Katie Telford’s decade at the centre of Canadian politics

Women running for elected office is an important conversation. But what about the women who wield political power without ever appearing on a ballot?

Katie Telford spent nearly a decade at the centre of Canadian politics as chief of staff to former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, helping steer the government through election victories, cabinet changes, a global pandemic and economic uncertainty. Now, looking back on those years, she’s reflecting on leadership, public service, growing political polarization and what it means to navigate power as a woman.

Jen and Catherine sit down with Telford to talk about life behind the scenes of the highest levels of government, the pressures of political leadership and what a decade in the thick of it taught her.