Catherine Callbeck (1939 - )

Catherine Callbeck was the 28th Premier of Prince Edward Island, the second female Premier in Canadian history, and the first to win a general election. She has been a strong advocate for increasing the number of women in politics.

• She served as Minister of Health and Social Services and Minister Responsible for Disabled Persons in Prince Edward Island.
• Callbeck has a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Education. While she was at university, she was the only woman in her commerce class.
• Callbeck was appointed leader of the PEI Liberal Party in 1993 and her party won the provincial election.
• She is an entrepreneur and taught business courses before becoming a politician.
• Callbeck was appointed to the Senate in 1997. She said, “My greatest work within the Senate … was bringing the concerns of [Prince Edward] Islanders to the floor of the Senate.”
• She has been involved with the Women’s Campaign School and has mentored many young women interested in pursuing a career in politics.
• Callbeck retired in 2014. The following year she was named to the Order of Canada.