(Waterloo) Kitchener-Waterloo MPP, Elizabeth Witmer, has been appointed the new Education Critic and Women’s Issues Critic of the PC Party by the Leader of the Official Opposition, Tim Hudak.

Today Hudak said, “I look forward to working with Elizabeth Witmer in these two portfolios. The people of Kitchener-Waterloo are fortunate to have such an experienced, strong and competent MPP who has served them and all Ontarians very well in her many roles.”

“As a former Minister of Education I look forward to assuming my responsibility as Education Critic. The government must put Ontario’s students first by giving them the skills and tools they need to prepare for tomorrow’s global economy,” states Witmer.

Witmer has always been a strong advocate for education.

She served as trustee and chair of the Waterloo Board of Education from 1980 to 1990. In 1996, the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association awarded her the Dr. Harry Paikin Award of Merit for her exceptional contribution in the field of education. In 2002, Witmer was appointed Deputy Premier of Ontario and Minister of Education. Under Witmer’s leadership at Education, the Education Equity Task Force headed by Dr. Mordecai Rozanski was created and Ontario saw unprecedented improvements in the areas of literacy, math, science and programs for students at risk.

“As Critic for Women’s Issues I will continue to ensure that women’s health issues are adequately addressed and funded. As such, I will build on the work of the Women’s Health Council,” states Witmer.

During her tenure as Minister of Health, Witmer established the Women’s Health Council to provide government with advice on women’s health priorities and she championed programs of importance to women including the Healthy Babies, Healthy Children program and the Ontario Breast Screening program.

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For more information contact:

Elizabeth Witmer, MPP

(416) 325-1306