2021 Minister’s Transition Book 1: Organization chart and biographies

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Organizational structure for Public Services and Procurement Canada

Organizational structure for Public Services and Procurement Canada—Text version

• Minister and Receiver General for Canada
  • Procurement Ombudsman
  • Defence Construction Canada
  • Canada Lands Company Limited
  • Shared Services Canada
  • Canada Post Corporation
  • Deputy Minister and Deputy Receiver General for Canada
    William Matthews
    • Associate Deputy Minister
      A. Reza
    • Senior General Counsel
      B. Uléhla
    • Chief Audit Executive, Office of the Chief Audit, Evaluation and Risk Executive
      M. Bélisle
    • Assistant Deputy Minister, Science and Parliamentary Infrastructure
      R. Wright
    • Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Science and Parliamentary Infrastructure
      D. Retson
    • Assistant Deputy Minister, Departmental Oversight
      J. Bray
    • Assistant Deputy Minister, Human Resources
      K. Hanspal
    • Chief Financial Officer, Finance Branch
      W. Zielonka
    • Chief Executive Officer, Translation Bureau
      L. Séguin
    • Assistant Deputy Minister, Real Property Services
      S. Déry
    • Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Real Property Services
      Acting/J-F. Lymburner
    • Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy, Planning and Communications
      J. Stott
    • Chief Information Officer and Assistant Deputy Minister, Digital Services
      K. Steele
      Acting/S. Guèvremont
    • Assistant Deputy Minister, Receiver General and Pension
      J-P Blais
    • Assistant Deputy Minister, Pay Administration
      S. Kirkland
    • Assistant Deputy Minister, Pay Solutions
      K. Steele
    • Assistant Deputy Minister, Procurement
      Acting/M. Mills
    • Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Procurement
      Acting/L. Ieraci
    • Assistant Deputy Minister, Defence and Marine Procurement
      S. Page
    • Regional Director General, Pacific
      Y-M. Gray
    • Regional Director General, Western
      C. Baraniecki
    • Regional Director General, Ontario
      A. Touralias
    • Regional Director General, Quebec and Assistant Deputy Minister Special Projects
      R. Di Paola
    • Regional Director General, Atlantic
      G. Hynes

Biographies

Bill Matthews, Deputy Minister

On January 15, 2019, the Prime Minister announced the appointment of Bill Matthews to the position of Deputy Minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC).

Previously, Bill held the position of Senior Associate Deputy Minister of National Defence since October 2017, and from July 2014 to October 2017, he served as the Comptroller General of Canada.

Bill has also held various senior-level positions within the Office of the Comptroller General and the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat with responsibilities in the areas of financial management policy, estimates, evaluation and expenditure management.

Bill is a member of the board for and chairs the Finance and Audit Committee of the University of Ottawa’s Institute of Mental Health Research.

In February 2020, Bill took on the role of Deputy Minister Ally for the United Nations’ Decade for People of African Descent in the federal public service. In this role, he works closely with the Federal Black Employee Caucus and his deputy minister colleagues to address racism in the federal government.

Bill is a chartered professional accountant and was named a Fellow by the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada in October 2016. He holds a bachelor of commerce from Dalhousie University.

Arianne Reza, Associate Deputy Minister

Arianne Reza became Associate Deputy Minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada in August 2021.

Prior to this appointment, Arianne was the senior official responsible for federal procurement. She oversaw 1,400 employees across Canada that procure more than $14 billion worth of goods and services annually on behalf of over 100 federal departments and agencies. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Arianne led the urgent procurement of critical goods and services to ensure the health and safety of Canadians, including vaccines and personal protective equipment.

Arianne directed the development and implementation of procurement modernization initiatives in the Government of Canada, such as the implementation of a modern, cloud-based electronic procurement solution. During her tenure, Arianne also guided the establishment of PSPC's Accessible Procurement Resource Centre, the implementation of social procurement pilots, the improvement of payment timeliness to suppliers from 30 to 15 days, and the launch of the Policy on Ethical Procurement of Apparel.

