Workforce Summit 2024: Speakers

Speakers

Government Representatives

• Randy Boissonnault – Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages

  

  Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre in 2015 and was re-elected in 2021.

  Minister Boissonnault is a successful entrepreneur, community leader, and philanthropist with a strong record of leadership in business, public service, and the not-for-profit sector.

  Minister Boissonnault has previously served as Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance and as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, championing Canadian arts and culture. A strong advocate for Edmonton Centre, he has worked to address the needs and priorities of his community, including strengthening transit infrastructure, supporting businesses, and creating jobs.

  In 2016, Minister Boissonnault became Canada's Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on LGBTQ2 issues, working with organizations across the country to promote equality for the 2SLGBTQI+ community, protect the rights of its members, and address discrimination against them. He continues to fight for a more inclusive society and tackle discrimination as a co-founder of the Global Equality Caucus.

• Steven MacKinnon – Minister of Labour and Seniors

  

  Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Labour and Seniors, was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Gatineau in 2015 and was re-elected in 2019 and in 2021. He has previously served as Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Chief Government Whip, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Services and Procurement. He has also been a member of various committees, parliamentary associations, and interparliamentary groups.

  Before his election, Mr. MacKinnon served as an advisor to Premier of New Brunswick Frank McKenna from 1988 to 1995 and as National Director for the Liberal Party of Canada and an advisor to Prime Minister Paul Martin from 2003 to 2006. Over the course of his career, he has been involved in major public policy initiatives, including constitutional matters, trade agreements, labour negotiations, and emergency management, as well as major health, education, and democratic reforms.

  In addition to his career in politics, Mr. MacKinnon has worked in business and public affairs. From 2007 to 2015, he was Senior Vice-President and National Practice Leader at a global public affairs consultancy firm, where he led teams and major projects in mergers and acquisitions and financial communications.

• Rechie Valdez – Minister of Small Business

  

  Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business was elected as the Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Streetsville in 2021. She has been a member of various parliamentary committees and associations, including the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs and the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association, as well as the Chair of the Canada-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group.

  Minister Valdez is a Canadian entrepreneur, television personality, and community advocate. She is the first Filipino-Canadian woman elected as a Member of Parliament and appointed to Cabinet, and is committed to ensuring the diverse voices of her community are heard.

  Before entering politics, Minister Valdez owned and operated a small business, and dedicated herself to growing her online business avenues. She was also the host of a television show that shares the stories of entrepreneurs, creators, and artists. Prior to that, she worked in corporate banking for 15 years, where she developed her expertise in change management and strategic initiatives. Drawing on her longstanding advocacy, Minister Valdez also sponsored the National Women's Entrepreneurship Act in 2022.

• Irek Kusmierczyk – Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages

  

  Irek Kusmierczyk was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Windsor-Tecumseh in 2019.

  Mr. Kusmierczyk's family have lived in Windsor for more than 35 years after immigrating to Canada from Poland. His parents instilled in him a passion for community service, leading him to a career on Windsor City Council, where he was elected three consecutive times. While on Council, he successfully advocated for historic investments in flood protection, road improvements, libraries, and parks.

  Mr. Kusmierczyk worked as the Director of Partnerships for WEtech Alliance, a non-profit regional innovation centre that helps grow technology companies and jobs throughout Windsor, Essex County and Chatham-Kent. He built partnerships with industry, local schools, the University of Windsor, and St. Clair College to grow the FIRST Robotics program in Windsor and Essex that prepares young people for careers in STEM and skilled trades.

  Mr. Kusmierczyk earned his PhD from Vanderbilt University with a specialization in local government and cross-border environmental relations around the Great Lakes basin, and holds a Master's Degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

  His wife, Shauna, is a graduate of the University of Windsor and a local nurse practitioner.

Elder

• Ka’nahsohon Kevin Deer – Kahnawake Elder

  

