Jill McKnight

Jill McKnight
Minister of Veterans Affairs
Assumed office
May 13, 2025
Prime MinisterMark Carney
Preceded byÉlisabeth Brière
Associate Minister of National Defence
Assumed office
May 13, 2025
Prime MinisterMark Carney
Preceded byDarren Fisher
Member of Parliament for Delta
Assumed office
April 28, 2025
Preceded byCarla Qualtrough
Personal details
BornMay 31, 1979 (age 46)[citation needed]
Delta, British Columbia, Canada
Political partyLiberal
SpouseStephen Smith
Residence(s)Delta, British Columbia, Canada
EducationUniversity of Victoria
ProfessionExecutive director, Business owner, politician
Websitejillmcknight.liberal.ca

Jill McKnight PC MP (born May 31,[1] 1979[citation needed]) is a Canadian politician and former business owner who operated two local businesses and served as Executive Director of the Delta Chamber of Commerce. A member of the Liberal Party of Canada, McKnight was elected Member of Parliament for the riding of Delta in the 2025 Canadian federal election.[2]

Early life

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Jill McKnight was born on May 31, 1979,[citation needed] and raised in Delta, British Columbia, by her parents, Tracey and Bill McKnight. She graduated from South Delta Secondary School and later earned a Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial Business from the University of Victoria.

McKnight is married to her husband Stephen Smith and they live in Ladner.

Career

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McKnight has been involved in family businesses in Delta. For 28 years, she and her family operated South Coast Casuals in Ladner, a ladies clothing boutique. She was also involved with the Ladner Village Market for more than 20 years, bringing together the local producers and makers with customers from all over the Lower Mainland and B.C..[3]

Prior to entering federal politics, McKnight was the Executive Director of the Delta Chamber of Commerce.[4] She was appointed to this role following her years of volunteering with the Ladner Business Association, including five years as the President.

In addition to her business work, McKnight has been part of several community initiatives. Her fundraising activities have helped raise over $250K for various community causes, including the Ladner Business Association, the Delta Hospital Foundation, the BC Cancer Foundation, and Dress for Success.[5]

Political career

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On May 13, 2025, McKnight was named Minister of Veteran Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence in the 30th Canadian Ministry, headed by Mark Carney.

Awards

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  • Delta Volunteer of the Year: Delta Chamber 2019[6]
  • Queen's Jubilee Award: Exemplary Community Service 2022[7]
  • King Charles III Coronation Medal: Community Leadership 2024[8]

Electoral record

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2025 Canadian federal election: Delta
** Preliminary results — Not yet official **
Party Candidate Votes % ±% Expenditures
Liberal Jill McKnight 32,305 51.09 +8.55
Conservative Jessy Sahota 27,157 42.95 +9.41
New Democratic Jason McCormick 3,384 5.35 –13.10
People's Natasa Sirotic 390 0.62 –1.86
Total valid votes/expense limit
Total rejected ballots
Turnout 63,236 74.25
Eligible voters 85,163
Liberal notional hold Swing –0.43
Source: Elections Canada[9][10]

References

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  1. ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2025-06-08.
  2. ^ "Jill McKnight will be Delta's next Liberal MP". 29 April 2025. Archived from the original on 2025-04-29. Retrieved 2025-04-29.
  3. ^ "Jill McKnight". jillmcknight.liberal.ca. Retrieved 2025-05-11.
  4. ^ "Delta Chamber Appoints Jill McKnight as Incoming Executive Director". Delta Chamber of Commerce - BC. 2021-08-18. Archived from the original on 2025-05-14. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  5. ^ "Get to know Jill McKnight, Liberal candidate for Delta MP". North Delta Reporter. 2025-04-14. Archived from the original on 2025-05-13. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
  6. ^ "Business Excellence Awards". Delta Chamber of Commerce - BC. Archived from the original on 2025-05-14. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
  7. ^ "Exemplary service to community recognized by Delta MP". Delta Optimist. 2022-12-08. Archived from the original on 2022-12-14. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
  8. ^ "Community leaders honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medals". Delta Optimist. 2024-12-18. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
  9. ^ "Voter information service". Elections Canada. Retrieved April 18, 2025.
  10. ^ "Election Night Results - Electoral Districts". Elections Canada. 29 April 2025. Retrieved 29 April 2025.