Arianne has over 25 years of experience in the federal public service. Throughout her career, she held many interesting positions. Arianne previously worked at the Canada Border Services Agency, where she held senior executive roles in regional and international operations and overseeing commercial and traveller border programs. She was also previously Special Advisor to the Associate Secretary of the Treasury Board, and Special Advisor to the President of the Canada School of Public Service.

Arianne holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Carleton University and completed the Advancing Women in Leadership Program from the Sprott School of Business.

James Stott, Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy, Planning and Communications Branch

James Stott was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) of the Policy, Planning and Communications Branch at PSPC on May 22, 2018.

James oversees key corporate and strategic functions in the department, including results and delivery, communications, integrated business planning, corporate reporting, Cabinet and parliamentary affairs, access to information and privacy, and horizontal priorities, including accessibility and reconciliation. He also coordinates the Minister's portfolio organizations, including Canada Post, the National Capital Commission, Defence Construction Canada and Canada Lands Company.

Previously, James was Director General of the Communications Branch at PSPC. In this role, he provided strategic advice to the Minister and the deputy ministers on high-visibility issues, mandate commitments and corporate priorities.

James has extensive experience in government communications, having occupied increasingly senior positions at numerous departments and agencies.

James holds a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Carleton University.

Stephanie Kirkland, Assistant Deputy Minister, Pay Administration Branch

Stephanie Kirkland was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister of the Pay Administration Branch at PSPC on June 3, 2019.

In this role, Stephanie oversees the administration of compensation and provides ongoing support to stabilize HR-to-pay efforts across government.

Stephanie joined PSPC in July 2018 as Director General of Business Enabling, Transformation and Analytics within the HR-to-Pay Project Office. Prior to her arrival at PSPC, she held various senior management roles for over 10 years at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Notably, from 2010 to 2014, Stephanie, as Director General of the Biometrics Project Office, led the implementation of a major Crown project to introduce biometric screening into the immigration process, winning various awards, such as the 2014 Government Technology Exhibition and Conference (GTEC) Distinction Award of Excellence in Collaboration.

Stephanie holds a master's degree in public administration with a specialization in management from Dalhousie University.

Kim Steele, Assistant Deputy Minister of Pay Solutions and Digital Services and Chief Information Officer

Kim Steele was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister of the Pay Solutions Branch (PSB) at Public Services and Procurement Canada effective April 6, 2020. On April 1, 2021, she accepted the role of ADM of the Digital Services Branch (DSB) and Chief Information Officer (CIO) of DSB.

As the ADM of PSB, Kim leads the overall effort to advance the digital solutions for the human resources and pay systems of the Government of Canada. She works towards providing value-added information management and information technology functions, services and solutions, with increased emphasis on ensuring systems are available and performing optimally so they can be used to pay employees accurately and on time.

In her role as CIO, Kim drives the PSPC digital agenda, including the information management and information technology strategy. She also leads the maintenance of technology operations and key government-wide projects in support of government priorities and departmental service improvements.

Prior to assuming her current responsibilities, Kim was acting ADM of PSB. She joined the branch in March 2018 as Director General of Strategic and Enabling Services. Before joining PSB, Kim held various senior roles in PSPC, including Director General of Project Portfolio Management and the Service Management Sector in the Chief Information Officer Branch (CIOB). Before her arrival at PSPC, Kim was the Director of Information Management Policy in CIOB at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.

Kim holds a master's degree in library and information science and a bachelor of arts in English literature from the University of Western Ontario.

Stéphane Guèvremont, Deputy Chief Information Officer

Stéphane Guèvremont was appointed to the position of Deputy Chief Information Officer in April 2021.

In this role, he's responsible for providing support in advancing the digital agenda with a particular focus in a number of areas such as cyber security, business continuity planning and emergency response, Government of Canada-wide platform services, information technology (IT) vendor management, and SAP technical services as well as ensure ongoing continuity to Digital Services Branch.

