Biography

As a lawyer, judge, diplomat and Senator, Senator Andreychuk has dedicated her career to advancing the principles of human rights, democracy, and universal justice. 

Senator Andreychuk earned her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Saskatchewan.  Appointed as a Judge to the Saskatchewan Provincial Court in 1976, Senator Andreychuk established the first family court in Regina.

Senator Andreychuk continued to contribute significantly to public life as Associate Deputy Minister of Social Services in Saskatchewan, as Chancellor of the University of Regina, and through various ambassadorial appointments. She served as Canada’s High Commissioner to Kenya and Uganda, as Ambassador to Somalia, the Comoros, and Portugal, and as Canada’s representative to the United Nations Environment Program and Habitat, and the United Nations Human Rights Commission. 

Called to the Senate in 1993, Senator Andreychuk became the first female senator to represent the province of Saskatchewan. She played an integral role in establishing the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights, and served as its Chair from 2001 to 2009. She continues to serve as Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Conflict of Interest for Senators, Co-Chair of the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association, Vice-Chair of the Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group, and Chair of the Ukraine-NATO Inter-parliamentary Council (UNIC) of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

Throughout her professional career, Senator Andreychuk has remained dedicated to community service. She has served as President of the Y.M.C.A. of Canada, Chair of Katimavik, Chair of Canada World Youth, President of Regina Family Services Bureau, and National Board member of the Y.W.C.A of Canada, among others.

In recognition of these contributions, Senator Andreychuk received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Regina, as well as an Honorary Doctorate of Canon Law (D.C.L) (honoris causa) from St. Andrew’s College at the University of Manitoba.