McLaughlin, Audrey (1936– )

Canadian politician who was the first woman leader of a federal political party in Canada. She was entered the House of Commons in 1987 as a member of parliament for Yukon, after a by-election victory. In 1988, she became chair of the New Democratic Party (NDP) and chair of the party caucus, and year later was elected leader of the party. In the 1993 election, she retained her seat, but the NDP lost its official party status with only nine seats. McLaughlin announced in April 1994 her decision to step down as party leader but remained leader until 1995, when her successor, Alexa McDonough, was chosen.

McLaughlin was born in Dutton, Ontario. Before her career as a politician, she worked for the Children's Aid Society of Metropolitan Toronto, was a teacher in Ghana, and was executive director of the Metro Toronto Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association. In 1979 she started her own consulting company, which dealt with issues such as child welfare, land claims, and aboriginal self-government.