Janis Simpkins
About Janis Simpkins
Janis Simpkins is the Vice President of Indigenous & Government Relations and Sustainability, with a rich background in both public and private sectors, including significant roles in environmental and economic development within Alberta.
Title and Current Position
Janis Simpkins is the Vice President of Indigenous & Government Relations and Sustainability at Tolko. In this role, she is responsible for fostering relationships with Indigenous communities and managing government relations initiatives. Her role also encompasses leading sustainability efforts within the organization.
Education and Expertise
Janis Simpkins holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Alberta. Her formal education provides a strong foundation for her extensive work in both public and private sectors, specializing in areas such as environmental policy, economic development, and government affairs.
Career Background and Experience
Janis Simpkins has an extensive career that spans both the public and private sectors. She has held public office as the Reeve for the Municipal District of Greenview in Alberta. In the private sector, she served as Senior Vice President of Environment for the Alberta Forest Product Association and as General Manager of Corporate and Government Affairs for West Fraser. Additionally, she has held numerous executive positions in the Alberta Government, covering areas like northern and economic development, investor confidence, and strategic energy policy.
Leadership in Indigenous Investment and Development
Janis Simpkins played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation, a $1 billion investment organization. This corporation aims to facilitate investment by Indigenous groups in natural resource projects and related infrastructure, showcasing her commitment to advancing Indigenous economic participation.
Recognition and Awards
Janis Simpkins has been recognized for her influential work and contributions. She is a recipient of the Governor General of Canada’s Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012 and Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. She was also named one of the Canadian Forest Industry’s Top 10 Under 40 in 2021, underscoring her impact and leadership in the industry.