Meet Karen

Karen Ludwig is a dedicated Canadian educator, business leader, and politician with deep roots in New Brunswick. She and her husband, Andrew, have proudly called Saint Andrews, New Brunswick home, where they raised their two children and are now proud grandparents of two.

Before entering politics, Ludwig built a distinguished career in education and international trade. She served as Associate Dean of Faculty Development at Yorkville University and taught in the Master of Education and MBA programs at the University of New Brunswick. Holding a Master of Arts, a Master of Education, and a Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation, she has spent her career preparing leaders and businesses to navigate global challenges.

In 2015, Ludwig made history as the first woman elected to represent New Brunswick Southwest in the House of Commons. As a Member of Parliament, she was a strong voice for jobs, trade, and economic growth, serving on key committees, including the Standing Committee on International Trade (2016-2019) and the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (2018-2019). She was Vice-Chair of the Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group (2018-2019) and Chair of the New Brunswick Federal Liberal Caucus (2015-2019).

During her time in Parliament, Ludwig worked to protect Canadian industries by advocating for fair trade agreements, supporting small businesses, and ensuring New Brunswick businesses had access to global markets. She played a key role in addressing the economic impacts of U.S. tariffs and helped secure protections for Canadian sectors in trade negotiations.

Beyond trade and economic policy, Ludwig has been a strong advocate for public health, particularly in raising awareness and prevention of Lyme disease. She co-chaired the National All-Party Round Table on Lyme Disease alongside Elizabeth May, working to educate policymakers about the growing threat of Lyme disease in Canada. Through her efforts, MPs and Senators gained greater awareness of the impact of Lyme disease on Canadian families, leading to stronger national discussions on prevention, early detection, and treatment.

After her time in Parliament, Ludwig continued her commitment to education and economic development, serving as Vice-President for Growth Initiatives at Yorkville University and as a Canadian Commissioner for the Roosevelt Campobello International Park.

Now, as Canada faces a new wave of economic uncertainty with rising U.S. isolationism and trade barriers, Ludwig is stepping up again. In March 2025, she announced her candidacy for the newly re-drawn riding of Saint John–Saint Croix to ensure Southwestern New Brunswick has a strong voice in Ottawa. With her background in Parliament focused on Canada-U.S. relations, International Trade, and public health advocacy, Ludwig is uniquely positioned to defend local industries, protect jobs, and continue important work in areas such as Lyme disease awareness.

Karen Ludwig’s career is built on experience, leadership, and a deep commitment to her community. She is ready to stand up for Saint John–Saint Croix, ensuring that local families, businesses, and industries have the support they need to thrive in challenging times.