Senior Associate Deputy Minister from Industry Canada brings federal expertise to CTC’s board

2012-07-18 — /travelprnews.com/ — No sooner did we fold away the welcome banners from David Jovanovic’s arrival, then Simon Kennedy joined the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC)’s board of directors.

Kennedy is currently the Senior Associate Deputy Minister of Industry Canada, a position he’s held since Sept. 1, 2010. There, he works closely with the Deputy Minister on policies and programs to hone Canada’s national competitive edge.

Another string in Kennedy’s bow at Industry Canada is acting as Director of Investments. In this role, he is responsible for administering Canada’s foreign investment review process under the Investment Canada Act.

Before Kennedy landed at Industry Canada, he had several senior roles at the Privy Council Office, including as Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Plans and Consultation) and Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Operations). These positions enabled Kennedy to advise the Prime Minister on economic, social and environmental policy matters.

Earlier in his career, Kennedy held posts at Agriculture and Agri-Food CanadaTransport Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard. He also was one of Canada’s key representatives to the Canada-U.S. Beyond the Border Working Group, which developed the Action Plan for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness (released by the Prime Minister and the President of the United States last December). Kennedy led negotiations with his White House counterparts as well as the cross-Canada consultations with stakeholders.

Kennedy holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Mount Saint Vincent UniversityNS, and a master’s degree in communications from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School, NY. He is a graduate of INSEAD’s Advanced Management Program and the Institute of Corporate Directors’ Directors Education Program.

Welcome to the CTC family, Simon!