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Spouses of the Prime Ministers of Canada

Spouse of the Prime Minister of Canada
Coat of arms of Canada rendition.svg
Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau.jpg
Incumbent
Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau

since November 5, 2015
Residence Rideau Cottage
Formation July 1, 1867
First holder Agnes Macdonald, 1st Baroness Macdonald of Earnscliffe
Unofficial names First Lady of Canada

The spouse of the Prime Minister of Canada is the wife or husband of the Prime Minister of Canada. Currently, Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau, holds the position, as the wife of Justin Trudeau, who became prime minister on November 4, 2015. To date, 18 women have been the wives of the Prime Minister of Canada; Kim Campbell, the only female prime minister to date, was unmarried during her time in office. As a public figure, spouses participate in various ceremonial, diplomatic or partisan activities alongside the prime minister. Spouses often pursue philanthropic or charitable endeavours on their own, although the spouses to date have varied in how actively they sought or accepted the public spotlight.

Some media outlets have styled prime ministers' wives as First Lady of Canada, similar to the style of First Lady used in republics. This is not a recognized nor accurately applicable title, however, as both the spouses of the Canada's monarch in Britain and that of the governor general take precedence over a prime minister's spouse. Rather, use of "First Lady" is based on the pervasive influence of United States media.

The prime minister is not the monarchical head of state; thus, their spouse does not officially play as active a role in Canadian affairs as the royal and viceregal consorts. The prime minister's spouse, however, is still generally regarded as a public figure, frequently accompanying the prime minister on campaign and other public appearances, and often hosting dignitaries at the prime minister's residence.

At times, prime ministers' spouses have used their public status to promote charitable causes; Mila Mulroney was a spokesperson for the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and other children's charities, Aline Chrétien was an active campaigner for literacy programs, and Laureen Harper was known for her support of animal welfare organizations such as the Ottawa Humane Society. Conversely, other prime ministers' spouses, including Geills Turner and Sheila Martin, were uncomfortable with the public aspects of their role and tried to minimize their time in the press spotlight.


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