Rebecca Caldwell
Ottawa,ON
Summary
Dynamic Senior Policy Advisor with extensive experience at the Prime Minister of Canada, excelling in policy analysis and strategic recommendations. Proven track record in securing $700 million in emergency support for cultural organizations and leading the first legislated application of Gender-Based Analysis Plus. Strong communicator and collaborative leader dedicated to impactful policy development.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Policy Advisor
Prime Minister of Canada
11.2021 - 04.2025
- Provided strategic policy recommendations to the Prime Minister and senior leadership to deliver on the federal government's mandate commitments and improve the lives of Canadians. Files at times included: Agriculture, International Trade, Procurement, Employment and Workforce Development, Mental Health and Addictions, Gender Equality, and Disability Inclusion.
- Collaborated with Ministers' offices to monitor policy development and assist with issue mitigation.
- Met with stakeholders to understand their positions and briefed the Prime Minister for his stakeholder consultations.
- Helped with coordination of Cabinet Committees to ensure better information-sharing and that Ministers and their staff were properly briefed.
- Left position with the resignation of Prime Minister Trudeau.
Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Policy
Minister of Canadian Heritage and Sport
02.2021 - 11.2021
- Aided the Chief of Staff in managing a team of 25 and supporting the Minister with a focus on the development and implementation of the federal culture and sports policy.
- Secured $700-million in emergency support that provided relief to cultural, heritage and sport organizations during the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Advised central and other key line ministries on the specific needs of our portfolio’s stakeholders in the development of additional supports, such as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit and the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy.
- On behalf of the Minister, signed off on program grants for the Atlantic provinces, Ontario, the Prairies, the North, and British Columbia.
- As Director of Policy, managed a team of six policy advisors that provided strategic policy advice to the Minister, including budget request recommendations and stakeholder briefings.
- Oversaw the development and introduction of Bill C-10, which would have amended the Broadcasting Act to include streaming services.
- Helped with the creation of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and the installation of the first Indigenous Languages Commissioner and Directors.
- Began as Director of Policy in December 2019 and was promoted in February 2021. Position ended with the federal election of Fall 2021.
Senior Advisor
Minister of Finance
01.2019 - 12.2019
- Provided strategic policy advice, including budget recommendations, to the Minister on a variety of files, including Personal Tax, International Development and Gender Equality and Diversity Inclusion.
- Led the first ever legislated application of Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) on Canadian budgetary and financial policy, including overseeing the publication of the first ever Gender Report for Budget 2019, which included the GBA Plus of every budget measure.
- ·Position ended with the federal election of 2019.
Chief of Staff
Minister of Women and Gender Equality
02.2018 - 01.2019
- Ensured delivery of the Minister’s mandate and provided diversity and inclusion advice across ministers’ offices; managed a team of 13.
- Developed a historic $100-million capacity-building fund for women’s rights and equality-deserving organizations.
- Developed legislation for the growth and transformation of the Status of Women Canada agency into a full department.
Director of Policy
Minister for Women and Gender Equality
2016 - 2018
- Advised the Minister on the development of federal domestic policy related to gender equality.
- Oversaw the development and implementation of It’s Time, a $200-million federal gender-based violence strategy.
- With central and other line ministries, developed the National Gender Equality Framework and Indicators.
- Supported the Minister during inaugural G7 Gender meetings, the UN Commission on the Status of Women and other events and stakeholder and Cabinet meetings.
Policy Advisor
Minister Responsible for Women's Issues
2014 - 2016
- Developed provincial strategic policy initiatives related to the physical safety, economic security and prosperity and civic equality of women for the province of Ontario.
- Oversaw the development of a major cross-ministry initiative to combat sexual violence, It’s Never Okay: An Action Plan to Stop Sexual Violence and Harassment. Part of this plan included #WhoWillYouHelp, an award-winning ad campaign whose social media reach totalled 85 million views worldwide – a record for the Ontario government at the time.
- Advised, briefed and staffed the Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues for stakeholder meetings, Cabinet briefings and International Conferences.
- Developed and maintained stakeholder relationships and other partnerships.
- Worked with the Minister of Labour’s office to launch a cross-provincial consultation on the gender wage gap.
Press Secretary
Premier of Ontario
2013 - 2014
- Led proactive and longer-term communications for Premier Kathleen Wynne during a minority government and the 2014 provincial election. Key initiatives included producing a weekly radio call-in show on Newstalk 1010.
- Crafted compelling press releases and media advisories to effectively convey key messages. Helped overseeing the same for line ministries.
- Coordinated press conferences, ensuring thorough preparation and smooth execution of events.
- Cultivated relationships with journalists and media outlets to secure positive coverage.
Associate Producer
George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight
2011 - 2012
Education
Master of Arts - English
University of Toronto
TorontoBachelor of Arts - English
University of Toronto
TorontoSkills
- Policy analysis
- Legislative affairs
- Policy advocacy
- Research and evaluation
- Teamwork
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Critical thinking
- Organizational skills
Certification
- Gender-based Analysis Plus, Government of Canada
- Introduction to Negotiations, Corporate Learning Centre, Algonquin College
- Conflict Resolution: Tools and Strategies, University of Ottawa Continuing Education
- Indigenous Canada, University of Alberta
- Finance for the Non-Financial Manager, Schulich Executive Education Centre
- Program Management Foundations, Project Management Institute
- [Area of certification], [Company Name] - [Timeframe]
Awards
2011 Editor of the Year, Professional Writers Association of Canada
2008 Ted Rogers Innovation Award Finalist
Timeline
Senior Policy Advisor
Prime Minister of Canada
11.2021 - 04.2025
Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Policy
Minister of Canadian Heritage and Sport
02.2021 - 11.2021
Senior Advisor
Minister of Finance
01.2019 - 12.2019
Chief of Staff
Minister of Women and Gender Equality
02.2018 - 01.2019
Director of Policy
Minister for Women and Gender Equality
2016 - 2018
Policy Advisor
Minister Responsible for Women's Issues
2014 - 2016
Press Secretary
Premier of Ontario
2013 - 2014
Associate Producer
George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight
2011 - 2012
Master of Arts - English
University of Toronto
Bachelor of Arts - English
University of Toronto