Louise Simard (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Louise Simard
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| In office October 20, 1986 – June 21, 1995 |
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| MLA for Regina Hillsdale | |
| In office October 1, 1991 – June 21, 1995 |
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| Preceded by | New District |
| Succeeded by | District Dissolved |
| MLA for Regina Lakeview | |
| In office October 20, 1986 – October 1, 1991 |
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| 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 |
| Profession | Lawyer |
Rose Marie Louise Simard (born April 17, 1947) is a Canadian lawyer and former politician. She worked as a leader in different organizations. She was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan (like a provincial parliament) for the New Democratic Party (NDP). She represented the areas of Regina Lakeview from 1986 to 1991 and Regina Hillsdale from 1991 to 1995.
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About Louise Simard's Early Life
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 Provisional government. This government helped bring Manitoba into Canada in 1870.
Louise Simard is a citizen of the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan. The Métis are a group of Indigenous people in Canada with mixed Indigenous and European ancestry.
Education and Legal Career
Louise Simard studied at the University of Saskatchewan. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy in 1969. The next year, in 1970, she received her Bachelor of Laws degree.
After finishing her studies, she worked as a law student in Regina. In 1971, she officially became a lawyer in Saskatchewan.
Louise Simard has two children, Paul and Marin, from her first marriage.
Louise Simard's Career Journey
Starting in Law and Public Service
In 1974, Louise Simard made history. She became the first woman to work as a Legislative Council and Law Clerk for Saskatchewan. This role involves helping with laws and legal advice for the government.
From 1978 to 1986, she practiced law in Regina. During this time, she also worked for the Attorney General of Saskatchewan. This is the chief legal advisor to the government.
Working for Human Rights and Health
From 1978 to 1983, Louise Simard was a Deputy Chief Commissioner. She worked for the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission. This group helps protect people's rights.
She also advised the Saskatchewan Government on important laws. One was the Matrimonial Property Act of 1980. This law gave equal sharing rights to spouses in a marriage. She also helped combine different courts.
Louise Simard also worked with medical groups. From 1982 to 1985, she represented consumers on the Council of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan. Later, she became the first non-doctor to be President of the Medical Council of Canada (2002–2003). She also served on the board of the Canadian Nurses Association.
Time as a Politician
Louise Simard was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan (MLA). She represented Regina Lakeview (1986–91) and Regina Hillsdale (1991–95). She was part of the New Democratic Party (NDP).
During her time in politics, she held many important jobs, called "ministerial portfolios." When her party was the Official Opposition (1986–1991), she spoke for them on health issues. She also spoke on women's issues and for groups like SaskPower.
When her party formed the government (1991–1995), she became the Minister of Health. She was also the Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. At that time, she was only the second female lawyer elected to the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan.
Changing Healthcare in Saskatchewan
As Minister of Health, Louise Simard led a big change. She helped reform and restructure Saskatchewan's healthcare system. She brought in a "wellness" model of healthcare. This model focused on preventing illness and improving overall health for everyone.
She also changed many small rural hospitals into health centers. She created regional health districts and boards to manage healthcare. This was a difficult time for the government due to financial challenges. Federal funding for healthcare was also reduced. Despite these challenges, Simard is known as a leader in health planning.
Louise Simard also oversaw other important areas. These included the Treasury Board, SaskTel, and the Public Service Commission. She also worked with groups focused on women's issues and mental health.
After Politics: Continued Leadership
After leaving politics in 1995, Louise Simard returned to practicing law. In 1997, she was named Queen's Counsel. This is an honor given to experienced lawyers.
From 2000 to 2003, she was the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations (SAHO). Later, she became CEO of the Health Employers Association of British Columbia. In 2002, she received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal.
Louise Simard continued to serve on many important boards. These included the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI). She also worked with the Canadian Medical Association on doctor supply in Canada.
In 2010, she was a Professional Affiliate at the University of Saskatchewan. She taught a class on Health Reform. That same year, she received the Alumni of Influence award from the university.
She is an honorary member of the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses’ Association. She is also a life member of the Saskatchewan Lung Association. In 2011, she received the Katharine Pearson Caregiver Award.
In 2018, Louise Simard became the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan (MN-S). She focused on "Nation-building," which means helping the Métis Nation grow and become stronger. She stepped down from this role in 2020.
