Heather Aucoin: Manager of International Relations

Heather Aucoin has worked with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) for 30 years. She is now the Manager of International Relations at the Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC). One of Heather’s favourite things about working with MSC is the variety of opportunities and experiences that have been available to her since joining the MSC in 1990.

After receiving a Bachelor in International Relations, Heather began her career as a Junior Personnel Officer. Since then, she worked in both Human Resources and Strategic Planning, before moving to International Relations. As Manager of this team, Heather is passionate about the people, mission and mandate of the MSC. Heather has had the opportunity to travel, meeting inspiring people from around the world. She has even met astronauts from Canada and the United States!

One of the key international engagements for Canada and the MSC that Heather manages is the MSC’s work with the World Meteorological Organization. Heather and her team also manage bilateral engagements with other key national meteorological and hydrological services, such as the U.S., U.K. and France.

Here are a few random facts about Heather:

• What was your first job? My first job was working as a day camp counsellor in high school.
• If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? France. Love the countryside, cities, food and wine!
• What is your favourite game or sport to watch and play? Curling.
• Would you rather ride a bike, ride a horse, or drive a car? Ride a bike.
• What are your hobbies? Skiing, reading, travel and recently, I have taken up Irish dance!
• What is your favourite flavour of ice cream? Rocky Road.
• If you were a super-hero, what powers would you have? Time travel. 
• What form of public transportation do you prefer? (air, boat, train, bus, car, etc.) Train.
• Summer or winter? Definitely summer!
• What's your favourite holiday? Canada Day.
• Do you love or hate rollercoasters? Used to love them, but now they give me headaches – don’t hate them though!