Ruth Lau-MacDonald became PSAC’s Regional Executive Vice President for the National Capital Region in May 2024. 

From a military family, Ruth was born in Germany, but has called Ottawa home since 2015. She studied Child and Youth Work at St Lawrence College and obtained a bachelors degree in Psychology and Sociology from Carleton University.  

Her passion and activism have always been a part of her life, regardless of where she finds herself. Her identity as a queer woman with an invisible disability fuels her approach to work as she strives to create anti-racist and decolonized workplaces that are rooted in justice for all. She has been involved in many organizations, including the Carleton University Students’ Association, la Fédération de la jeunesse franco-ontarienne, and KIND Space. 

Ruth became a member of PSAC in 2020 when she took a job as Treaty Implementation Officer for Parks Canada. As she was no stranger to activism, she rapidly became involved with PSAC and was elected Chair for the Ottawa Area Council. 

Ruth Lau-MacDonald is the youngest female member of PSACs National Board of Directors in the union’s history.