Biography

Kristen was raised on Shandwick Street in Sydney, and is the daughter of Robert Rudderham and Geraldine Wall. She attended school locally and graduated from the International Baccalaureate Program at Sydney Academy. Her interest in politics extends back to her early schooling, where she had the opportunity to participate in French Immersion and Model Parliament. Her family has long been involved in politics. Her great-grandfather, J.W. Rudderham, was an organizer for Robert Stanfield and Pinky Gaum, one of Whitney Pier's most well regarded elected officials.

Kristen's path to public service brought her to Trent University, where she earned her B.A. in Political Studies. During this time she spent two years at the University of Freiburg, Germany, where she studied European Union market integration. She later earned her Bachelor of Laws from the University of New Brunswick where she was awarded the Dickson Medal for Outstanding Oral Advocacy.

Early in her legal career, Kristen served as Advisor to the Leader of the Conservative Opposition in the Senate, and Senior Policy Advisor to the Speaker of the Senate, where she learned valuable lessons on how the nation's business is conducted in the nation's Parliament.

Kristen articled with McInnes Cooper and began pursuing a Masters in Laws in International Law. After her experience with McInnes Cooper, she began practicing law with the Public Policy Practice Group at Fraser Milner Casgrain in Ottawa before returning to Sydney. Kristen was called to the Nova Scotia Bar in November 2007 and began working with local law firm, Sampson McDougall, in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Kristen's experience has provided her with a wealth of perspective and experience and has served to fuel her desire to represent important Cape Breton issues on the floor of the House of Commons.

Reflecting her commitment to community service and other personal interests, Kristen has been an active member of Rotary; Equal Voice Canada; is a contributor to Canada Meets Germany (a private sector diplomatic initiative); and has represented Canada internationally in various sailing and debating competitions. She is also proud to be a life-long member of St. Joseph's Church.

Kristen has developed wide-ranging networks throughout Canada, in both Provincial and Federal governments. She understands the political process and has developed associations in Ottawa that she can leverage to serve the people of Cape Breton. Kristen has worked closely with Canada's new Conservative government on developing innovative policies and new initiatives.

Above all, Kristen's most passionate desire is to make Cape Breton a prosperous place and a strong part of a better Canada. Through her academic and employment record, she has endeavored to perfect the skills necessary to effectively represent Cape Bretoner's in the nation's Parliament. She believes that Cape Bretoner's deserve to have their interests taken seriously in the nation's capital. As the Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria, Kristen will serve with integrity, honesty and sincerity.