The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell

The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell is the longest-serving Lieutenant Governor of Ontario (2014-2023). Building a resilient and sustainable society was the focus of her mandate — safeguarding democracy was her passion.

Ms. Dowdeswell’s eclectic public service career has spanned provincial, federal, and international borders, and transcended disciplinary lines, notably as Under Secretary-General of the UN and Executive Director of UNEP.

Ms. Dowdeswell is the recipient of numerous distinctions, including the Orders of Canada and Ontario and 11 honorary degrees.