Jennifer McKenzie (politician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jennifer McKenzie
Leader of the New Brunswick New Democratic Party
In office August 10, 2017 – February 25, 2019
Preceded by	Rosaire L'Italien
Succeeded by	Mackenzie Thomason (interim)
Personal details
Born	Fredericton, New Brunswick
Political party	New Brunswick New Democratic Party New Democratic Party
Occupation	Engineer

Jennifer McKenzie was born in 1962 in Fredericton, New Brunswick. She is a Canadian politician and an engineer. She used to be the leader of the New Brunswick New Democratic Party.

Before becoming a political leader, Jennifer McKenzie was the chair of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. She held this important role for two terms, helping to guide schools in the Ottawa area.

Early Life and Career

Jennifer McKenzie is an engineer by training. She also worked as a tech entrepreneur. She was a vice-president at Instantel Inc., a company that makes technology.

She was born in New Brunswick but moved to Ontario to work. Later, she returned to New Brunswick and now lives in Saint John, New Brunswick. Jennifer McKenzie has three adult children.

Political Journey

Jennifer McKenzie has run in several elections. In the 2015 Canadian federal election, she was a candidate for the New Democratic Party in the area called Fundy Royal. She finished third in that election.

Before that, she also ran in the 2014 Ontario general election. She was a candidate for the Ontario New Democratic Party in Ottawa Centre. In that election, she came in second place.

Leading a Political Party

On August 10, 2017, Jennifer McKenzie became the leader of the New Brunswick New Democratic Party. She was chosen for this role without anyone else running against her. This is called being "acclaimed" as leader.

She led the party during the 2018 provincial election in New Brunswick. However, the party did not win any seats in that election. Jennifer McKenzie herself ran in the Saint John Harbour area and finished third.

On February 25, 2019, Jennifer McKenzie decided to step down as leader. This happened after a review where party members voted on whether a new leadership election should be held. She chose to resign rather than run again for the leadership position.