Anne Dawson
About Anne Dawson
Anne Dawson serves as the Chief of Staff to the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, a position she has held since 2017. With over 30 years of experience in communications, journalism, and government, she has held various prominent roles, including Bureau Chief and Chief Political Correspondent.
Work at Government of Canada
Anne Dawson has served as Chief of Staff to the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario since 2017. In this role, she provides strategic guidance and support to the Minister, focusing on economic development initiatives in the region. Her tenure in this position has contributed to various projects aimed at fostering economic growth and development in Southern Ontario.
Education and Expertise
Dawson has a strong educational background in journalism and English literature. She studied at The University of British Columbia, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from 1980 to 1984. She furthered her education at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute, obtaining a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Journalism from 1985 to 1987. Additionally, she completed the Southam Journalism Fellowship at the University of Toronto from 1995 to 1996, enhancing her expertise in the field.
Background
Dawson has over 30 years of experience in management, government, business, communications, and journalism. She began her career at Sun Media/Toronto Sun, where she served as Ottawa Bureau Chief and Queen's Park Bureau Chief for 16 years. She later worked as Chief Political Correspondent for the National Post/CanWest News for four years, and as Executive Director of Communications at Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation from 2006 to 2010.
Achievements
Dawson was the first female Bureau Chief at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill for the Sun Media chain. She has also served as Chief of Staff to the Minister of Seniors and the Minister of Science and Sport. In addition, she co-founded Dawson Ferguson Strategies, which provides strategic advice and communications across various sectors, including environment, health care, and transportation. Her contributions extend to various boards and volunteer organizations.
Media Contributions
Dawson has contributed to various broadcast news programs and co-hosted Global TV’s Ottawa Inside Out. Her extensive experience in journalism and communications has allowed her to engage with a wide audience and provide insights on political and economic issues.