A smiling blonde woman in a black pinstripe blazer and white top standing on a city street with sunlight.

About Olivia Duke

Olivia Duke is a candidate for Burlington City Council (Ward 4) and Halton Regional Council, bringing together nearly 20 years of business leadership, public policy expertise, and community service.

Throughout her career, Olivia has built a reputation for strategic leadership, business development, and partnership building across Canada and North America. Working with both Canadian and international organizations, she has collaborated with executive teams, governments, nonprofits, and industry partners to lead strategic initiatives, strengthen relationships, and deliver meaningful results. These experiences have shaped her approach to leadership: listening carefully, thinking strategically, building consensus, and making informed decisions that create long-term value.

Olivia holds a Master of Public Policy (MPP) from McMaster University, specializing in housing policy, building on an academic foundation in psychology with a specialization in mental health. Her research focused on how housing, infrastructure, growth, and municipal decision-making influence affordability, quality of life, and the long-term wellbeing of communities. She also developed specialized knowledge in healthy aging, senior care, and community-based approaches that help people remain connected, independent, and engaged throughout their lives.

Beyond her professional and academic experience, Olivia has dedicated years to serving Burlington through volunteer leadership, nonprofit governance, and community partnerships. She has worked alongside local organizations, businesses, volunteers, and community leaders on initiatives supporting food security, families, healthy aging, youth, community wellbeing, and civic engagement. Through board leadership, strategic planning, fundraising, and governance, she has seen firsthand how thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and strong community partnerships can create lasting impact.

Today, Olivia serves as President of the Burlington Lions Club, where she works alongside volunteers and community organizations to strengthen neighbourhoods, support local initiatives, and foster meaningful community connections. She believes Burlington's greatest strength has always been its people, and that the best solutions are achieved when residents, businesses, community organizations, and local government work together.

Her decision to run for Council is a natural extension of that lifelong commitment to service. Olivia believes effective leadership begins with listening, is strengthened by evidence and collaboration, and earns trust through transparency, accountability, and responsible financial stewardship. She is committed to making thoughtful decisions that respect taxpayers while helping Burlington remain a connected, affordable, and welcoming city for current and future generations.

Olivia lives in Shoreacres with her husband and two children, and is bilingual in English and Polish. Like many Burlington families, they chose Burlington because of its strong neighbourhoods, exceptional quality of life, and incredible sense of community. Today, she continues to volunteer, serve, and advocate for a city that remains a place where families can thrive, businesses can succeed, and future generations can proudly call home.

Her commitment is simple: to listen first, make informed decisions, communicate openly, and always act in the best interests of Burlington residents.

“Business experience taught me how to ask the right questions.

Public policy taught me how government works.

Community service taught me who those decisions are really about.”

What Shapes My Leadership

  • A woman with long blonde hair speaking into a microphone at a panel discussion. On the table in front of her are two water bottles, a paper cup with a straw, and name cards that read 'Olivia Duke' and 'Shawna Stouff'. Behind her, there is a large decorative bundle of twigs or branches.

    STEPPING FORWARD TO SERVE

    Community Leadership

    In 2022, Olivia ran for Burlington City Council because she believed the community deserved stronger collaboration, clearer communication, and more transparent decision-making. While she was not elected, the experience reinforced the importance of staying engaged beyond election cycles and continuing to contribute through community leadership, civic involvement, and public dialogue.

  • A group of people in a conference room with large windows overlooking a lush green outdoor garden, with several colorful sticky notes attached to the glass.

    LISTENING BEYOND ELECTION DAY

    Community Engagement

    Since then, Olivia has remained actively involved with local organizations, volunteers, residents, and community leaders across Burlington and the Halton Region. Those experiences have strengthened her understanding of how local decisions affect everyday life and reinforced her belief that effective leadership begins with listening, building relationships, and staying connected to the community year-round.

  • A group of seven people standing in a line in front of a decorative backdrop with an arch and stone texture, inside a banquet hall or event space. They are dressed in formal and semi-formal attire.

    WHAT MATTERS MOST

    Community Priorities

    The issues that continue to shape Olivia's community involvement, volunteer work, and approach to public service include:

    • Housing & Neighbourhoods – supporting responsible growth while protecting affordability and quality of life.

    • Families, Caregivers & Older Adults – helping people remain connected, supported, and engaged throughout every stage of life.

    • Food Security & Community Wellbeing – strengthening the community supports residents rely on every day.

    • Good Governance & Fiscal Responsibility – promoting transparency, accountability, and thoughtful stewardship of public resources.

    These priorities continue to guide Olivia's work in the community and her vision for Burlington's future.

  • Group of women at a conference, standing in front of a balloon arch and holding signs with hashtags and messages related to mentorship and Women's Association of Career Coaches, with some women in frames marked WACC2025.

    LEADING WITH PURPOSE

    Leadership Philosophy

    Olivia believes thoughtful leadership begins with listening, grows through collaboration, and succeeds through accountability. She approaches local issues with empathy, practical thinking, and a commitment to bringing people together to find solutions that strengthen neighbourhoods, build public trust, and support Burlington for generations to come.