Dominique O'Rourke

Biography

Dominique O’Rourke is a Canadian politician, entrepreneur, and community leader who has made a significant impact in Ontario’s political landscape. A dedicated member of the Liberal Party of Canada, O’Rourke was elected as the Member of Parliament for Guelph in the 2025 Canadian federal election, succeeding Lloyd Longfield. Her journey to public office was shaped by years of experience in municipal governance, business strategy, and grassroots advocacy.

O’Rourke holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Ottawa and a Master of Arts in leadership from the University of Guelph. Her academic background provided her with the expertise to navigate complex policy discussions and advocate for responsible governance. She has spent over 25 years working in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, advising major organizations such as The Co-operators Group, Community Foundations of Canada, the Canadian Index of Wellbeing, Special Olympics Ontario, and Agricorp. Her ability to bridge diverse stakeholders and communicate policy issues effectively has earned her respect and admiration throughout Ontario.

As a proud Franco-Ontarian, O’Rourke has been a strong advocate for linguistic rights and cultural preservation. She founded Réseau-Franco Guelph, a network dedicated to supporting French-speaking residents in the region, and previously served as Vice-Chair of Groupe Média TFO, a leading French-language media organization. Her commitment to community engagement has been recognized with numerous accolades, including being named a 2018 Woman of Distinction.

Her political career began at the municipal level when she was elected as a city councillor for Ward 6 in Guelph in 2018. She was re-elected in 2022, earning a reputation as a dedicated advocate for housing, homelessness support, and economic development. As chair of the Infrastructure, Development, and Environment Committee, she championed policies that improved local infrastructure, expanded long-term care services, and strengthened accountability measures within municipal governance. She also introduced a motion to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic, demonstrating her commitment to social justice and public safety.

O’Rourke’s transition into federal politics was driven by her desire to bring a strong, community-focused voice to Ottawa. In July 2024, she was acclaimed as the Liberal candidate for Guelph following Lloyd Longfield’s retirement announcement. Her campaign emphasized housing affordability, climate action, economic growth, and social equity. Her ability to connect with constituents and address their concerns positioned her as a strong advocate for responsible governance.

Her tenure in Parliament continues to reflect her dedication to progressive policies, economic resilience, and community advocacy. Her vision for Guelph and Canada is one of inclusivity, sustainability, and opportunity, ensuring that future generations can thrive in a country that values innovation, responsible leadership, and social justice. Her contributions to both municipal and federal politics have positioned her as a prominent figure in Canadian public life.