Deborah Gillis Biography
Meet Deborah Gillis
Deborah Gillis is an accomplished, committed and caring woman, with more than twenty years of experience in government, business and politics. By running for office she hopes to combine her passion for public service with her vision for a stronger and more prosperous Canada, ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Deborah believes strongly in the relationship between elected officials and the citizens whom they represent, and has made a personal commitment to be open and available to those who want their voices heard. Experience has taught Deborah that relationships are built on trust and transparency and that a successful relationship between politicians and the public is built on these principles. This is something that is too often forgotten in politics today.
Deborah's Roots
Deborah was born in Toronto and raised in Cape Breton. Her first role models were her parents and grandmother. They taught her the values that have shaped her life and work: the importance of giving back to the community, of faith, family, hard work and education. Shaped by the political conversations that she heard around her parents’ kitchen table, Deborah grew up with a passion for public service. A trip to Ottawa to attend the Forum for Young Canadians set her on the path to study political science at St. Francis Xavier and York University.
A Policy Expert
Her first job after earning a Master’s degree was a “dream come true.” Following an appearance before a select committee of the Ontario legislature, Deborah was hired as a policy advisor by the Ontario Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs. Her work took her across the country as an advisor and keen observer during the negotiation of the Meech Lake and Charlottetown Constitutional Accords. Her ability to build constructive working relationships and to analyze and communicate complex policy issues, led to roles in several other departments, including transportation, education & training,and justice.
Understanding Business
Looking to broaden her experience, Deborah joined Pricewaterhouse Coopers and later Grant Thornton as a management consultant. Working as a practice leader, she learned what it means to manage the bottom-line, motivate a team and serve customers. It was here she found out that helping clients to solve problems and get the most from their people was her real passion.
An Advocate for Women
Deborah and her husband were married in July 2005. Six months later, she was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. The experience served as an important reminder of what is most important in life and led her to make advocacy the primary focus of her work. In August 2006, she assumed leadership for Catalyst Canada, a non-profit organization focused on the advancement of women in business. In her role, Deborah works with some of Canada’s most senior business leaders, and is recognized as an expert voice for women and minorities. She regularly speaks to audiences across North America, has appeared on CBC News, Metro Morning, Canada AM, BNN and has been quoted in leading media outlets across the country. Her personal experience and the knowledge that too many families in Canada are touched by cancer have made finding a cure her driving passion. Deborah is a patient representative on the Cancer Quality Council of Ontario and has raised thousands of dollars for breast cancer research through her participation in the Weekend to End Breast Cancer and the Run for the Cure.