  Kanahsohon Kevin Deer from Kahnawake Mohawk Territory. For the last 30 years involved in Mohawk Language retention and revitalization. He is also a Faithkeeper at the Mohawk Trail Longhouse which involves knowing sacred songs, dances and rituals. He enjoys discussing and presenting the Iroquoian world views, history, and philosophy. He was involved in the Kahnawake Police Commission from 2005 to 2015. In 1990 he was involved in the Oka Crisis using the power of peace to try to resolve that conflict. In May 1990 he participated in a ceremony calling for the return of the Peacemaker in Tyendineaga, Ontario. In 1994 he assisted in the establishment of the new Mohawk community at Kanatsiohareke, New York. In 2003 he was part of a planning committee of the historic event that involved horses coming across the land from British Columbia to Six Nations to help wipe the tears of the 7 generations and heal the earth. In September 2015 he was deeply involved in the Bretton Woods IV convocation, performing a ceremony to help all participants who gathered to see, hear, and speak more clearly about matters of global financial concern from a Native, First Nation's perspective. In February 2016, he made a presentation on Native spirituality at the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week in New York. In August 2016 he did a welcoming and healing ceremony for the World Forum on Theology and Liberation in Montreal. In November 2016 he traveled to Standing Rock to meet with spiritual leaders and elders.

Moderators and Panelists

• Étienne Alary – Executive Director, Parallèle Alberta

  

  Étienne Alary is Executive Director of Parallèle Alberta, an organization created on April 1, 2024 as a result of the merger between the Conseil de développement économique de l'Alberta (CDÉA), where he had been executive director since 2017, and Accès Emploi Alberta.

  Originally from the Outaouais region, he has worked in the French-speaking minority community since 1995. Established in Edmonton in 2005, he was director of Le Franco, the weekly newspaper of the Franco-Albertan community, for nearly 10 years, in addition to working at the University of Alberta's Campus Saint-Jean for three years.

  Étienne has extensive experience in the francophone community. He has been a school trustee with the Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord since October 2017, and served on the Government of Alberta's Conseil consultatif en matière de francophonie from June 2018 to February 2024. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Société du réseau Économusées.

• Namir Anani – President and CEO, Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC)

  

  Namir Anani is the President and CEO of the Information and Communications Technology Council. He is the chief strategist and driving force in bringing ICTC's world-class centre of expertise and services to industry, education and government, shaping Canada's digital advantage in a global economy.

  Before joining ICTC, Namir previously led Policy Development & Research at the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

  He has also held several executive leadership roles in both the private and public sectors including the Department of Canadian Heritage (Director General & CEO), CGI consulting, Nortel, and Novartis (Switzerland). Mr. Anani's experience extends to; strategic policy development and implementation, learning and capacity building, business transformation, national/international strategic alliances, economic and market research, and technology innovation.

  He has also held numerous board positions and is a frequent keynote speaker at national and international conferences on the digital economy. Namir holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Electrical Engineering from the University of Salford (UK) as well as a Professional Engineer designation in Ontario (P. Eng.).

• Nathalie Arguin – Secretary General, Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN)

  

  It was as a Keno attendant at the Casino de Montréal that Nathalie Arguin felt the need to get involved in the union to improve the living conditions of her colleagues. In 1995, she helped found the Syndicat des employées et employés de la Société des Casinos du Québec-CSN.

  She has been active in the Fédération des employées et employés de services publics (FEESP-CSN), one of the CSN's 8 federations, which includes workers in educational support, school transportation, municipal services, governmental, non-governmental and community organizations, provincial correctional officers, public safety, and public and freight transportation. In 1997, notably as a member of the Committee on the Status of Women, she assumed the role of General Secretary of the federation from 2009, then President from 2018 to September 2021.

  Nathalie Arguin's involvement with FEESP-CSN has led her to sit on the CSN orientation committee, the Jurisdiction Committee, the Education Task Force and the Confederal Status of Women Committee. She also sat on the Board of Directors of Bâtirente, a group retirement system set up in 1987 at the initiative of the CSN, which enables 28,000 workers in over 300 unions to benefit from retirement plans adapted to their needs, based on the pooling of their savings. She was Vice-President from 2015 to 2021. She was also responsible for the 2020 round of negotiations in the public sector for FEESP-CSN.

  Nathalie Arguin was elected General Secretary of the CSN at its September 2021 Confederal Council and re-elected at the 67th CSN Congress in 2023.

  At the CSN Secretary General, she has been responsible for the Legal Department and the Human Resources and Training Department. She is also responsible for the status of women. Nathalie represents the CSN on the Commission des partenaires du marché du travail (CPMT).

• Noel Baldwin – Executive Director, Future Skills Centre

  

  Noel Baldwin is the executive director of the Future Skills Centre (FSC). With nearly two decades of experience in leading strategic initiatives and policy development, Noel brings extensive expertise to the role.

