Charlene Johnson, the youngest woman ever elected to serve in the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, is passionate about sustainable development and the protection of our natural resources. Born in Carbonear and raised in the Conception Bay community of Gull Island, Charlene holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Engineering from the University of New Brunswick and a Masters of Applied Science degree in Environmental Engineering from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Prior to politics Charlene worked in the fields of forestry and environmental engineering.

Charlene was first elected to the House of Assembly in November 2003. On July 5, 2006, she was appointed the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources.

On October 30, 2007, she was appointed Minister of Environment and Conservation.