As a Member of Parliament, Julie has served in various roles including as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and currently as the Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

Prior to becoming a Member of Parliament, Julie practiced law in Toronto and was an advocate for public transit, housing, the arts, and the fight against climate change. Julie became known as a strong community leader, which earned her the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award for Community Service in 2013 for her work launching the Second Harvest Danforth Hunger Squad, founding Friends of Withrow Park, and working with local food banks and farmers’ markets.

Building on her work with local food banks and farmers’ markets, Julie played a strong role in the development of Canada’s first National Food Policy, and worked to make the national school food program a reality.

In both public and private roles, Julie has been involved in climate based initiatives, and is focused on delivering ambitious climate action while growing a strong, sustainable economy — creating a healthier and more resilient Canada.