3 Alumnae Named to Federal Cabinet

Strong UVic Presence in Trudeau Team

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s new team of cabinet ministers, sworn-in at a ceremony today (Nov. 4) at Rideau Hall, includes three UVic alumnae.

Jody Wilson-Raybould, BA ’96 (Political Science/History) – former B.C. regional chief on the Assembly of First Nations, former Crown prosecutor, and recipient of the 2012 Faculty of Humanities Distinguished Alumni Award (photo above) – is the Minister of Justice and Attorney General.

Faculty of Law alumna Carla Qualtrough, LLB ’97, a Delta-based lawyer and paralympian, is the Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities.

And Patty Hajdu, former executive director of a homeless shelter in Thunder Bay, is the Minister of Status of Women. She holds a Master of Public Administration, to be awarded in absentia during 2015 Fall Convocation ceremonies.

“This is another great example of UVic alumni making a significant difference in our country and the world,” says President Jamie Cassels. “And we look forward to working with the federal government on the crucial issues facing our society and the role that post-secondary education can play in advancing Canada’s future prosperity.”

The 30-member cabinet includes 15 women.