Mary Coyle

Mary Coyle (born November 5, 1954) is a Canadian politician serving as a senator from Nova Scotia. Coyle was appointed to the Senate on the advice of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on December 4, 2017, and sits as a member of the Independent Senators Group (ISG). A long time champion of women's leadership, gender equality, and the rights of Indigenous Peoples, Coyle is a leader in the post-secondary education and not-for-profit sectors, as well as in international and local development.

Early life and education One of seven children, Coyle was born in Orillia, Ontario. Her family frequently moved around the province as her father was a travelling salesman and her mother a nurse. Coyle's interest in politics began early in her youth. As head girl, she took the initiative of inviting Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau to visit her high school in Ottawa to meet and engage with students.

Coyle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Languages and Literature from the University of Guelph, a Master of Arts in Rural Planning and Development from the University of Guelph, and a diploma in French Language from the Université de Besançon. After returning to Canada and completing her master's degree,

After 10 years with Calmeadow, Coyle moved to Antigonish, Nova Scotia, in 1997 and became a Vice-President and the Director of the Coady Institute at St. Francis Xavier University, Coyle serves on the Senate Standing Committees on Indigenous Peoples and Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Coyle is also the co-founder and co-chair of , a group that brings together, informs, and supports Canadian senators who want to find effective solutions to climate change.

Personal life Coyle has three daughters, Emilie, Lauren and Lindelwa, and 7 grandchildren. Her third daughter was born during her time in Botswana.

In 2016, Coyle underwent treatment for stage-three breast cancer.