Born in Grand Bank, Newfoundland and Labrador, The Honourable Judy May Foote (née Crowley) attended John Burke High School in Grand Bank and is a graduate of Memorial University. She is a former teacher, journalist and communications director and served in the House of Assembly and the Parliament of Canada. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education from Memorial University and an Honours Diploma in Radio, Television, Journalism Arts from Lambton College.

Prior to serving in politics Ms. Foote taught school in Grand Bank and St. John’s before working in television journalism with the CBC’s public affairs program “Here & Now”; was the Director of University Relations with Memorial University; and, the Director of Communications for the Office of the Premier, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Ms. Foote was a member of the House of Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador representing the District of Grand Bank for 11 years.  She served as Minister of Development and Rural Renewal; Minister of Industry, Trade and Technology; Minister of Education; and, Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development.

In 2008 she was elected as a Member of Parliament representing the riding of Random-Burin-St. George’s and was re-elected in 2011. She served as Deputy House Leader and Whip.  In October 2015 she was re-elected to the new riding of Bonavista-Burin-Trinity.  On November 4, 2015, she was named to the Federal Cabinet as the Minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada and Receiver General of Canada and held this position until taking a leave of absence in April 2017 to be with her family.

In August 2017 Ms. Foote announced her retirement as a Member of Cabinet and a Member of Parliament to be home in Newfoundland and Labrador with her family.

Judy Foote served as Newfoundland and Labrador’s 14th Lieutenant Governor from May 3, 2018 until November 14, 2023, and was the first woman to occupy the office.

Contributing to community has always been a priority for Ms. Foote.  She is a mentor for cancer patients and has volunteered with the Girl Guides of Canada, the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador, the organization currently known as the Vera Perlin Society and the United Nation Children’s Fund.

Ms. Foote and her husband, Howard Foote, have three children.