Lorna Jean (LJ) Edmonds is an experienced leader and

community advocate who is deeply committed to growing the

richness and livelihood of Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands- Rideau Lakes and other rural communities in Canada and internationally for the benefit of all. As the most recent provincial liberal candidate she knows firsthand the pressing issues facing this riding and has the skills and experience to work with all to deliver while leveraging its distinct assets. Clarity of vision and a plan,  community engagement, advocacy for progressive policies and deal making with public and private sector partners have been central to her leadership portfolios.

 

Today she is an active grandmother, mother, partner, volunteer and community advocate and leader who lives in Hartington, Ontario, a rural community right next LGTIRL between Westport and Gananoque and a region so very similar. 

Prior to retiring in 2020, LJ was the Vice Provost of Global Affairs, Director of the Centre for International Studies and Professor at the College of Health Sciences and Professions at Ohio University in the United States. Most of her career, however, spanning 25 years, was in Ontario where she held progressive leadership roles in 
the Ministry of Health, Government of Ontario, Kingston Psychiatric Hospital, Kingston General Hospital,  Queen’s University, University of Toronto, Western University, University of Ottawa, and consulting, including with multilateral agencies. 

LJ has lived and worked in urban and rural communities in Ontario, the United States and internationally, including some very difficult situations facing communities. She has witnessed the disparity and the opportunities and, in partnership, built consensus to bring about important changes. She and the teams she has worked with have secured human, financial and technological resources to invest in communities and to foster innovation across the sectors. Initiatives led to substantive and progressive improvements in services, programs, and accessibility and in a number of instances fundamental changes in government policy leading to tangible benefits of many many thousands of people, including some of the most vulnerable.

She credits her inclusive, engaging and can-do approach to mobilizing change and overcoming barriers to the many years she worked with, and learned from disability leaders and persons from diverse cultures and distinct groups in Ontario and worldwide and being a parent in a somewhat distinct family and community. Diversity, inclusion and equity is not only good for business it is great for all of us. It is progress.

She holds a BA in science from Queen’s University, a Master’s in Health Administration from the University of Ottawa and a PhD in Development Studies in leading change from the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom. 

LJ will bring this depth of practical experience and understanding of our ever evolving world, her drive and compassion along with an engaging and inclusive style for serving you in her role as your MP to build Canada strong.