Since Stéphane joined Public Services and Procurement Canada in 2004, he most recently managed and led information management and cyber security for the department, a number of government-wide client service lines such as Shared Case Management System Program, PeopleSoft and SAP clusters, and Shared Human Resources Services.

Stéphane has more than 25 years of experience in the federal public service. Before joining the department, he worked at Human Resources Development Canada (now Employment and Social Development Canada) as Director of the Human Resources Information System Program Office.

Stéphane holds a B. Sc. in Biochemistry and a BA in economics from the University of Ottawa and 2 master degrees, one in economics from Université Laval and another in business administration with a minor in international affairs from the University of Ottawa.

Simon Page, Assistant Deputy Minister of the Defence and Marine Procurement Branch

Simon Page joined the department as Assistant Deputy Minister of the Defence and Marine Procurement Branch on March 1, 2021.

In his role, Mr. Page supports Canada's military and coast guard operations, heading major air, land and marine procurements, and associated sustainment and support service contracts.

Mr. Page retired from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in December 2019, after more than 35 years of service, to join the public service as a civilian and assume the duties of Associate Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel) at National Defence.

His long career in the CAF began with his enrolment in the Canadian Forces in 1984 under the Regular Officer Training Plan as a Maritime Engineer. Over the years, Mr. Page progressed through the military ranks. In December 2012, he became the Chief of Staff for the Maritime Equipment Programme Management Division of the Materiel Group. In 2015, Mr. Page was promoted to Commodore, and he was posted to the position of Chief of Staff, Operations and in the Military Personnel Command organization in 2018. In June 2019, he assumed the duties of Officer Commanding the Command and Deputy Chief of Staff—Materiel, up until his retirement from the CAF.

Mr. Page graduated from the Royal Military College with a Bachelor in Computer Engineering and also holds a master’s degree in defence studies at the Canadian Forces College in Toronto.

Michael Mills, Acting Assistant Deputy Minister, Procurement Branch

Michael Mills was appointed Acting Assistant Deputy Minister of Procurement Branch at Public Services and Procurement Canada in August 2021. In his role, Michael is the lead on pandemic response procurement, along with assuming responsibility for vaccine procurement and the management and administration of the branch. Up to recently, Michael was the Associate Assistant Deputy Minister (AADM) of the branch's logistics and COVID-19 response teams where he was and still remains responsible for the procurement and delivery of personal protective equipment and testing supplies for front line and essential workers and procures testing supplies to support Canada's testing strategy. Michael is the Reconciliation Champion, as PSPC is committed to advancing reconciliation, as well as the Champion of the Young Professionals Network.

From 2017 to 2020, Michael was the AADM for Real Property Services for PSPC where he was responsible for providing senior leadership to Real Property Services' operations, including project management; facilities management; real estate services; strategic sourcing; and infrastructure asset management. He focused on providing excellent client service and using operations to support key government objectives, in particular, greening government operations, modernizing the public service, improving accessibility and advancing Indigenous reconciliation.

Michael has worked for a federal Crown corporation called Public-Private Partnerships Canada, previously known as P3 Canada, where he was Vice-President of Investments. Michael and his team assisted clients from all levels of government to structure public-private partnership transactions and to implement successful public-private partnership procurement strategies.

Prior to working at P3 Canada, Michael held various positions with Crown-Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, Department of Finance Canada and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

Michael holds a bachelor of arts in political science and economics from the University of Regina and a master of arts in economics from Queen's University.

Lorenzo Ieraci, Acting Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Procurement Branch

Lorenzo became acting Associate Assistant Deputy Minister of the Procurement Branch on September 4, 2020.

In this role, Lorenzo supports the Assistant Deputy Minister, Procurement Branch, in managing a branch of more than 900 employees, which is responsible for delivering the majority of the government’s $18 billion in spending on acquisitions on behalf of over 100 departments and agencies.

Lorenzo oversees the planning and delivery of procurement projects and initiatives to support PSPC’s mission to deliver high-quality services and programs that meet the needs of federal organizations, while ensuring sound stewardship on behalf of Canadians.

