Nicholas (Nick) Kang

Senior Policy Advisor at the Office of the Prime Minister (PMO)

Nicholas Kang currently serves as a Senior Policy Advisor at the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada since August 2023.

Prior to this, he served as the Deputy Chief of Staff & Director of Policy in the Office of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development & Disability Inclusion from April 2023 to August 2023.

Mr. Kang experience also extends to the private sector, where he worked as a Senior Consultant at Deloitte from October 2022 to April 2023.

His career in politics first started as a Policy Advisor and later as Director of Operations and Director of Policy. He held these positions in various offices including the Office of the Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility, and the Office of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development, and Disability Inclusion.

He holds a master’s degree in public policy, International & Global Affairs from Harvard Kennedy School and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social & Community Development and Biology from St. Olaf College.

Aaron Fowler

Associate Assistant Deputy Minister for International Trade and Deputy Chief Trade Commissioner

Aaron Fowler currently serves as Associate Assistant Deputy Minister for International Trade and Deputy Chief Trade Commissioner at Global Affairs Canada (GAC), a position he has held since August 2024. Prior to this, he was the Associate Assistant Deputy Minister for Trade Policy and Negotiations at GAC from September 2022 to August 2024.

From August 2018 to November 2022, Mr. Fowler held the position of Chief Agriculture Negotiator and Director General of the Trade Agreements and Negotiations Directorate at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. His career at Global Affairs Canada includes roles such as Executive Director of Tariffs and Goods Market Access, Director of Softwood Lumber, and Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Canada to the World Trade Organization in Geneva. During his time in Geneva, he chaired the Committee for the WTO Information Technology Agreement (ITA) and served as Head of Delegation for the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Committee on Trade.

Before entering the public service, he worked as a Business Development Strategist for the International Co-operative Alliance in San Jose, Costa Rica (1999-2000).

He holds a Master of Arts in International Affairs, specializing in International Trade Policy, from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs (NPSIA) at Carleton University (2001-2003) and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of New Brunswick (1993-1997).

Tracy Gray

Conservative Shadow Minister for Employment, Future Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion

MP for Kelowna—Lake Country, BC (Urban Riding)

MP Gray was elected to serve as Member of Parliament for the riding of Kelowna-Lake Country in October 2019, and was re-elected in September 2021. Currently, she serves as the Shadow Minister for Employment, Future Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, and is a member of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities.

She has previously served as Shadow Minister for Small Business Recovery and Growth, Shadow Minister for Export Promotion and International Trade, and as Shadow Minister for Interprovincial Trade. She has previously served on the Standing Committee on Industry & Technology and the Standing Committee on International Trade.

She has business experience and worked most of her career in the BC beverage industry. She founded and owned Discover Wines VQA Wine Stores, which included the number one wine store in BC for 13 years. She has been involved in small businesses in different sectors including financing, importing, oil and gas services, and a technology start-up.

She has served with many organizations over the years. She was appointed to serve by BC Cabinet to the Passenger Transportation Board and elected to the Board of Prospera Credit Union for 10 years. In addition, she served on the Okanagan Film Commission, Clubhouse Childcare Society, Okanagan Regional Library Trustee, and Chair of the Okanagan Basin Water Board.

She previously served as an elected Kelowna City Councilor and Central Okanagan Regional Director for the 2014-2018 term.

Strategic Considerations:

• On October 7^th at the International Trade committee, MP Gray expressed concern about Canada’s declining GDP per capita compared to the US, suggesting it’s hindering Canada’s economic performance among advanced economies. She questioned whether a proposed capital gains tax hike would further negatively impact Canada’s ability to attract talent, investment, and capital.
• She has been involved in small businesses in different sectors including financing, importing, oil and gas services, and a technology start-up.
• She has stood up against major tax increases in the 2017 council budget and inefficiencies and burdens on business and constituents.

Sheryl Groeneweg

Director General, Advanced Manufacturing and Industrial Strategy Branch at Innovation, Sciences and Economic Development Canada

Sheryl Groeneweg is the Director General, Advanced Manufacturing and Industrial Strategy at Innovation, Sciences and Economic Development Canada, where she leads work on industrial policy, micro-economic analysis and advanced manufacturing across a range of industrial sectors including metals (steel and aluminum), critical minerals, chemicals and plastics, energy, machinery and equipment, food processing, textiles and apparel, consumer products manufacturing, and forestry products.

She also leads work on growing and strengthening sustainable industrial supply chains in Canada. In her tenure in the Public Service, she has held positions at the Privy Council Office, Natural Resources Canada, Transport, and Infrastructure Canada, Indian and Northern Affairs and Human Resources Development Canada. Ms. Groeneweg holds a Master of Arts and Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics from Carleton University.

Strategic Considerations:

• During this year, Sheryl Groeneweg met with various stakeholders in the manufacturing sector, including NOVA Chemicals Corporation, ArcelorMittal Dofasco, Aluminum Association of Canada, Rio Tinto Canada Management, and Electra Battery Materials Corporation.

