Louise Simard (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Louise Simard
ECS KC
|
|
|---|---|
| Member of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan for Regina Hillsdale | |
| In office October 1, 1991 – June 21, 1995 |
|
| Preceded by | New District |
| Succeeded by | District Dissolved |
| Member of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan for Regina Lakeview | |
| In office October 20, 1986 – October 1, 1991 |
|
| Preceded by | Tim Embury |
| Succeeded by | District Dissolved John Nilson (indirectly) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 17, 1946 Val-d'Or, Quebec |
| Political party | Saskatchewan New Democratic Party |
| Residence | Regina, Saskatchewan |
| Alma mater | University of Saskatchewan |
| Profession | Lawyer |
Rose Marie Louise Simard (born April 17, 1947) is a lawyer and former politician from Saskatchewan, Canada. She was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan, which is like the provincial parliament. She represented the areas of Regina Lakeview from 1986 to 1991 and Regina Hillsdale from 1991 to 1995. She was part of the New Democratic Party (NDP).
Contents
About Louise Simard
Early Life and Family
Louise Simard was born on April 17, 1947, in Val-d'Or, Quebec. She grew up in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan. Her family has a special history: she is a descendant of Pierre Poitras, who was part of Louis Riel’s government in what is now Manitoba. Her ancestors helped Manitoba join Canada in 1870. Louise Simard is also a citizen of the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan.
Education and Legal Training
Louise Simard studied at the University of Saskatchewan. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy in 1969 and a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1970. After finishing her studies, she trained to become a lawyer in Regina. She officially became a lawyer in Saskatchewan in 1971.
Louise Simard has two children, Paul and Marin, from her first marriage.
Louise Simard's Career
Starting Her Career in Law
In 1974, Louise Simard made history by becoming the first female Legislative Counsel and Law Clerk for Saskatchewan. This role meant she helped the government write laws and provided legal advice.
From 1978 to 1986, she worked as a lawyer in Regina. During this time, she also worked for the Attorney General of Saskatchewan, helping with legal matters for the province.
Working for Human Rights and Health
From 1978 to 1983, Louise Simard was the Deputy Chief Commissioner of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission. This group works to protect people's rights and make sure everyone is treated fairly.
She also advised the Government of Saskatchewan on important laws. For example, she helped develop the Matrimonial Property Act in 1980. This law made sure that spouses in a marriage had equal rights to their shared property.
Later, she became the first public member (someone who is not a doctor) to be President of the Medical Council of Canada from 2002 to 2003. This council helps set standards for doctors in Canada.
Political Career and Health Care Reform
Louise Simard served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for two different areas: Regina Lakeview (1986–1991) and Regina Hillsdale (1991–1995). She was a member of the New Democratic Party (NDP).
During her time in politics, she held many important jobs, called "ministerial portfolios." These are like being in charge of different government departments. When her party was not in power, she was the Opposition Health Critic, meaning she spoke for her party on health issues.
When her party formed the government from 1991 to 1995, she became the Minister of Health. This was a very important role. She was in charge of changing and improving Saskatchewan's health care system. She introduced a "wellness" model, which focused on keeping people healthy and preventing illness. She also helped create regional health districts and boards to manage health care locally.
She was only the second female lawyer ever elected to the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan.
After Politics
Louise Simard left politics in 1995 and went back to practicing law. In 1997, she was named Queen's Counsel, which is an honor for experienced lawyers.
From 2000 to 2003, she was the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations (SAHO). She then moved to British Columbia to lead a similar health organization there. In 2002, she received the Commemorative Medal for the Queen's Jubilee, an award to celebrate the Queen's 50 years on the throne.
Louise Simard has also served on many important boards and committees. These include the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the Canadian Patient Safety Institute. These groups work to improve health care and patient safety across Canada.
In 2010, she taught a class on health reform at the University of Saskatchewan. The university also recognized her as an "Alumni of Influence" that year.
More recently, in 2018, Louise Simard became the Chief Operating Officer at the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan (MN-S). In this role, she focused on "Nation-building," which means helping to strengthen and develop the Métis Nation. She stepped down from this position in the summer of 2020.
