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Kim Campbell

Kim Campbell is a Canadian politician, lawyer, diplomat, writer, and academic best known as the 19th prime minister of Canada.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Kim Campbell is a Canadian politician, lawyer, diplomat, writer, and academic best known as the 19th prime minister of Canada. In 1993, she became the first and only woman to hold that office. Before becoming prime minister, she served in several federal cabinet roles, including justice minister and national defence minister.

Early life and education

Kim Campbell was born Avril Phaedra Douglas Campbell in Port Alberni, British Columbia. She studied at the University of British Columbia and the London School of Economics, and later trained in law, building a career that combined public service and legal work.

Political career

Campbell entered politics through local and provincial office before moving to federal politics. She was elected to the House of Commons in 1988 as MP for Vancouver Centre and served as Minister of Justice and Attorney General before becoming Minister of National Defence. She became leader of the Progressive Conservative Party in 1993 and then prime minister the same year.

Prime ministership

Campbell became Canada’s first female prime minister in June 1993. Her time in office was brief, ending after the Progressive Conservatives were defeated in the 1993 general election.

Later career and public life

After politics, Campbell worked in academia, diplomacy, and public speaking. She has been associated with topics such as governance, women’s leadership, democratization, climate change, and international affairs.

Key facts

  • Kim Campbell was the first and only woman to serve as prime minister of Canada.
  • She was the first woman to serve as Canada’s justice minister and defence minister.
  • Her term as prime minister lasted from June 25, 1993, to November 4, 1993.
  • She led the Progressive Conservative Party and held several federal cabinet roles before becoming prime minister.
  • After politics, she pursued careers in academia, diplomacy, and public speaking.
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Canadian context

Kim Campbell is a major figure in Canadian political history and a notable trailblazer for women in public office in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Kim Campbell?
Kim Campbell is a Canadian politician, lawyer, diplomat, writer, and academic best known as Canada’s 19th prime minister and its first female prime minister.
When was Kim Campbell prime minister?
She served as prime minister from June 25, 1993, to November 4, 1993.
What political party did Kim Campbell lead?
She led the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada in 1993.
What cabinet roles did Kim Campbell hold?
She served as Minister of Justice and Attorney General and later as Minister of National Defence, among other cabinet roles.
Where was Kim Campbell born?
She was born in Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada.
Why is Kim Campbell historically significant?
She was the first and only woman to serve as prime minister of Canada, and the first woman to serve as Canada’s justice minister and defence minister.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Campbell
    Supports: Birth name, birth date and place, prime minister term, and first female prime minister status.
  2. Legislative Assembly of British Columbiahttp://leg.bc.ca/learn/watv/biographies/kim-campbell
    Supports: Early life, education, elected offices, cabinet roles, and first woman prime minister status.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Kim-Campbell
    Supports: Biography overview, birth details, and significance as first woman prime minister.
  4. Government of Canadahttps://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/commemorations-celebrations/women-impact/politics/kim-campbell.html
    Supports: Career summary, first and only woman prime minister, and later public roles.
  5. Harvard University Institute of Politicshttps://iop.harvard.edu/fellows/kim-campbell
    Supports: Political career timeline, cabinet posts, and dates of premiership.