Biography:
Kathleen O’Day Wynne (/wɪn/ (listen) WIN; born May 21, 1953) is a Canadian former politician who served as the 25th premier of Ontario and leader of the Ontario Liberal Party from 2013 to 2018. She was a member of provincial parliament (MPP) for Don Valley West from 2003 to 2022.
Wynne is the first female premier of Ontario and the first openly gay premier in Canada. She made history by breaking barriers and proving that gender and sexual orientation should not be obstacles in achieving political leadership. Throughout her political career, she worked tirelessly to pursue a more inclusive and progressive Ontario.
Wynne’s political journey began when she was first elected to public office as a trustee for the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) in 2000. This experience provided a solid foundation for her later political career, as she gained insights into the challenges and needs of Ontario’s education system.
In 2003, Wynne successfully transitioned into provincial politics and was elected to the Ontario Legislature. Under the leadership of Premier Dalton McGuinty, she held various cabinet posts, demonstrating her aptitude for addressing critical issues and implementing effective policies.
In 2012, when Premier McGuinty announced his resignation, Wynne saw the opportunity to make an even greater impact on Ontario’s future. She resigned from her cabinet position to enter the Liberal leadership race. Her dedication and experience resonated with party members, leading to her victory and subsequent ascension to the role of premier and leader of the Ontario Liberal Party.
During her tenure as premier, Wynne championed several progressive policies that aimed to improve the lives of Ontarians. Notably, she introduced free prescription drug coverage for children, ensuring that families could access essential medications without financial burden. Moreover, she recognized the importance of fair wages and increased the minimum wage to $14 an hour, giving workers a better quality of life.
Recognizing the significance of education in shaping Ontario’s future, Wynne introduced free post-secondary tuition for families making under $50,000. This groundbreaking policy brought higher education within reach for many aspiring students and strengthened Ontario’s workforce and economy.
Although her tenure was marked by successes, Wynne also faced controversies and challenges. She introduced a reformed sex education curriculum, which sparked heated debates amongst various interest groups. This decision was emblematic of her commitment to advancing progressive and inclusive social policies, even in the face of opposition.
Wynne also implemented a cap-and-trade pollution pricing regime in collaboration with Quebec and California, aiming to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, this policy faced criticism from some quarters, highlighting the tensions between environmental stewardship and economic concerns.
Moreover, her government controversially decided to privatize Hydro One, the province’s publicly owned electricity transmission and distribution company. This move sparked debates about the role of public assets and private investment in Ontario’s energy sector.
In 2018, Wynne sought another mandate in the provincial election. However, midway into the campaign, she acknowledged that her party would not form government again. The Liberals suffered the worst defeat of a governing party in Ontario history, losing official party status. On election night, Wynne formally resigned as Liberal leader, making way for Ottawa South MPP John Fraser as interim party leader.
Wynne continued to serve as a member of the Legislative Assembly until 2022, when she retired from politics and did not contest the provincial election. Her legacy as Ontario’s first female premier and an openly gay politician will continue to inspire others to break barriers and pursue political leadership.
Awards:
– Order of Ontario
– Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal