Carolyn Bennett

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Carolyn Bennett is a Canadian politician and physician. She has been a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Liberal Party of Canada since 1997, representing the Toronto riding of St. Paul's. Bennett has held various positions in the Cabinet of Canada, including Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs and Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations.

Early Life and Education

Carolyn Bennett was born on December 20, 1950, in Toronto, Ontario. She attended Havergal College and later graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in medicine. Bennett completed her residency in family medicine and became a practicing physician.

Medical Career

Before entering politics, Bennett worked as a family physician and was an assistant professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto. She was also a founding partner of Bedford Medical Associates in Toronto.

Political Career

Bennett was first elected to the House of Commons of Canada in the 1997 federal election. She has been re-elected in every subsequent election. During her tenure, she has served in various roles:

Minister of State for Public Health

In 2003, Bennett was appointed as the first Minister of State for Public Health by Prime Minister Paul Martin. In this role, she was responsible for overseeing the creation of the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs

In 2015, Bennett was appointed as the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. She played a key role in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and worked on improving relationships between the Government of Canada and Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

In 2017, the portfolio was restructured, and Bennett became the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations. She continued her work on reconciliation and addressing issues faced by Indigenous communities.

Personal Life

Carolyn Bennett is married to Peter O'Brian, a film producer, and they have two children. She is known for her advocacy on various health and social issues, including mental health, women's rights, and Indigenous rights.

Awards and Recognition

Bennett has received several awards for her work in medicine and public service, including the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

See Also

• Liberal Party of Canada
• House of Commons of Canada
• Cabinet of Canada
• Indigenous peoples in Canada
• Public Health Agency of Canada