  Since joining FSC in 2019 as director of government and public affairs, Noel has been integral to the organization's impact, demonstrating exceptional leadership in navigating the skills ecosystem and working with diverse stakeholders to foster innovation in skills development that addresses the evolving needs of the workforce and promotes inclusive economic growth. Throughout his tenure, Noel has forged strong relationships with federal departments, provinces, territories, municipalities, and international organizations like the OECD.

  Prior to joining FSC, Noel worked on postsecondary education and adult learning policy and coordination issues at the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC) and on access to postsecondary education and student finance issues at the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation.

• Bea Bruske – President, Canadian Labour Congress

  

  Bea Bruske was re-elected for a second term as President of the Canadian Labour Congress at the CLC's 30th Constitutional Convention, held in Montreal in May of 2023. She was first elected to the position at the 29th Constitutional Convention, which was held virtually in 2021. She is only the second woman to hold the position.

  Since being elected, Bea has led Canada's unions to significant wins for the workers of this country. Under Bea's leadership, Canada's unions proudly fought for, and won: 10 days of paid sick leave for workers in the federal sector; dental care for children in low-income families; a 30-billion-dollar national child care program which was decades in the making; new health care accords adding 46 billion dollars over ten years; billions of dollars in investments for affordable housing and infrastructure; double the funding for union-provided apprenticeship training; and legislation to protect workers' pensions when companies go bankrupt, making them the first priority ahead of big banks and creditors.

  Bea has also prioritized the fight against climate change and has helped make significant gains to center workers in the transition to a net-zero economy. This includes the recent announcement of Bill C-50, the Sustainable Jobs Act. A sustainable future isn't achievable if workers aren't at the heart of climate plans, and this bill recognizes the vital importance of unions, industry and governments working together.

  In 2022, Maclean's named Bea to its "Power List", the magazine's ranking of the country's 50 most powerful people in Canada.

• Wendy Cukier – Professor, Toronto Metropolitan University

  

  Dr. Wendy Cukier is a professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Ted Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan University and is considered one of Canada's leading experts on disruptive technologies with a focus on adoption trajectories and processes. She has written many articles and co-authored the bestseller Innovation Nation: Canadian Leadership from Java to Jurassic Park.

  She is also the founder and Academic Director of the Diversity Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University, which has 10 regional hubs across the country, 100 full-time staff, 100 research associates from around the world and more than 200 industry partners focused on dimensions of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, future skills and entrepreneurship. She leads a number of large projects including Canada's Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) and Inclusive Innovation and Entrepreneurship Network. She is the Academic Research Lead the Future Skills Centre researching trends, designing, and evaluating innovative programs to better understand "what works" and how to create an inclusive and effective skills and employment ecosystem. The Diversity Institute delivers a wide range of programmes focused on pathways to employment, digital skills, and leadership as well as building capacity for entrepreneurs. The Diversity Institute is an ecosystem partner supporting the 50-30 Challenge, advancing gender parity and increased diversity on boards and/or in senior management.

• Ken Delaney – Management Consultant

  

  Ken Delaney is a public policy, labour relations, labour market, corporate finance, and not-for-profit management consultant with a lot of experience working for and advising unions. His diverse work history includes, serving as the Executive Director of the Canadian Skills and Employment Coalition (CSTEC), being the Managing Director and a Partner in Prism Economics, serving as Assistant to the National Director and Research Director for the Steelworkers Union, creating and managing a private equity fund that took equity positions in medium sized Ontario businesses, advising the Alberta Government on its approach to support workers and communities impacted by the retirement of coal fired power plants, and providing financial and economic advisory services to stakeholders in the steel and automotive sectors. Ken is an accomplished negotiator who is as comfortable with shareholder agreements and commercial contracts as he is with collective agreements and pension agreements. He is experienced as a chief executive officer with responsibility for overall organizational performance and is a skilled researcher and public policy advocate who has represented labour and industry groups in a variety of legislative initiatives.

  Ken recently led a team that undertook a comprehensive examination of the automotive production workforce, including assembly, parts and other primary suppliers. The initiative is called FOCAL and is a partnership between the Canadian Skills Training and Employment Coalition, Prism Economics, and the Automotive Policy Research Centre. The analysis includes forecasts of the supply and demand for key occupations in the sector as well examining key labour market issues such as the impact of new technologies, diversity, wage trends, the role of intermediaries in increasing skilled trades apprenticeship, and the role of immigration in supplying workers. The initiative has support from both employers and unions in the sector.

• Mark DeMontis – Director of Accessibility and Partnerships, Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work

  

  Mark DeMontis is the Director of Accessibility and Partnerships at the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW), a national non-profit charitable organization that promotes employment for persons with disabilities. CCRW provides essential services in helping to bridge the gap between skilled workers with disabilities and inclusive employers across Canada. Mark's role focuses on removing barriers in workplaces, supporting both employers and employees and forging partnerships in creating accessible environments.

  After losing his sight at 17, Mark is best known as the founder of the Canadian Blind Hockey Association, a pioneering effort to make hockey accessible to visually impaired athletes. With over 15 years of experience, Mark is a seasoned non-profit strategist, advocating for accessibility and sharing insights with businesses on how disability inclusion strengthens employee retention and workforce diversity.

• Isabelle Dubé-Coté – President and CEO, Écotech Québec

  

  Isabelle Dubé-Coté has 20 years of experience in the business world, with a specialization in defining and building purposeful brands. Her international career combining corporate and agency experience has allowed her to develop a unique perspective that enables her to apply a strategic vision for impactful results.

  Before joining Écotech Québec, Isabelle launched her consulting agency, which provides strategic support to executive teams. Prior to this, Isabelle worked in various industries such as corporate finance at Financière Banque Nationale, business development at NYSE (New York) and Euronext (Paris). She also launched the strategic communication and ESG consulting offer at Publicis by creating the Montreal office of MSLGROUP.

  Throughout her various professional experiences, Isabelle has successfully mobilized stakeholders around common goals on diverse and complex projects. She has also built long-term relationships with business leaders, employees, and opinion leaders in North American and European markets.

  In addition to her work, Isabelle is very involved in the community. She has served on the boards of organizations focused on healthcare prevention, performing arts and culture, as well as committees focused on climate emergency and empowering women.

  Isabelle holds a bachelor's degree from Concordia University and an MBA degree from NYU Stern (New York University) and ESCP Paris.

• Stephanie Enders – Chief Delivery Officer, Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii)

  

  Stephanie Enders is a recognized leader in AI adoption and commercialization, serving as the Chief Delivery Officer at Amii.

  With a focus on responsible AI and open-source strategies, Steph drives the transformation of advanced AI research into practical, ethical applications across various industries.

  She leads initiatives that enhance AI literacy, promote industry adoption, and nurture talent development, all while ensuring that AI technologies are accessible and beneficial to society. Steph's unique ability to translate complex AI concepts into actionable strategies has made her a prominent voice in discussions on AI's role in the future.

• Robert Gagné – Director, Centre for Productivity and Prosperity, and Professor, HEC Montréal

  

  Robert Gagné has been a professor in the Department of Applied Economics at HEC Montréal for over thirty years. During his career at HEC Montréal, he has also served as Director of the Department of Applied Economics, as well as Director of Research and Transfer. In 2009, he founded the Centre sur la productivité et la prospérité - Fondation Walter J. Somers and has been its director ever since.

  In parallel with his academic career, Robert Gagné has also acted on several occasions as a public policy advisor to the Quebec government, chairing the Groupe de travail sur les aides fiscales aux régions ressources et à la nouvelle économie (2006 to 2007), co-chairing the Comité consultatif sur l'économie et les finances publiques (2009 to 2010) and serving as a member of the Commission de la révision permanente des programmes (2014 to 2015). For the Council of the Federation, he co-chaired the Advisory Committee on Fiscal Imbalance (2005 to 2006).

  Robert Gagné is particularly interested in public policy from the perspective of its effects on individual and corporate behavior. He holds a Ph.D. in economics from the Université de Montréal (1989).

• Jean-Pierre Giroux – President, Excellence in Manufacturing (EMC)

  

  As president, Jean-Pierre Giroux is focused on growing a more competitive manufacturing sector that supports Canadian companies so they can provide good jobs and strong economic growth opportunities for communities across the country.

  With over 20 years' experience in manufacturing, JP is focused on securing the future of the sector through youth engagement, succession planning, technology and skills solutions, and the adoption of green manufacturing.

  JP has also overseen EMC's development of new advanced skills solutions and certification programs for the Canadian manufacturing industry.

  JP holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, an Information Technology (eCommerce) Diploma and a Master in Science (M.Sc.), specializing in Human Resources and Industrial Relations.

• Shelley Gray – CEO, SkilledTradesBC

  

  Shelley Gray is the CEO of SkilledTradesBC, a Crown Corporation responsible for advancing British Columbia's skilled trades training system and building the skilled workforce essential for economic prosperity. As the first woman in the CEO role at SkilledTradesBC, Shelley is driven to create a more inclusive trades training system that reflects the province's diverse population. Shelley is a strong advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion, and her work is guided by her belief in creating meaningful career opportunities for all.

  Shelley's extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, with a wide-ranging impact at local, national and international levels, and her ability to navigate complex multi-stakeholder environments have made her a respected and valued leader. Most recently, she has been recognized as BCBusiness Women of the Year runner-up (2024), Business in Vancouver Influential Women in Business (2024), SiteNews Construction's Most Influential People (2024), Business in Vancouver BC500 Most Influential Business Leaders (2022).

  Shelley is active on various boards and committees, including the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (former chair), the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum, Vancouver College and the LDS Learning Disabilities Society.

  Shelley holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Business from the University of Alberta, a Leadership Development Certificate from the UBC Sauder School of Business, an INSEAD Executive Leadership Certificate and her ICD.D.

• Carolann Harding – CEO, SmartICE

  

  Carolann Harding ICD.D, CEO of SmartICE, is a dynamic leader and team player that thrives on creativity, problem-solving, collaboration and engagement. Carolann is leading a diverse coast to coast-to-coast award-winning team focusing on meeting SmartICE's social enterprise mandate and social impacts. Carolann is an experienced board director currently sitting on several boards. Carolann is a graduate from both Memorial and Dalhousie Universities. Atlantic Business Magazine named Carolann as one of Atlantic Canada's 25 most Powerful Women in Business (2021) and a Top 50 CEOs (2024).

• Rob Henderson – President and CEO, BioTalent Canada

  

  Rob Henderson is a seasoned executive with more than 25 years of private and public sector management experience. Since joining the company in 2011, BioTalent Canada has grown to become the talent driver behind life-changing science in Canada.

  Under Rob's guidance, BioTalent Canada has engaged with government, employers, industry associations, post-secondary institutions, immigrant serving agencies, and service providers. Together, this dynamic network strengthens skills, connects job-ready talent to industry, and creates opportunities. Its proven performance provides industry with funding, HR resources, and labour market intelligence to help companies successfully build their teams.

  Rob is a respected biotech HR thought leader who provides counsel to all levels of government. He's a member of the National Stakeholders Advisory Panel for the Labour Market Information Council. Prior to his role as President and CEO of BioTalent Canada, he served as President, Quebec and Vice-President, Eastern Canada for CNW (Canada Newswire).

  Throughout his career, Rob has held Executive Director and Board leadership roles at various associations. In this capacity, Rob shaped numerous Board functions under several different models of governance. Earlier in his career, Rob led the Canadian Association of Journalists through a complex revenue/partnership exercise guided by ethics principles and Board participation and retains strong friendships with Canada's top journalists to this day. Rob is active as a volunteer and performer in the Nation's Capital performing arts community.

• Patrick MacKenzie, CEO, Immigrant Employment Council of British Columbia

  

  Patrick MacKenzie is the CEO of the Immigrant Employment Council of BC. He has made a career of public service from coast to coast, working in policy and program areas aimed at supporting many of Canada's most vulnerable communities through economic and social development as well as international relations. Previously, Patrick spent 11 years working for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada at its national headquarters in Ottawa and its regional offices in Vancouver. Throughout his career, Patrick has worked with partners on matters affecting indigenous and immigrant populations, including immigrant economic integration, provincial nominee programs, credential recognition and labour mobility.

• Sharif Mahdy – CEO, Students Commission of Canada (SCC)

  

  Sharif Mahdy is the Chief Executive Officer of the Students Commission of Canada (SCC) and the Centre of Excellence for Youth Engagement. The SCC is a national inter-generational charitable organization that purposely works with others to ensure that young people’s voices are heard and valued so that their ideas for improving themselves, their peers and their communities can be put into action.

  Sharif has an Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences from the University of Western Ontario. He also has a Masters of Arts in Leadership degree from Royal Roads University.

  Sharif is also the Volunteer Board Chair of the National Alliance of Children and Youth (NACY): a national charitable organization that brings organizations together in a collaborative network dedicated to enhancing the well-being of children and youth in Canada. Sharif is the Volunteer Vice-Chair of the Child Development Institute (CDI), a charitable organization that supports child and youth mental health. Sharif is also the Volunteer Treasurer for another national non-profit: Mentor Canada.

