Kelsey MacDonald decided to attend Mount Saint Vincent University for two reasons: the fact it’s a small school with a “mighty” reputation and its unwavering commitment to the advancement of women. She said that these aspects of MSVU resonated deeply with her. “Simply put, the Mount’s Public Relations Program is second to none in Canada, and I am always happy to share that fact when someone asks me where I attended university,” she stated.
Throughout her studies, she was a Legislative Page at the Nova Scotia House of Assembly, and in 2013 Kelsey proudly graduated with a Bachelor of Public Relations degree from MSVU. Months before her graduation, she secured her first communications job with the Nova Scotia Liberal Caucus office. They accommodated her schedule so she could work and finish her studies simultaneously.
A successful career in government
Kelsey‘s tenure in government spanned different levels over a decade and was marked by a diverse range of roles and responsibilities that showcased her adaptability and leadership. In her first job with the Government of Nova Scotia she quickly proved herself to be a valuable asset, paving the way for subsequent positions with the Government of New Brunswick and eventually with the Federal Government and a move to Ottawa.
Kelsey’s time on Parliament Hill included several senior roles. There she established a reputation for building strong relationships and finding consensus on issues. She has advised six federal cabinet ministers – all of them women – including current Government House Leader Minister Karina Gould who was the first female cabinet minister to have a baby while holding office.
Kelsey’s work on policy ranged from national defence procurement and economic initiatives for small businesses to creating sector-specific supports for the aerospace, air transportation and tourism industries. As a former senior political staffer, she worked on Canada’s successful procurement of COVID-19 vaccine and therapeutics. She also helped to develop a national consultation framework to build the first-ever Rural Economic Development Strategy and Rural Connectivity Strategy, as well as contributing to the Atlantic Growth Strategy.
A run for office inspiring other women
Running as a Liberal candidate in the 2019 general federal election in her home province of New Brunswick, Kelsey embarked on a new journey that went beyond political ambition. As the first woman to run in her federal riding, she faced obstacles familiar to many women in politics. Despite encountering sexism and discrimination, she remained steadfast in her determination to make a difference. Her decision to step into the political arena was not just about seeking office, but about paving the way for future generations of women. Although Kelsey did not win in her riding, she still calls her campaign a success. That’s largely because Kelsey was an inspiration for young girls in her community. Despite the hurdles she faced, she maintained a positive outlook. Through her actions, she demonstrated that no challenge is too great, and that every girl has the potential to become a leader and make a difference in the world.
A leadership role in women’s health advocacy
Kelsey’s career in communications has continued to evolve over the years. In January 2024, she became Director of Communications and Public Affairs with The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC). The SOGC has a membership of 4,000 health care professionals and is the national voice for women’s health in Canada through its mission is to lead the advancement of women’s health through excellence and collaborative professional practice. Kelsey’s responsibilities encompass a broad spectrum of communications and advocacy initiatives aimed at promoting women’s health and empowering women in this context. She leads strategic efforts to raise awareness about critical issues surrounding women’s health through engagement with media and a number of other stakeholder groups, including policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the general public,
Kelsey ensures that the SOGC’s voice is heard in discussions on topics such as maternal mortality, menopause in the workforce, and the need for comprehensive data to inform decision-making in women’s healthcare. She is dedicated to championing the rights and well-being of women across Canada, striving to bridge gaps in healthcare for women and advocate for policies that prioritize women’s health needs.
Last week, the SOGC was pleased to join the federal government and the New Democratic Party to celebrate the announcement of a National Pharmacare Framework, which will include free access to contraception for all Canadians. “We often forget that more than half the population will pay out of pocket for contraceptives for 30 plus years of their lives during their childbearing years. It is also important to remember that contraceptives go far beyond a conversation about just sexual health: this is an important tool for a woman to use to help control her own future, and income should never be a barrier to that,” Kelsey said.
In its mission to help empower women to take control of their own health care, the SOGC also has a suite of public resource websites to inform, including: Sexandu.ca; YouPeriod.ca; HPVInfo.ca, MenopauseandU.ca; PregnancyInfo.ca and itsaplan.ca.
Through her leadership, Kelsey continues to make a tangible impact on the lives of women and their advancement by ensuring that their voices are heard, and that they have the tools they need to be their own health care advocates.