Candidate Statement
I am a governance leader, facilitator, and strategist with over 15 years of experience working at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and public interest. My work spans board leadership, risk oversight, policy development, and training for organisations across Canada and internationally. I currently serve on multiple boards, bringing expertise in finance, audit, investment, and strategic partnerships, and have successfully integrated cultural values into governance frameworks to strengthen trust and decision-making.
In today’s rapidly evolving digital environment, CIRA’s role in ensuring a secure, reliable, and accessible internet is more critical than ever. I bring a systems-thinking approach, informed by my work in sustainability and complex stakeholder engagement, to address emerging challenges such as cybersecurity, digital inclusion, and equitable access. My experience as an entrepreneur in the technology sector has equipped me with practical insight into innovation, go-to-market strategies, and strategic partnerships.
If elected, I will focus on strengthening CIRA’s governance, ensuring transparency and accountability, and fostering collaboration with communities, industry, and government to advance Canada’s digital resilience. I am committed to bridging technical expertise with inclusive governance to ensure CIRA remains adaptive, forward-looking, and trusted by Canadians.
I believe that effective governance is not only about oversight, it is about creating the conditions for innovation, security, and equity to thrive in Canada’s internet ecosystem. With my track record in governance excellence and my dedication to public service, I am ready to contribute meaningfully to CIRA’s continued success.
CIRA oversees the .CA domain registry, playing a vital role in keeping Canada’s online identity safe, dependable, and trustworthy. It takes care of the technical systems supporting millions of .CA domains, employing top-tier practices in cybersecurity, privacy, and stability. But CIRA’s efforts go much further than just domain management. Through initiatives like the Community Investment Program, it funds projects that boost digital literacy, promote online safety, and help connect underserved communities across Canada.
By working independently and guided by a public interest mission, CIRA helps preserve Canada’s digital sovereignty, ensuring our internet resources are managed in a way that aligns with Canadian values. This independence is important because the internet isn’t just a technical network; it’s a public space where business, education, communication, and culture come together. Without solid governance, secure systems, and a focus on fairness, this space could become vulnerable to misuse or exclusion.
CIRA also participates in policy discussions at both national and international levels, representing Canada in global forums on internet governance. This involvement helps shape the future of the internet in ways that protect Canadian interests and encourage innovation.
CIRA is crucial because it manages vital internet infrastructure and advocates for a safe, open, and resilient digital environment. It ensures Canadians can confidently connect, collaborate, and create online. By safeguarding .CA and investing in the broader internet community, CIRA plays a key role in shaping the future of Canada’s digital landscape.
I want to join CIRA’s Board because I believe its role in safeguarding Canada’s internet infrastructure and promoting equitable access is vital to our national prosperity, innovation, and sovereignty. I have over 15 years of experience in governance, strategy, and stakeholder engagement across multiple sectors, serving on multiple boards and leading complex initiatives that integrate cultural values into decision-making and strengthen organisational trust.
My work has spanned finance, audit, risk oversight, and strategic partnerships, equipping me to contribute meaningfully to CIRA’s oversight responsibilities. I also bring entrepreneurial experience in the technology sector, where I have developed go-to-market strategies, built partnerships, and navigated innovation challenges. This combination of governance expertise and technical insight allows me to bridge the gap between policy direction and operational realities.
On the Board, I would focus on three priorities: ensuring transparency and accountability in decision-making, strengthening CIRA’s adaptability in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, and advancing initiatives that promote digital inclusion and resilience across Canada.
CIRA’s unique position as both a technical authority and a public organisation requires directors who can think strategically, engage stakeholders effectively, and maintain a long-term vision while managing current risks. My systems-thinking approach helps identify interconnections between governance, technology, and community needs, ensuring decisions are well-informed and forward-looking.
Ultimately, I see the Board’s role as an opportunity to serve Canadians by helping CIRA continue to be a trusted, innovative, and inclusive steward of our digital future, and I am committed to dedicating the time, energy, and expertise required for that responsibility.
The next 3–5 years present significant challenges and opportunities for CIRA. The first is cybersecurity threats. As attacks grow in scale and sophistication, CIRA must continue to strengthen its security measures and help Canadians safeguard their digital presence. My experience in governance and risk oversight positions me to support robust cybersecurity strategies that are both proactive and adaptive.
The second is digital inclusion. While internet access is nearly universal in urban areas, many rural, remote, and Indigenous communities still face connectivity gaps. CIRA can expand its impact through partnerships, infrastructure investment, and programs that address not only access but also affordability and skills. I have led initiatives that bridge access gaps by integrating community perspectives into strategy, ensuring solutions are sustainable and culturally relevant.
The third is evolving internet governance. Global policy changes, technological innovations, and shifts in the digital economy will influence how CIRA operates. There is an opportunity to position CIRA as a global leader in secure, inclusive, and transparent governance. My systems-thinking approach and experience in multi-stakeholder engagement equip me to navigate complex, interconnected issues while balancing technical, policy, and public interest considerations.
In each of these areas, the challenge is also an opportunity to strengthen trust, foster innovation, and ensure that Canada’s internet remains resilient, inclusive, and competitive. As a Board member, I would bring strategic vision, practical governance expertise, and a deep commitment to ensuring that CIRA remains a trusted steward of Canada’s internet future.