Michelle Rempel Garner has had a remarkable journey, driven by her belief in the necessity of conservatism for Canada. Calgary Yes shares the story of this Canadian politician, highlighting her achievements and the controversies that have followed her throughout her career. More on calgaryes.com.
Early Life and Education
Born on Valentine’s Day in 1980, Michelle grew up in a working-class family in Winnipeg. Her interest in politics emerged during her school years, particularly after a local Liberal MP delivered a speech at her school. While her family had little interest in politics, Michelle found the MP’s remarks overly idealistic, prompting her to align with the Conservative Party.
Michelle attended the University of Manitoba, studying economics while performing as a trained pianist to help fund her education. In 2004, she and her then-husband, Jason Rempel, moved to Calgary. Jason worked as an actuary, while Michelle served as the Director of Institutional Programs at the University of Calgary. The couple eventually divorced, and Michelle later remarried. Reflecting on her first marriage, Michelle admitted they had married too young.
Political Career
Upon moving to Calgary, Michelle fulfilled her childhood dream of engaging with the Conservative Party. She quickly rose to prominence within the riding association of MP Diane Ablonczy.
In 2010, following Jim Prentice’s resignation, Michelle ran for office in Calgary Centre-North and won. She later expressed her deep passion for legislative processes and her pride in working within a democratic system as a woman. However, she admitted that appearing on camera was the most challenging aspect of her role.
A Few Facts About Michelle Rempel Garner
- She considers herself an introvert.
- Michelle faced criticism for rejecting the traditional conservative attire of a blue three-piece suit.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, she served as the opposition health critic.
- She criticized immigration policies during the Trump administration’s changes affecting refugees.
- Elected at age 31, she became the youngest woman in the federal Cabinet, serving until 2017 when Karina Gould joined the Liberal Cabinet.
- Her colleagues recognized her as one of the hardest-working parliamentarians.
- Michelle shares a close friendship with Lisa Raitt, with whom she worked from 2013 to 2015. Both proudly identified as feminists.
- Active in volunteer work, Michelle has organized events that raised tens of thousands of dollars, positively impacting Calgary.
- On behalf of Calgary Nose Hill residents, Michelle signed the parliamentary book of condolences following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Achievements and Recognition
Michelle has been repeatedly listed among the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada, Top 40 Under 40 in Calgary, and Top 50 Most Influential People in Alberta.
Aside from her political career, Michelle is a prominent author, speaker, and commentator. Among Canadian politicians, her social media presence is one of the most influential.
In June 2022, Michelle announced she would not seek leadership of Alberta’s United Conservative Party. Notably, she has been a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and gun ownership projects. She was also one of only two MPs to endorse Patrick Brown during the Conservative leadership race.