Our management team runs CAPE operations and is responsible for implementing the vision and strategy outlined by the National Executive Committee. Members of the management team are dedicated to ensuring our members get the best services from their association.
Meet our management team!
Jean Ouellette
Executive Director
Jean has more than 40 years of leadership experience working with labour unions representing federal public service employees and other workers across Canada. He has held several positions in progressively responsible roles within CAPE and its predecessor organization, the Social Science Employees Association (SSEA). Jean started working as a Labour Relations Officer at SSEA in 2003 and went on to become Director of Labour Relations, then Executive Director of Operations from 2011 to 2015. In addition to his time with CAPE, throughout his career Jean has worked with other public service labour organizations, including the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Professional Institute of Public Service of Canada (PIPSC). Over the years, Jean has also played a key role in managing and overseeing grievances, arbitrations, and negotiations. In the late 80s, Jean spent two years in Chad and Togo as International Coordinator for the CLC working with international organizations and African national unions to implement trade-union projects and training courses. Jean is dedicated to promoting a values-based leadership and is committed to ensuring workers’ rights and interests always remain front and centre. Jean holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial relations from Université Laval.
Sharon Salter, CFA, CPA, CGA
Director of Finance
As Director of Finance, Sharon oversees accounting operations of CAPE and ensures that strong internal controls are in place when it comes to safe-guarding CAPE's assets. Accounting operations include accounts payable, payroll and pension management for CAPE's employees, procurement oversight as well as all issues relating to the collection of members' dues. Sharon has over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry and has worked in both the corporate and non-profit sectors. Sharon graduated from the University of Ottawa with a Bachelor's of Commerce degree and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designations.
Jennifer George, LL.B, B.A.
General Counsel and Director of Policy
Before holding this position, Jennifer worked closely with the President of CAPE to provide advice and guidance on labour relations and policy issues affecting the membership, and support on the strategic direction and planning of the Association. She advised the President on the requirements and interpretation of CAPE’s constitution and by-laws, on collective bargaining and negotiation strategies, and on the laws governing the activities of the Association. Jennifer also coordinates closely with the National Executive Committee, as well as the CAPE management team and leadership community across the country. In addition, she collaborates with the federal public service union community and the Canadian federal government on policy issues and special projects to protect, promote and advance the interests of CAPE members. Jennifer graduated from Concordia University with a degree in economics and is a member of the Law Society of Ontario. Prior to joining CAPE, Jennifer worked for several federal government departments including the Department of Justice and Global Affairs Canada. She also previously worked as an employment relations officer with the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) in various regional offices across the country.
Katia Thériault, M.A. Communications; LL.B, B.A., Law
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
As Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Katia leads the team responsible for communications, government relations and public affairs. She is responsible for devising and implementing CAPE’s communications and member engagement strategies. She also oversees the development and implementation of government relations strategies and of public advocacy campaigns to further the interests of CAPE members. Particularly, Katia leads efforts to establish and maintain relationships with federal decision-makers to pursue the adoption of measures and policies that can benefit the membership, while raising the awareness of the Canadian public and preserving its support. She is also responsible for assessing and advising the national leadership on trends and emerging issues or crises in the political and public spaces that could affect members or the Association as a whole. Over the last 20 years, Katia has worked for national and international organizations, including the African Development Bank, Nutrition International and the World Bank, in matters related to branding, knowledge management, partnerships, public relations, marketing, and crisis and reputation management. She has led global campaigns to promote human rights, social justice and the environment. Katia holds a law degree from Université de Montréal and a master’s in communications from Université du Québec à Montréal.
Suzelle Brosseau
Director of Negotiations and Research
As Director of Negotiations and Research, Suzelle oversees CAPE’s negotiation strategy, requisite-related research, and policies. Suzelle brings with her more than 40 years of experience in labour relations, working with different unions in the provincial sector at the Service Employee Union, Syndicat Professionel des Infirmières et Infirmiers de l’Estrie and Syndicat Professionel des Infirmières et Infirmiers de Montréal, as well as in the federal sector at the Professional Institute of Public Service of Canada (PIPSC). Later she became a PIPSC negotiator for more than 20 years. She is proud of having been involved in the negotiation of Scientific Integrity; building on the work done by the Joint Domestic Violence Committee, negotiated the Domestic Violence clause (75 paid hour leave per fiscal year). Suzelle also lead the Joint Committee on Inclusive Language who, amongst other things, developed French and English guides and recommended changes to the language in collective agreements. Before joining CAPE, Suzelle held the position of Acting National Labour Relation and Deputy Director (Negotiation, Classification and Compensation). Suzelle has a Bachelor’s degree in industrial relations and a one-year law certificate, both from the University of Montréal.
André Poliquin, M.Sc.
Director of Representation and Education
As Director of Representation and Education, André has the overall responsibility of ensuring representation services to the Association’s membership, joint union-management consultation with external stakeholders and leading the education program. André has more than 16 years of experience in the labour movement and has worked for multiple unions as well as the Government of Canada. He also chairs and represents the board of le Théâtre de la Vieille 17, focusing on governance and leadership, including on sub-committees such as HR, strategic planning, and DEI, in addition to helping to represent the public-facing side of the organization. André has a Master of Science from the University of Massachusetts - Amherst, a Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Change Management from Cornell University as well as a Bachelor of Social Sciences from the University of Ottawa.
Clarisse Habarugira
Executive Assistant to the President, Secretary to the National Executive Committee (NEC)
Clarisse is the Executive Assistant to the President and, as such, is a member of the management team. She manages the president’s day-to-day agenda and assists in planning and coordinating daily activities, including all meetings with stakeholders. As Secretary to the National Executive Committee (NEC), she oversees the management and planning of all NEC meetings and the production and publication of minutes and reports. She also serves as secretary for some of the NEC subcommittees and all 4 councils. Clarisse joined CAPE in 2022 and, prior to joining, she worked as Executive Assistant/Event Coordinator and Secretary of the Board of Directors for the only national non-profit organization dedicated to tree planting across Canada. She recently worked as an Executive Assistant for a family-owned medical business. Clarisse has a diploma in Office administration.
