KITCHENER, ON – Colleen James, Regional Councillor for the Region of Waterloo, representing Kitchener, has been officially nominated as the Ontario Liberal candidate for Kitchener Centre.
“As a Regional Councillor for the Region of Waterloo, representing Kitchener, Colleen James has been a tireless advocate for her community, demonstrating effective leadership and dedicated service.
“Together, we have a plan to make your life easier and more affordable by cutting taxes, guaranteeing access to family doctors, and building more homes that you can afford.
“I’m proud to announce that Colleen is officially the Ontario Liberal candidate for Kitchener Centre!”
— Bonnie Crombie, Leader of Ontario’s Liberals
“Our community is facing significant social and economic challenges that require bold, targeted action.
“Under Bonnie’s leadership, the Ontario Liberal Party is committed to addressing these issues at the provincial level through sound public policy and strategic investments in key areas.
“As someone deeply committed to Kitchener’s future, I am honoured to be the Ontario Liberal candidate for Kitchener Centre, ready to represent our community in addressing these challenges and building a stronger future for all.”
— Colleen James, Ontario Liberal Candidate for Kitchener Centre
Colleen James was elected to Regional Council in October 2022, representing City of Kitchener residents.
Colleen’s professional career includes more than 15 years of experience in municipal government at both the city and regional levels. As the founder of Divonify Incorporated, Colleen is a leading consultant on equity and inclusion. Locally, nationally, and internationally, Colleen partners with a wide range of public, private, and not-for-profit organizations and businesses that are committed to change.
Colleen’s values are central to her work as a leader. These values determine her approach to making decisions as a Councillor on behalf of the community. These values include building trusted relationships; having equity-informed community discussions; listening and collaborating; empowering and amplifying; taking meaningful action, and being accountable.
Colleen graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours B.A. in history, political science, and Caribbean studies. She holds a master’s degree in leadership, higher, and adult education from U of T’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE).
In 2020, the Canada International Black Women Event named Colleen one of the Top 100 Black Women to Watch. In 2021, she was named one of the Top 25 Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Persons of the Year by the Canadian Multicultural Group. In 2024 Colleen was awarded the Public Service Excellence Award by Women of Dignity International.
Born and raised in Kitchener, she currently lives in Kitchener with her husband and young family.