Julie Harb

Senior Policy Advisor to the Minister of Transport

Julie Harb is currently a Senior Policy Advisor and leads on air policy in Minister Anand’s office. Previously, she served as a Policy Advisor to the former Minister of Canadian Heritage, Pablo Rodriguez.

Before joining Minister Rodriguez’s office, Julie held positions as a Program Coordinator at the Samuel Centre for Social Connectedness, as well as roles as a Research Technician and Teacher Assistant at the University of Montreal.

She worked as a Policy Analyst intern at FEMISE/Institut de la Méditerranée in France and completed an internship with UNDP Lebanon for the Lebanese Elections Assistance Project in Beyrouth, Lebanon.

Julie holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Saint Joseph University of Beirut and a master’s degree in international studies from the University of Montreal.

Julie speaks French, English, and Arabic.

Philip Jennings

Deputy Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

Philip Jennings started his role as Deputy Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development in November 2024. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Executive Director for Canada, Ireland, and the Caribbean at the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Before moving to the IMF, he was a Senior Advisor to the Privy Council Office (PCO). From 2018 to 2022, he held the position of Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Plans and Consultations) at the PCO. He also served as Associate Deputy Minister of Natural Resources from 2016 to 2018.

Mr. Jennings’s experience includes expertise in economic development and industry policy. He was Senior Assistant Deputy Minister for the Industry Sector at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) from 2013 to 2016, and Associate Assistant Deputy Minister for the Industry Sector at Industry Canada from 2010 to 2013.

Prior to that, he held the position of Assistant Deputy Minister, Restructuring, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (2009-2010). He has also served as Assistant Deputy Minister of the Major Projects Management Office (2007-2010), Director General of the Petroleum Resources Branch (2004-2007), and Director of the Frontier Lands Management Division (2003-2004).

He holds a master’s degree of Economics from Queen’s University and a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Economics from the University of Ottawa.

Bronwen Jervis

Director of Policy to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Jervis Bronwen currently serves as Director of Policy at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), a position she has held since April 2024. Prior to this, she spent over two years in the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada, most recently as a Speechwriter and Communications Advisor. Jervis has also served as a Senior Communications Advisor in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. Previously, she has also worked as a writer for the Liberal Party of Canada’s 2021 election platform.

Strategic Considerations:

• Since her appointment this year, she has met with various transport industry stakeholders such as General Motors and the Canadian Business Aviation Association.

Mary Ng

Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development

MP for Markham—Thornhill, ON (Urban Riding)

Minister Ng was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Markham—Thornhill in 2017, and has been re-elected twice. She has previously served as Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, as Minister of International Trade, and as Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion.

In her current role, Minister Ng has worked to strengthen Canada’s trade relations in the Indo-Pacific region, support the United Kingdom’s accession into the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership, and modernize the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement.

Minister Ng has also worked on initiatives such as the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, the Black Entrepreneurship Program, and the 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program.

With 20 years of experience in education, women’s leadership, job creation, and entrepreneurship, Minister Ng believes in the power of public service. Her previous experience working for the Ontario Public Service, including the Ministry of Education, and for Ryerson University (now the Toronto Metropolitan University), led to her being recognized as a public sector leader. She has also served as Director of Public Appointments in the Office of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Strategic Considerations:

• Has been tasked alongside Minister Champagne (ISED) to help lead the federal government’s ‘Team Canada’ US trade strategy.

Samir Kassam

Director of Policy at the Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources (NRCan)

Samir currently serves as the Director of Policy to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources (NRCan), Jonathan Wilkinson. He has held various roles within Minister Wilkinson’s office and the Office of the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business, and Economic Development.

He has been in various positions at NRCan including Issues Manager and Policy Advisor, Parliamentary Affairs and Policy Advisor, and Legislative and Parliamentary Secretary’s Assistant.

In November 2021, he moved to the Office of the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business, and Economic Development. He initially served as a Policy Advisor before being promoted to Senior Policy Advisor, a role he held until January 2024.

Following this, he returned to NRCan as the Director of Policy for Sustainable Resource Development in January 2024. He was promoted to his current position as the Director of Policy in July 2024.

Samir also served as a Campaign Manager for MP Tony Van Bynen on two separate occasions.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in public Affairs and Policy Management with a focus on International Relations from Carleton University and a Master of Science degree in Middle East Politics from SOAS University of London.

Paul O’Keefe

Senior Director, Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Industries Directorate at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Since 2021, Paul O’Keefe has been a Senior Director at the Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Industries Directorate. Previously, he served as the Director of Business Services to Manufacturing and Consumer Products in the Manufacturing and Life Sciences Branch at ISED.

In his current position, he has met with stakeholders in the manufacturing and energy sector such as NOVA Chemicals Corporation, Maple Leaf Foods, Canadian Hydrogen Association, Glencore Canada Corporation, ArcelorMittal Dofasco, Aluminum Association of Canada and Electricity Canada.

François Rivest

Director General, Export Support, Global Affairs Canada

François Rivest joined External Affairs and International Trade in 1991 after serving in the Canadian Armed Forces (Air) and working for the City of Winnipeg.

