Rechie Aileen Valdez (née Salazar, born September 17, 1980)[1][2] is a Canadian entrepreneur, television personality, and politician, serving as the Minister of Small Business since 2023.

The family eventually migrated to Canada in 1989, residing in the Erin Mills neighborhood of Mississauga, Ontario together with her brother.

Valdez went to St. Joseph Secondary School and Holy Name of Mary College School where she graduated in 1993; and completed a computer science degree at the University of Windsor in 2003.

[1] Valdez spent a few years in the financial sector before venturing into business.

She owned a baking business, had competed in The Big Bake on Food Network Canada, and hosted and produced a television show Fearlessly Creative on Filipino TV.