2015 WIN Awards

The Women’s Infrastructure Network (WIN) was honoured to host the Inaugural WIN Leadership Awards on April 17.  The objective was to celebrate excellence in Canada’s Infrastructure sector and further support our mission to recognize women as leaders in this growing field in which historically women have been under represented. You can see the photos of the Toronto event, Montreal event, and Vancouver event.

Dana Hayden, Chair, Board of Directors, Partnerships BC

Dana provides expertise to private and public organizations through Hayden Consulting Services.  Prior to establishing Hayden Consulting Services Dana spent 30 years in the public sector working on a broad range of strategic, operational and public policy challenges. She held 6 Deputy Minister positions in the British Columbia government in various portfolios including economic development, forestry, mining, tourism, international trade, immigration, skills training, public safety, research and innovation, and the Office of the Premier. Dana also led a number of BC Crown Corporations. She was President & CEO of the BC Pavilion Corporation, President & CEO of Destination BC and President & CEO of the BC Lottery Corporation.  Dana is currently Chair of the Board of Partnerships BC. Dana has a B.Sc in Forest Science, an M.Sc in Natural Resource Economics, a Canadian Securities Course diploma, and is a Chartered Director (C. Dir.). Dana was named one of Canada's 100 Most Powerful Women in 2007, 2009 and 2011, and received the Vancouver Influential Women in Business award in 2014.

Monique Smith, Ontario’s Representative in Washington, Government of Ontario

Monique Smith was appointed Ontario’s Representative in Washington in September 2013.  Prior to serving in Washington, Monique led Premier Kathleen Wynne’s transition team and successfully assisted the new Wynne government through its first six months in office at Queen’s Park.  She had previously served as Ontario’s Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Government House Leader, Minister of Tourism and Minister of Revenue.  During her first four years of elected office she served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. Before being elected in 2003, Monique served as Executive Director of the Association of Canadian Publishers (ACP) and as Chief of Staff to the Leader of the Official Opposition in the Ontario Legislature, Dalton McGuinty.  Monique began her professional career practicing labour and employment law at McCarthy Tétrault, a national law firm, in their Toronto office. A strong advocate for Ontario's interests, Monique is the first person to hold the Washington post.  She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of her province to her work in the U.S.  Her office is situated in the Canadian Embassy. 
 

MP Peter Braid, Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure and Communities, Member of Parliament for Kitchener-Waterloo

Peter attended both the University of Waterloo and the University of Toronto, and graduated from the latter in 1989 with a degree in International Relations. He has a diverse background in both government and the private sector, including work experience in the constituency office of the Hon. Walter McLean; at the Immigration and Refugee Board; and as a Director of Operations at SunLife Financial. As Parliamentary Secretary, Peter assists the Minister of Infrastructure in his parliamentary and public duties, and works closely with important stakeholders and partners on the infrastructure file. He also plays a leadership role on the Standing Committee for Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.Public infrastructure is a key component of economic growth and productivity, and contributes to the quality of life in our communities.  As Parliamentary Secretary, Peter works closely with all stakeholders and partners on this important file, and assists the Minister of Infrastructure in his parliamentary and public duties as the New Building Canada Plan is implemented across Canada. As Member of Parliament, Peter envisions the riding of Kitchener-Waterloo as a dynamic, prosperous, and caring community. He has built solid partnerships with many businesses and organizations in our region, and believes that collaboration is the key to achieving our full potential. Recognizing the importance of charitable organizations to the well-being of society, Peter has also directed his efforts to championing Canada’s charities, and has become a strong advocate for the sector.