The St. Albert family of Canada’s first ambassador for women, peace and security say they are very proud of their daughter.
Mary O’Neill, the mother of Jacqueline O’Neill, said her family is so proud of their daughter, who has had a passion for equality and peace for a long time.
“This is her area of interest, to put it mildly. She's been working in this area for some time and she's quite passionate about it. We're proud and she will do a terrific job,” Mary told the Gazette this week following the announcement of her daughter's appointment.
The federal government said last week Jacqueline, a former St. Albert resident, has been chosen for the role. Jacqueline is a graduate of St. Albert Catholic High School and is the daughter of Mary (who is a former MLA and Catholic school board trustee) and Jack O'Neill (a former Alberta deputy minister).
“I’m profoundly honoured to be appointed Canada’s first Ambassador for Women, Peace, and Security,” Jacqueline wrote in a statement.
"‘Women, peace, and security’ is about recognizing that one of the most powerful ways to prevent violent conflict and build more secure and resilient communities, both at home and abroad, is by ensuring that women are involved in the decisions that affect their lives.”
Mary said Jacqueline has been passionate about this subject for a long time.
“She’s always been an advocate for equality of opportunity for girls and women, even at a young age,” she said.
But Jacqueline's spark of interest caught fire after she went to Harvard Kennedy School where she got her master's degree in public policy.
“Through the programs there she ... encountered (a) number of people who were interested in advancing the position of women to create peace, or (in) torn areas of the world,” Mary said.
Before heading off to pursue her master's degree, Jacqueline got her bachelor’s degree in commerce from the University of Alberta.
Mary said her daughter learned to give back to the community through their family life. Jack was the chief commissioner of human rights of Alberta, which opened the family's eyes to the needs of the community.
“That created several circumstances where we became quite aware of the broader community and its needs,” Mary said.
“We realized we aren’t alone on this global surface.”
Jacqueline has spent her career supporting the creation of national strategies for more than 30 countries and has worked with NATO, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the United Nations.
She specializes in the field of women, peace and security and its application in government, security forces and multilateral organizations.
Jacqueline advised the Canadian government on the country’s first and second national action plans on women, peace and security. She has supported women leaders across the globe and has advocated for women’s meaningful inclusion in peace negotiations, national political conversations and in policy.
“When women’s voices are taken seriously and when their rights are respected, entire communities benefit – agreements to end war are more likely to be reached, peace is more likely to endure, and militaries, police, and peacekeepers are more effective in their missions,” Jacqueline stated.
“The idea that women are not only victims of violent conflict, but also key agents of change, is taking root around the world. It is increasingly important to our allies – and to our adversaries.”
Along with crediting her daughter’s hard work, Mary O’Neill said the St. Albert community helped to support Jacqueline.
“Our community has incredible schools and that (has) prompted not just Jacqueline but a number of young people who have grown up in our community and have gone on to see the broader world and contribute to it.”
