Rechie Valdez
Rechie Aileen Valdez | |
|---|---|
| Born | Rechie Aileen Salazar September 17, 1980 Kitwe, Zambia |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, former corporate banker, entrepreneur, TV host |
| Years active | 2021–present (politics) |
| Known for | Minister for Women and Gender Equality; Secretary of State for Small Business and Tourism; first female MP of Filipino descent in Canada |
Rechie Aileen Valdez (born Salazar on September 17, 1980) is a Canadian political figure currently holding the positions of Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State responsible for Small Business and Tourism since 2025. Prior to these appointments, she served as Minister of Small Business from 2023 to 2025 and briefly acted as Chief Government Whip in 2025. Representing the Liberal Party of Canada, Valdez was elected as the MP for the Mississauga—Streetsville riding in the 2021 federal election. She holds the distinction of being the first woman of Filipino descent to be both an MP and a Cabinet minister in Canada.
Early life, education and work
Born Rechie Aileen Salazar on September 17, 1980, in Kitwe, Zambia, she is the daughter of Filipino overseas workers Zosimo Jr. and Normita Salazar. The family relocated to Canada in 1989, establishing their home in Mississauga’s Erin Mills area of Ontario. Valdez completed her secondary education at St. Joseph Secondary School and Holy Name of Mary College School, graduating in 1993. She then pursued higher education at the University of Windsor, where she obtained a degree in computer science in 2003.
Career
Before entering politics, Valdez dedicated 15 years to corporate banking. Subsequently, she founded her own baking enterprise. Her media presence includes competing on Food Network Canada’s The Big Bake and hosting Fearlessly Creative on Filipino TV.
Political career
Valdez secured her parliamentary seat during the 2021 federal election and was appointed Minister of Small Business by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2023. Under Prime Minister Mark Carney’s administration in 2025, she briefly held the position of Chief Government Whip. Following her successful re-election in Mississauga-Streetsville during the 2025 federal election, she was appointed Minister for Women and Gender Equality as well as Secretary of State for Small Business and Tourism within the 45th Canadian Parliament.
She is recognized as the first female MP of Filipino heritage to serve in Cabinet.
Personal life
Married to Christopher Valdez, she is a mother of two children. Beyond her political career, Valdez is passionate about basketball and has coordinated fundraising initiatives supporting Montreal Children's Hospital and SickKids Hospital in Toronto.