About the MP
The Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas & Consular Affairs) has represented the riding of Calgary-Nose Hill in the Canadian Parliament for 16 years. Prior to serving in elected office, Ms. Ablonczy taught school and then practiced law.
During Ms. Ablonczys political career she has been a strong voice for accountability in government and for fair and equal treatment of all citizens under the law. A committed conservative, she respects other points of view and seeks to serve Canadians in a non-partisan manner.
Prior to being appointed to Cabinet, Ms. Ablonczy filled many roles as a Member of Parliament. She was chief opposition critic for Citizenship and Immigration, Health, and Human Resources Development (HRSDC). She has served on a number of Parliamentary committees including the inquiry into the sponsorship scandal and the first committee to examine the appointment of a Supreme Court Justice. She was also Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance.
As Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism, Ms. Ablonczy was very engaged with these sectors. Federal direct investment in tourism nearly doubled in the Budget 2009. She worked to bring about the first ever Prime Minister's round table with the industry.
As Minister of State for Seniors, Ms. Ablonczy created the first ever National Seniors Day in Canada. This is a day to celebrate the contributions of seniors and will be celebrated each year on the 1st day of October.
Ms. Ablonczy was appointed by Prime Minister Harper as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs) on January 4, 2011. She is also a member of the Cabinet Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, and sits as a member of the Treasury Board.
Ms. Ablonczy resides in Calgary with husband Ron Sauer, has one daughter, four stepchildren, and five grandchildren.