Ministerial transition book: March 2025 — Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

Raison d'être

ISED and the Portfolio work with Canadians in all areas of the economy and in all parts of the country to improve conditions for investment, enhance Canada's innovation performance, increase Canada's share of global trade, and build a fair, efficient, and competitive marketplace.

Mandate

ISED is responsible for fostering a growing, competitive, and knowledge-based Canadian economy. It helps create the conditions for Canadian businesses to grow, innovate, and expand so they can create jobs and wealth for Canadians. It supports scientific research and the integration of scientific considerations into investment and policy choices; and, helps small businesses grow through trade and innovation and promotes increased tourism in Canada.

Leadership

ISED is the federal institution that forms the core of the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Portfolio.

Framework

ISED works with its portfolio partners to deliver its mandate through its Departmental Results Framework and its three core responsibilities:

• People, Skills and Communities;
• Science, Technology, Research and Commercialization; and,
• Companies, Investment and Growth.

The Portfolio entities

Ministers are accountable to the Prime Minister and Parliament for all organizations in their portfolio, including policy, program, and management issues.

Department

• Innovation, Science and Economic Development (supporting all ISED Ministers)
• Office of the Chief Science Advisor
• Competition Bureau

Agencies

• Statistics Canada
• Canadian Space Agency

Councils

Specialized; Deputy Head reports to Minister

• Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
• National Research Council Canada
• Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada

Crown corporations

Independent; Chairperson of Board reports to Minister

• Destination Canada
• Standards Council of Canada
• Business Development Bank of Canada

Quasi-judicial tribunals

Make decisions and hear appeals at arm's length from the government following quasi-judicial processes.

• Competition Tribunal
• Copyright Board Canada

Regional development agencies (under separate ministers)

• Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
• Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
• Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
• Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
• Prairies Economic Development Canada
• Pacific Economic Development Canada
• Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

Entities outside the Portfolio

Associated organizations

Government selects board member(s); in whole or part funded by ISED agreement.

• Council of Canadian Academies Minister does not appoint board members
• Canada Foundation for Innovation
• Genome Canada Minister does not appoint board members

Administrative tribunal (other portfolio)

• Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

ISED Sectors

Figure 1: List of ISED sectors

Portfolio Organizations

Agencies

• Statistics Canada (StatsCan): Independent, arm's-length agency with a national mandate to provide statistical information on every aspect of our country and its communities, including its population, economy, society, and environment.
• Canadian Space Agency (CSA): Promotes the peaceful use and development of space and ensures that space science and technology advance our knowledge and provide social and economic benefits for Canadians.

Councils

• National Research Council (NRC): Canada's largest federal research and development organization, supports business innovation, provides science-based support for public policy mandates, and advances scientific and technical knowledge to help Canada grow in productivity and remain globally competitive.
• Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC): Promotes and supports post-secondary research and training in the natural sciences and engineering.
• Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada: Promotes, supports post-secondary-based research and training in the social sciences and humanities.

Crown Corporations

• Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC): Supports Canadian entrepreneurship through financing, advisory services, and capital, with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises.
• Destination Canada (DC): Markets Canada as a leading tourism destination in the international marketplace.
• Standards Council of Canada (SCC): Promotes the efficient and effective voluntary standardization in Canada, where standardization is not expressly provided for by law, in order to advance the national economy, support workplace and consumer safety, and further international trade and cooperation.

Quasi-judicial Tribunals

• Competition Tribunal: Helps the Canadian marketplace be more competitive and innovative.
• Copyright Board of Canada: Establishes the royalties to be paid for the use of copyrighted works.

ISED Financial Overview

Figure 2: Overview of ISED Finances 2025-26

ISED's 2025-26 Main Estimates total budget is $8,032.6 M, and includes $397.5 M in respendable revenues.

• Grants and Contributions Vote – for transfers of money (as a grant or a contribution) to an individual, an organization, or another government.
• Operating Vote^{Footnote *} – for expenses incurred in the course of delivering program outputs, such as personnel costs, office supplies, repair and maintenance, consulting fees, operating leases, etc.
• Capital Vote – for the acquisition or development of capital assets (when capital expenditures exceed $5 M).
• Respendable Revenue – inflow of cash or receivables from the sale of goods or the rendering of services.
• Statutory Forecast Operating / Employee Benefit Plan – e.g., superannuation, CPP, and severance pay, that are not incurred directly by ISED.

Evolution of ISED

1892

Department of Trade and Commerce primarily focused on the creation and expansion of national and regional transportation systems, export of natural resources, and growing the processing capacity of the manufacturing sector. The Department's focus shifted to mobilizing Canada's industrial capacity for war in 1939.

1963

Creation of the Department of Industry shifted the primary focus to industry and innovation. The Department's 10 sector-focused branches aimed to increase Canadian productivity and large-scale production. Regional economic development was also first recognized as a key component of industry policy via the creation of the Area Development Agency.

1969

Department of Industry, Trade and Commerce brought together trade and industrial policy. The Department's primary focus was to promote the establishment and growth of the manufacturing, processing, and tourism industries, improve the productivity of Canadian industry, and foster the expansion of Canadian trade.

1982

Department of Regional and Industrial Expansion merged industry policy and regional economic development. Trade functions were removed, and the Department's programming efforts focused on supporting large-scale industrial development.

1987

Department of Industry, Science and Technology Canada was created in response to the growing prominence of science and technology as a key component of economic policy. The role of the Department included a more prominent role in encouraging technology transfer and basic and applied research and development (R&D), and supporting the availability of a highly skilled labour force.

1993

Industry Canada resulted from a merger of four existing departments (Industry, Science and Technology Canada; Consumer and Corporate Affairs; Department of Communications; and Investment Canada), due to unfavourable economic and financial climate in the early to mid-1990s. The role of the Department shifted toward micro-economic policy, with a raison d'être to promote productivity and innovation and create the conditions for a more competitive business climate.

2015

The creation of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada reinforced the centrality of innovation to industrial policy and economic development across all sectors and regions of the country. The role of ISED and Portfolio shifted toward a more active and direct partner with businesses, innovators, entrepreneurs, academia and civil society.

ISED's Legislative and Regulatory Frameworks

ISED's enabling legislation is the Department of Industry Act, which outlines the powers, duties, and functions of the Minister, with the department responsible for administering a variety of associated acts and regulations that are enabling frameworks for the general application of business.

Marketplace Legislation

• Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act
• Boards of Trade Act
• Canada Business Corporations Act
• Canada Cooperatives Act
• Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act
• Canada Small Business Financing Act
• Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act
• Competition Act
• Investment Canada Act
• Winding-up and Restructuring Act
• Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act

Intellectual Property Legislation

• Copyright Act
• Industrial Design Act
• Integrated Circuit Topography Act
• Olympic and Paralympic Marks Act
• Patent Act
• Public Servants Inventions Act
• Trademarks Act
• College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents Act

Consumer Legislation

• Bills of Exchange Act
• Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act
• Electricity and Gas Inspection Act
• Precious Metals Marking Act
• Textile Labelling Act
• Weights and Measures Act
• Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation

Telecommunications Legislation

• Radiocommunication Act
• Telecommunications Act
• Telecom – general application and regulation of telecom sector

ISED's Departmental Plan 2025-26

A departmental plan describes a department's priorities, plans, and associated costs for the upcoming three fiscal years that are to be implemented through its Departmental Results Framework. A Departmental Results Framework consists of a department's core responsibilities, the results it plans to achieve, and the performance indicators that measure progress toward these results.

The 2025-26 Departmental Plan for ISED lays out the key priorities the Department is working to advance for the benefit of all Canadians. ISED will continue working with the Portfolio and other federal partners to bolster Canadian innovation by fostering competitive, sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Departmental Priorities in 2025-26

1. Drive Canada's economic competitiveness through investments in advanced manufacturing, critical minerals, digital infrastructure, emerging technologies such as quantum, strengthening domestic industries and enabling global market leadership. Initiatives like the Strategic Innovation Fund will continue to support large-scale, transformative projects that accelerate innovation and drive growth.
2. Support the development of Canada's artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure while promoting AI safety via initiatives such as the Canadian Sovereign AI Compute Strategy and the Canadian Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute.
3. Accelerate Canada's transition to a net-zero economy through clean technology innovation, sustainable manufacturing and initiatives like the Clean Growth Hub, while building a resilient workforce with digital skills, entrepreneurship support and work-integrated learning opportunities, ensuring Canadians thrive in the evolving digital and green economies.
4. Strengthen Canada's science and innovation ecosystem, and leadership in advanced research by implementing initiatives that advance and protect research, foster collaboration, and enhance Canadian living standards. Includes supporting programs such as the Strategic Science Fund and the Canadian Genomics Strategy, with a focus on health, climate resilience, and digital industries.
5. Expand broadband access to underserved communities in rural and remote regions, working towards Canada's target of connecting 98% of Canadians to high-speed Internet by 2026 and 100% by 2030.
6. Promote equity, diversity and inclusion by supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs through initiatives such as the Black Entrepreneurship Program, advancing STEM opportunities for women, Indigenous Peoples and racialized Canadians, and fostering inclusive economic participation.
7. Reinforce Canada's international and regional relations and promote trade and investment, including through key initiatives during Canada's G7 presidency in 2025.
8. Coordinate support for Canada's tourism industry and continue to implement the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, as tourism is a key driver of economic growth for small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in rural and remote areas.

Supporting Canadian Sectors

Figure 3: Key sectors of the Canadian economy

Marketplace Frameworks and Consumer Confidence

ISED and the Portfolio are responsible for setting, administering and adjusting laws, regulations, and policies in key areas that establish a framework for business activity in Canada, including to:

• Support innovation through investment attraction, competition, research, and commercialization;
• Build trust by taking into account diverse public policy interests, such as privacy, consumer protection, and fairness; and,
• Encourage Canadian firms to leverage marketplace tools, services, and programs.

ISED and the Portfolio work to ensure Canada's marketplace frameworks are effective in promoting competitive markets and instilling confidence and trust through a variety of functions, including the development and coordination of policy and legislative frameworks of general application within the marketplace:

• Corporate governance, bankruptcy and insolvency;
• Competition;
• Labelling (textiles, packaged goods, and precious metals);
• Copyright, trademark, patent, and industrial design;
• Privacy, personal information, and data governance;
• Intellectual property;
• Artificial intelligence; and,
• Anti-spam and e-commerce protection.

Supporting a Digital Economy

Canadian businesses rely on digital infrastructure to connect to a larger market and grow globally. Canadians, particularly in remote areas, rely on digital infrastructure, such as broadband Internet access and wireless service provided through spectrum, to connect to vital services, educational resources, and economic opportunities. In today's world, where we live and work in a digital economy, the digital landscape has fundamentally transformed the way businesses operate, interact, and innovate, making it essential for economic actors to thrive in the new intangible economy.

ISED and Portfolio partners have a role to play in enabling digital infrastructure, alongside other government departments, by:

Setting, administering, and enforcing the rules:

• ISED is responsible for the Telecommunications Act and leads telecommunications policy for the government to promote sector competition, investment, affordability, and access to high-quality services.
• ISED is responsible under the Radiocommunication Act to govern the use of spectrum in Canada, a public resource that is essential for the country's wide range of wireless services. This includes authorizing its use, setting standards, certifying equipment, and holding auctions.
• The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is an independent tribunal that regulates telecommunications and broadcasting in the public interest. The CRTC currently reports to Parliament via the Minister of Canadian Heritage and works to implement the policy objectives in the Telecommunications Act and Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation (currently the responsibility of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry) and the Broadcasting Act (currently the responsibility of the Minister of Heritage). This includes implementing measures to encourage greater competition in telecommunications services, enable digital infrastructure, and promote compliance with and enforcement of regulations that advance consumer interests.

Building the infrastructure of a digital economy:

• Seeking to remain proactive and forward-looking on evolving digital infrastructure needs, including looking at the implications of next-generation networks (e.g.,5G); and
• Advancing the security and resilience of digital infrastructure, working with partners across the Government of Canada.

Increasing access in a geographically large and diverse country/economy:

Administering funding programs that work to improve the availability of telecommunications services in unserved and underserved areas, including rural and Northern communities (e.g. Universal Broadband Fund).

Helping Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make up 99.7% of businesses in Canada and are integral to Canada's economy, employing approximately 64% of the private sector workforce. While Canada generally excels at creating new businesses, creating high-growth and large anchor firms remains and maximizing export potential remain challenges.

A suite of entrepreneurship programs serve to support a wide range of entrepreneurs to start a business, and small and medium-sized enterprises to grow in Canada and globally, including underrepresented groups via, for example, the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES), Black Entrepreneurship Program, 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program and Futurpreneur program.

The Canada Small Business Financing Program enhances access to capital by working with Canadian financial institutions to risk share loans. Other business innovation programming include:

• The Strategic Innovation Fund supports national business-led networks that facilitate innovation and commercialization projects with 85% of ultimate recipients being start-ups or SMEs;
• 47% of Global Innovation Cluster project partners are SMEs, linking innovative SMEs with larger firms and research institutes to accelerate commercialization;
• Innovative Solutions Canada leverages procurement to enable the Government to act as a first customer and support innovative Canadian SMEs; and
• The Innovation Advisors within the Accelerated Growth Service propel high- growth SMEs to the next level of by providing targeted, customized support and connections to resources across government that support firms' domestic and international growth objectives.

A current function of the Portfolio is to support small businesses through access to financing. This includes both direct and indirect funding to small business owners and non-profit organizations through grants and loans, as well as support in raising capital. Many of the Portfolio financing programs include mentorship and capacity building, offering knowledge sharing, resources, networking opportunities and expert advice directly to entrepreneurs and small-business owners.

The Portfolio also works to encourage market diversification and global market access by promoting key trade and investment agreements, advancing negotiations on new agreements, and helping entrepreneurs expand globally.

Lastly, the Portfolio also supports the small business ecosystem more broadly through its role in supporting effective regulation and access to talent pipelines, and through direct business-facing services, such as the Canada Business App, to help small businesses better access government services and programs.

Science and Research

Canada has a history of strong scientific performance on the world stage. For example, years of investment in artificial intelligence-related research has led to Canadian leadership in this area. Recent progress on securing Canada's AI advantage has been driven by key initiatives such as the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy (PCAIS), and the Canadian AI Safety Institute, and the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) is advancing AI research and its application to areas that can benefit society and drive economic growth.

The Portfolio supports fundamental research by ensuring researchers have the necessary resources to pursue bold questions and train new generations of students while optimizing federal investments in science and research. It guides Canada's science ecosystem by modernizing research practices, managing contribution agreements, implementing research programming, and fostering partnerships between businesses and research institutions, and advances international and intergovernmental science relations. This includes the Strategic Science Fund, which aims to mobilize the expertise and resources of independent science organizations to enhance Canada's excellence in science, technology, and innovation. Efforts are underway to enhance cybersecurity research and talent development through the Cyber Security Innovation Network and leverage Canada's recent association with Horizon Europe to open collaboration opportunities with like- minded partners.

Direct funding is currently used to support fundamental science, delivered through various mechanisms, including the two granting agencies under the ISED Portfolio. The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada both provide funding to support students, promote and support discovery research, and encourage greater collaboration between industry and academia. (The Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the third granting council, is under the purview of the Minister of Health.) Efforts are underway to consolidate the granting councils under a new capstone research funding organization, to provide better coordination across the federally funded research ecosystem.

Other funding initiatives within the Portfolio focus on building skills through the promotion of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; on strengthening Canada's research infrastructure; on enhancing areas of strength; and on supporting business in the development and deployment of research.

The National Research Council is Canada's largest federal R&D organization, which partners with industry to help bring research and new advanced technologies to market, and invests in strategic R&D programming to apply to economic and societal challenges.

The National Quantum Strategy is amplifying Canada's significant strength in quantum research, growing quantum-ready technologies, company and talent, and solidifying Canada's global leadership in this area.

The Canadian Genomics Strategy (CGS) is driving further innovation in genomics through Genome Canada to advance commercialization programming.

Established in 2024, Health Emergency Readiness Canada (HERC) is the focal point for domestic and international stakeholders to advance health emergency preparedness by strengthening scientific, industrial and technological capabilities and growing a competitive, innovative and prosperous life sciences and biomanufacturing ecosystem.

Finally, the Portfolio also works with global partners to strengthen best practices and contribute to large-scale discovery projects. The Canadian Space Agency works collaboratively with members of the global space community, including NASA and the European Space Agency. In this role, Canada has contributed to a number of scientific missions, delivering critical technology and scientific expertise.

Regional Economic Development

ISED engages regionally via three principal avenues:

1. ISED's five Regional Offices, reporting through the Strategic and Innovation Policy Sector: Pacific, Prairie and Northern, Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic – gather and report regional intelligence, support ministerial and VIP outreach, support implementation of certain key departmental files, enhance the department's understanding of local and regional issues, opportunities and stakeholder networks.
2. Federal, Provincial and Territorial (FPT) Table for Innovation and Economic Development: supports sustaining and enhancing FPT collaboration on innovation and economic development. Created in 2016, currently co-chaired by ISED with QC having recently accepted to assume the new co-chair role from Saskatchewan. Primarily an ADM table. Has included a Ministerial and Deputy Ministerial table, but these no longer meet regularly.
3. Portfolio collaboration with Regional Development Agencies (RDAs): ISED and RDAs collaborate to ensure micro-economic policy coherence. RDAs administer place-based, regionally tailored, and nationally consistent programs, such as the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program and a number of programs to support diverse entrepreneurs, such as the Black Entrepreneurship Program's National Ecosystem Fund.

Strategic Policy Sector (SPS)

Mandate

SPS plays a key role in designing and implementing the Government's microeconomic policy agenda and in supporting departmental alignment and coherence. SPS is responsible for developing and supporting ISED's horizontal, strategic policy and economic analysis and research.

It is responsible for ensuring robust marketplace frameworks, the administration of the Investment Canada Act, deepening international, intergovernmental and regional relations, promoting trade policy, coordination and regulatory modernization, telecommunications and digital policy. Also within SPS are the five regional offices, which gather intelligence in the regions and act as the Portfolio's public face with regional stakeholders.

Leadership

Alexandra Dostal, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister

Alexandra is the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Policy Sector, at ISED since September 2024. Previously, she has held positions with Government of Canada at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Treasury Board Secretariat, Finance Canada and Global Affairs Canada. Before joining the Canadian federal public service, she worked with the Government of Ontario and as a lawyer in private practice.

Kasi McMicking, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister

Kasi has served as Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Policy Sector since April 2023. In this role she has special responsibility for rural and regional economic development. Prior to assuming this role, Kasi held senior executive positions at ISED's Industry Sector, the Privy Council Office, Treasury Board Secretariat, Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. Kasi hails from rural New Brunswick, and earned her BA (Honours) from St. Francis Xavier University in Political Science.

Spectrum and Telecommunications Sector (STS)

Mandate

STS is responsible for regulating telecommunications equipment, extending and enhancing broadband service in rural and remote regions of Canada, and working with other organizations on the safety and security of existing and future telecommunications infrastructure. The sector's objective is to maximize the economic and social benefits that Canadians derive from the use of the radio frequency spectrum. The sector works across the Department, with other federal government departments, at the international level and with our stakeholders to support a competitive wireless industry, strong investment, cyber-resilience, and economic growth.

Leadership

Chris Padfield, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister

Chris Padfield was appointed Senior Assistant Deputy Minister of the Spectrum and Telecommunications Sector in January 2025. Chris comes to ISED after serving as Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet, Clean Growth, at the Privy Council Office. Chris was previously Vice-President, Policy, Partnerships and Communications, at the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, and supported the COVID-19 response at Health Canada in 2020. Previously, Chris was also in the Small Business, Tourism and Marketplace Services Sector from 2015 to 2018 and the head of the Digital Policy Branch in the Spectrum, Information Technologies and Telecommunications Sector, from 2010 to 2015.

Ray Edwards, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister

Ray Edwards is the Associate Assistant Deputy Minister of the Spectrum and Telecommunications Sector and ISED's Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer (CEIO). He was appointed as the Associate Assistant Deputy Minister with STS in 2023 with special responsibility for broadband and digital programming. As CEIO, he provides strategic leadership to drive department-wide inclusion, antiracism, equity, diversity and accessibility initiatives and championing the transformation to break down systemic barriers to the full representation and participation of equity-seeking communities within the workforce and in the Canadian marketplace. His career has encompassed executive leadership roles in policy coordination and program delivery at Health Canada, the Public Health Agency and Agriculture Canada.

Industry Sector (IS)

Mandate

Industry Sector is responsible for economic policy in a range of economic sectors including – aerospace, space, automotive, steel, aluminum, critical minerals, clean technologies and AI. It undertakes outreach and engagement with industry and other actors relevant to Canada's industrial economy. It supports the delivery of ISED's industry-focused programs, such as the Strategic Innovation Fund. IS also undertakes investment attraction work including supporting the federal government's industry promotion efforts. It is also responsible for the management of the Industrial Technological Benefits Policy, the intent of which is to maximize the benefits to Canada of major defence procurements. It also undertakes analysis and provides advice on trade policy.

Leadership

Charles Vincent, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister

Charles Vincent was appointed Senior Assistant Deputy Minister in January 2024, having worked in the Department since February 2012. He served previously as Assistant Deputy Minister at Small Business, Tourism and Marketplace Services and Associate Assistant Deputy Minister of the Industry Sector. Prior to that role, he held other executive positions in the Department, including being responsible for the Made-in-Canada industry mobilization initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic, and as the Director General of the Automotive, Transportation and Digital Technologies Branch. Before joining ISED, Charles served as an executive at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.

Small Business, Tourism and Marketplace Services (SBTMS)

Mandate

SBTMS is responsible for shaping policies, programs and services related to small business, entrepreneurship, and tourism. It also oversees regulatory functions in trade measurement, federal incorporation and insolvency, ensuring marketplace integrity and fostering a competitive, innovative environment via developing and coordinating access to financing and venture capital policies, including oversight of the Business Development Bank of Canada, the Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative and stewardship of the delivery of the Canada Small Business Financing Program. SBTMS fosters entrepreneurship ecosystems through programs and policies, including underrepresented groups, and is responsible for tourism policy and oversight of Destination Canada, which is mandated to market Canada overseas as a top global tourism destination. Measurement Canada, Corporations Canada, and the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy, are all under SBTMS, each playing a vital regulatory role in the areas of trade measurement, insolvency, and federal incorporation. Together they help maintain marketplace integrity and foster a competitive environment that contributes to Canada's innovation performance. Finally, SBTMS plays a focal point role in coordinating consumer policy, working with other federal partners to protect and advance the interests of Canadian consumers.

Leadership

Etienne-René Massie, Assistant Deputy Minister

In 2023, Etienne-René Massie was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister of the Small Business, Tourism and Marketplace Services Sector after serving as the Associate Assistant Deputy Minister. Previously, as Director General of the Small Business Branch, he played a pivotal role in the development of key entrepreneurship initiatives. He also spearheaded efforts to boost access to capital support for entrepreneurs through the Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative and the Canada Small Business Financing Program, and enhanced resources for youth and Indigenous entrepreneurs. Before joining ISED, Etienne served as Senior Director at Employment and Social Development Canada.

Science and Research Sector (SRS)

Mandate

SRS leads the development and implementation of the Government of Canada's science and technology policy agenda to optimize federal investments in research, drive innovation, and enhance Canadians' well-being. It provides policy advice on external research, relationships with post-secondary institutions, granting agencies, and contribution agreements while overseeing strategic direction and funding for research, talent, and infrastructure. SRS shapes federal priorities in science and emerging technologies, supports research security, and fosters collaboration among Canadian and international science stakeholders. It also advances global science relations, including through initiatives like Horizon Europe, to translate Canada's research leadership into economic and societal benefits.

