Denise Savoie (1943 - )

Denise Savoie is an activist and politician from Victoria, British Columbia. She was the first female federal MP Victoria ever elected, bringing West Coast values to Ottawa. She was particularly passionate about the environment, education, and national child-care.

• She was the first female Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees of the Whole in 2011. Speaking about this role, she said, “I asked my fellow MPs to imagine a Parliament that functions well — where debate is not focused on scoring points, but rather on creating better, more inclusive public policy.”
• She was the only “franco-colombienne” in the House of Commons from 2008 to 2012.
• Victoria had been a Liberal riding for 13 years until Denise was elected, thereby switching it to NDP.
• Savoie suggested the “New Democratic Party” rebrand to the “Democratic Party,” hoping to modernize the perception of her party.
• She received the Environment EcoCouncillor Award, the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects Community Service Award, and an award from the Canadian Institute for Business.
• In 2012, Denise resigned her seat in the House of Commons for health reasons.