Her Honour, The Honourable Joan Marie J. Aylward, O.N.L., is a graduate of Memorial University, and worked as an intensive care nurse for five years. Her Honour served on the faculty of St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital School of Nursing and was President of the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland and Labrador.

Following her election to the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly in 1996, Her Honour held several roles including Minister of Finance and President of the Treasury Board, Minister of Human Resources and Employment, and Minister of Health and Community Services.

After leaving the provincial legislature, Her Honour was Executive Director of St. Patrick’s Mercy Home and Vice-Chair of the Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Relations Board. Appointed to the National Seniors Council in 2018, Her Honour also chaired the Aging Population Committee for Health Accord for Newfoundland and Labrador.

Her Honour has served on numerous boards and committees, including Oxfam Canada and the Foundation for Conservation of Atlantic Salmon. She is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal.