OTTAWA, ON (March 2, 2023): MLI is pleased to formally announce changes that will broaden the scope of MLI’s public policy outreach and expand our work as Canada’s foremost thought leader. The Institute’s consistent growth in size and influence is proof of the essential role it plays in Canada’s future.
MLI has previously focused on three program areas: Social, Economic and Justice Policy; Indigenous Affairs; and Foreign Affairs, National Defence and National Security. But we are pleased to establish a new Natural Resources, Energy and Environment Program, which will focus on research relating to Canada’s natural resource wealth and how it can be successfully harnessed to bring prosperity to the country.
The new program will be led by Director Heather Exner-Pirot, who has been a Senior Fellow at the Institute since 2021.
“The new program carves out a dedicated pillar for Natural Resources, Energy and Environment,” says Managing Director Brian Lee Crowley. “I can’t think of a better thought leader to take the helm than Heather.”
Furthermore, Senior Fellow Jonathan Berkshire Miller – who had been the Director of the Indo-Pacific Program – has taken over as the Institute’s new Director of the Foreign Affairs, National Defence and National Security Program. This follows the recent departure of Shuvaloy Majumdar, who had led the program for several years.
“Jonathan had led and expanded our Indo-Pacific Program with distinction and will build on those many successes in MLI’s influence and impact,” adds Crowley. “It has never been more important for MLI to lead the discussion and debate about Canada’s rightful place in a dangerous world, to call out bad public policy and to press for better alternatives.”
Jonathan and Heather join Directors Ken Coates and Aaron Wudrick, who lead the Indigenous Affairs and Social, Economic and Justice Policy Programs, respectively. Together, they form a formidable team of which MLI can be proud.
In other news, Lesley Hudson has joined MLI as its new Director of Business Development and Donor Relations. The position was formerly held by George Habchi. Lesley joins MLI with 15 years of public relations experience in the public sector. In her most recent role, as a Strategic Transformation Manager in municipal government, Lesley led cyber awareness initiatives and supported transformative business operations within the cyber division.
Finally, Jackelyn Beacom has been promoted to Manager of Events and Administration, and Jia Kim has joined MLI as its new Administrative and Events Coordinator.
For more information, media are invited to contact:
Skander Belouizdad
Communications Officer
613-482-8327 x111
skander.belouizdad@macdonaldlaurier.ca