Leadership

Nipun Vats, Assistant Deputy Minister

Nipun Vats was appointed the Assistant Deputy Minister of the Science and Research Sector in September 2017. Before his role in SRS, Nipun Vats held a variety of positions within the federal government, including in the Priorities and Planning Secretariat of the Privy Council Office and in the policy and administration of the major transfer payment programs to the provinces and territories at the Department of Finance. He has also served as Secretary to a National Advisory Panel on Energy Science and Technology and as the lead federal official in the successful negotiation of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement. Nipun holds a Ph.D. in theoretical physics from the University of Toronto and a Master's of Public Affairs from Princeton University.

Innovation Canada Sector (ICS)

Mandate

From providing funding and expert advice to driving new collaborations, ICS manages several programs and services which are designed to help businesses innovate, create jobs and grow Canada's economy. Through programs like the Global Innovation Clusters, the Strategic Innovation Fund, Innovative Solutions Canada, the Global Hypergrowth Project and the Accelerated Growth Service, Innovation Canada supporting business innovation in Canada. Through these programs, and others, Innovation Canada:

• Acts as the catalyst for building dynamic private-public partnerships in Canada's innovation ecosystem;
• Supports Canadian innovators and public servants to strategically leverage Canadian intellectual property; and
• Assists Canadian companies in tackling challenges and scaling up quickly.

Leadership

Andrea Johnston, Assistant Deputy Minister

In July 2018, Andrea Johnston was appointed the Assistant Deputy Minister of Innovation Canada, an organization that leads programs and services including the Global Innovation Clusters, Innovative Solutions Canada, the Global Hypergrowth Project and the Accelerated Growth Service. These programs are designed to help Canadian innovators grow and scale-up. Prior to joining ISED, Andrea had an extensive career at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada where she was the DG responsible for sectoral development and analysis covering livestock, grains, horticulture, dairy and food processing.

Stephanie Tanton, Assistant Deputy Minister

Stephanie Tanton was appointed in 2024 as the Assistant Deputy Minister of the Strategic Innovation Fund, where she leads and provides strategic direction for one of the government's largest grant and contribution program, spurring innovation and investment in Canada. Previously, Stephanie led the Aerospace, Defence, Marine Branch as Director General and also served as both Director General and Senior Director of the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy Branch. With over twenty-five years in the federal public service, Stephanie has also worked at Infrastructure Canada, the Treasury Board Secretariat, and the Office of Auditor General.

Digital Transformation Service Sector (DTSS)

Mandate

DTSS provides client-centric digital services, fosters the adoption of digital approaches and supports a modern IT infrastructure with efficient and technologically enabled service to business. DTSS partners across ISED and other ecosystem stakeholders to deliver value, seamless experience, and better serve Canadian businesses to:

• Drive ISED's digital transformation agenda to create innovative data and digital services for stakeholders;
• Improve the digital experience for Canadian businesses and citizens in their interactions with government;
• Develop a strong data foundation to support decision-making, program/policy advice, and artificial intelligence adoption by leveraging digital skills, training, and technology;
• Modernize IT operations with a focus on digital technologies platforms, cloud computing, and big data architecture; and
• Strengthen the governance and procurement practices of digital projects.

Leadership

Dan Boulet, A/Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Digital Officer

Daniel Boulet is ISED's Chief Digital Officer and the A/Assistant Deputy Minister of the Digital Transformation Service Sector (DTSS). In addition to this acting appointment, Daniel has been ISED's Chief Information Officer since 2017. Between 2010 and 2017, he held various executive positions within the Chief Information Office and the Canadian Intellectual Property Office. Prior to him joining the Canadian federal government in 2006, Dan worked in management consulting at Deloitte for 10 years. He holds a Master of Applied Science degree from the University of Waterloo and a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics and Astronomy from the University of Manitoba.

Corporate Management Sector (CMS)

Mandate

CMS provides comptrollership of ISED's finances and the management of human resources, and stewardship for ISED's resources and programs, grants and contributions, assets, investments, facilities and security as well as overseeing the Department's corporate planning and accountability reporting regimes and provides strategic advice on risk management, and the affordability and integrity of program proposals.

Leadership

Douglas McConnachie, Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Financial Officer

Doug McConnachie joined ISED in October 2019 as Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Management. He has 29 years of experience in public sector management and corporate finance and has served in senior management roles at Environment and Climate Change Canada, Public Safety Canada, and Public Services and Procurement Canada.

Strategic Communications and Marketing Sector (SCMS)

Mandate

SCMS has a mandate to deliver high-impact communications and marketing initiatives, providing five Ministers and officials with strategic communications and marketing advice, expertise, products and services that help advance key Government of Canada priorities and mandate commitments. SCMS also supports a transparent and inclusive corporate culture at ISED through timely and accessible corporate communications and meaningful engagement with Departmental employees. The Sector oversees all of the Department's external and internal communications, including dedicated ministerial liaison teams that work directly with Minister's offices for all communications-related requests and announcements.

Leadership

Kendal Hembroff, Assistant Deputy Minister

Kendal Hembroff was appointed as Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Communications and Marketing, in May 2023. Prior to this role, she was Director General of the Clean Technologies and Clean Growth Branch at ISED. Prior to joining ISED, Kendal spent 22+ years in various roles at Global Affairs Canada, overseeing the negotiation of Canada's bilateral and regional free trade agreements and multilateral trade negotiations, and was Canada's Chief Negotiator for negotiations with India, ASEAN, Indonesia, Ukraine and the Pacific Alliance. She served abroad as Consul and Senior Trade Commissioner from 2011 to 2014 at Canada's Consulate in Hong Kong, providing support to Canadian companies in the Greater China Region.

Audit and Evaluation Branch (AEB)

Mandate

AEB provides independent, professional, and quality audit, evaluation, and practice management services founded on sound values and ethics to support informed decision-making and enhanced performance and accountability. It also fulfills the Department's obligations under the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's policies, directives, and standards on internal audit and evaluations, as well as conformance with the Institute of Internal Auditors international standards.

Leadership

Kimberley Accardi, Chief Audit Executive and Director General

Kimberley Accardi was appointed the Chief Audit Executive and Director General, Audit and Evaluation, in September 2022. Prior to this, she was the Deputy Director General of the department's People Operations Branch where she was responsible for large scale operations and policy expertise in classification, compensation and staffing and program areas in learning, talent management and awards. Kimberley was responsible for the design and implementation of a multi- faceted HR-to-Pay stabilization strategy. Prior to joining the department in 2018, Kimberley held positions at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency.

Legal Services (LS)

Mandate

ISED's LS is a departmental legal services unit that is a part of the Business and Regulatory Law Portfolio of the Department of Justice. LS strives to deliver timely and effective professional legal services to all sectors of ISED, as well as to other government departments and agencies of the ISED Portfolio, according to the service agreements and standards set by the Department of Justice.

Leadership

Alain Vauclair, Senior General Counsel and Executive Director

Alain Vauclair has been Senior General Counsel and Executive Director for the Portfolio's Legal Services (Department of Justice) since September 2018. From 2013 to 2018, he was the Senior General Counsel and Executive Director for the Public Services and Procurement Canada and Shared Services Canada LS. He was also responsible for the creation and launch of Department of Justice's Centre of Expertise in Procurement Law in 2017.

Competition Bureau (CB)

Mandate

CB is an independent law enforcement agency that protects and promotes competition for the benefit of Canadian consumers and businesses. Competition drives lower prices and innovation while fueling economic growth. The Bureau is responsible for the administration and enforcement of four pieces of legislation:

• Competition Act
• Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act
• Textile Labelling Act
• Precious Metals Marketing Act

The Competition Act contains both criminal and civil provisions aimed at preventing anti-competitive practices in the marketplace. Its purpose is to protect and promote competition in Canada in order to:

• promote the efficiency and adaptability of the Canadian economy;
• expand opportunities for Canadian participation in world markets while at the same time recognizing the role of foreign competition in Canada;
• ensure that small and medium-sized enterprises have an equitable opportunity to participate in the Canadian economy; and
• provide consumers with competitive prices and product choices.

