Kellie Leitch

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the Minister for citizenship & Immigration of Canada, Mr. Chris Alexander, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on January 11, 2015 (2)

Kellie Leitch is a Canadian orthopedic surgeon, politician, and former Member of Parliament (MP) in the House of Commons of Canada. She was a member of the Conservative Party of Canada and represented the riding of Simcoe—Grey from 2011 to 2019. Leitch gained national attention during her tenure as an MP for her involvement in various health and children's issues, as well as her controversial stance on Canadian values screening for immigrants during the 2017 Conservative Party leadership race.

Early Life and Education

Kellie Leitch was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and grew up in Fort McMurray, Alberta. She pursued her higher education at Queen's University, where she earned a degree in medicine. Leitch furthered her education by obtaining an MBA from Dalhousie University. Her academic and professional pursuits underscored a deep commitment to both healthcare and business, setting the stage for her future career in politics and medicine.

Medical Career

Before entering politics, Leitch had an established career in medicine. She is a certified orthopedic surgeon, specializing in pediatric surgery. Leitch's medical career is marked by her dedication to children's health and her contributions to the medical community in Canada. Her work extended beyond surgery, as she engaged in public health advocacy, particularly in areas affecting children's physical and mental health.

Political Career

Kellie Leitch's political career began when she was elected as the MP for Simcoe—Grey in the 2011 federal election. Throughout her time in office, Leitch held several key positions, including Minister of Labour and Minister for the Status of Women in the cabinet of Prime Minister Stephen Harper. She was known for her work on children's issues, including efforts to combat cyberbullying and initiatives to promote physical activity among youth.

One of the most notable aspects of Leitch's political career was her candidacy in the 2017 Conservative Party leadership race. During the campaign, she proposed a controversial policy to screen potential immigrants for "Canadian values," a stance that sparked significant debate within the party and across the country. Despite the attention her campaign received, Leitch did not win the leadership race.

Post-Political Career

After leaving politics in 2019, Kellie Leitch returned to her medical career. She continues to contribute to the field of pediatric orthopedic surgery and is involved in various health-related initiatives. Leitch's post-political career reflects her ongoing commitment to healthcare and public service.

Legacy

Kellie Leitch's legacy in Canadian politics and medicine is marked by her dedication to children's health and welfare, as well as her involvement in contentious political debates. Her career serves as an example of the intersection between healthcare and politics, highlighting the potential for medical professionals to impact public policy and discourse.