Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister of State (Status of Women)
Edmonton–Spruce Grove (Alberta)
Rona Ambrose was first elected as the Conservative Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Spruce Grove in 2004. Re-elected in 2006 and 2008, she has held several positions in Stephen Harper’s Cabinet.
As Minister of the Environment, she introduced the Clean Air Act that set the Canadian benchmark for cutting carbon emissions. She was also an early leader in calling for a new international agreement, which includes all major emitters, to replace the failed Kyoto Accord.
In January 2007, she was named Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification where she was a vocal advocate for supporting Western priorities.
Following the 2008 election, she became Minister of Labour and Vice-President of the Treasury Board. Prime Minister Harper also named her Minister Responsible for Northern Alberta.
As Labour Minister in 2009, she resolved strikes at Via Rail, Ottawa’s public transit system, and the Canadian National Railway. She also represented the Government of Canada in negotiating several international labour cooperation accords that protect human and workers’ rights under Canada’s free trade agreements.
In January 2010, Minister Ambrose moved from Labour to Public Works and Government Services Canada, one of the largest departments of the federal government. In April 2010, she was also named Minister for Status of Women,while retaining her responsibilities at Treasury Board and the Minister’s Regional Office.
As Vice-President of the Treasury Board, Minister Ambrose will work with her cabinet colleagues to ensure prudence and fiscal responsibility in all government expenditures.
Rona Ambrose was born in Valleyview, Alberta, and grew up in Parkland County. She also spent part of her childhood in Brazil. She speaks English, French, Spanish and Portuguese; she also holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Victoria and a Masters degree in Political Science from the University of Alberta.
Prior to serving in Parliament, Minister Ambrose pursued a career in the Government of Alberta’s Department of International and Intergovernmental Relations. She has also worked in the private sector as a public policy consultant.
Her community service has included being involved in organizations that support ending violence against women including the Status of Women's Action Group, the Victoria Sexual Assault and Sexual Abuse Crisis Centre and the Edmonton Women's Shelter. She has also served as coach of the Conservative Party charity hockey team.