• Claudette McGowan – Founder and CEO, Protexxa

  

  Claudette McGowan is a global information technology leader with more than 20 years of success leading digital transformations and implementing cybersecurity platforms and solutions. She has worked in the technology industry for several organizations such as Deloitte, Metropolitan Police Services, North York General Hospital, Bank of Montreal, and TD Bank.

  At BMO, Claudette served as the Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Technology Employee Experience, and at TD she was the Global Executive Officer for Protect Fusion & Cyber Experience.

  Claudette is currently the Chief Executive Officer for Protexxa, a Canadian-based cybersecurity software and services company.

  Claudette is an active member of the Canadian innovation ecosystem. She is Vice-Chair of MaRS Discovery District, and Board Chair of the Coalition of Innovation Leaders Against Racism (CILAR), a group of senior business leaders committed to creating platforms that break down systemic barriers within the innovation economy. Ms. McGowan recently co-led the launch of Phoenix Fire & The Firehood, a multi-million-dollar women-focused angel fund and network for women in technology.

  Her commitment to community is evidenced by her multiple board seats for leading organizations such as Air Canada, SickKids Hospital Foundation, Black North, CILAR, Elevate Technology Festival, and University of New Brunswick Canadian Institute for Cybersecurity.

  Claudette holds a BA from Lakehead University, MBA from Athabasca University, three Hon Doctor of Laws degrees from Carleton University, McMaster University and University of Waterloo. Claudette is currently completing her PhD in the Computer Science at Toronto Metropolitan University.

• Mark A. Mittelhauser – Associate Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs, International Affairs, US Department of Labor

  

  Mark Mittelhauser was named Associate Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs on January 16, 2012. In this position, he helps to lead the Bureau of International Labor Affairs' (ILAB) efforts to promote worker rights and strengthen livelihoods globally.

  Prior to this position, Mittelhauser directed the U.S. Department of State's Office of International Labor Affairs and was an adjunct faculty member of the Foreign Service Institute. Between 1999 and 2002, he served as the U.S. Labor Attaché to Brazil in the U.S. Consulate General in São Paulo, Brazil.

  Mittelhauser worked previously in ILAB between 2003 and 2006, when he covered regional labor issues in the Americas and child labor programs in Asia. Between 1993 and 1999, he was a supervisory economist in the Bureau of Labor Statistics and led a team in developing employment projections for much of the U.S. manufacturing sector.

  Mittelhauser received an M.A. in international development from American University and a B.S. in economics from Carnegie Mellon University.

• Philip Mondor – President and CEO, Tourism HR Canada

  

  Philip Mondor is an accomplished leader with nearly 35 years of experience working with labour market stakeholders across Canada and abroad including foreign governments, pan-global organizations, Canadian and non-Canadian businesses, and various education and training bodies. His work spans over 15 industrial sectors and in 11 countries, with most of his career focused on the tourism industry.

  Tourism HR Canada is a pan-Canadian organization that works on behalf of 272,000 employers and 2 million workers with a mandate aimed at building a world-leading tourism workforce. With representation from business, labour, workers, academia and more, Tourism HR Canada facilitates, coordinates, and enables human resource development activities that support a globally competitive and sustainable industry and foster the development of a dynamic and resilient workforce.

  Currently, Philip member of the Labour Market Information Council and a Director on the Board of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. Throughout his career, he has been called upon to offer input to various workforce policy directives with governments and associations. Philip served on federal ministerial advisory committees, several Board of Directors, and volunteers for causes that help advance workforce issues and improve opportunities for people to engage in community and meaningful employment.

• Karen Myers – CEO, Blueprint

  

  Karen Myers is the President and CEO of Blueprint, and relentless champion for the smarter use of data and evidence to drive better outcomes for people in Canada. She leads an interdisciplinary team that works across Canada with decisionmakers in all levels of government to develop evidence informed solutions to complex public policy challenges. Over the past twenty-five years, Karen has built a solid reputation for her ability to lead large-scale, complex projects in a range of policy domains including workforce development, income security, community safety and housing affordability. Her experience spans the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Before founding Blueprint, Karen was a research director at the Social Research and Demonstration Corporation (SRDC), a senior policy advisor with the Government of Ontario and a senior project leader at training and development advisory firm. Karen holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Toronto, and a Master of Public Administration from Queen's University.

• Wendy Luther – CEO, Halifax Partnership

  

  Wendy Luther is a leader in economic and export development, with vast experience promoting Nova Scotia and its assets globally.

