OTTAWA, ON – Karen McCrimmon, MPP for Kanata—Carleton and Ontario Liberal Party (OLP) critic for Education, Colleges and Universities, has been officially nominated as a candidate for the next provincial election.
“From the House of Commons to Queen’s Park, communities in Kanata—Carleton to our Royal Canadian Air Force; Karen has spent her entire life dedicated to serving those around her.
Her historic by-election victory brought a strong advocate for youth and educators to Queen’s Park, and energized our caucus. I’m thrilled to have Karen return as our candidate in Kanata—Carleton!”
— Bonnie Crombie, Leader of Ontario’s Liberals
“I am so happy to be serving the people of Kanata-Carleton, and I am honoured to be part of a team that is committed to working for the people of Ontario. With our leader Bonnie Crombie and the rest of the Ontario Liberals, we will work hard every day to protect our healthcare, education, and communities, and to ensure that they receive the investment they need for a sustainable and thriving future.”
— Karen McCrimmon, MPP and Ontario Liberal Candidate for Kanata—Carleton
Karen McCrimmon is the member of provincial parliament (MPP) for Kanata—Carleton. She previously served as the Member of Parliament for Kanata—Carleton from 2015 to 2021. After a 31-year military career, Karen retired as a lieutenant colonel. She was the first female navigator and the first woman to command a Canadian Forces air force squadron.
Karen was born in Weston, Ontario and grew up in Timmins, and Windsor, Ontario.
She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Windsor in Russian and linguistics, and originally wanted to work in Canada’s diplomatic corps.
Karen joined the Regular Force in 1980 and became an air navigator, the first female to gain such a qualification. In 1995, she was made a member of the Order of Military Merit. She did a tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2004 where she was responsible for NATO Airlift Co-ordination. She retired from the Forces in 2006.
As a Member of Parliament, Karen served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transportation. She was also Chair of the Standing Committee on National Defence.