Sandra Pupatello
Biography
Deemed a “relentless pursuer” of new investment and high-value jobs for all Ontarians, Sandra Pupatello’s career in the Ontario legislature dates back to 1995 when she was first elected to the Windsor West riding.
Pupatello was appointed to Cabinet in 2003. She has served as Minister of Education, Minister of Community and Social Services and Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues.
For the past three years Pupatello has headed the Ontario government's economic portfolio, as the Minister of Economic Development and Trade, and previously the Minister of International Trade and Investment. As part of her expanded portfolio, Pupatello now oversees Small Business, Economic Development, International Trade and Investment.
Pupatello has deep roots in the Windsor community. She was named honorary member of the Rotary Club of Windsor and a Paul Harris Fellow. In 1996, she was named Italian of the Year in Windsor-Essex County. In 2001, the University of Windsor honoured her with the prestigious Charlie Clark Award for Outstanding Service. In March 2003, Pupatello was named “Windsor Woman of the Year”. In 2007, she received the prestigious Athena Award for the Windsor area, which recognizes men and women who provide a positive role model to encourage women to achieve their leadership potential in business. In January 2009, Pupatello was presented with the Award of Excellence in Community Service by The Canadian-Italian Business and Professional Association in Windsor.
Pupatello also serves as a member of the 2015: Women and Expo Advisory Board, which is comprised of global leaders committed to breaking down the barriers that hinder the development of women.