Betsy McGregor, a passionate advocate for ethical leadership and a national voice for women in politics, science, and agriculture, has died.
A Member of the Order of Canada since 2021, McGregor was widely respected for her decades-long commitment to advancing women, youth, and diversity in leadership roles — both in Canada and abroad.
Her early work with the United Nations in South-East Asia and Europe set the stage for a groundbreaking career that included founding a global network for women in veterinary medicine and championing gender equity in science and technology.
She authored Women on the Ballot: Pathways to Political Power, capturing the stories of 95 Canadian political trailblazers, and later developed campaign schools and a “Candidate’s Toolbox” to help empower future leaders.
McGregor ran for Parliament and continued to inspire others through dynamic keynote speeches and her signature call to action: “Be her. Ask her. Support her.”
In a statement, former Liberal Peterborough–Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef said:
“My family and I send our deepest condolences to Doctor Betsy McGregor’s family, friends, and wide network of admirers all around the world.
Betsy was a force for good. Her creative mind, her deep expertise, her impressive education and her sincere care for our community and country, all made her a strong candidate for MP.
I am among many women she encouraged, mentored and championed.
She took the time to teach me how campaigns are won and lost, gave me a meaningful role on her own campaign when she ran for MP, took me to other ridings to see how things work elsewhere, and volunteered her time and talent when I worked up the courage to put my name on a ballot.
My last conversation with Betsy was about the second edition of her book, “Women on the Ballot”. It was a project she worked on diligently, interviewing Canadian women in politics about their stories and their resilience, with the goal of encouraging more women to enter and to stay in politics.
Betsy’s calling was to elevate the voices of women. She did it with joy, she did it relentlessly.
The Order of Canada recognition for her work to advance women and girls in stem fields shines a light on one of her many contributions to Canada. I will miss her very much, and will keep the lessons she shared with me close to heart.”
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
(Written by: Noah Lorusso)
