Biography

I was born in Ottawa in a French-Canadian family. In 1962, we moved to Montreal and finally settled in Chomedey (Laval), where I did Classical studies in high school and the first year of CEGEP. I attended the University of Ottawa from 1969 to 1972 and earned a B.A. in Linguistics/Translation.

After moving back to Montreal, I first worked as a Translator for CNA Assurance Company, then joined CN/Air Canada Linguistic Services in June 1974. After spending six months at Air Canada Headquarters, I went to Dorval Maintenance Base to manage the new translation office and meet the needs of all on-site departments.

In August 1977, I moved to Ottawa to manage the new translation office serving Air Canada’s Ottawa District, including the administration services in Vanier and all airport operations. I left Air Canada on December 28, 1990 when my position was abolished due to Society-wide staff reductions.

In June 1991, I joined the Canadian Red Cross National Office as a Revisor and was later promoted as Manager, Translation Services. Translations covered CRC programs and services, such as Water Safety, First Aid, RespectED, Disaster Services, International Development, International Humanitarian Law, Annual Reports, By-Laws and Governance, Pension and HR services.

Then, from June 2006 to June 2017, I worked as a Revisor at Export Development Canada (EDC) National Office, where I specialized in the translation and revision of legal and insurance documents, and in various fields (finance, governance, enterprise risk management, and prestigious publications for Canadian exporters and investors).

I am now happily retired and enjoy spending some of my free time with family and friends, relearning Classical music on my Yamaha Baby Grand piano, and rekindling relationships with former AC colleagues through the AC Pionairs. I am also a proud Shriner Lady and wife of the late Ralston Edwards, who was a Master of the Masonic Temple Lodge and an elected officer of the Shriners’ Tunis Temple. Ralston also worked from 1979 to 1981 as a Station Attendant and a Lead Station Attendant at Ottawa International Airport. My personal interests include music, performing arts, languages (French, English, Spanish), dancing and travel.

I look forward to serving as the Ottawa District Director, effective January 1, 2019.

Monique Edwards