L’honorable Hélène Chalifour Scherrer

B. Serv. soc.

Vice-president, development

Hélène received her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Université Laval. Whether working under pressure overseeing global portfolios, managing international files or organizing financial campaigns, Hélène is adept at using her powers of leadership, persuasion and diplomacy to full advantage.

From 1990 to 1994 Hélène represented the population of her district as a municipal councillor for Sillery (now Québec) before becoming director of the Quebec Cancer Foundation in Quebec City, a position she held until 1999.

Elected in November 2000, Hélène became the first woman to represent the constituency of Louis-Hebert in twenty years. As a Liberal Member of Parliament in the House of Commons, she served on numerous committees involving such dossiers as health (2001 – 2003), environment and sustainable development (2001 – 2003) and Canadian heritage (2001 – 2002), as well as on the Sub-Committee on the Study of Sport in Canada (2001 – 2002). Hélène became Minister of Canadian Heritage in December 2003. Her many accomplishments include keeping a close relationship with the Canadian sports network.

In 2004 - 2005 she played important roles on the executive team of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) as Executive Secretary and as a policy advisor to Paul Martin. Together with the Director of the Office, she assured a close connection between the Privy Council, the Ministers and Parliament.

In June 2007, Hélène joined the Board of the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians, and through this organization, took part in the first mission to Indonesia. Subsequently, she joined the Board of Directors of the International Election Monitors Institute (IEMI).