Leadership

Matthew Boswell, Commissioner of Competition

Matthew Boswell was appointed Commissioner of Competition on March 5, 2019, for a five-year term. He was reappointed for a two- year term, effective February 27, 2024. Matthew first joined the Bureau in 2011 as Associate Deputy Commissioner, Criminal Matters. Since then, he has held leadership positions directing merger reviews and major investigations targeting criminal cartels, abuse of dominance and deceptive marketing practices. Previously, Matthew was Senior Litigation Counsel in the Enforcement Branch of the Ontario Securities Commission; Assistant Crown Attorney in Toronto with the Ministry of the Attorney General of Ontario; and a private practitioner.

Health Emergency Readiness Canada (HERC)

Mandate

HERC is a new special operating agency within ISED that was announced in September 2024. Formerly ISED's Office of Life Sciences and Biomanufacturing Readiness, HERC is responsible for providing policy analysis and leadership to build domestic capabilities for the development and production of medical countermeasures (MCMs) to address Canada's health security needs. To do this, HERC will rely on an integrated threat and risk assessment function to consider industrial readiness. It aims to be a funding agency once operationalized and will maintain an industrial emergency response gameplan. While HERC reports to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, it will also support the Minister of Health, especially in times of crisis.

Leadership

Ritu Banerjee, Assistant Deputy Minister and Interim Head

Ritu Banerjee joined ISED in 2023 and is currently the interim Head of the HERC. Prior to that she was the Executive Director of the Results Division, Expenditure Management Sector at the Treasury Board Secretariat. Ritu has also worked at Employment and Social Development Canada on youth policy and has held various executive positions at Public Safety Canada, primarily working on national security policy issues. She started her career in the federal government at the Department of Justice. In addition to a Bachelor of Arts degree from McGill University, she has a Master of Arts in Political Science from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London and a Law degree from the University of Ottawa. She has been a member of Ontario Bar since 2000.

Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO)

Mandate

CIPO is a special operating agency under ISED, mandated to accelerate Canada's economic development by:

• fostering the utilization of intellectual property (IP) systems and the exploitation of IP information;
• encouraging invention, innovation and creativity in Canada;
• administering the IP systems in Canada, (Patents, Trademarks, Industrial Designs, Copyrights and Integrated Circuit Topographies); and
• promoting Canada's international IP interests.

Leadership

Konstantinos Georgaras, Commissioner of Patents, Registrar of Trademarks and Chief Executive Officer

Konstantinos Georgaras joined the Canadian Intellectual Property Office in 2010 and was appointed as Commissioner of Patents, Registrar of Trademarks and Chief Executive Officer in fall 2020. He also represents Canada at the World Intellectual Property Organization, one of the specialized agencies of the United Nations. He began his career in the public service in 1984 and has held strategic and executive positions within the departments of ISED and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, and within the Science, Technology and Innovation Council. He has extensive experience spanning strategic, economic, and legislative policy, with direct responsibilities for intellectual property, innovation, insolvency, and industrial and labour market policies. Konstantinos holds a Master of Arts in Public Administration from Carleton University and an Executive Certificate in Public Leadership from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Office of the Chief Science Advisor (OCSA)

Mandate

OCSA provides advice on the development and implementation of guidelines to ensure that government science is available to the public and that federal scientists are able to speak freely about their work. It is also responsible for providing advice on creating and implementing processes to ensure that scientific analyses are considered when the Government makes decisions. Further, it assesses and recommends ways to improve the existing science advisory function within the federal government and ways for the Government to better support quality scientific research within the federal system.

OCSA delivers an annual report to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Science on the activities of the OCSA and the state of federal government science, including the federal science workforce and federal scientific infrastructure OCSA provides and coordinate expert advice to the Minister of Science and members of Cabinet, on key scientific issues, including the preparation of research and foresight papers for public dissemination. It promotes a positive and productive dialogue between federal scientists and academia, both in Canada and abroad, and raises awareness of scientific issues relevant to the Canadian public.

Leadership

Dr. Mona Nemer, Chief Science Advisor

Dr. Nemer was first appointed Canada's Chief Science Advisor in 2017 and reappointed for a fourth term in 2024. Prior to this role, she was Professor and Vice-President of Research at the University of Ottawa and Director of the school's Molecular Genetics and Cardiac Regeneration Laboratory. She is a Member of the Order of Canada, a fellow of the Academy of Sciences of the Royal Society of Canada, a fellow of the Chemical Institute of Canada, a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Science, a Knight of the Ordre national du Québec, a Knight of the French Republic's National Order of Merit and a Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour.

Dr. Nemer holds a PhD in Chemistry from McGill University and has done post- doctoral training in molecular biology at the Montréal Clinical Research Institute and Columbia University. She has been awarded honorary doctorates from universities in Canada, France, Finland, Lebanon, and United States.

Statistics Canada (StatsCan)

Mandate

StatsCan is an independent, arm's-length agency with a national mandate to produce data that help Canadians better understand their country – its population, resources, economy, environment, society and culture. As Canada's central statistical office, Statistics Canada is legislated to serve this function for Canada and each of the provinces and territories. The agency must also conduct the Census of Population and the Census of Agriculture every five years, providing a detailed picture of Canadian society. Statistics Canada operates under the authority of the Statistics Act and is committed to protecting the confidentiality and privacy of the information it is entrusted with.

Roles and responsibilities

Statistics Canada's core responsibility is to produce objective, high-quality statistical information for the whole of Canada. The statistical information produced relates to the commercial, industrial, financial, social, economic, environmental and general activities and conditions of the people of Canada.

Statistics Canada has two main roles:

1. to provide statistical information and analysis about Canada's economic and social structure to
   • develop and evaluate public policies and programs; and
   • improve public and private decision making for the benefit of all Canadians.
2. to promote sound statistical standards and practices by
   • using common concepts and classifications to provide better-quality data;
   • working with the provinces and territories to promote quality and coherence of Canada's statistics through collaboration;
   • reducing the burden on respondents through greater use of data sharing agreements; and
   • improving statistical methods and systems through joint research studies and projects.

Leadership

André Loranger, Chief Statistician of Canada, Statistics Canada

André Loranger is an experienced senior public official, having worked at Statistics Canada for 27 years, leading large and complex statistical programs covering all aspects of the Canadian economy. He has previously served in various senior leadership positions in the Agency including Assistant Chief Statistician for Economic Statistics and Assistant Chief Statistician for Strategic Data Management, Methods and Analysis. In that capacity, Mr. Loranger was also Statistics Canada's Chief Data Officer responsible for the overall stewardship of the organization's information data holdings. He was appointed as interim Chief Statistician in March 2024, with formal appointment as Chief Statistician of Canada for a five-year term in December 2024.

Mr. Loranger represents Statistics Canada on various international expert groups pertaining to economic statistics. He is currently the co-chair of the United Nations Network of Economic Statisticians and the chair of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Environmental-Economic Accounting.

Mr. Loranger holds an M.A. (Economics) degree and a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Economics) from the University of Ottawa.

Canadian Space Agency (CSA)

Mandate

CSA has a mandate to promote the peaceful use and development of space, to advance the knowledge of space through science, and to ensure that space science and technology provide socio-economic benefits for Canadians.

The Canadian Space Agency Act states that the CSA's functions are to:

• Assist the Minister in coordinating Government of Canada space policies and programs;
• Plan, direct, manage and implement programs and projects relating to scientific or industrial space research and development and the application of space technology;
• Promote the transfer and diffusion of space technology to and throughout Canadian industry; and
• Encourage the commercial exploitation of space.

Roles and responsibilities

The CSA drives innovation by showcasing Canada's space capabilities through participation in international space exploration. This includes managing Canada's involvement in the International Space Station, leading the Canadian Lunar Program, and leading Canada's participation in planetary exploration and space-based astronomy, such as the James Webb Space Telescope.

The CSA operates essential Earth observation (EO) satellites like the RADARSAT Constellation Mission, which supports national security, monitors climate change, and aids in disaster response. Additionally, CSA is building a replenishment satellite to extend operational life of RCM and defining options for a next-generation RADARSAT system, as well as key EO capabilities, such as WildFireSat to monitor wildfires and the High-altitude Aerosols, Water vapour and Clouds (HAWC) mission for improved weather and climate forecasting.

