Representative Carla Qualtrough Contact information

Carla Dawn Qualtrough PC MP (/ˈkwɒltroʊ/; born October 15, 1971) is a Canadian politician, former Paralympic swimmer, and advocate for disability inclusion. She has been serving as the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development, and Disability Inclusion since 2019. As a member of the Liberal Party, Qualtrough has represented Delta as a Member of Parliament (MP) since her initial election in 2015. She has held several key ministerial positions, including Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility from 2017 to 2019, and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities from 2015 to 2017.

Early Life and Education

Carla Dawn Qualtrough was born on October 15, 1971, in Calgary, Alberta. She grew up in Langley, British Columbia, raised by her parents Patricia and Harry Qualtrough. From birth, Carla has been visually impaired, with her glasses providing her with only 10 percent vision. She completed her education at Brookswood Secondary School and went on to study political science at the University of Ottawa. In 1997, she earned a law degree from the University of Victoria. Carla’s teenage years were marked by her parents’ separation, and she tragically lost her father in 2007.

Paralympic Career

Carla Qualtrough’s visual impairment made her eligible to compete in the Paralympic Games. She proudly represented Canada as a swimmer and won three bronze medals in swimming at the 1988 and 1992 Summer Paralympics. Additionally, she achieved four world championship medals as part of Team Canada. Her events included the 4x100 medley relay and 4x100 freestyle relay, showcasing her exceptional talent and dedication.

Legal Career and Advocacy

After completing her law degree, Carla Qualtrough served on the governing board of the Americas Paralympic Committee. She later assumed the role of president of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, holding the position from 2006 to 2011. During this time, she also directed Sport Initiatives for 2010 Legacies Now and chaired the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada. Carla’s significant contributions to the field of sports administration led to her recognition as one of Canada’s Most Influential Women in Sport in 2009.

Throughout her legal career, Carla focused on human rights matters, serving as counsel to the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal and the Canadian Human Rights Commission. She also served as the vice-chair of British Columbia’s Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal. In 2012, Carla was honored with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for her outstanding work in the field of law. Her commitment to advancing disability rights continued as she served as the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) legal officer during the 2012 Summer Paralympics. In 2016, she received the IPC’s International Women’s Day Recognition. Carla was inducted into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame in 2021, cementing her legacy as an advocate for inclusivity and equality.

Political Career

Carla Qualtrough made history on November 4, 2015, when she was appointed as the Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities in the 29th Canadian Ministry led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Her appointment marked the first time a Paralympic athlete had been elected to the Canadian Parliament. In 2017, she was inducted into the Canadian Paralympic Committee’s Canadian Paralympic Hall of Fame. Following a cabinet shuffle in August 2017, Carla succeeded Judy Foote as the Minister of Public Services and Procurement while also assuming the additional

portfolio of accessibility. She continued her ministerial responsibilities after another cabinet shuffle in July 2018, expanding her role as the Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility.

In the cabinet shuffle on November 20, 2019, Carla Qualtrough transitioned into the role of Minister of Employment, Workforce Development, and Disability Inclusion, leveraging her previous work in the accessibility portfolio. Her ongoing commitment to championing the rights and opportunities of individuals with disabilities remains a focal point of her political career.

Personal Life

Carla Qualtrough is married to Eron Main, the former secretary-general of the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation. Together, they have four children.