Lorenzo directs the development and implementation of procurement modernization initiatives, which aim to make procurement processes easier, faster and more accessible for suppliers and buyers.

Wojo Zielonka, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Deputy Minister, Finance Branch

Wojo Zielonka was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister of the Finance Branch and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of PSPC on September 8, 2020.

In this role, Wojo provides financial leadership for the department, including overseeing its annual operating budget in excess of $8 billion. Wojo entered the Government of Canada in 2019 as a special advisor with Shared Services Canada.

Wojo has more than 30 years of experience in financial services, project management and operations. He previously served as the Chief Risk Officer, the Senior Vice-President of Capital Markets, and later the CFO for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (2009 to 2018). He has also held a variety of international executive roles with General Electric (1996 to 2006). He previously gained in-depth knowledge of federal government finance as an independent member of the Bank of Canada Risk Committee (2009 to 2015) that advised the Government of Canada on risk, including for foreign exchange reserves and the government’s debt strategy.

Wojo holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Carleton University and the ICD.D designation as well as Chartered Professional Accountant and Certified Public Accountant designations.

Johanne Bray, Assistant Deputy Minister, Departmental Oversight Branch

Johanne Bray was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister of the Departmental Oversight Branch at PSPC in May 2018.

Prior to this appointment, Johanne had been Assistant Deputy Minister of the Policy, Planning and Security Branch since July 2017. The Departmental Oversight Branch was created by consolidating the day-to-day operations of the Integrity and Forensic Accounting Management Group with the Industrial Security Sector, the Security and Emergency Preparedness Sector, and the Internal Disclosure and Special Investigations Sector.

Before joining the department, Johanne was Deputy Minister for the Department of Justice and Public Safety in the Government of New Brunswick. In this position, she provided advice to ministers and government regarding issues affecting legislative, regulatory and policy matters. She also held a number of senior leadership positions with the Canadian Red Cross, the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada and Carleton University.

Johanne is a lawyer by profession and has extensive experience and recognized strength in policy development and implementation. She also obtained a risk management certificate from the Sprott School of Business, affiliated with Carleton University, as well as a mediation certificate from the Stitt Feld Handy Group, affiliated with the University of Windsor Law School.

Johanne holds a bachelor's degree in psychology, a bachelor's degree in criminology and a bachelor's degree in law from the University of Ottawa.

Kiran Hanspal, Assistant Deputy Minister, Human Resources Branch

Kiran Hanspal was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister of the Human Resources Branch at PSPC on October 7, 2019.

In this role, Kiran is responsible for promoting an agile, inclusive and client-focused culture through integrated talent management practices and workplace well-being, including strategic workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, performance management, learning and leadership development, mental health, awards and recognition, official languages, and diversity.

Prior to this appointment, Kiran served as the Head of Human Resources at Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, from October 2016 to September 2019. At VAC, she advanced a digitized, tiered human resources service delivery model and piloted the pod approach to support HR-to-pay stabilization.

Before her appointment as the Head of Human Resources at VAC, Kiran held senior positions in the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (including the Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer), Natural Resources Canada and Health Canada, where she was responsible for human resources, planning, performance management and evaluation. She has also led the development of strategic and program regulatory initiatives, and her contributions include transforming policies, implementation excellence and fostering innovation.

She is a recipient of the 2018 Michelle C. Comeau Award for her contribution to veteran hiring in the public service. Kiran graduated with a bachelor of science from the University of Toronto and a master of health administration from the University of Ottawa.

Lucie Séguin, Chief Executive Officer, Translation Bureau

Lucie Séguin is the Chief Executive Officer of Public Services and Procurement Canada’s Translation Bureau, the Government of Canada’s centre of excellence for linguistic services.

Lucie oversees the translation, interpretation and terminology services that the Translation Bureau provides to the government, parliament and courts of Canada in English, French, Indigenous and foreign languages, as well as sign languages. She is also responsible for the Language Portal of Canada, which provides Canadians with free tools to improve their knowledge of English and French.