The CSA fosters Canada's leadership in space technology and competitiveness by supporting space science R&D, including optics, robotics, satellite communications, and space-based radar. CSA grants and contributions –primarily through the Space Technology Development Program (STDP) – support industry capacity development. CSA also delivers the Canada-European Space Agency (ESA) contribution program to create market access opportunities for Canadian companies on ESA mission contracts.

CSA also leads the development of space sector policies and regulations through a whole-of-government approach. It engages Canada's strategic engagement industrial and academic stakeholders and represents Canada in bilateral and multilateral space, such as the United Nations, to help shape valuable partnerships and to advocate for peaceful behaviours in space.

Leadership

Lisa Campbell, President

Before being appointed as President of the Canadian Space Agency in September 2020, Lisa Campbell was Associate Deputy Minister, Veterans Affairs Canada. Prior to that role she was Assistant Deputy Minister, Defence and Marine Procurement, leading the organization procuring Canada's military and marine equipment. She has also worked at Canada's competition authority as Senior Deputy Commissioner reviewing mergers and business conduct.

Ms. Campbell worked as a litigator in the areas of criminal, employment, and constitutional law. She holds a B.A. in political science from McGill University (1988) and an LL.B. from Dalhousie Law School (1991).

National Research Council (NRC)

Mandate

The NRC organizes and grows research and innovation in Canada by advancing knowledge, applying leading-edge technologies, and working with other innovators to find creative, relevant, and sustainable solutions to Canada's current and future economic, social, and environmental challenges.

Roles and responsibilities

Advancing scientific and technical knowledge:

• Advancing scientific solutions to address public policy challenges
• Co-locating researchers and equipment with partners in academia and industry to share access to specialized equipment, working side by side on joint projects, and providing training opportunities for young scientists in leading-edge research areas
• Exploring new ideas and accessing new capabilities through national and international partnerships
• Providing effective stewardship of nationally mandated scientific functions such as ground-based astronomical observatories, the National Building Code, and Canada's national standard for measurements such as weight and time

Supporting business innovation:

• Providing access to expertise and specialized facilities to help industry reduce the financial risks associated with R&D
• Providing funding, advice and guidance through the NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) to help innovative Canadian small and medium-sized businesses scale up and compete at home and abroad
• Directing collaborative R&D programs towards transferring technologies and helping solve the challenges faced by Canadian industry
• Providing critical support for Canadian cleantech companies

Supporting government policy mandates:

• Contributing to federal science initiatives with scientific knowledge and technological insights that contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of regulation, stewardship, national security, and defence
• Supplying insights into emerging technologies and advising government and industry on disruptive potential

Leadership

Mitch Davies, President, National Research Council

Mitch Davies returned to the NRC as President for a 5-year term on January 3, 2024, having previously served in the role from December 2020 to October 2021. Mr. Davies has extensive experience in science, innovation and industrial development developed over more than 30 years of public service.

Since 2006 and prior to joining the NRC, Mr. Davies held a number of senior executive positions at ISED, including Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Industry Sector, and Senior Assistant Deputy Minister and founding executive of Innovation Canada. Mitch was also the Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Policy Sector and Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Science and Innovation Sector. Mr. Davies has also held executive roles across government, including at the Privy Council Office.

Mr. Davies holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Queen's University and a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree from the University of Manitoba.

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)

Mandate

Created in 1978 through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Act, NSERC is the federal agency mandated to promote and support research and training in the natural sciences and engineering (NSE), other than the health sciences, and advise the responsible Minister on related matters. NSE disciplines supported by NSERC include engineering, computing, mathematics, physics and astronomy, chemistry, geosciences, evolution and ecology, biology, and psychology.

Roles and responsibilities

NSERC invests roughly $1.2 billion per year through grants, fellowships, and scholarships awarded based on independent merit review. Their aim is to support the work of the best and most promising researchers, students and postdoctoral fellows at universities, colleges, CEGEPs and polytechnics across the country. NSERC- funded research programs and projects can be curiosity-driven, industry-focused, interdisciplinary or high-risk/high-reward, thereby enriching the research ecosystem, the economy and society.

NSERC supports Canada's innovation ecosystem by connecting research to knowledge users in the private, public, and non-profit sectors through partnered research. It helps stakeholders access resources from academic institutions and new knowledge and technologies. NSERC also supports research that enhances Canadians' prosperity and quality of life and promotes international collaboration to improve research outcomes.

Through scholarships, fellowships, and funding for trainees, NSERC enables Canada's future innovators to reach their potential. By promoting the value of science, engineering, and the thrill of discovery, NSERC ensures Canada's research ecosystem can meet the talent, industry and technological demands of today and the future while fostering a diverse pool of world-class researchers by inspiring youth to develop a lifelong love of science.

Leadership

Dr. Alejandro Adem, President

Professor Alejandro Adem has been President of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) since October 2019. Before joining NSERC, he was CEO and Scientific Director of Mitacs (2015–2019), where he oversaw a significant expansion of its domestic and international internship programs as well as the launch of the Mitacs Canadian Science Policy Fellowships, an Indigenous engagement initiative and an innovative entrepreneurship program. Prior to that, he served as Director of the Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences (2008-2015). Dr. Adem is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, Chair of the Global Research Council, and immediate past Chair of the Canada Research Coordinating Committee.

Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada

Mandate

Created in 1977 through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Act, SSHRC is the federal agency mandated to promote and support research and training in the social sciences and humanities (SSH) and advise the responsible Minister on related matters. SSH disciplines include economics, business, political science, history, philosophy, sociology, and ethics.

SSHRC also provides leadership for and administers key tri-agency initiatives (i.e., joint initiatives of the three federal granting agencies) that support the broader Canadian research enterprise. These investments support all disciplines as well as interdisciplinary research.

Roles and responsibilities

SSHRC invests roughly $445 million per year through SSH grants, fellowships, and scholarships awarded based on independent merit review. Their aim is to train the next generation of talented, creative thinkers and doers; build knowledge and understanding about people, cultures, and societies; and drive the innovations that address the challenges of today and tomorrow.

As well, SSHRC, on behalf of the three federal granting agencies, administers tri-agency programs representing a tri-agency investment of over $1 billion, to:

• Recruit top research talent at universities (Canada Research Chairs Program)
• Enhance the institutional environment for research (Research Support Fund)
• Strengthen interdisciplinary, international, high-risk research (New Frontiers in Research Fund)
• Support large-scale initiatives addressing federal S&T priorities (Canada First Research Excellence Fund, Canada Excellence Research Chairs)
• Advance mission-oriented interdisciplinary initiatives (Biomedical Research Fund)

SSHRC also hosts the Canada Research Coordinating Committee (CRCC) secretariat, delivering on joint priorities such as international collaboration, early career researchers, and research training. Additional roles of SSHRC include leading the tri-agency strategy to support Indigenous-led research and partnering with federal departments to deliver targeted funding to advance government priorities, such as sustainable agriculture (with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada) and the national housing strategy (with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation). SSHRC also works with government departments and sectoral stakeholders to connect researchers and decision-makers to identify and address key challenges for Canada.

Leadership

Dr. Ted Hewitt, President

Dr. Ted Hewitt was appointed President of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) in March 2015. He was Vice-President of Research and International Relations at Western University in London, Ontario, from 2004 to 2011, where he had been a professor of sociology since 1989. He served as the inaugural chair of the Canada Research Coordinating Committee (CRCC) from 2017 to 2019, and again in 2023. The CRCC is the strategic forum to advance coordinated action by the three federal granting agencies and the Canada Foundation for Innovation. Dr. Hewitt was also a public policy scholar at the Brazil Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C.

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

Mandate

BDC is mandated to support Canadian entrepreneurship by providing financing, investment capital and advisory services. It is required to be a complementary lender and service provider, completing services available in the private sector, providing financing to higher risk SMEs at higher interest rates.