He served twice at the Canadian embassy in Tokyo, including from 2002 to 2006 as Program Manager and Head of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Section. From 2006 to 2008, he was senior trade commissioner at the Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong.

In 2008, he was appointed Consul General of Canada in Guangzhou, China. From 2013 to 2016, he served as Minister-Counsellor and Senior Trade Commissioner at the Canadian embassy in Mexico City, where he also acted for a period as Deputy Head of Mission. At Headquarters, Mr. Rivest served in international trade finance, overseas operations and trade policy. In 2016, Mr. Rivest was appointed Deputy Head of Mission and Minister-Counsellor at the Canadian embassy in Kabul.

In 2018, he became the Executive Director of the Greater China Division in Ottawa and was most recently the Director General of Regional Trade Operations and Intergovernmental Relations. He is currently the Director General of Export Support and has been in this position since August 2024.

Paul Thompson

Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Development Canada

Paul Thompson was appointed Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Development Canada on September 18, 2023. Previously, he served as Deputy Minister of Public Services and Procurement, beginning in January 2022, and as Associate Deputy Minister at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

Prior to these roles, he has held several senior executive positions at Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), such as Senior Assistant Deputy Minister for the Skills and Employment Branch, as well as executive positions in various departments, including the Privy Council Office, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.

He holds a Master of Arts degree in economics from Queen’s University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and political science from the University of Toronto.

Jean-François Tremblay

Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Jean-François Tremblay was appointed Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change (ECCC), effective September 18, 2023.

Before joining Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), he served as Deputy Minister at Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

Prior to his role at ESDC, Mr. Tremblay served as Deputy Minister of Natural Resources Canada from 2020 to 2022, Deputy Minister of Indigenous Services from 2017 to 2020, Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Communities from 2016 to 2017 and Deputy Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (TIC) from 2015 to 2016.

Before joining the TIC portfolio, he was Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet Operations, Privy Council Office.

Mr. Tremblay was at Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, where he held the positions of Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Treaties and Aboriginal Government (2012 to 2013) and Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy and Strategic Direction (2010 to 2012). He also worked with the Privy Council Office, serving as Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet, Priorities and Planning (2007 to 2010) and Assistant Deputy Minister in Intergovernmental Operations (2006 and 2007).

Mr. Tremblay joined the federal public service in 2000 as a policy analyst with the Privy Council Office.

He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Université Laval.

Rob Stewart

Deputy Minister of International Trade

Rob Stewart was appointed deputy minister of international trade effective October 17, 2022.

Prior to his appointment, he served as Deputy Minister of Public Safety for three years. During this time, he provided leadership on a variety of issues related to national security, community safety and countering crime, Indigenous policing, firearms, border security and emergency management, including requests for federal assistance related to the pandemic and major natural disasters.

He has spent most of his public service career at the Department of Finance Canada, starting in 1993. He held the role of the Government of Canada’s Finance Deputy for the G7 and G20 and for the Financial Stability Board from 2016 to 2019. He provided leadership and policy advice to the government on a wide range of financial sector and international trade and finance matters. He was previously the Assistant Deputy Minister of Financial Sector Policy for two years, prior to which he held the position of Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade and Finance for four years. Before joining the Department of Finance Canada, Rob worked at Export Development Canada and in the Canadian Sport System.

He holds a BA from Carleton University (1981) and an MBA from the University of Ottawa (1987).

Charles Vincent

Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Industry Sector, ISED

Charles Vincent is currently the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Industry Sector at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).

The Industry Sector provides advice on issues of Canadian industrial policy, based on the sector’s economic and technological expertise. In doing so, it addresses a broad range of Canadian industries in the context of global markets, supporting government decision making on policies and programs to enhance innovation, competitiveness, and the productivity of Canadian industries.

Mr. Vincent was formerly the Assistant Deputy Minister of the Small Business, Tourism and Marketplace Services Sector at ISED. Prior to this, he held executive roles at ISED, including responsibility for the Made-in-Canada industry mobilization initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the Automotive, Transportation and Digital Technologies branch. Before joining ISED, Mr. Vincent served as an executive at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.

Lhori Webster

Director of Policy and Labour Relations to the Minister of Labour and for Seniors

Lhori is currently the Director of Policy and Labour Relations in the Office of the Minister of Labour and for Seniors, a position she has held since January 2024.

Prior to this role, she served as Director of Policy in the same office, as well as a Policy Advisor in the Office of the Prime Minister. From January 2020 to January 2022, she worked as a Policy Advisor in the Office of the Minister of Health.

Lhori also has experience in the non-profit sector, having founded and chaired Kabangka, an organization dedicated to empowering young Filipinx-Canadians across Canada. Kabangka grew out of Pinoys on Parliament (POP), the first national conference for Filipinx-Canadian youth, which she also helped establish. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and communications from the University of Ottawa.

Strategic Considerations:

• Over the course of this year, Lhori has met a number of labour organizations such as the Canadian District, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America and the Millwright Regional Council.