Lucie ensures that the Translation Bureau has a strong and highly qualified workforce, leverages the latest technological advances—including artificial intelligence—and works closely with partners and clients to effectively deliver quality linguistic services now and in the future.

Prior to joining the Translation Bureau, Lucie held various positions with decision-making and strategic responsibilities at Library and Archives Canada and Natural Resources Canada. She has extensive experience in program management and policy development.

Lucie has 2 children. She has a bachelor’s degree in education, a master’s degree in public administration and a Chartered Professional Accountants Canada certification.

Marc Bélisle, Chief Audit, Evaluation and Risk Executive

Marc Bélisle was appointed Chief Audit, Evaluation and Risk Executive at Public Services and Procurement Canada on November 13, 2019.

In this role, Marc oversees the provision of objective advice and assurance to the minister, the deputy ministers and senior management on the control and accountability processes for the department.

Marc is also responsible for establishing open and constructive relations and networks with other government departments, central agencies and other stakeholders in the areas of audit, accountability, oversight and monitoring. He also ensures that the Office of the Chief Audit, Evaluation and Risk Executive meets the requirements of the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's policies on internal auditing.

Marc has over 30 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in the domain of finance and accounting, along with substantial leadership and management aptitudes. He most recently served as Vice-President of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer at the Canada School of Public Service. Marc was previously the Director General of the Finance and Procurement Branch and the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Natural Resources Canada. He has also held various senior-level positions at the Privy Council Office, Statistics Canada, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. He started his career working in an accounting firm.

Marc holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Quebec in Outaouais and a Chartered Professional Accountant designation.

Rob Wright, Assistant Deputy Minister, Science and Parliamentary Infrastructure Branch

Rob Wright was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister of the Science and Parliamentary Infrastructure Branch at PSPC when the branch was created in spring 2019. Prior to that, Rob had been Assistant Deputy Minister of the Parliamentary Precinct Branch since May 2015.

In this role, Rob is responsible for advancing the delivery of new science infrastructure across Canada to meet the needs of our scientists into the future, and carrying on the important work of renewing Canada’s Parliamentary Precinct.

Rob is responsible for Canada’s ambitious 25-year plan to revitalize federal science and technology laboratories. Furthermore, he is responsible for implementing the Long Term Vision and Plan to restore and modernize the buildings and grounds of Parliament Hill. His responsibilities also include providing accommodation for the Prime Minister’s Office and the Privy Council Office, as well as managing all the buildings on the north side of Sparks Street, including retail and commercial space.

Rob joined the department in 2005 and has played several roles of increasing seniority. Before becoming Assistant Deputy Minister, he was the regional head of the department in the Atlantic Region, where he guided the planning and delivery of a broad range of services to clients and was involved in leading a number of major initiatives.

Rob holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from St. Thomas University and Western University. His areas of study included engineering, history, and leadership and governance.

Duncan Retson, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Science and Parliamentary Infrastructure Branch

Duncan Retson was appointed to the position of Associate Assistant Deputy Minister of the Science and Parliamentary Infrastructure Branch at PSPC in June 2019.

In his role, Duncan supports the delivery of new science infrastructure across Canada to meet the needs of our scientists into the future, and to carry on the important work of renewing Canada’s Parliamentary Precinct.

Before returning to the National Capital Region to take on his current role, Duncan served as Regional Director General of the department’s Atlantic Region for 2 years.

As the regional head of the department, Duncan oversaw the planning and provision of PSPC’s programs and services to federal clients throughout the Atlantic Region. He was also responsible for the delivery of key projects, such as the rehabilitation of Province House in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and the construction of the Public Service Pay Centre in Miramichi, New Brunswick.

Duncan joined the department in 2013 in the Atlantic Region. He later moved to the National Capital Region, where he held senior positions, including Director General of Operations and Accommodations for the Parliamentary Precinct Branch, in which he was responsible for the operation and maintenance of the historic buildings and grounds of the precinct.

Duncan holds undergraduate degrees from Acadia University in physics, English and education. He also obtained a graduate degree from Western University in English and another in public administration from Queen’s University.