  Halifax Partnership is Halifax's public-private economic development organization. Wendy joined as President & CEO in 2019. In 2023, Halifax Partnership was honoured with four Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) including Gold for Economic Development Organization of the Year.

  Prior to joining Halifax Partnership, Wendy was President & CEO of EduNova, a co-operative association of public and private-sector education providers committed to promoting Nova Scotia's knowledge economy internationally. Under her leadership, EduNova was honoured with the prestigious international PIEoneer Association of the Year Award in 2017.

  Earlier in her career, Wendy worked in export development with the Atlantic Canada World Trade Centre and Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI) where she led trade missions to over twenty countries and has mentored and advised hundreds of Nova Scotian exporters on how to be competitive in international markets. At NSBI, through her role as Nova Scotia's first Private Sector Liaison Officer (PSLO), she was appointed by the World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank to connect entrepreneurs and institutions to opportunities funded by International Financial Institutions.

• Michele Tuccio – Labour Market Economist, Labour and Social Affairs, OECD

  

  Michele Tuccio is an economist in the Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs of the OECD.

  His work focuses on the analysis of adult training policies and labour market trends, with a particular emphasis on inclusiveness and socio-economic integration. He is currently coordinating the portfolio of OECD technical support projects on the implementation of adult learning systems reforms, as well as the research programme on skills for the green transition.

  Before joining the OECD, Michele worked for the World Bank in Washington DC and the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Jakarta. He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Southampton and a master's degree in international economics from the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne.

• Melanie Ratnam – CEO, The Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST)

  

  Melanie Ratnam is the Interim CEO of The Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST), an organization dedicated to advancing equity and fostering opportunities in STEM. For over 40 years, SCWIST has championed the full STEM lifecycle, supporting talent from education through to career advancement, with a strong focus on addressing barriers that persist along the way. Melanie's work is centered on supporting STEM leaders who drive systems change, which she believes is important to Canada's innovation ecosystem and future economic growth. She holds a PhD in Neurobiology from the University of Toronto and has mentored over 1,000 students, from elementary to university levels, helping them develop STEM projects in areas ranging from climate change to transportation. Melanie continues to shape SCWIST's mission and advocacy efforts and for her contributions, she was recognized by Women and Gender Equality Canada during Women's History Month in 2023.

• Rachel Samson – Vice President, Research, Institute for Research on Public Policy

  

  Rachel Samson is a policy research executive with 25 years of experience providing evidence-based policy advice. As vice-president of research at the IRPP, Rachel has directed policy research and analysis relating to Employment Insurance, long-term care, childcare, digital-technology adoption and industrial policy. She also led the IRPP's role as the research and knowledge mobilization partner of the Affordability Action Council.

  Prior to joining the IRPP in 2022, Rachel was research director for clean growth at the Canadian Climate Institute, where she led multiple in-depth research reports, including Sink or Swim: Transforming Canada's Economy for a Global Low-Carbon Future. Before that, Rachel worked as a consultant, undertaking policy research and writing for the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Canada's Ecofiscal Commission and the Smart Prosperity Institute. Rachel also spent 15 years as an economist and executive with the federal government, with roles at Environment Canada, Finance Canada, Natural Resources Canada, the Privy Council Office, the Treasury Board Secretariat and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency. Rachel holds a master's degree in economics from Queen's University.

• Surranna Sandy – CEO, Skills for Change

  

  Surranna Sandy is the Chief Executive Officer of Skills for Change (SfC), a charity serving 20,000 immigrants, refugees, and underserved groups across Canada annually. Her work focuses on bridging the gap between potential and opportunity for SfC's clients, fostering partnerships, and cultivating an organizational culture that aligns with this mission.

  Surranna holds a Master of Arts in Global Development from Harvard University, a Master of Arts in Leadership and Management from Anglia Ruskin University, and an MBA in Human Resources Management from the University of Wales. She also holds various degrees, diplomas and certifications in environmental policy analysis, leadership, management, and nonprofit management.

  She serves as a Board Member for Harvard Alumni for Global Development, the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT), the Toronto Arts Foundation, the Black Human Resources Professionals of Canada, and the Executive Committee of the International Women's Forum Canada, Toronto Chapter. She also sits on various committees related to workforce development, career management, and other relevant issues.

  Her leadership and contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the Canada 150 Good Neighbour Award and recognition as one of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women.

