It is a privilege to pray for the Hon. Judy Darcy as she begins what has been described as the toughest portfolio in the NDP cabinet. Father, please bless Ms. Darcy with the resources she requires as she seeks to find solutions to difficult problems in the area of mental health and addictions. Thank you that she has a unique perspective for the vulnerable she serves. Strengthen her with your peace. Amen.
Judy Darcy was elected as MLA for New Westminster in 2013, and re-elected in 2017. She is the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and previously served as the Official Opposition Spokesperson for Health.
Judy is an experienced and powerful voice for working families. Passionate about community, she has led successful campaigns for public health, child care, education, seniors care and clean water. In the late 1990’s, Judy co-founded Water Watch, a ground-breaking national and local alliance of environmentalists, citizens groups and blue-collar water workers who work to protect Canada’s water and keep it in public hands.
In 2003, Judy was honoured with the Council of Canadians Activist of the Year award, « in recognition of outstanding leadership in forging coalitions for the public good on important social issues. »
Judy previously served as National President of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Canada’s largest union, and was for many years the only woman to lead a national union in Canada. She was also Secretary Business Manager of the Hospital Employees Union in B.C. for six years. In this role, she led negotiations to reach a historic settlement for health care workers after the Supreme Court found that Bill 29 violated Charter-protected rights to collective bargaining.
Judy’s family immigrated to Canada from Denmark and shared many of the challenges that new Canadians face. She is married to human rights and labour lawyer Gary Caroline and has an adult son. Judy and Gary live in New Westminster.
She enjoys long walks, the farmers’ market, devouring good novels, hiking, kayaking, and watching the ever-changing activity and light on the Fraser River from her windows.