Action Canada Announces the 2026-27 Fellows
Press Release
OTTAWA, JUNE 4, 2026 — Action Canada welcomes the 2026-27 cohort, 17 emerging leaders from across the country, spanning diverse backgrounds and sectors, selected from more than 300 applicants.
Over the next 10 months, Fellows will explore the question: How can governments support thriving northern communities and Canadian sovereignty in the North?
Through study tours in four regions across Canada, Fellows will engage with local leaders, Indigenous communities, businesses, policymakers, and institutions to better understand the opportunities and challenges shaping the North and Arctic regions. In small groups, they will also conduct their own research on this theme, to develop recommendations on how policymakers can address this challenge over the coming decade.
Fellows will emerge from the program with a deepened understanding of the country and policymaking, honed leadership skills, and a network of peers with whom they can collaborate to drive meaningful change across Canada.
In partnership with Indspire, Action Canada reaffirms its commitment to developing emerging Indigenous leaders. Five Indigenous Fellows—representing Inuit, First Nations, and Métis communities—will enrich the Fellowship and contribute meaningfully to this year’s national conversation.
“On behalf of everyone at Indspire, I would like to congratulate the new cohort of Action Canada Fellows,” said Brandon Meawasige, Chief Operating Officer of Indspire. “This year’s Indigenous Fellows bring valuable perspectives rooted in Inuit, First Nations, and Métis communities, along with a deep understanding of the strengths, opportunities, and priorities that shape the North. As conversations about Northern sovereignty and thriving Northern communities continue, Indigenous leadership and knowledge must remain at the centre. We look forward to learning from these emerging leaders and witnessing the contributions they will make through the Fellowship and beyond.”
Inez Jabalpurwala, CEO of the Public Policy Forum, highlighted the importance of this year’s Fellowship experience: “Public Policy Forum and Action Canada continue to bring together emerging leaders from across the country who are ready to engage with some of Canada’s most important and complex challenges. This year’s theme, Northern sovereignty and thriving Northern communities, will encourage Fellows to explore how public policy can strengthen infrastructure, governance, and partnerships across the North, including with Indigenous communities. Through direct engagement with people on the ground, Fellows will gain a deeper understanding of the realities shaping the region while helping generate thoughtful, forward-looking ideas for Canada’s future.”
Meet the 2026-27 Action Canada Fellows:
Alexander Martin is a Ph.D. candidate in science and technology studies at York University, where his research focuses on information integrity, digital governance, and digital communication infrastructure in Canada. He is deputy editor at Open Canada and has previously worked with NATO and the United Nations on mis- and disinformation and information integrity.
Alexia Cousins is an Inuk leader from Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and Senior Advisor at the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor). Born and raised in the North, she works on Inuit employment strategies, workforce development, and initiatives aligned with Article 23 of the Nunavut Agreement, while promoting culturally grounded approaches within public institutions.
Alisha Verano is a member of Beaver Lake Cree Nation with Denesuline roots. She is a Policy Analyst at Natural Resources Canada, where her work focuses on Indigenous, Northern, and remote energy policy. Based in Treaty 7 territory in Calgary, she also supports Indigenous youth leadership through the Indigenous Youth Roots Policy School.
Attou Mamat is the Civic Engagement and Leadership Program Officer at the Quebec Black Youth Forum. A lawyer and member of the Quebec Bar, she is deeply engaged in youth civic participation, human rights advocacy, and social justice.
Cassandra (Cassie) Hill is a Haudenosaunee scholar from Six Nations of the Grand River with Mohawk roots. She is an educator and doctoral researcher at Athabasca University whose work focuses on Indigenous education, digital safety, trauma-informed learning, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies for Indigenous communities.
Dana Cramer is Founder and CEO of the Young Digital Leaders of Canada and a PhD candidate at Toronto Metropolitan University researching the future of multistakeholder Internet governance. She specializes in international relations and digital governance.
Isaac Barkhouse is Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Victory Advanced Technologies, a Saint John-based company developing electric powertrains for heavy industry. His work focuses on advanced manufacturing, electrification, and Canada’s energy transition.
Jean-Paul R. Soucy is a data scientist at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre in Montreal. His work focuses on public health, open data, transparency, and evidence-based public decision-making.
Jonathan Parenteau is an Indigenous strategist from Beaver First Nation and Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement working at the intersection of governance, finance, and institutional design. He is Director at a 100% Indigenous-owned engineering and consulting firm focused on Nation Building and is the author of Indigenous Intelligence: Relational Economics for a Living World.
Jude Obidiagha is a Senior Policy Analyst with the Government of Manitoba with experience across education, health, and social policy. He also leads community-driven initiatives focused on belonging, dignity, and social connection.
Kristine O’Rielly is a sustainability and innovation professional from Newfoundland and Labrador with experience in clean technology, sustainability consulting, academia, and corporate innovation. Her work focuses on solving complex social and environmental challenges.
Kyle Rowe is a Métis leader and proud member of the Manitoba Métis Federation currently serving as Lead, Partner Strategy & Insights at Canucks Sports & Entertainment. He is passionate about Indigenous representation, mentorship, and community engagement through sport.
Laurence Hamel is a senior ethics and compliance advisor and lawyer admitted to the Barreau du Québec. She advises on governance, integrity, and risk in major infrastructure and public procurement projects across Canada.
Michael Lalani is Vice President at Ironbridge Equity Partners, where he focuses on investments in Canadian middle-market businesses and strategic transformation initiatives. He is both a CFA charterholder and CPA.
Rignam Wangkhang is the first AI Advisor at CBC News, where he leads the integration of generative AI across Canada’s national newsrooms. He also co-founded the Canadian AI Journalism Network and works on ethical AI frameworks in journalism.
Sabrina Grover is a Senior Advisor at NorthStar Public Affairs with expertise in government relations, advocacy, and strategic communications. Her work spans Indigenous engagement, international development, political campaigns, and public policy.
Sandrine Kaké is a social impact entrepreneur and philanthropist who has contributed to initiatives improving the lives of thousands in Canada and internationally. She combines experience in philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and pharmaceutical regulatory affairs.
Read Fellows’ full biographies on the Action Canada website.
Thank you to our generous partners: Indspire, Donner Canadian Foundation, and Government of Canada, Power Corporation of Canada, Definity.
About the Public Policy Forum and the Action Canada Fellowship
The Public Policy Forum is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit think tank, and a registered charity. Our members include a diverse range of private, public and non-profit organizations who share insight on policy challenges and developments. We believe good policy is critical to making a better Canada — a country that’s cohesive, resilient, prosperous and secure. Since its inception in 1987, PPF has contributed by researching challenging policy issues, convening roundtables to foster frank and honest dialogue, and celebrating exceptional public policy across Canada.
The Action Canada Fellowship housed within PPF’s Academy and led by the PPF Policy team, is the organization’s flagship leadership development program. Over 10 months, emerging leaders deepen their understanding of Canada and its public policy landscape through study tours, research, and discussions with experts and communities across the country. Each year focuses on a major national issue, culminating in policy recommendations that contribute to the national conversation. In 2026–27, the Fellowship will focus on the theme of Northern sovereignty.
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