Karina Gould
- Born
- June 28, 1987 — Burlington, Ontario
- Family
- Married to Alberto Gerones, two children
- Education
- Joint honours degree in political science as well as Latin American and Caribbean studies, McGill University; master's degree in international relations, St Hilda's College, Oxford
- Career
- Consultant in the Migration and Development Program, Organization of American States; Trade and Investment Specialist for the Mexican Trade Commission "ProMexico" in Toronto
- Political Experience
- Member of Parliament for Burlington since October 19, 2015; Minister of Democratic Institutions; Minister of International Development; Minister of Families, Children and Social Development; Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
- Notable
- Youngest woman to serve as a Cabinet minister in Canadian history; first woman to have a child while serving as a federal minister
Based on publicly available information — may contain inaccuracies
Business & Financial Interests
Before entering politics, Karina Gould worked as a trade and investment specialist for the Mexican Trade Commission in Toronto. She also reportedly worked as a consultant for the Organization of American States in Washington, D.C., focusing on migration and development. Her public disclosures with the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner list some publicly traded securities and a rental property as assets.
Key Relationships & Connections
As a long-serving cabinet minister under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Gould is considered a key member of his government. She has held several important roles, including Minister of Democratic Institutions, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, and Government House Leader, indicating a close working relationship with the Prime Minister and his senior advisors.
Potential Conflicts of Interest
In 2018, the Ethics Commissioner investigated a trip Gould took to the United States that was sponsored by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, a registered lobbying group. The commissioner's report concluded that Gould did not breach the Conflict of Interest Act because the trip was related to her general duties as a Member of Parliament, not her specific responsibilities as a minister at the time. However, the commissioner noted that accepting such a trip from a lobbyist could create an appearance of preferential access.
Public Controversies
As Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Gould faced significant public and political criticism in 2022 over the massive backlog and long wait times for Canadian passports. Her department, which oversees Service Canada, was criticized for its handling of the surge in applications, leading to chaotic scenes at passport offices across the country. In 2023, as Government House Leader, she also drew criticism for comments made in the House of Commons that appeared to question the impartiality of the Speaker, for which she later apologized.
Where Karina falls on key policy spectrums
Your Money
People & Society
How We're Governed
Land & Community
Karina Gould won with 43,593 votes (55.8%)
Total votes cast: 78,126
How does Karina Gould's voting record line up with your values?
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