Former Northumberland-Peterborough South Member of Parliament Kim Rudd passed away Tuesday at Ed's House Hospice Care Centre in Cobourg following a lengthy battle with ovarian cancer. She was 66.
Rudd was elected as the local MP in 2015 and was appointed parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources. She also served as chair of the Parliamentary Health Research Caucus and was a member of the federal standing committees of both finance and natural resources.
Prior to entering politics, Rudd was owner of both Cook's Day School, Willis College, and Archer CPR Training. In 2011, she was awarded an RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur award which specifically recognized her impact on the local economy.
Rudd was involved in numerous local charitable organizations, including serving as the President of the Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee of Northumberland. She was a long-time member of the Rotary Club of Cobourg and actively involved with local sports groups, including baseball and hockey.
In addition, she also served as Vice-Chair of the Ontario Training Completion Assurance Fund Secretariat; was vice-President of the Association of Career Colleges; and she was the founding Executive Director of the Association of Private Colleges. Most recently, she served as a consultant to the Canadian Nuclear Association.
Kim Rudd is lovingly remembered by her husband Tom, daughters Alison and Stefanie and their families. A release stated her family would like to express their profound gratitude to all the medical professionals and staff who supported Kim during this time, particularly Drs Kate Everdell, Stephanie Lheureux, and Kirsten Smerdon.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that you consider donations in Kim's memory to Ovarian Canada at ovariancanada.org.
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The Office of the Prime Minister sent a statement to Northumberland 89.7. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said it was with great sadness he learned of the passing of his former MP, calling her a thoughtful and tireless advocate for Canadians and advancing progress on important issues from affordable housing to rural broadband and health care.
As parliamentary secretary to the minister of natural resources, Trudeau stated she stood up for Canadian energy workers and helped move forward on climate action. The prime minister also recognized that as a co-founder of a child care centre in Cobourg, Rudd was passionate about expanding childcare and making it easier for parents to balance work with family.
Prime Minister Trudeau said he spoke with Rudd last week and was inspired by her optimism for the country and that she truly believed in Canada and Canadians. The PM said she leaves behind a legacy of kindness, warmth and remarkable strength.
