 |
Carla QualtroughCanadian former Paralympic swimmer, politician and statesman
Date of Birth: 15.10.1971
Country:  Canada |
Content:
- Karla Qualtrough: Paralympic Swimmer, Politician, and Minister
- Paralympic Advocacy
- Parliamentary Career
- Awards and Recognition
- Personal Life
Karla Qualtrough: Paralympic Swimmer, Politician, and Minister
Early Life and CareerKarla Qualtrough was born in Calgary, Alberta, and has been visually impaired since birth. She pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Ottawa, followed by a law degree from the University of Victoria in 1997.
Qualtrough's athletic prowess was evident in her participation in the Paralympic Games, where she won three bronze medals in swimming at the 1988 and 1992 Summer Paralympics. She also holds four World Championship medals as a member of Team Canada.
Paralympic Advocacy
After completing her law degree, Qualtrough held various leadership roles within the Paralympic community, including serving as a director of the United States Paralympic Committee and President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee from 2006 to 2011.
Parliamentary Career
In 2015, Qualtrough was elected to the House of Commons as the Liberal Party of Canada member for the riding of Delta. She became the first Paralympic athlete to serve in the Canadian Parliament.
On November 4, 2015, Qualtrough was appointed to Justin Trudeau's cabinet as Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities. She subsequently served as Minister of Public Works and Procurement (2017-2018) and Minister of Public Works, Procurement and Accessibility (2018-2019).
#Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion
On November 20, 2019, Qualtrough became Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion. In this role, she is responsible for promoting employment, inclusive workplaces, and the participation of persons with disabilities in the Canadian labor force.
Awards and Recognition
In 2012, Qualtrough was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for her contributions to Canadian society.
Personal Life
Karla Qualtrough is married to Eron Main, a former Secretary General of the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation, and they have four children.