Stéphan Déry, Assistant Deputy Minister, Real Property Services

Stéphan Déry was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister of Real Property Services at PSPC on August 19, 2019.

In this role, Stéphan is responsible for the delivery of the entire suite of real property services to federal departments and agencies, including office accommodation, project management, real estate services and specialty services (geomatics, environmental, architectural and engineering), the management of multiple federal engineering assets (bridges, dams, highways and dry docks), as well as the acquisition and disposal of federal real property.

Prior to this appointment, Stéphan was Chief Executive Officer for the Translation Bureau, where he provided strategic and operational leadership for the Translation Bureau. He oversaw translation and revision services offered by the Translation Bureau in French and English and in over 100 Indigenous and foreign languages to a variety of clients, including the Senate and the House of Commons. He also oversaw terminology standardization through the management of TERMIUM Plus®, the Government of Canada's terminology and linguistic data bank, and the provision of interpretation services for Canada's Parliament and at national and international events.

Before his appointment as Chief Executive Officer for the Translation Bureau, Stéphan was the department's Regional Director General for the Atlantic Region. He previously held a number of executive positions in the areas of real property, acquisitions and corporate services within PSPC and at Library and Archives Canada (LAC). In those various roles, Stéphan had the opportunity to be the co-champion for Official Languages and the departmental champion for the Employees' Charitable Campaign at PSPC, as well as champion for visible minorities at LAC.

Stéphan is a certified management accountant and holds a master's degree in public administration.

Jean-François Lymburner, Acting Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Real Property Services

In this role, Jean-François is responsible for providing senior leadership to the Real Property Services operations, including project management, facilities management, real estate services, strategic sourcing, and infrastructure asset management. He is focused on providing excellent client service and using operations to support key government objectives, in particular, greening government operations, modernizing the public service, improving accessibility and advancing Indigenous reconciliation.

Jean-François joined Public Services and Procurement Canada in 2016 as Director General, Client Relationships and Demand Management, Real Property Services, where his focus was on business priorities, strategies and client satisfaction. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led the establishment and launch of Minister Anand's COVID-19 Supply Council and was tasked with providing advice on building innovative and agile supply chains for personal protective equipment.

Prior to joining Public Services and Procurement Canada, Jean-François served as Director General, Client Relationships and Business Intake, Projects and Client Relationships Branch for information management/information technology (IM/IT) service transformation at the newly-created Shared Services Canada. Before that, he was Director General of Strategic Infrastructure, Information Management and Research at Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.

Jean-François holds a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from École Polytechnique de Montréal, and has completed the Certificate in Public Sector Leadership and Governance, at University of Ottawa.

Jean-Pierre Blais, Assistant Deputy Minister, Receiver General and Pension Branch

Jean-Pierre Blais was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister of the Receiver General and Pension Branch at PSPC on March 12, 2018.

In his role, Jean-Pierre is responsible for leading the operations of the federal treasury (including the issuance and reconciliation of all government payments), preparing the Government of Canada's monthly and annual financial reports (Public Accounts of Canada), maintaining the Government of Canada's general ledger and ensuring the integrity of public monies held in trust.

Jean-Pierre ensures the delivery of government-wide services, including the Government of Canada's pension administration for 8 pension plans, the Canadian General Standards Board, GCSurplus and Seized Property Management Services, and e-clippings. As the Queen's Printer for Canada, he is responsible for the publishing of the Canada Gazette and the Statutes of Canada. Jean-Pierre also provides advisory services to departments and agencies on government advertising and public opinion researches.

Previously, Jean-Pierre was Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission. As Assistant Secretary for the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat in the Government Operations Sector (2011 to 2012), he provided advice on the management oversight and corporate governance of various federal departments, agencies and Crown corporations. He was Assistant Deputy Minister of Cultural Affairs at Canadian Heritage (2004 to 2011) and Assistant Deputy Minister of International and Intergovernmental Affairs at Canadian Heritage (2002 to 2004).

