Loading…
CSPC2016 has ended
avatar for Sharon Irwin

Sharon Irwin

Science and Economic Development (ISED)
Director, Space, Marine and Defence Directorate
Since December 2011, Mrs. Sharon Irwin has been Director, Space, Marine and Defence Directorate at Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED), responsible for the provision of analysis and advice to senior officials on Canada’s space, marine and defence sectors. Of note, Sharon worked on the Government’s response to the Report on Aerospace and Space Policies and Programs (the Emerson Report) and its implementation; implementation and administration of the National Shipbuilding Strategy and the Defence Procurement Strategy; and, analysis of the trends and issues affecting the global and Canadian space, marine and defence sectors.

With over 24 years experience as a federal public servant, she has contributed to a range of policy and program areas, including science and technology, as well as economic and social policy. Prior to joining Industry Canada, she represented the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade from 2009 to 2011 as Counsellor, Science and Technology, at the Mission of Canada to the European Union in Brussels. From 2008 to 2009, she was a member of the international staff at NATO headquarters and from 2006 to 2008, she was a senior policy advisor in Economic and Regional Development Policy at the Privy Council Office. Over the course of her career, she has also worked in a number of other government departments including Treasury Board Secretariat, the Department of National Defence, and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.

She is a graduate of Queen’s University. Having been fortunate enough to be born and raised in Canada’s most beautiful province, Newfoundland and Labrador, she has lived from coast to coast and is proudly married to a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, with whom she has two sons.