Bardish Chagger
- Born
- April 6, 1980
- Education
- Bachelor of Science, University of Waterloo
- Career
- Executive assistant to Andrew Telegdi; Director of special events for the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre
- Political Experience
- MP for Waterloo since 2015; Minister of Small Business and Tourism (2015-2018); Government House Leader (2016-2019); Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Youth (2019-2021); Chair of the Canadian House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs
- Notable
- First woman to serve as Government House Leader; involved in the WE Charity scandal
Based on publicly available information — may contain inaccuracies
Business & Financial Interests
Before entering federal politics, Bardish Chagger worked as an executive assistant for former Member of Parliament Andrew Telegdi for several years. She also worked at the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre, where she was a special projects coordinator. Her public disclosures as an MP have not indicated significant private business holdings or investments outside of standard assets for a person of her position.
Key Relationships & Connections
Bardish Chagger has a long-standing political connection to former Liberal MP Andrew Telegdi, for whom she worked as an executive assistant before running for office herself. As a prominent member of the Liberal government, she is a key ally of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who appointed her to several high-profile cabinet positions, including Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth.
Public Controversies
Bardish Chagger was a central figure in the WE Charity controversy in 2020. As the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, her department was responsible for the Canada Student Service Grant program, which the government awarded to the WE Charity to administer. She faced intense scrutiny and questioning at parliamentary committees regarding the decision-making process and what she knew about the organization's financial issues and its close ties to the families of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and then-Finance Minister Bill Morneau. The program was ultimately cancelled. Separately, in 2017, Chagger faced criticism over expenses filed during her time as Government House Leader. Reports highlighted over $12,000 in hospitality expenses for a two-day retreat, which included what was described by opposition critics as a "partysize" bill for food and drinks, as well as limousine services. Chagger defended the expenses as being appropriate for the event.
Where Bardish falls on key policy spectrums
Your Money
People & Society
How We're Governed
Land & Community
Bardish Chagger won with 37,579 votes (59.5%)
Total votes cast: 63,193
How does Bardish Chagger's voting record line up with your values?
Mr. Speaker, petition e-7341 was initiated by a constituent in the riding of Waterloo. With almost 45 online signatures, the petitioners are raising concerns regarding the prolonged security screen delays of applicants residing in Canada with valid immigration status. I have spoken with many of these constituents and have heard a range of perspectives. Constituents agree that we cannot
Madam Speaker, I listen to the debates in the House, and I know that the Bloc Québécois likes to say that there is always one Liberal member who asks questions. There will be several of us today, because I really appreciated that speech. I think that here in the House, we have the opportunity to work together. It is easy to say that we have support or that we do not, but I think that what makes
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate hearing the comments the member was able to share. Today I have been listening to the debate in this place, and it has been interesting to hear the different perspectives on what this legislation does. I would just like to hear, in simple terms for Canadians who are watching, what the value of this legislation is. What does it do? How will it benefit Canadians?
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I don't know what to say, but I keep saying that I'm a new member of this committee, and I really do find that the work this committee does is valuable and important. I know, based on what's taking place in my inbox in the riding of Waterloo and so forth, that my constituents would be disappointed to know what's happening at committee today. What's even more interesting is
Mr. Speaker, it is great to be back representing the good constituents of the riding of Waterloo and to be having this really important debate. Similar legislation was introduced in a previous Parliament but unfortunately did not come to fruition. We know there are many communities looking to advance legislation such as this. It is good to hear the goodwill on the opposition side in wanting to
Thank you, Chair. I don't see it in my inbox. I just want to see whether I'm on the list, as I'm a regular member who actually attends this committee. Perhaps the new members have received it and I haven't.
I have a point of order.
I just checked, and I didn't see it.
I don't know about anybody else, but my interpretation is not working.
It's good to see you, Chair. Chair, is the motion available in French?
I have a point of order.
I have a point of order.
No. He's moving it.