The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the Governor General appointed Dr. Margo Greenwood as an independent senator to fill a vacancy for British Columbia.
Dr. Greenwood is an internationally recognized and highly respected Indigenous scholar of Cree ancestry. She is a researcher and author with over 30 years of experience in health fields. A professor at the University of Northern British Columbia, she has worked extensively in health research, particularly in the area of Indigenous health and well-being. She is an Officer of the Order of Canada and has received many awards for her academic, community, and
advocacy work.
Dr. Greenwood was recommended by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments, and chosen using a merit-based process open to all Canadians. This process ensures senators are independent, reflect Canada’s diversity, and are able to tackle the broad range of challenges and opportunities facing the country.
“Today, I welcome Dr. Margo Greenwood as Parliament’s newest independent senator. Dr. Greenwood’s academic expertise, commitment to health and education, and dedication to the well-being of Indigenous communities will make her a strong voice for British Columbians. I look forward to working with her, and with all senators, as we continue to make life more affordable for people and build an economy that works for all Canadians”, says Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada.
With today’s announcement, there have been 63 independent appointments to the Senate made on the advice of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
About Dr. Margo Greenwood
Dr. Margo Greenwood is an internationally recognized and highly respected Indigenous scholar of Cree ancestry. She is a researcher, author, and mother with over 30 years of experience focused on the health and well-being of Indigenous children, families, and communities.
Dr. Greenwood has worked at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) since 1997. She is a full professor in UNBC’s Education program and the Academic Leader of the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health, hosted by UNBC. Earlier this year, she was appointed interim Scientific Director of the Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Over the course of her career, Dr. Greenwood has held numerous leadership roles with health, policy, and research institutes, including Site Director for the Centre of Excellence for Children and Adolescents with Special Needs; Leader of the Aboriginal stream of the ActNow BC initiative; and Vice-President of Indigenous Health for the Northern Health Authority of British Columbia. Dr. Greenwood’s career has also included working as an early learning instructor and administrator with colleges and schools across Canada, as well as with the Meadow Lake
Tribal Council.
Dr. Greenwood serves on the boards of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia and the British Columbia Patient Safety and Quality Council. She has led, and lent expertise to, the development of social policies and programs provincially, nationally, and internationally. Dr. Greenwood is a published author on health, education, social work, and Indigenous studies.
Dr. Greenwood is an Officer of the Order of Canada and the recipient of many distinctions, including the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal for her work with Indigenous and non-Indigenous children in early childhood education; the Perry Shawna Leadership and Advocacy Award from the British Columbia Aboriginal Child Care Society; the National Aboriginal Achievement Award (now Indspire Award) for Education from the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation; and the Confederation of University Faculty Associations of British Columbia’s Academic of the Year Award.
Dr. Greenwood holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta, a Master of Arts from the School of Child and Youth Care at the University of Victoria, and a Ph.D. in Education from the University of British Columbia.
Source: Government of Canada