Roles and responsibilities

• BDC supports Canadian entrepreneurs through three core business lines: BDC Financing; BDC Capital; and BDC Advisory Services.
• As Canada's most active investor, BDC fills a leadership role in the Canadian venture capital market by investing directly in companies and through venture capital funds.
• BDC works to address market gaps, increase access to financing to traditionally underserved entrepreneurship groups, and support innovative sectors.
• BDC fulfills a countercyclical role, increasing activity during times of economic uncertainty, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the event of U.S. tariffs, BDC stands ready to support Canadian entrepreneurs in affected sectors.
• BDC is an important partner in delivering Government of Canada initiatives assigned by its Designated Minister. This includes administering the Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative, investing in the Indigenous Growth Fund, and supporting the delivery of activities as part of the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, the Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund, and the Canada Digital Adoption Program.

Leadership

Brian O'Neil, Chairperson of the Board of Directors

Brian O'Neil became a member of the Business Development Canada (Board of Directors in June 2017 and was appointed Chairperson in December 2023. He brings more than 25 years of experience advising, working and investing alongside small and medium-sized Canadian companies.

He currently serves as President and Chief Investment Officer of A Faire Aujourd'hui Inc., a Toronto-based family office and private equity fund which participates in the syndication of significant minority investment in private companies. Post-investment, he often plays an active role supporting investees to finance their operations, export their products and grow their business.

Prior to investment management, Mr. O'Neil worked for Buck Consultants, a global human resources firm, and worked for the Government of Canada.

Isabelle Hudon, President and Chief Executive Officer

Isabelle Hudon was appointed President and CEO of BDC in August 2021, after serving as Ambassador of Canada to France and Monaco for four years. Prior to that, she held senior leadership roles at Sun Life Financial, including President and CEO (Quebec) and Senior Vice President (Canada).

Driven by a strong desire to increase the organization's contribution to Canada's development through its entrepreneurs, she is accelerating the deployment of multiple initiatives across BDC that will enable the organization to increase its impact and contribute to fair, inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Destination Canada (DC)

Mandate

DC (legally known as the Canadian Tourism Commission) is a federal Crown corporation established in 2001 under the Canadian Tourism Commission Act. Its mandate, outlined in the Act, is to foster a vibrant and profitable Canadian tourism industry; market Canada as a desirable tourist destination; support a cooperative relationship between the private sector and the governments of Canada, the provinces and the territories with respect to Canadian tourism; and provide information about Canadian tourism to the private sector and to the governments of Canada, the provinces and the territories.

Roles and responsibilities

DC focuses its marketing efforts on nine key international markets where Canada's tourism is most prominent and where there is the greatest potential for return. For 2025, these markets include the United Kingdom, France, Germany, China, Mexico, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and the United States. Additionally, DC also markets Canada as a premier destination for business events, conferences and meetings. Since March 2024, DC has focused on attracting high-value business events through the International Convention Attraction Fund.

In order to optimize marketing efforts and help tourism partners and businesses understand target audiences and trends, DC also conducts extensive research and provides valuable data and insights through the Canadian Tourism Data Collective. Moreover, DC actively contributes to destination development through a number of initiatives including the Tourism Corridor Strategy.

Leadership

The Honourable Liza Frulla, P.C., C.M., O.Q., Chair of the Board of Directors

Ms. Frulla was appointed Chairperson of Destination Canada (DC)'s Board of Directors in August 2021 with a five year term. She has been CEO and Director of the Institut de tourisme et d'hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ) since 2015.

In her career, Ms. Frulla has been a federal minister, a provincial minister in Québec and made a significant contribution to the Canadian arts and culture sector.

She holds a B.A. from Collège Basile-Moreau and a degree in education from the Université de Montréal. In 2018 and 2019, she was a member of the Advisory Council on Jobs and the Visitor Economy whose recommendations played an important role in the development of Creating Middle Class Jobs: A Federal Tourism Growth Strategy.

Marsha Walden, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Ms. Walden was appointed DC's President and CEO in August 2020 with a five year term. Prior to this, Mr. Walden had been President and CEO of Destination British Columbia since 2013. Throughout her career, she occupied several executive positions, notably with the British Columbia Lottery Corporation and Batten, Barton, Durstine & Osborn (BBDO) Canada.

She is a graduate of the Harvard Business School Executive Program: Leading Change and Organizational Renewal, and she holds a holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia.

Standards Council of Canada (SCC)

Mandate

The SCC promotes the participation of Canadians in voluntary standards activities and public–private sector cooperation in relation to voluntary standardization in Canada. It coordinates and oversee the efforts of the persons and organizations involved in the National Standards System. SCC also fosters quality, performance and technological innovation in Canadian goods and services through standards- related activities. It also develops standards-related strategies and long-term objectives.

The Chair, Council Members, and Chief Executive Officer are appointed by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister. The Council has oversight for the operations of SCC. The Chief Executive Officer has responsibility for SCC's day-to-day operations.

Leadership

Chantal Guay, Chief Executive Officer

Chantal Guay was appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Standards Council of Canada in 2018. Prior to this role, Ms. Guay was SCC's Vice President, Standards and International Relations, where she was responsible for overseeing management of the Canadian standardization network. She also served as SCC's Vice President, Accreditation Services for 5 years, where she led the unit's transformation and established a new customer-centric business model. In January 2020, Ms. Guay became the first woman to lead both SCC and represent Canada on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Council. Active in the international community, she has held many positions, including Chair of the Pacific Asia Standards Congress.

Prior to joining SCC, Ms. Guay was CEO of Engineers Canada. Under her leadership, the engineering profession adopted the 30 by 30 strategy to increase the percentage of newly licensed female engineers to 30% by 2030. Ms. Guay holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Geological Engineering from Université Laval, a Master's degree in Environmental Management from Université de Sherbrooke and an Advanced Executive Certificate in General Management from the Queen's University School of Business. She received the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

François Coallier, Chair

François Coallier is full professor at the Department of Software and IT Engineering at the École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS). He was CIO of ÉTS between 2010 and 2016 and the founding chair of ÉTS' Department of Software and IT Engineering from its creation in 2004 till 2010.

He has nearly twenty-two years of industrial experience in one of Canada's largest companies, where he held various engineering and managerial positions. Dr. Coallier has been continuously involved in software and systems engineering standards development since 1984, when he started to contribute to the development of software engineering standards at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). He was the international Secretary of the Joint ISO and IEC subcommittee responsible for the elaboration of standards in Software and Systems Engineering (ISO/IEC JTC1/SC7), from 1993 to 1997, and its Chair from 1997 to 2017. François Coallier has a B.Sc. in Environmental Biology from McGill University, a B. Eng. in Engineering Physics and an M.A.Sc. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Montréal's École Polytechnique.

Dr. Coallier is currently the international Chair of ISO/IEC JTC1/SC41, the subcommittee responsible for the elaboration of standards for Internet of Things and related areas since its creation in 2016 and a member of the IEC Standardization Evaluation Group on Communication Technologies and Architectures of Electrotechnical Systems (SEG8). He is also the chair of CSA Group' Strategic Steering Committee on ICT and vice-chair of the Canadian JTC 1 mirror committee.

Competition Tribunal

Mandate

The Competition Tribunal has jurisdiction to hear and dispose of all applications made under parts VII.1 and VIII of the Competition Act and any related matters. It also hears references filed pursuant to section 124.2 of the Competition Act.

Part VII.1 (sections 74.01 to 74.19) of the Competition Act deals with deceptive marketing practices. Part VIII (sections 75 to 107) deals with restrictive trade practices including refusal to supply, price maintenance, exclusive dealing, tied selling, market restriction, abuse of dominant position, delivered pricing, foreign judgments and laws, foreign suppliers, specialization agreements, and mergers.

The Competition Bureau, headed by the Commissioner of Competition, is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Competition Act, and other acts. The Bureau investigates complaints and decides whether to proceed with the filing of an application to the Competition Tribunal.

All proceedings before the Tribunal are dealt with as informally and expeditiously as the circumstances and considerations of fairness permit.

The Tribunal is composed of up to six judicial members appointed from among the judges of the Federal Court and not more than eight lay members.

Roles and responsibilities

The Competition Bureau, headed by the Commissioner of Competition, is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Competition Act, and other acts. The Bureau investigates complaints and decides whether to proceed with the filing of an application to the Competition Tribunal.

