| Kim Campbell | |
|---|---|
| File:Kim Campbell 1993.jpg Kim Campbell in 1993 |
|
| Prime Minister of Canada | |
| In office | June 25, 1993 – November 4, 1993 |
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Governor General | Ray Hnatyshyn |
| Preceded by | Brian Mulroney |
| Succeeded by | Jean Chrétien |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 10, 1947 Port Alberni, British Columbia |
| Died | |
| Political party | Progressive Conservative |
Avril Phædra "Kim" Campbell (born March 10, 1947) was the 19th Prime Minister of Canada, serving from June to November 1993. She was Canada’s first and, to date, only female Prime Minister, as well as the first baby boomer to hold the office.
Early life and education
Campbell was born in Port Alberni, British Columbia, and grew up in Vancouver. She studied political science at the University of British Columbia and later earned a law degree. She became active in teaching and local politics before entering federal politics.
Political career
Campbell was elected as a Progressive Conservative MP in 1988. She served in key cabinet roles under Brian Mulroney, including Minister of Justice and Minister of National Defence, becoming the first woman to hold both positions.
Prime Ministership
Campbell succeeded Brian Mulroney as Progressive Conservative leader and Prime Minister in June 1993. However:
- Her government lasted just over four months.
- In the October 1993 federal election, the Progressive Conservatives suffered a historic defeat, reduced from a majority to just two seats.
- Jean Chrétien and the Liberals won a decisive majority.
Later life and career
After leaving office, Campbell pursued a distinguished international career. She served as Canada’s Consul General in Los Angeles, participated in global democracy and governance initiatives, and held academic positions.
Legacy
Campbell is remembered as a trailblazer for women in Canadian politics. Although her tenure was short, her historic role as the first female Prime Minister remains highly significant.
See also
- Prime Minister of Canada
- Progressive Conservative Party of Canada
- Jean Chrétien
- Women in Canadian politics
FAQs
Q: Who was Canada’s first female Prime Minister? A: Kim Campbell, who served in 1993.
Q: How long did she serve as Prime Minister? A: A little over four months, from June 25 to November 4, 1993.
Q: What happened in the 1993 election? A: The Progressive Conservatives suffered one of the worst defeats in Canadian history, reduced to just two seats.