Leah Van Houten
About Leah Van Houten
Leah Van Houten serves as the Director of Operations for Hon Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, with over 13 years of experience in federal and provincial politics in Canada.
Work at Government of Canada
Leah Van Houten has served as the Director of Operations for Hon Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, since 2016. In this role, she oversees operational functions and supports the minister's initiatives within the Government of Canada. Prior to this position, she worked as the Ontario Regional Advisor for Hon Maryann Mihychuk in the same department for six months in 2016. Her tenure at the Government of Canada highlights her commitment to public service and her expertise in managing operations within a federal context.
Previous Roles in Politics
Leah Van Houten has extensive experience in various political roles. She worked as a Communications Officer for the Liberal Party of Canada from 2009 to 2010. Following this, she served as a Constituency Assistant for Hon Bob Chiarelli at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 2011 to 2012. Additionally, she held the position of Special Assistant for Operations and Outreach to Justin Trudeau from 2013 to 2015. Her diverse roles in both provincial and federal politics have contributed to her understanding of political operations and strategy.
Education and Expertise
Leah Van Houten studied Public Relations at Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology from 2007 to 2009. She furthered her education at the University of Ottawa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from 2012 to 2015. This educational background has equipped her with strong skills in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and public policy, which she applies in her professional roles.
Campaign Strategy and Management Experience
Leah Van Houten has demonstrated her capabilities as a campaign strategist and manager throughout her career. She served as the Deputy Campaign Manager for Bob Chiarelli during the 2011 Ontario Provincial Campaign. Additionally, she was involved in the Ontario Election Advance for the National Leader's Tour in 2011. Her experience in campaign strategy highlights her ability to navigate complex political landscapes and manage effective outreach efforts.
Professional Background in Public Affairs
Leah Van Houten possesses a versatile background in public affairs, focusing on organization and management. With over 13 years of experience in federal and Ontario provincial politics, she has developed a comprehensive understanding of the political environment. Her roles have included various responsibilities that emphasize her skills in strategic communications and public policy, making her a knowledgeable figure in the field.