Caroline Bourbonniere
Ottawa
Summary
Results-oriented political staffer with a strong political acumen and 10 years of combined experience in public policy development, stakeholder relations, strategic communications, and governance strategies. Highly professional and fully bilingual, experienced in four Canadian Federal Ministers' offices, consistently demonstrating the ability to handle increasing responsibilities. Passionate about innovation and dedicated to making a positive impact in the political landscape.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Trade
09.2024 - Current
- Leads the office's Communications strategy and advises the Minister on public-facing engagements and diplomatic affairs
- Provides strategic direction to officials within the Global Affairs communications team
- Oversees the work of the work of three employees in the Minister's office (press secretary, digital advisor, speech writer)
- Acts as liaison with other Minister's offices and the Prime Minister's office
- Works with the policy team to advance policy priorities through effective and targeted communications strategies
- Cultivates relationships with key stakeholders and journalists
- Accompanies Minister on trade missions and other international engagements
Director of Policy
Office of the Minister of Northern Affairs
12.2022 - Current
- Led and coached a team of 5 policy advisors
- Advised the Minister on policy priorities related to his portfolio
- Prepared the Minister for Cabinet
- Managed and cultivated relationships with Indigenous partners, territorial premiers, and industry stakeholders
- Prepared the Minister's budget submissions for 2023 and 2024 and oversaw stakeholder management on budget day
- Played a pivotal role in the negotiation and finalization of the Nunavut Devolution agreement
- Coordinated with other Minister's offices and the Prime Minister's office to advance northern priorities which included economic development, renewable energy projects, mining, housing, and food security.
Director of Labour Relations
Office of the President of the Treasury Board
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Advised the President on all 16 files affecting the Federal public service (collective bargaining, the Public Service Health Care Plan, whistleblowing legislation, etc)
- Managed relationships with key stakeholders and other Minister's offices
- Oversaw the work of two policy advisors and provided strategic direction to department officials
- Acted as liaison with caucus members from the National Capital Region
Senior Policy Advisor
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Advised the Minister on digital policy
- Built and maintained relationships with a broad range of stakeholders in the digital space including technology firms, academics, non-profit groups and political representatives from the UK, the EU, the United States and Australia.
- Worked on memorandums to cabinet and legislation
- Prepared the Minister for committee appearances
- Advised the Minister on the appointment of 55 CEOs, Chairs and board members for crown corporations within the Canadian Heritage portfolio
- Advised crown corporation chairs on governance issues and crisis management
Head of Public Relations
Element AI
01.2016 - 01.2020
- Developed the company's global communications strategy
- Managed external PR agencies in Canada, US, Europe, and Asia to coordinate milestone announcements (Seed, Series A, B funding)
- Managed media relations with top tier publications (WSJ, NY Times, Wired, etc)
- Curated two conferences focused on Artificial Intelligence at a top business and creativity conference in Montreal in 2017 and 2018. Recruited top technology players as speakers and fundraised 400K for both conferences
- Worked with the firm's public policy shop on their public affairs strategy
- Interfaced with software engineers, data scientists, product developers, sales and strategy associates and board members to align on core objectives.
- Prepared quarterly reports for management in preparation for board meetings
Senior Account Executive
Edelman Public Relations
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Developed public affairs strategies for over 35 clients in technology, energy, and finance sectors
- Developed crisis communications plans for clients
- Performed research on emerging trends and sectors
Education
Certificate - Crisis Management and Business Continuity
MIT
Boston, MA07.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Concordia University
06.2013
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Policy Analysis Expertise
- Executive Briefing Expertise
- Effective Priority Setting
- Team Management
- Targeted Communication Strategies
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Effective Problem Solving
- Crisis Resolution Strategies
- Dedicated Work Ethic
- Trustworthy Professional Conduct
- Relationship Building Proficiency
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Trade
09.2024 - Current
Director of Policy
Office of the Minister of Northern Affairs
12.2022 - Current
Director of Labour Relations
Office of the President of the Treasury Board
01.2022 - 12.2022
Senior Policy Advisor
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
01.2020 - 01.2022
Head of Public Relations
Element AI
01.2016 - 01.2020
Senior Account Executive
Edelman Public Relations
01.2015 - 01.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Concordia University
Certificate - Crisis Management and Business Continuity
MIT
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