AMY BUTCHER
Ottawa,ON
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven professional with over 20 years of progressive experience in public affairs, communications, government relations, and organizational management across public and private sectors. Seasoned leader with a deep understanding of public sector dynamics and advocacy strategy excels at influencing decision-makers and navigating complex political landscapes. Committed to persuasive communication, coalition-building, and delivering tangible results, consistently driving meaningful impact for organizations and the communities served.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President, Public Affairs
Tourism Industry Association of Canada
01.2024 - Current
- Oversee integrated advocacy and communications campaigns, aligning policy initiatives with strategic messaging to maximize visibility and drive favorable policy outcomes.
- Manage multi-sectoral stakeholder consultations, ensuring timely delivery of TIAC’s industry recommendations to federal and provincial governments.
- Direct crisis communication response and reputation management to safeguard TIAC and sector interests during high-impact events.
- Mentor and lead cross-functional teams, introducing KPI-driven frameworks to improve advocacy delivery and stakeholder engagement.
Chief of Staff
Rebel.com
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Directed the day-to-day management of the corporation, demonstrating leadership in restructuring the team with a focus on labor optimizations and operational enhancements, showcasing adept skills in organizational efficiency and strategic decision-making.
- Executed major company decisions and served as the right hand to the Chairman of Rebel’s holding company, pivotal in overseeing and managing overall corporate operations, highlighting strategic insight and collaboration skills.
- Provided mentorship and coaching to team members, contributing to developing core competencies essential for corporate success, and showcasing strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
Director, Public Affairs and Outreach Directorate
Competition Bureau of Canada
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Led influential national discussions on the significance of the legislative review of the Competition Act, employing strategic marketing to raise awareness and engagement. Successfully lobbied the federal government to commit to a formal legislative review process.
- Elevated the profile of the Commissioner as a leading Canadian expert defending the interests of Canadians, implementing branding strategies to position them prominently in public discourse.
- Oversaw communications and issues management related to the proposed merger of Rogers and Shaw, to navigate and shape public perceptions during this critical business development.
Director of Communications & Parliamentary Affairs
Minister of Transport
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Strategically orchestrated crisis communications for several matters of national importance, such as the PF752 shooting, railway blockages, and the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing branding strategies to maintain public trust and perception.
- Served as the primary spokesperson on multiple occasions, utilizing strong communication skills to reinforce and enhance the brand image during critical situations.
- Developed extensive media relations experience with national reporters, fostering positive relationships and implementing strategic branding initiatives to shape public narratives.
Director of Communications
Minister of Democratic Institutions
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Designed and effectively promoted Canada’s comprehensive election interference strategy, employing strategic marketing to counteract the negative impacts of online disinformation campaigns.
- Successfully secured national editorial support for establishing an independent Leaders Debate Commission, showcasing brand advocacy and public relations expertise.
Senior Policy Advisor, Partnership & Strategies
Public Health Agency of Canada
01.2012 - 01.2016
- Successfully secured major corporate sponsors (Canadian Tire, Airmiles, Lift) for the Active Living Challenge (Play Exchange), showcasing strong marketing and branding insight.
- Negotiated and facilitated the production of a CBC broadcast television show, demonstrating expertise in marketing and brand promotion strategies.
Manager, H1N1 Pandemic Communications
Public Health Agency of Canada
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Coordinated communications in support of effective federal response to H1N1 pandemic.
- Liaised with provincial governments to ensure consistent, timely, and successful pan-Canadian messages.
Manager, Cabinet & Parliamentary Affairs
Public Health Agency of Canada
01.2006 - 01.2009
- Provided strategic advice on parliamentary relations (governing and opposition caucuses).
- Orchestrated management of Question Period, drafting, editing and approving Gov’t responses.
- Steered key initiatives through public policy process (i.e. cabinet approval, parliamentary committees).
Press Secretary
Prime Minister of Canada
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Directed comprehensive government-wide communication strategies encompassing all social policy portfolios, integrating marketing and branding initiatives for effective public outreach.
- Served as a key liaison between National Press Gallery reporters and the Prime Minister’s Office, fostering positive media relations and implementing strategic communication approaches to enhance the government's brand image.
Education
Bachelor of Arts degree - Political Science
Concordia University
Montreal, QC01.2012
Skills
- Team leadership
- Relationship building
- Decision-making
- Critical thinking
- Coaching and mentoring
- Results-driven
Languages
Fluently bilingual (English and French).
Timeline
Vice President, Public Affairs
Tourism Industry Association of Canada
01.2024 - Current
Chief of Staff
Rebel.com
01.2022 - 01.2023
Director, Public Affairs and Outreach Directorate
Competition Bureau of Canada
01.2021 - 01.2022
Director of Communications & Parliamentary Affairs
Minister of Transport
01.2019 - 01.2021
Director of Communications
Minister of Democratic Institutions
01.2018 - 01.2019
Senior Policy Advisor, Partnership & Strategies
Public Health Agency of Canada
01.2012 - 01.2016
Manager, H1N1 Pandemic Communications
Public Health Agency of Canada
01.2009 - 01.2011
Manager, Cabinet & Parliamentary Affairs
Public Health Agency of Canada
01.2006 - 01.2009
Press Secretary
Prime Minister of Canada
01.2004 - 01.2006
Bachelor of Arts degree - Political Science
Concordia University
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