• Yasi Shahidian – Prime Minister’s Youth Council Member

  

  Yasi Shahidian is a youth advocate born in Vancouver and raised in rural Manitoba, where she developed a passion for the French language. Yasi joined the Prime Minister's Youth Council to improve the lives of youth in rural areas. She focuses on supporting rural revitalization and advocating for diverse issues affecting rural youth. As the daughter of refugees from Iran, she is passionate about creating support systems for refugee, immigrant, and newcomer youth. As an avid leader for the SDGs, Yasi represented Canada as the official delegate for the Economic and Social Council Youth Forum at the United Nations. Through her advocacy for women, peace, and security, Yasi was named as an Influential Global Peace Scholar for 2023 by Global Peace. She recently joined the External Advisory Committee on the 2030 Agenda for Employment and Social Development Canada. Yasi is currently studying astrophysics at Queen's University as a Chernoff Family Scholar.

• Val Walker – CEO, Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER)

  

  Val Walker leads the Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER), a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization that brings together some of Canada's largest companies and leading post-secondary institutions. As CEO, Val drives BHER's strategic direction, member and stakeholder relations, and a high-performing team committed to creating opportunity through collaboration in Canada's skills, talent, and innovation ecosystems. Val was inaugural co-chair of the Future Skills Council, a group established by the Government of Canada to advise on national and regional skills development and training priorities. She has also served as a member of the Guiding Coalition to the Government of Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs initiative and Employment and Social Development Canada's Advisory Committee on Learning. Prior to leading BHER, Val was Vice President, Innovation and Skills, at the Business Council of Canada where BHER was founded and Director of Policy at Mitacs. She holds a PhD from McGill University and is an alumna of the Government of Canada's Recruitment of Policy Leaders Program.

• Penny Walsh-McGuire – CEO, Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences

  

  Penny Walsh-McGuire is CEO of the Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL). CASTL is a national skills and training organization formed to address the talent needs of the Canadian life sciences sector. Specializing in biomanufacturing, CASTL delivers on the economic and sectoral demand for individuals who have the technical skills to enter, thrive and meet the needs of the fast-growing Canadian biomanufacturing industry. With multiple GMP-simulated biomanufacturing training facilities in Charlottetown, PE, Montreal, QC, and Richmond, BC, CASTL provides industry informed practical hands-on training, theoretical knowledge, and e-learning.

  Over the past fifteen years, Penny has held leadership roles, including CEO, Executive Director, and Chief Marketing Officer for several not-for-profit organizations. As CEO of the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce, she has led the organization's operations and strategic initiatives on behalf of the Chamber's more than 1,000 members. Through this work, she convened a group of 20 business organizations and industry associations in developing a private-sector-led economic development action plan through the PEI Partnership for Growth.

  A graduate of the University of Prince Edward Island and Holland College, Penny holds an MBA in Innovative Management. Penny is a recipient of the Governor General's Meritorious Service Medal and the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal, and she is an alumna of the Governor General's Leadership Conference.

• Lynn White – President and CEO, Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society

  

  Lynn White (Laanii Ym Yath Gaax) is a member of Gitxaala Nation - Raven Clan.

  Lynn currently serves as CEO for Aboriginal Community Career Community Employment Society (ACCESS) since 2006. ACCESS is a proud Indigenous led non- profit, dedicated to empowering Urban Indigenous Peoples in Metro Vancouver, through education, skills training, employment opportunities, and professional development. Lynn also serves as Executive Director of the Urban Spirit Foundation, a charitable organization founded by ACCESS. The Foundation seeks to expand philanthropic resources to further the success of Urban Indigenous People through Scholarships and supports that help break the cycle of poverty and foster self-sufficiency.

  As the CEO of ACCESS, Lynn's leadership is rooted in collaboration, guided by a strong cultural foundation ensuring that Indigenous values are at the heart of the organization's efforts. The most fulfilling aspect of her work is working closely with her team to support participants as they complete their education, explore career opportunities, and move on to meaningful employment.

  Lynn serves as a strong advocate to ensuring that Urban Indigenous people have opportunities to a brighter future. Lynn also serves as a Board Member on Metro Vancouver Aboriginal Executive Council (MVAEC) and the British Columbia Aboriginal Employment Alliance Member (BCATEAM). Under her leadership the BCATEAM launched the first ever Indigenous apprenticeship forum in Vancouver in spring of 2024.

  Beyond her role at ACCESS, Lynn is a wife and mother, who cherishes time with her daughter, walking her dog along the North Shore dog beaches and trails, and enjoying creating traditional regalia with her husband.