Jean-Pierre holds a master of laws from the University of Melbourne, as well as a bachelor of civil law and a bachelor of common law from McGill University. He is a member of the Bars of both Quebec and Ontario. He has also received the Award for Excellence in Leadership from the Association of Professional Executives (2010) and the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers (2015).

Boris Uléhla, Senior General Counsel and Executive Director, Legal Services

In 2018, Boris Uléhla was appointed Senior General Counsel and Executive Director of Legal Services and its Centre of Expertise in Procurement Law.

In this role, Boris directs and supervises 100 employees, including 74 lawyers who provide legal advice to clients in areas such as real property, acquisitions of goods and services, pension and pay administration, access to information, disposal of assets and administration of proceeds of crime.

Before joining the Department of Justice Canada in 1999, Boris practised human rights law, union-side labour law and employment law at a private sector law firm in Toronto.

Boris has defended Canada in international trade law disputes; advised the Treasury Board in the areas of pay equity and human rights; prepared senior government officials and departments in connection with the Gomery Commission's proceedings; advised Public Services and Procurement Canada on matters related to the recovery of sponsorship funds, industrial security and controlled goods; and managed the provision of legal services to PSPC, Shared Services Canada and Natural Resources Canada and the provision of procurement law advice to all government departments.

Boris studied law at the University of Toronto. He is a member of the Law Society of Ontario.

Magalie Brabant, Ombud for Mental Health

Magalie Brabant was appointed Ombud for Mental Health on March 8, 2021.

In this role, Magalie provides a safe, independent, neutral and informal space for employees who need to talk openly about situations affecting their mental health. Her office serves as a central point of contact for Public Services and Procurement Canada's programs and services as well as external resources related to mental health. It also addresses concerns and makes departmental recommendations for improvements to the Deputy Minister regarding mental health.

In her previous role, Magalie was Director General of People Development Services within the Human Resources Branch, where she led the modernization of services that support talent development, with a focus on improving the employee experience from hire to retire. 

Magalie has extensive experience in human resources (HR), having led programs in a variety of HR disciplines in increasing leadership roles. A strong collaborator who is passionate about people, Magalie has also been heavily involved in working with communities of practice and employee networks over the years. She has served as the President of the National Staffing Council for 4 years.

Magalie holds a bachelor of commerce with a specialization in HR from the University of Ottawa and a master's degree in project management from the University of Quebec.

Yvette-Monique Gray, Regional Director General, Pacific Region

Yvette-Monique Gray was appointed Regional Director General (RDG) of the Pacific Region, effective May 17, 2021.

As RDG, Yvette fosters a One PSPC approach by supporting integrated planning and risk management in the delivery of major projects and services in Pacific Region. She is also responsible for providing integrated and client-focused services in the areas of Real Property, office accommodation; architecture and engineering; property and project management; environmental services; and land acquisition and disposal.

Yvette supports the region’s excellence in marine operations and oversees commercial, marine and real property contracting; provides internal corporate services; and champions external services that encourage small and medium enterprises—including under-represented suppliers—to participate in federal procurement. She actively supports reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples through procurement and project management work in the region.

Yvette represents PSPC on the British Columbia (BC) Federal Council and is the Co-Champion of the BC Federal Black Employee Caucus.

Yvette previously held the positions of Regional Director of Intelligence and Enforcement Division at Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Director of CBSA Operations at the Vancouver International Airport. Her specialty is navigating and leading change in highly operational and client-focused team environments.

Yvette holds a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Alberta and is a graduate of the Public Sector Leadership and Governance Program from the University of Ottawa. Yvette is the recipient of the Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal and the Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Medal for her service to Canadians.

Cheryl Baraniecki, Regional Director General, Western Region

Cheryl Baraniecki began her role as Regional Director General of the Western Region effective December 2, 2019.

Cheryl represents the Minister's and deputy ministers' interests in the Western Region, which covers the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba and the territories of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. In this role, Cheryl is responsible for providing the department's full range of integrated and client-focused services, such as real property services, including office accommodation; architectural and engineering services; property and project management; environmental services; and land acquisition and disposal. She also delivers services like procurement of goods and services, real property contracting, and support to small and medium enterprises.

