Biographical note

Ailish Johnson Campbell (BA Hons [Political Studies], Queen’s University, 1997; MSc Econ, London School of Economics, 1998; D.Phil [International Relations], University of Oxford, 2002) joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 2002 as a trade negotiator in the World Trade Organization’s Doha Round. During her time as a federal public servant, she has held progressively senior roles in economic, finance and international policy, including at the Privy Council Office, Industry Canada and Finance Canada. She was also vice president, international and fiscal policy, at the Business Council of Canada from 2013 to 2015. Most recently, Ms. Johnson Campbell was assistant deputy minister for international business development and chief trade commissioner of Canada from 2017 to 2020.

Natasha Cayer (BSocSc [Political Science], University of Ottawa, 1992; MA [International Affairs], Carleton University, 1997) joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 1995, becoming a rotational officer in 1998. At Headquarters, Ms. Cayer has served as senior adviser to the assistant deputy minister for international security and global issues (1999 to 2000), as deputy director for chemical and biological weapons in the Non-proliferation and Disarmament Division (2011 to 2013) and as adviser to National Defence’s Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (2013 to 2015). Ms. Cayer has previously represented Canada on postings in Brussels, at the Joint Delegation of Canada to NATO (2000 to 2003) and on the NATO International Staff (2003 to 2007); and in Paris, as deputy permanent delegate and chargé d’affaires at the Permanent Mission of Canada to UNESCO (2007 to 2011). Other assignments abroad include temporary duties in New York (1997) and Wellington (1998). Most recently, Ms. Cayer served as ambassador and permanent representative to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, in Vienna (2016 to 2020).

Jenny Hill (BA [Geography], University of Victoria, 2006; MA [Geography], University of Toronto, 2009) joined the Canadian International Development Agency in 2005. Her first assignment abroad was in 2009 to Afghanistan, and in 2015 she served in Ghana as first secretary (development). At Headquarters, her positions have included deputy director roles in the International Humanitarian Assistance and Global Health bureaus and senior adviser to the assistant deputy minister of the Global Issues and Development Branch. Ms. Hill’s most recent posting was to Kenya, where she was counsellor (development) and head of cooperation for Kenya and Somalia.

Jocelyn Kinnear (BA Hons [Linguistics], University of Toronto, 1997; MA [German Literature], Queen’s University, 1999; MPA [Public Policy and Administration], Carleton University, 2004) joined Foreign Affairs Canada in 2004. Ms. Kinnear was most recently the director of the Export Controls Policy Division, where she led Canada’s accession to the UN Arms Trade Treaty. She has also served as deputy director in the Office of the Deputy Minister for International Trade, as senior policy advisor on Eastern European security files, and as the head of the Corporate Governance Unit. Overseas, she has served in Ethiopia (2007 to 2009) and at the Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York (2005). At Headquarters, Ms. Kinnear has also worked on the Middle East, the Horn of Africa and international security files.

Reid Sirrs (BA, University of Western Ontario, 1985) joined the Government of Canada in 1998. He held several positions at the Canadian International Development Agency, initially serving in the Industrial Cooperation Program and then as director of decentralization and director general of international operations. At Global Affairs Canada he was director general for security and emergency management and chief security officer, and most recently acting assistant deputy minister of the Consular, Security and Emergency Management Branch. Overseas, he served as head of office and head of cooperation in Honduras (2002 to 2006); director and head of cooperation in Tanzania, the Comoros, Madagascar and the Seychelles (2006 to 2009); and deputy head of mission in Afghanistan (2014 to 2015). Prior to joining the federal government, Mr. Sirrs worked on trade and investment matters with the Nova Scotia Department of Economic Development and Tourism, the Canadian Exporters’ Association and the Alliance of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, as well as in the private sector.