Judy Erola

Born in 1934 in Sudbury, Ontario, the Honourable Judy Erola is known as pathfinder for women in media and politics.

At 15 she took her first job in radio at CKSO in Sudbury, Ontario. In 1953, she moved to CHNO, where she became the first woman employed by a Canadian television station as a weather reporter.

After working part time while raising daughters Kelly and Laura with husband Vic Erola, Judy later went back to CHNO and became the first woman broadcasting account executive in Sudbury.

She moved into federal politics and represented the Nickel Belt riding as a Member of Parliament in 1980. Serving as Minister in many different portfolios, Judy was the first woman to be Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. One of her most significant achievements was advocating, successfully, for the restoration of Section 28 in the Constitution to ensure men and women have equal claim to rights listed in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Judy has received many honorary recognitions, including honorary degrees from Western, Laurentian, Carleton and Mount Saint Vincent universities.

“When you find your passion, it doesn’t matter how many hours you work, how much money you make. You love what you are doing and what you are are learning.”