and only female prime minister, Kim Campbell is a Companion of the Order of Canada and recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and Diamond Jubilee Medals.
Cassie Campbell-Pascall A Member of the Order of Canada, Cassie Campbell-Pascall led Canada’s women’s hockey team to gold as captain during the 2002 Winter Olympics. She has been inducted into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame.
Elizabeth Cannon The first female president of the University of Calgary, Elizabeth Cannon was named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40, and has received a Women’s Executive Network Top 100 Award.
Maryse Carmichael Maryse Carmichael was the first woman to join the Canadian Forces Snowbirds aerobatic team and later became the team’s commander, as well as the recipient of an Elsie MacGill Northern Lights Award.
Tania Carnegie As the Chief Impact Officer at KPMG, Tania Carnegie is the creator of two ground-breaking national strategic initiatives and a community leader driving social change. She is on the national advisory board for the G8 Social Impact Investing Taskforce.
Debby Carreau The youngest inductee into the Women’s Executive Network Top 100 Hall of Fame, Debby Carreau is a human capital thought leader, entrepreneur and author. Debby is a board member for YPO and the Chair for 1000 Women Rising.
Ann Cavoukian One of the world’s leading privacy experts, Ann Cavoukian is the recipient of a Women’s Executive Network Top 100 Award. She has also made Maclean’s Top 50 Power List and Canadian Business magazine’s Power 50.
Lisa Charleyboy A First Nations writer and social entrepreneur, Lisa Charleyboy is the editor-in-chief of Urban Native Magazine, co-editor of Dreaming in Indian: Contemporary Native American Voices, and the Director of Communications for the Aboriginal Professionals of Canada (APAC).
Piya Chattopadhyay Award-winning journalist Piya Chattopadhyay hosts Out in the Open on CBC Radio and is Head Judge for the Lieutenant Governor’s Visionaries Prize.
Jan Christilaw A Member of the Order of Canada, Dr. Jan Christilaw is a renowned champion for women and newborn health. She is leading an initiative called Power to Push, attempting to reduce the prevalence of the caesarian sections.
Wendy Arlene Clay Wendy Arlene Clay is the first woman to earn military pilot’s wings in the Canadian Forces and the first female physician to achieve the rank of Major General and hold the position of Surgeon General.
Kristin Cochrane President and publisher of Penguin Random House, Kristin Cochrane is easily the most powerful person in the publishing industry and was named one of Toronto’s 50 Most Influential People by Toronto Life.
Caroline Codsi Caroline Codsi is the force behind Women in Governance, also known as La Gouvernance au Feminin. She is the recipient of a Gender Equality Award by the United Nations Women National Committee, as well as awards from the Quebec Business Women Network, the Arab Women Trophy, and Premières en Affaires.
Imogen Coe Dean of the Faculty of Science at Ryerson University, Dr. Imogen Coe is internationally recognized for her research on the cell biology and biochemistry of drug transport proteins. She has presented her research worldwide at conferences and seminars and in over seventy scholarly papers, book chapters, and abstracts.
Ruth Collins-Nakai A Member of the Order of Canada, Dr. Ruth Collins-Nakai is a cardiologist who spent over thirty years at the University of Alberta as a professor of pediatrics and associate dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. She was the first female president of the Alberta Medical Association, the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, and the Inter-American Society of Cardiology.
Shushma Datt The first Canadian woman to obtain a CRTC licence, Shushma Datt is a recipient of the Order of BC, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, and a YWCA Woman of Distinction Award.
Jean Hough Davey One of the first women in North America to be licensed as a stockbroker, Jean Hough Davey is the author of The Only Woman in the Room and former Vice President and Director of ScotiaMcLeod.
Natalie Zemon Davis A hero to many historians and academics, Natalie Zemon Davis was the second female president of the American Historical Association, and was awarded the 2012 National Humanities Medal by President Barack Obama. She is a Companion of the Order of Canada.
Lisa de Wilde A well-known Canadian media executive and a Member of the Order of Canada, Lisa de Wilde is CEO of TVO and recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and a Women’s Executive Network Top 100 Award.
Sara Diamond An appointee of the Order of Ontario and the Royal Canadian Society of Artists, Sara Diamond is a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Digital Pioneer Award from the GRAND Networks of Centres of Excellence.
Laurel Do
uglas Laurel Douglas is a founding member of the National Taskforce on Women’s Business Growth and Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada. She was one of 100 people worldwide recognized by The International Alliance of Women in 2011 for advancing the economic empowerment of women.
Pat Duncan Pat Duncan was the first female premier in the Yukon and only the second woman in Canadian history to win the premiership of a province or territory through a general election.
Susan R. Eaton Geoscientist and conservationist Susan R. Eaton is the leader of the all-female 2014-17 Sedna Epic Expedition, which will snorkel the Northwest Passage. She was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Modern-Day Explorers by Canadian Geographic.
Jennifer Flanagan The co-founder, president, and CEO of Actua, Jennifer Flanagan has been named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women and received a Y Women Distinction Award, as well as Ottawa’s Top 40 Under 40.
Margot Franssen Philanthropist, activist, and founder of the Body Shop Canada, Margot Franssen is a leading voice on issues of funding women’s rights and social justice for women and girls. She is an Office of the Order of Canada.
Tatiana Fraser A leader, coach, and speaker on issue of gender and social innovation, Tatiana Fraser is the co-author of Girl Positive and an Ashoka fellow. She was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by Women’s Executive Network.
Dawna Friesen Award-winning journalist Dawna Friesen has covered stories ranging from the US Presidential elections to war-torn areas of Afghanistan and Iraq. Friesen won an Emmy for her part in NBC’s coverage of Barack Obama’s election as US President.
Hedy Fry Trinidadian-Canadian politician and physician Hedy Fry is the longest-serving female Member of Parliament, winning eight consecutive elections, and the oldest Canadian MP.
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