About Jill Dunlop

Local Pride –

A lifetime in Simcoe North, Jill was born and raised in Coldwater, Ontario and raised her family within that same community. Jill developed a love for rural Ontario at an early age learning firsthand the significance and importance of community engagement and the significance skilled trades brings in order to build a vibrant economy.

Education –

Jill graduated from Western University in London, Ontario with a Bachelor of Science degree, later joining the faculty of Georgian College, Orillia Campus.

As a mother of three postsecondary-aged daughters, Jill has acquired unique insights into the world of postsecondary education along with the need for a labour market dominated by “better jobs.”

Experience –

Jill was elected as the Member of Provincial Parliament for Simcoe North in 2018 with an office in Orillia and a satellite office in Midland in order to accommodate the needs of such a large geographic riding. Jill has a strong staff of four individuals who are capable of supporting her while at Queen’s Park in the riding.

One year later, Jill was appointed as the Associate Minister of Children and Women’s Issues and Social Services, where she made significant progress in combating human trafficking, modernizing Ontario’s child welfare system, and promoting women’s social and economic development across Ontario.

Further building on these accomplishments, Jill was appointed Minister of Colleges and Universities in 2021 with an immediate focus on travelling the province and visiting many of Ontario’s postsecondary and research institutions to learn and engage with students, faculty and educational leaders firsthand, gaining valuable insight to the many opportunities available in these sectors. Jill has had many accomplishments in this role to include the approval of a 4-year BSc Nursing Degree at eight Ontario colleges, including Georgian College and the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant program which provides funding for students studying in priority programs in priority communities in Ontario. This program requires you to learn and work in the region where you study, responds to labour market needs, including in health care and helps communities get the workers they need for in-demand professions.