Cheryl joined PSPC's Western Region office as Regional Director of Procurement in February 2018. Prior to joining PSPC, she worked within the federal public service beginning in 2000 with Environment and Climate Change Canada, and gained experience serving as a senior departmental contact for stakeholders across the 3 Prairie provinces and the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Her skills working horizontally with diverse clients will support PSPC's Western Region well.

Cheryl completed a bachelor of science and a master of science at the University of Alberta in microbiology and cell biotechnology. She has a passion for aviation and dog sports, which she shares with her 2 busy boys, Evan and Ryan, and her husband, Jay.

Alexia Touralias, Regional Director General, Ontario Region

Alexia Touralias was appointed Regional Director General (RDG) of the Ontario Region, effective June 10, 2020.

As RDG of the Ontario Region, Alexia provides executive leadership in the region, representing the Minister's and deputy ministers' interests. In addition to managing the corporate support functions, she is responsible for the provision of integrated services to clients and departments in the region.

Prior to her current role, Alexia has been the Director General of Innovation and Business Development within the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario since September 2015. She has worked as an executive in various capacities within the agency, including as Acting Vice-President of Business Innovation and Community Development, and as the Director of Canada Business Ontario. She was previously with Infrastructure Canada and the Privy Council Office.

Alexia holds a master's degree in public administration from Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, and a bachelor of arts in political science from the University of Windsor in Ontario.

Rosanna Di Paola, Regional Director General, Quebec Region, and Assistant Deputy Minister, Special Projects

Rosanna Di Paola was appointed Regional Director General of the Quebec Region, and Assistant Deputy Minister of Special Projects at PSPC in July 2017.

As Regional Director General, Rosanna is responsible for providing the full range of integrated and client-focused services offered by the department in the Quebec Region, where she represents the Minister’s and deputy ministers’ interests. The region covers the province of Quebec outside of the National Capital Region, with major offices in the cities of Montréal and Québec.

As Assistant Deputy Minister of Special Projects, Rosanna provides leadership on departmental initiatives, such as the National Strategy for Courts, Tribunals and Other Bodies Under Federal Jurisdiction.

Rosanna has more than 25 years of experience in the public service. Before taking on her current role, she served as Associate Assistant Deputy Minister of the Accounting, Banking and Compensation Branch (ABCB), and she held the position for about 3 years. Prior to that, she held the position of Director General of the Transformation of Pay Administration Initiative in ABCB.

Rosanna has also held senior management positions at Public Safety Canada; Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada; and the Royal Canadian Mint. In addition, she brings to her new role several years of experience as an independent management consultant on initiatives in both the private and public sectors.

Rosanna holds a graduate degree in management from McGill University and a bachelor of commerce degree from Concordia University. She also earned her certified management accountant designation in 2013.

Glen Hynes, Regional Director General, Atlantic Region

In July 2019, Glen Hynes was appointed Regional Director General, Atlantic Region. In this role, he is responsible for a staff of approximately 650 employees and operations in 11 offices across the 4 Atlantic provinces. The Public Services and Procurement Canada Atlantic team delivers real property, procurement, and a range of other services, including program requirements of the former Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation, now part of PSPC’s Cape Breton Operations.

Glen is well known to the Atlantic Region team as a long-serving member at the regional executive table. Formerly the Regional Director in Newfoundland and Labrador, he has been PSPC’s senior official in our eastern-most province. Glen’s recent national experience as National Account Executive for Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has been invaluable in strengthening one of our key client relationships.

Given DFO’s important presence in Atlantic Canada, his strong track record with this client has served PSPC well.

Glen has experience in major project leadership, service delivery, client relationship management and stakeholder engagement. In 1997, he led the country’s largest environmental remediation at Argentina, Newfoundland. Glen has also held regional director positions in accommodation and portfolio management and client relationships management. A native of Newfoundland and Labrador where he resides, Glen is a graduate of Memorial University of Newfoundland Labrador. Glen and his wife are parents to 3 children.

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