SHAHENDA ELWERDANY
Ottawa,Canada
Summary
Dynamic Strategic Policy, Communications, and Issues Advisor with nearly nine years of combined political and public service experience, supporting high-level decision-making for Ministers, ADMs, and DGs across the Government of Canada. Brings deep expertise in regulatory policy development, issues management, portfolio lead, emergency management modernization, and high-stakes communications. Highly skilled in stakeholder engagement and outreach, working closely with provincial partners, Indigenous communities, industry associations, and municipal leaders to advance departmental and government priorities. Proficient in Treasury Board submissions, annual reporting cycles (DP/DRR), and interdepartmental policy alignment, consistently delivering clear, actionable strategic advice under tight timelines. Holds a Secret security clearance and is based in Ottawa with hybrid availability.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Strategic Policy Lead — CNSC Portfolio (EC-05)
Communications & Portfolio Sector, NRCan
08.2025 - Current
- Serve as Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) primary lead on the CNSC portfolio, coordinating policy, issues, and strategic communications between CNSC, CPS, TBS, and the Minister’s Office.
- Lead development and coordination of CNSC’s Treasury Board Submission (TBSub) for HR-to-Pay modernization, including drafting, risk analysis, financial tables, approvals, timelines, and interdepartmental engagement.
- Tabled four 2025–26 parliamentary products, including CNSC contributions to the Departmental Plan (DP) and Departmental Results Report (DRR), ensuring accuracy and alignment with departmental priorities and central agency requirements.
- Provide senior officials with strategic advice on regulatory, legal, and operational issues.
- Produce high-quality ministerial correspondence, briefing notes, and portfolio overviews.
- Lead development of the Portfolio Management Coordination Tool (PMCT).
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
Issue Manager & Lead Strategic Policy Advisor — Emergency Management (EC-03)
Lands and Minerals Sector (LMS) – HAOB, NRCan
11.2024 - 08.2025
- Directed cross-sector emergency management planning.
- Led NRCan’s policy contribution to the national Flood Memorandum to Cabinet (MC).
- Developed and proposed the name “CHARM” — Canadian Hazards Assessment & Risk Management initiative.
- Coordinated NRCan’s preparedness posture for climate hazards.
- Advised DG/ADM on sensitive, evolving issues.
- Produced briefing materials and ministerial notes.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
EA & Issues Advisor to Director General (Policy & Communications)
ERBSB, NRCan
05.2024 - 11.2024
- Provided strategic advisory, triaging issues and ensuring timely delivery.
- Supported the DG by drafting a Ministerial memorandum and providing strategic guidance on an emerging issue raised by the Mining Association of Canada (MAC) concerning explosive regulations impacting the mining sector.
- Synthesized complex policy information into concise executive briefings.
- Conducted comprehensive analysis of project outcomes to inform future strategies and operational improvements.
- Advised on policy development by researching trends, regulations, and best practices in the industry.
Ontario & Quebec Regional Advisor | Policy & Issues Advisor
Minister of Natural Resources Canada
09.2023 - 09.2024
- Led regional engagement and issues management.
- Provided strategic issues-management advice to the Minister on the Greener Homes initiative, helping navigate elevated public, media, and stakeholder criticism during its discontinuation and supporting clear, proactive mitigation strategies.Developed region-specific messaging and analysis.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and policies.
- Conducted assessments of natural resource projects to evaluate ecological impacts and sustainability.
- Developed strong relationships with key partners, fostering collaboration and mutual growth opportunities.
Quebec Regional Advisor | Policy Advisor
Minister of Natural Resources Canada
03.2023 - 09.2023
- Served as liaison to Quebec regional caucus.
- Led regional environmental assessments to ensure compliance with federal regulations.
Senior Advisor to Chief of Staff & Minister | Policy & Communications
Office of the Minister, NRCan
09.2022 - 09.2023
- Drafted high-level communications products.
- Supported cabinet and intergovernmental meetings.
- Facilitated stakeholder engagement to gather insights and foster collaboration on key projects.
- Developed comprehensive reports analyzing the impact of policies on natural resource management.
- Streamlined communication processes between government agencies and industry partners for improved outcomes.
- Coordinated policy responses to emerging issues in natural resource sectors, ensuring timely action.
Director of Communications & Outreach / Hill Office Manager
Member of Parliament
01.2017 - 01.2022
- Led communications strategy, improving engagement by 30%.
- Managed crisis communications and committee preparation.
- Developed and implemented strategic communication plans to enhance community engagement and awareness.
- Spearheaded outreach initiatives to foster relationships with stakeholders and constituents.
- Organized public forums and events to facilitate dialogue between the MP and community members.
- Analyzed feedback from constituents to inform policy proposals and improve services offered.
- Increased media coverage with proactive pitching of stories to journalists and publications.
Education
MBA - Organizational Leadership
University of The People
USA03-2026
Bachelor of Mass Communications -
Cairo University
Skills
- Policy Development & Strategic Analysis
- Treasury Board Submissions (TBSub)
- Issues & Crisis Management
- Ministerial & Parliamentary Support
- Cabinet & Central Agency Coordination
- Interdepartmental Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
- Executive Briefings (ADM/DG/Minister)
- Emergency Management & Risk Reduction
- Portfolio & Program Management
- Strategic Communications & Messaging
- Decision Support & Governance
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Flexible and adaptable
- Dependable and responsible
- Multitasking Abilities
- Critical thinking
- Calm under pressure
- Organization and time management
- Problem resolution
Accomplishments
Proven track record of managing high-stakes government files and driving strategic outcomes across complex policy, regulatory, and political environments. Led major initiatives such as NRCan’s Flood MC and the CHARM modernization concept, coordinated CNSC’s TB Submission with TBS, and delivered executive-ready briefings that shaped Ministerial, ADM, and DG-level decisions. Successfully oversaw all Ontario–Quebec regional operations, including political intelligence, stakeholder engagement, and event planning, ensuring the Minister received accurate, timely, and strategically aligned advice. Known for anticipating risks, navigating sensitive issues, and strengthening relationships across federal, provincial, Indigenous, and industry partners.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Professional Working
Arabic
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Strategic Policy Lead — CNSC Portfolio (EC-05)
Communications & Portfolio Sector, NRCan
08.2025 - Current
Issue Manager & Lead Strategic Policy Advisor — Emergency Management (EC-03)
Lands and Minerals Sector (LMS) – HAOB, NRCan
11.2024 - 08.2025
EA & Issues Advisor to Director General (Policy & Communications)
ERBSB, NRCan
05.2024 - 11.2024
Ontario & Quebec Regional Advisor | Policy & Issues Advisor
Minister of Natural Resources Canada
09.2023 - 09.2024
Quebec Regional Advisor | Policy Advisor
Minister of Natural Resources Canada
03.2023 - 09.2023
Senior Advisor to Chief of Staff & Minister | Policy & Communications
Office of the Minister, NRCan
09.2022 - 09.2023
Director of Communications & Outreach / Hill Office Manager
Member of Parliament
01.2017 - 01.2022
MBA - Organizational Leadership
University of The People
Bachelor of Mass Communications -
Cairo University