2022 CHAMBER LIVE Economic Recovery Series: Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to Minister Fraser

Description

Join us as we collectively work towards economic recovery. These sessions feature important discussions and Q&As with various speakers, including federal, provincial and municipal politicians, economists, economic development professionals, and other subject matter experts. 

In this edition with Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the Chamber will pose questions relating to PEI and Canada’s economic recovery through population growth and how welcoming newcomers into our province strengthens both our economy and our culture. Our discussion with Ms. Lalonde will focus on her department’s jurisdiction, what she expects to come as the country comes out of the pandemic, and the challenges businesses face as they try to fill labour shortages and skills gaps.
 

About Marie-France Lalonde:

Marie-France Lalonde was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Orléans in 2019.

Ms. Lalonde previously served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (FedDev Ontario and Official Languages).

Her career in politics began when she was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as the member for Ottawa—Orléans in 2014. In this capacity, she served as Minister of Government and Consumer Services, and later as Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services and Minister of Francophone Affairs.

Previously, Ms. Lalonde enjoyed a successful career in social work, dedicating her leadership and skills to bringing positive change to her community.

She held roles as a social worker in organizations including the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa and the Ottawa Hospital. In 2000, she became Executive Director of Queenswood Villa Retirement Community in Orléans. For over eight years, Ms. Lalonde held senior management positions in the retirement home sector, including Senior Executive Director of Operation and Regional Director of Marketing and Sales. In 2008, she opened the Portobello Manor retirement residence in response to a growing need for senior care in the area. She was awarded the 2010 New Business of the Year Award from the Orléans Chamber of Commerce for her work as co-owner and Executive Director of Portobello Manor.

Ms. Lalonde has been an active volunteer in her community and earned a Leading Women/Leading Girls Building Communities Award from the Government of Ontario in 2012.

Ms. Lalonde holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from the Université du Québec à Hull.

She has lived in Orléans for 21 years with her husband, Alvaro, and their daughter, Monica.