Iain Stewart_thumnail

Iain Stewart has a long-term commitment to research and innovation to benefit Canadians. He is a Senior Fellow of the  Munk School of the University of Toronto, a Trustee of the Killam Trusts, and an independent Board Director of NavCanada, Genome Canada, Communitech, and the Finance Committee of the Royal Society of Canada. From 2016-24, Iain was the President of the National Research Council (NRC), including its Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP), implementing new research excellence and collaboration challenge programs,  recapitalizing the NRC’s national research facilities, and increasing IRAP support for the technology projects of Canadian SMEs. From September 2020, to October 2021, Iain was tasked with leading the Public Health Agency of Canada and its COVID-19 pandemic response, including the successful national vaccination campaign. From 2013-15, Iain was the Associate Secretary (Associate Deputy Minister) and Assistant Secretary (International Affairs Justice and Defence) of the Treasury Board Secretariat, supporting Ministers with the review and approval of all federal spending and regulatory proposals from departments.Prior to that, Iain held executive positions within the Department of Innovation Science and Economic Development, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the Treasury Board Secretariat, and   Dalhousie University. His work included providing economic and regulatory policy (telecommunications) advice, and leading program design and delivery for research,  business innovation, and municipal and university infrastructure funding. Iain was also Secretary to the Jenkins Panel review of federal support for research (2011), and the Secretary of the Science Technology and Innovation Council (2007-10).Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Iain has degrees in Public Administration, Marine Policy, and Political Science from Dalhousie University, and is a graduate of the Advanced Leadership Program of the Canada School of the Public Service and the ICD-Rotman Directors Education Program (ICD.D).  

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