Meet Jenna Sudds
Jenna Sudds is a long-time Kanata resident, economist,
former city councillor, and community advocate.
Jenna and her husband have raised their three daughters in Kanata—Carleton since moving to the community two decades ago.
Since 2013, Jenna has been an integral part of the development of Kanata North, from serving as a founding director of the Kanata North Business Association to representing the community at City Hall as the City Councillor for Kanata North.
Economist and Small Business Advocate
Jenna has been highly engaged in her community since moving to Kanata—Carleton in 2001. She grew up in Niagara Falls, attended Brock University in St. Catharines, and moved to the National Capital Region to complete her Master’s of Economics at Carleton University.
Jenna spent the first twelve years of her career working as an economist in the Federal Government. She left her role in the Federal Government in 2013 to pursue directorship opportunities within Kanata—Carleton’s world-class technology sector.
Founding President of the Kanata North Business Association
Jenna became the founding President and Executive Director of the newly formed Kanata North Business Association (KNBA) in 2013. After four years of supporting Kanata businesses, Jenna became the Executive Director of the CIO Strategy Council, a national technology council.
“I’m excited about Kanata’s future. I’m sure it will be nothing short of revolutionary and its impact will be felt around the world.”
In 2015, Jenna was named one of “Forty under 40” who would lead Ottawa into the future by the Ottawa Business Journal and Ottawa Chamber of Commerce. Two years later, Jenna was named one of the world’s “Top 40 under 40” International Economic Development Professionals .
Champion for Community Food Access
Jenna has also been a longtime volunteer with the Kanata Food Cupboard and the Ottawa Network for Education.
From 2010 to 2013, Jenna served in various leadership roles in the Kanata Food Cupboard executive team. In 2016, she took on the role of Chair, where she focused on ensuring that those needing assistance were provided with healthy food options and were invited into a welcoming, safe environment.
In May 2014, the Board of Directors created a new Special Recognition Award and presented it to Jenna for tirelessly working to provide fresh, healthy food choices for those in need in the community.
Her passion for Kanata—Carleton, its businesses, and the people who live and work there continues to motivate her to build a community that everyone is proud of.
City Councillor & Community Advocate
Jenna prides herself on serving others by championing the interests of her community and focusing her efforts on local priorities.
As the country emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, Jenna has focused her energy on our city’s economic recovery by supporting small business and job creation, enhanced broadband connectivity, and smart investments in green infrastructure like electric light rail transit for the west-end.
Elected in 2018 as City Councillor for Kanata North, Jenna committed herself to protecting the Kanata Golf and Country Club from re-development. She understands the value of treasured greenspace in our community and set out to uphold the Forty Percent Agreement which founded the Kanata Lakes community.
“For the community, [the ClubLink proposal] was certainly a call to action.
We need to work together to do whatever we can to save this greenspace.”
Jenna also oversaw the many capital construction and development projects occurring in our community, including the improvement of local roads and development of new residential subdivisions.
In 2020, Jenna took on the additional role of Ottawa Deputy Mayor.
During her tenure as Councillor, Jenna chaired the City of Ottawa Community and Protective Services Committee, a committee dedicated to improving the quality of Ottawa’s social services. Jenna also sits on the boards of Hydro Ottawa and Invest Ottawa, along with the Transportation Committee, Information Technology Committee, Planning Committee, and Finance and Economic Development Committee.
Jenna assisted in creating and executing the City of Ottawa’s COVID-19 plan and economic recovery strategy.
Jenna reflecting on her victory and sharing her priorities as Kanata North Councillor-elect (October 2018)
Proud Mom & Community Member
Jenna is the proud mother of three girls whom she raises in Kanata with her husband. Her family is her inspiration and the reason she continues to fight to make Kanata—Carleton an even better place to raise families, live and work.
In her spare time, Jenna can be found at the local rinks, cheering on her girls’ sports teams, or running on the many Kanata trails.
Member of Parliament for Kanata—Carleton
Jenna Sudds was sworn in as the Member of Parliament for Kanata—Carleton in the 44th Parliament of Canada on October 25th, 2021.
She was appointed to serve as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Women, Gender Equality, and Youth by Prime Minister Trudeau on December 3rd, 2021.
On July 26, 2023, the Hon. Jenna Sudds was sworn in as Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development.
