NDP MPP Catherine Fife makes history as the first Canadian elected Chair of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians

QUEEN’S PARK – NDP MPP Catherine Fife (Waterloo) has made history as the first Canadian to be elected Chair of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians. MPP Fife won the confidence of her peers in the association as she spoke about the importance of breaking down barriers for women in politics and the transformative role of a strong public education system in lifting women up.

“Catherine is a powerhouse,” said Marit Stiles, Leader of the Official Opposition. “She is a passionate advocate for strengthening the systems that lift people up and building a fairer economy. After a hard-fought race with incredible candidates from South Africa, the Maldives, and Australia, Catherine was elected Chair of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians.

"I am proud to have Catherine on our team, fighting for a better Ontario every day. Congratulations!”

"This is a huge honour and privilege,” said Fife. “Public education changed my life. I saw first-hand the transformative nature of a strong, publicly funded education system. It is at the heart of how we lift each other up, strengthen our democracy, and build a brighter future that defies division.

"As I spoke to a room full of the fiercest, most incredible parliamentarians, I was reminded of what drives me, what keeps me grounded, and what keeps me going: the pursuit of building a fairer system that lifts us all up. In a world that feasts on division, I believe it’s time for the Commonwealth to remind the world what connects us: equity, integrity, and our shared commitment to democracy.”