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EducationBachelor of Social Science, Political Science, University of CalgaryProfessional ExperienceSince April 2017Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet, Economic and Regional Development Policy, Privy Council Office2015-2017Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy Branch, Transport Canada2014-2015Assistant Deputy Minister, Emergency Management and Programs Branch, Public Safety Canada2009-2013Assistant Deputy Minister, Community Safety and Partnerships Branch, Public Safety Canada

Today, at the XVII Francophonie Summit, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced significant support for development projects in African countries.Canada will support the following initiatives:EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN AND GIRLSWomen’s Voice and Leadership in MaliStrengthening the political, economic and social empowerment of Malian women$8,000,000 (from 2018–2019 to 2022–2023) – CECI/SOCO/DEVIThe aim of this project is to strengthen the political, economic and social empowerment of Malian women by

Josée Forest-Niesing lives in Sudbury, Ontario. A lawyer by profession, she began her career in family law and continued to specialize in estate law, real property law, insurance law, civil law, education law and employment law.She led numerous cases through trial in Sudbury and surrounding jurisdictions, as well as in Toronto. In addition, she has been a Superior Court of Justice Small Claims Court judge and a member of several professional associations and committees.

Brian Francis has 40 years of combined experience in various government positions, from the front lines to management.He is currently in his 12th year as Chief of the Abegweit Mi'kmaw Nation, where he has helped advance social and economic development for community members. His infrastructure development work, which includes a biodiversity and enhancement hatchery, a water tower to secure safe drinking water, paving projects, and housing developments, has made a positive impact on his community.

Patti LaBoucane-Benson has dedicated her life to helping Indigenous families. A proud Métis, she spent most of her long career with the Native Counselling Services of Alberta, currently working as Director of Research, Training, and Communication. She has a Ph.D in Human Ecology, with a focus on Indigenous family resilience.

Born in Kitchener, Ontario, Dr. Peter M. Boehm holds a Ph.D in History from the University of Edinburgh, a Master of Arts in International Affairs from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University, and a Bachelor of Arts in English and History from Wilfrid Laurier University.

As a gifted storyteller, Paula Simons has told Edmonton’s stories in print, on the radio, on television, and on stage for over 30 years.A political columnist with the Edmonton Journal, in her various journalistic capacities throughout the years, she has been a member of the Alberta Press Gallery, a member of the Journal editorial board, and has written on a collection of topics that include public transit, finances, Supreme Court rulings, international trade, the arts, and mental health.

EducationMaster of Business Administration, University of OttawaMaster of Arts in Public Administration, Carleton UniversityBachelor of Arts, French and Political Science, Memorial University of NewfoundlandProfessional ExperienceSince June 2018Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet, Foreign Direct Investment, Privy Council Office2017-2018Special Advisor, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office2014-2017Assistant Secretary, Social and Cultural Sector, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

EducationMaster of Social Sciences, Public Administration, Carleton UniversityBachelor of Social Sciences, Political Science, University of ManitobaProfessional ExperienceSince May 2015Assistant Deputy Minister, Education and Social Development Programs and Partnerships, Indigenous Services Canada2009-2015Director General, Natural Resources and Environment, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada2007-2009Regional Director General, Yukon, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

Beverley Busson is a champion for women in the workforce. With a law degree from the University of British Columbia, her career as a law enforcement officer was a career of firsts. A member of the first class of women to enter the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), she has worked in various positions, including investigating frauds, drugs, and serious crimes, and she was among the first women to work in plain clothes and undercover.