Educated in social work, social policy and community planning, Michèle Harding retired from Ontario’s public service having worked with several ministries, including health, community and social services, and health promotion. She has undertaken leadership roles in many local, city-wide, and provincial non-profit organizations to advocate for community health and health equity, working on community development and advocacy projects relating to affordable housing, domestic violence reduction, employment training, literacy, and health and support services for older adults, youth, women, indigenous peoples and refugees.