Meet Rachel
Rachel Loewen Walker is a proud queer woman, an educator, a frontline innovator, and a dedicated community leader in Saskatoon West. Currently, she chairs the Women's and Gender Studies program in Political Studies at the University of Saskatchewan. With a wide range of expertise in topics such as human rights, housing, immigration, governance, and sustainability, Rachel brings decades of experience to the table.
Rachel's Story
Rachel was previously the Ariel F. Sallows Chair in Human Rights at the College of Law (2020-2022) and before that, the Executive Director of OUTSaskatoon (2013-2020). In both of these roles, she has been a strong advocate for human rights, social justice, and 2SLGBTQI+ people, building relationships with diverse communities, stakeholders, and all levels of government.
Raised on a farm near Warman, Rachel learned the value of hard work and community support. From a young age she was an innovator, building a solar powered oven from scratch at nine, organizing a folk music fundraiser for the Saskatoon Sexual Assault Centre at fourteen, and initiating hard conversations about gender and sexuality within the Mennonite church at sixteen.
Today Rachel is dedicated to affordable housing, accessible post-secondary education, and environmental sustainability. She is acutely aware of rising costs and advocates for universal dental care, affordable childcare, and pharmacare as key methods to alleviate financial burdens and to better support our community. Rachel has built reciprocal relationships with Indigenous communities, living her values with truth and integrity. As the driving force behind the Social Innovation Lab, she bridges the gap between academic research and community needs, fostering collaboration and developing innovative solutions for the challenges faced by Saskatoon West residents. Her strong background in the non-profit sector, governance and policy development, and community-engaged research ensures that she can tackle complex social problems clearly and effectively.
Rachel currently lives in Caswell Hill with her partner, Estefan Cortes-Vargas, enjoying the vibrant diversity of Saskatoon West.
Recognizing the lack of progressive representation in Saskatchewan, especially in Ottawa, Rachel is the brave voice our community needs.
“Brave Voices, Bold Futures" – Join Rachel Loewen Walker in her journey to bring Saskatoon West to Ottawa.
FAQ About Rachel
What sets Rachel apart?
Rachel blends community experience, academic research, and a genuine passion for public service. Her approach is grounded in listening to and working directly with the community, setting her apart as a candidate who truly understands and represents local interests.
How will Rachel ensure that she remains connected to the community's needs while in office?
Rachel has engaged in community-driven advocacy, research, and impact for years and this philosophy will guide her commitments to transparent, accessible leadership. She is a long-view thinker and her actions reflect the interests of a brave, bold future. Rachel will ensure that constituents' voices guide her decision-making and advocacy in Parliament.
How has Rachel's experience prepared her for federal politics?
In 2018, Rachel supported a coalition of leaders across Canada to advocate for the development of a national network for organizations focused on gender and sexuality. In 2019 she travelled to Ottawa twice to lobby multiple government departments and officials on behalf of the initiative and in 2020, she signed the incorporation documents for the Enchanté Network. Rachel's educational background and professional experience have equipped her with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of federal politics. She knows how to advocate effectively, build coalitions, and work across party lines to achieve results for Saskatoon West.