All proceedings before the Tribunal are dealt with as informally and expeditiously as the circumstances and considerations of fairness permit.

The Tribunal is composed of up to six judicial members appointed from among the judges of the Federal Court and not more than eight lay members.

Leadership

Justice Andrew D. Little, Chairperson

Justice Little was appointed to the Federal Court on April 28, 2020. He also serves as a judicial member and Chairperson of the Competition Tribunal.

As a lawyer, Justice Little worked at law firms in Toronto and, for over a decade, in Calgary. He provided advocacy and advice in a wide variety of litigation and regulatory matters, including competition and consumer protection cases, contract, tort and commercial disputes, and domestic, international and investor-state arbitrations. From 2013 to 2015, he was seconded to the Department of Justice, serving as General Counsel at the Competition Bureau.

He has appeared at all levels of the Federal, Ontario and Alberta courts, as well as the Supreme Court of Canada, the Competition Tribunal, and many domestic and international arbitral tribunals.

While in law practice, Justice Little was a frequent speaker, writer, and presenter on competition/antitrust law, administrative law, contracts, arbitration, and legal developments in appeal courts. He was a guest lecturer on administrative law at the law schools at the University of Calgary and the University of Toronto. From 2000 to 2007, he taught an upper-year litigation course at the Faculty of Law, University of Calgary.

Justice Little is a graduate of Queen's University, Dalhousie Law School, and Balliol College, Oxford. He served as law clerk for Madam Justice Claire L'Heureux-Dubé at the Supreme Court of Canada in 1990-91.

Copyright Board of Canada

Mandate

The Copyright Board is an independent administrative tribunal and economic regulator established under the Copyright Act, with a mandate to intervene in three areas, namely approving tariffs for content whose rights are managed by collective societies, the granting of licences for the use of content for which the right owners cannot be found, and arbitration in the event a collective society and users cannot agree on royalties.

Decisions by the Board have general application and must be fair, equitable and timely, be based on solid legal and economic principles, and consider evolving business models and technologies as well as the public interest.

Roles and responsibilities

Under the Copyright Act, rights owners are entitled to be paid for the use of their protected works.

Accordingly, the Board is mainly responsible for approving tariffs for:

• the use of musical works, sound recordings and public performances by a wide range of entities including television stations, satellite radio, online music services, hotels and restaurants;
• the use of literary works by educational institutions and governments;
• the retransmission of works embedded in distant television and radio signals, or the reproduction and public performance of a television and radio broadcast, by educational establishments for educational purposes; and,
• the manufacture or importation of blank audio media for private copying purposes.

The Board also sets royalties when there is disagreement between a user and a collective society and establishes rules on applications for non-exclusive licences to use various types of works when the copyright owner cannot be located.

Leadership

Justice Luc Martineau, Part-Time Chair

Justice Martineau was a sitting judge of the Federal Court until his retirement on August 30, 2021. He was appointed Chair of the Copyright Board of Canada in October 2020 for a five-year term. He was appointed Judge of the Federal Court of Canada, Trial Division and ex officio member of the Court of Appeal on January 25, 2002, and Judge of the Court Martial Appeal Court of Canada on April 18, 2002. On July 2, 2003, the date of the coming into force of the Courts Administration Service Act, he became Judge of the Federal Court. Prior to this, Justice Martineau established his own firm as a lawyer, arbitrator and mediator in Montréal from 1996 to 2002. He was a partner at Langlois Robert from 1990 to 1996 and an associate and partner at Robert, Dansereau, Barré, Marchessault & Lauzon in Montréal from 1981 to 1990.

Drew Olsen, Vice Chair and CEO

Drew Olsen was appointed Vice Chair of the Copyright Board of Canada in August 2024 for a five year term. Prior to this, he was an executive and Associate Director General at Canadian Heritage, where his responsibilities included providing advice and recommendations on cultural sector funding support policies and programs, and for legislative policy issues related to broadcasting policy and copyright policy. He holds an M.A. in Economics from the University of Toronto, a B.A. in Economics from Simon Fraser University, and an L.L.B. from the University of British Columbia.

Measurement Canada

Mandate

Measurement Canada is the regulatory body entrusted with ensuring the accuracy and reliability of trade measurement in Canada, specifically for financial transactions involving the purchase and sale of measured goods. As the national authority on legal metrology, Measurement Canada plays a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of measurement standards across the country and is an integral part of Canada's national quality infrastructure.

Roles and responsibilities

Measurement Canada is responsible for administering and enforcing the Weights and Measures Act, Electricity and Gas Inspection Act and certain sections of the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act. The agency also develops and administers regulations and requirements governing measurement-based financial transactions, ensuring full compliance with the relevant Acts, regulations, technical specifications, and compliance standards. Measurement Canada calibrates and certifies physical standards used by its inspectors and authorized service providers, evaluates prototype measuring devices and measurement systems – including scales, fuel dispensers, electricity and natural gas meters, and electric vehicle chargers, as well as testing and certifying measuring devices and measurement systems.

Measurement Canada also investigates consumer and business complaints regarding suspected inaccurate measurements, taking corrective actions to resolve non- compliance and rectify unfair trade measurement practices. It also accredits, audits, and oversees private-sector authorized service and is also responsible for compliance activities such as implementing proactive and corrective measures, along with enforcement actions, to prevent and resolve inaccurate measurement and unfair trade measurement practices.

Leadership

Anne-Marie Monteith, President

Anne-Marie Monteith became the President of Measurement Canada in April 2023.

With a career at the Department dating back to 2009, Anne-Marie has held several leadership positions. Before joining Measurement Canada, she served as Chief of Staff to the Deputy Minister, following her tenure as Senior Director of Policy, International Affairs and Research at the Canadian Intellectual Property Office. She has also held key roles in the Small Business and Marketplace Services Sector as Director of Policy, and in the Strategy and Innovation Policy Sector as Director of Copyright and Trademark Policy. Earlier in her career, Anne-Marie worked at the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and at Global Affairs Canada. Anne-Marie holds a Masters of Science in Physics from the University of Victoria.

Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy (OSB)

The OSB supervises all estates and matters to which the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (BIA) applies, as well as certain matters under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA). The BIA aims to maintain investor confidence, return assets to productive use, enable honest but unfortunate debtors to obtain a discharge from their debt for a fresh financial start, and encourage the reorganization of viable businesses to preserve and create jobs. The CCAA, on the other hand, allows insolvent corporations to restructure or liquidate their businesses, enabling financially distressed companies to avoid bankruptcy, foreclosure, or asset seizure while maximizing returns for creditors, and preserving both jobs and the company's value as a functioning business where possible.

The OSB licenses and regulates the insolvency profession; supervises the administration of estates in bankruptcy, commercial reorganizations, consumer proposals and receiverships; maintains a public record of BIA and CCAA filings; records and investigates complaints from debtors and creditors regarding the insolvency process; and ensures compliance through maintenance and enforcement of the regulatory framework. OSB operates as a vote net revenue organization, with its costs recovered from the insolvency process.

Leadership

Elisabeth Lang, Superintendent of Bankruptcy

Elisabeth Lang was reappointed Superintendent of Bankruptcy for a five-year term, effective October 7, 2023.

Originally appointed in October 2018, Ms. Lang and the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy (OSB) team have achieved significant results in support of an effective insolvency system in Canada. This work includes IT modernization, leveraging Artificial Intelligence, the achievement of important compliance and enforcement outcomes, a focus on meaningful engagement and organizational excellence, all in support of business, investor and consumer confidence in the Canadian marketplace. For more information, please see the OSB's Business Plans and Annual Reports.

Ms. Lang brings a wealth of experience and deep understanding of the mandate and mission of the organization, having served as a member of the Executive team of the OSB from 2007 to 2016. Prior to her original term as Superintendent, she held leadership positions at the Competition Bureau, where she served as Chief of Staff to the Commissioner of Competition and then the Associate Deputy Commissioner of Deceptive Marketing Practices. A lawyer by training, Ms. Lang acquired experience in private practice before joining the Department of Justice as Legal Counsel for Industry Canada. Ms. Lang earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from King's College at the University of Western Ontario before completing her Law Degree at York University's Osgoode Hall.