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!
Mathew Ashworth
Chief of Staff
As CAPE’s Chief of Staff, Mathew supports the President’s Office, National Executive Committee and senior leadership in advancing the strategic and operational direction of the association. His role focuses on supporting organizational priorities, coordinating across teams and helping translate strategic direction into effective operations.
Mathew brings nearly two decades of experience across the labour movement and federal public sector. Throughout his career, he has held a range of union leadership positions at both the local and national levels, as well as professional union staff roles. This experience has provided him with a broad understanding of union operations, advocacy, representation and the importance of building collective power to advance workers’ rights.
Prior to joining CAPE, Mathew worked as a Regional Representative with the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), supporting members in both the Prairies and National Capital Region. He also served as Regional Coordinator for PSAC’s National Capital Region. Mathew brings a proactive, consultative and collaborative approach to his work, drawing on his experience in leadership, advocacy, organizational operations and the broader labour movement. His focus is on supporting CAPE in effectively delivering on its priorities while strengthening the association’s capacity to serve, engage and empower its membership.
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.
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.
Vanessa Serna
Acting Director, Communications, Public Affairs and Linguistic Services
As Acting Director of Communications, Public Affairs and Linguistic Services, Vanessa oversees CAPE’s communications, digital member engagement, public affairs, and linguistic services functions. She leads the development and implementation of strategies that strengthen CAPE’s public profile, support its campaigns and organizing priorities, and keep members informed, engaged and mobilized. Vanessa has more than a decade of experience in digital communications, organizing, campaigning and training across the labour and advocacy movements in Canada and the United States. Throughout her career, she has supported unions, worker-organizing initiatives, non-profit organizations, grassroots groups, and frontline communities. Her experience includes strategic communications, digital mobilization, media and public engagement, data and technology infrastructure, organizational workflow development, project management and hands-on campaign implementation.
