We are a federal government organization that conducts foresight. Our mandate is to help the Government of Canada develop future-oriented policy and programs that are more robust and resilient in the face of disruptive change on the horizon. To fulfill our mandate, we:
We produce content that may attract academic, public, and international attention, and do not publish commentary on policy decisions of the Government.
Governance
Policy Horizons reports through the Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion.
The Deputy Minister Steering Committee provides oversight, direction, and guidance to the organization. It is co-chaired by Graham Flack, Deputy Minister of ESDC and Philip Jennings, Deputy Secretary, Plans and Consultations at Privy Council Office (PCO). Its members include:
Assistant Deputy Minister
Alexis is Assistant Deputy Minister responsible for Policy Horizons. Prior to this, he served as Executive Director of the Government Operations and Services Directorate at the Treasury Board Secretariat. Alexis has also worked at the Privy Council Office, Industry Canada, and the Climate Change Secretariat. He has a Master of Arts in Political Studies, and a Bachelor of Arts degree. Alexis has been to every province and territory in Canada.
Director General
Kristel is the Director General at Policy Horizons. She is the CEO of The Global Foresight Group, former Head of Strategic Foresight at the World Economic Forum, a member of the OECD Governmental Foresight Community, Fellow at the Center for Strategic Foresight of the U.S. Government Accountability Office, and Visiting Professor at the College of Europe. Kristel holds 3 Masters including an MBA from the Yale School of Management. She is a Fulbright Scholar and a Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholar.
Senior Director
Eric is the Senior Director responsible for foresight. Before joining Horizons, he worked at the Department of Justice Canada, the Privy Council Office, the Supreme Court of Canada, and the Senate of Canada. He holds degrees in civil and common law from McGill University, and practiced in the areas of privacy and information law.
Director
Imran is the Director of communications and outreach. He has worked on forward-looking policy issues at Horizons, including emerging technologies and the rise of Asia. Prior to joining the public service, he worked in Southeast Asia on international development issues, poverty reduction, governance, and regional economic integration. He holds a master’s degree in International Relations from Dublin City University. Imran loves making music and finding balance in the Force.
Chief Futurist
Over the last 30 years, Peter has conducted several hundred foresight studies and workshops on a very wide range of topics in government, NGO and UN settings. He is happy to share what he has learned about scanning, foresight, vision-building and strategy. He imagines he can provide insight on new technologies, the emerging economy, geopolitics, sustainability and governance. Peter loves travel, canoeing and walking in nature.
Senior Foresight Analyst
Katherine has contributed to Horizons’ foresight training method and a range of futures studies including technology, the economy, infrastructure, Asia, and several social future projects. She has an academic background in economics and art history and policy experience in ESDC files related to labour markets and seniors. In her spare time she enjoys dancing, painting and singing in a joyous Mexican choir.
Manager
Marcus is a futurist and manager. At Horizons, he has worked on geostrategic issues, changes in the global energy landscape, sustainability, infrastructure, and the next digital economy. He previously worked at Environment and Climate Change Canada on international environmental affairs. He sometimes tries living in the future, and avoids being near internal combustion engines whenever possible. In his spare time, his Guardian alter-ego defends humanity from The Darkness.
Senior Foresight Analyst
Steffen is an expert with 15 years of experience in foresight. He is a Senior Policy Researcher at Policy Horizons, where he leads foresight on challenges facing the future of Canada. Recent projects include the Future of Asia, emerging technologies, energy, governance, work, and the economy. Steffen holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Carleton University, with a thesis in Evolutionary Computation. He is sworn to use his evil powers only for good.
Foresight Analyst
Pierre-Olivier has a background in Law. He has worked as a foresight researcher at Horizons for five years, in the areas of technology, energy, infrastructure and transport, sustainable development, and production methods. He led a team of analysts on the topic of sustainable development during the Canada Beyond 150 program. PO is an avid supporter of telework, and leads sessions on change drivers with Christine, a telepresence robot.
Foresight Analyst
Avalyne has a background in Human Rights and Communications, and spent 10 years working in International Relations and developing education programs across Canada. Her professional interests are health, innovation, and the environment. She enjoys the urban bustle and future thinking, but always finds her way back to the wilderness or the ocean. A lover of writing, adventure, and music, she also spends time cooking and chasing her rambunctious toddler.
Foresight Analyst
Chris Hagerman is a recovering academic with a background in the history of ancient and modern imperialism. He’s pretty sure someone, somewhere said that past is prologue and he’s keen to see if the saying holds as he applies his experience as a historian to the work of foresight. In his spare time, he writes, makes paddles and skis, and acts as butler to two charming daughters.
Senior Foresight Analyst
Darren has over a decade of experience in policy analysis across several departments (e.g. Ministry of Environment; Truth; Walks). He has a broad range of interests, and earned Masters degrees in experimental psychology and public policy/administration. Darren is a traveler, an effective altruist, and has been promoting critical thinking on his podcast since before podcasts were cool. He agrees that life is far too important to take seriously.
Foresight Analyst
Kurt is a foresight analyst with a master’s degree in terrorism and political violence, and a bachelor’s degree in new media. His research interests include conflict, propaganda, and religious movements. He may be part of a shadowy cabal of rogues protecting the Earth from interplanar threats.
Manager
Simon is a public policy professional leading the Social Foresight team. Previously, he was a lawyer on Bay Street and a senior political advisor in the Prime Minister’s Office and Ministers’ Offices. A Francophone from Vancouver, Simon holds a master’s degree from the University of Cambridge, and has a healthy outsider’s skepticism. He likes hanging out with his partner and his young kids, ideally with bikes, beer, and ice cream.
Foresight Analyst
Sven is passionate about foresight and generally curious about the future. He has a Master’s in international affairs focused on intelligence and national security issues. He is interested in European and American politics, 20th century world history, and many other things. Sven sometimes has a certain look on his face, which in no way reflect his mood, thoughts or feelings.
Senior Advisor
Jessica is the Senior Advisor to the Director General. With a public service record rooted in behavioural economics and risk thinking, Jessica’s expertise includes financial stability, carbon markets, and systemic, cyber, and operational risk. She has represented Canada internationally, including at the G7, UN, and OECD. Jessica earned her MBA from Yale University, Master of Finance from New York University, and Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University.
Foresight Analyst
Uncertainties about the future led Julie-Anne to foresight, and she never looked back. She holds a masters of education in the background, and curiosity in the foreground. Julie-Anne enjoys cycling through the winding roads of potential futures, swimming in the depths of change, and challenging and reconstructing assumptions. Aided by caffeine and her sensible colleagues, she aims to leave no policy unhorizoned. Mission: Plausible.
Web Developer
Maryam wears many (actual and metaphorical) hats in the Communications team. From web development to creating immersive experiences, her training in Interactive Multimedia & Design allows her to support Horizons’ projects. By night, Maryam is definitely not a superhero and instead spends her time playing video games and eating cookies.
Communications Manager
Nelly is a multilingual marketing and communications professional, with experience in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors in Canada and abroad. She has worked with start-ups, on large public awareness campaigns, and on crisis communications. Nelly won’t say no to impromptu road trips, good music, sketching, or tea.
Communications Strategist
Nadia is a bilingual communicator, marketer, and photographer. Past campaigns include Medical Assistance in Dying, Gender Identity (#FreeToBeMe), Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms’ 35th anniversary. She’s worked in both public and private sector, including advertising and food industries. She is happiest with a coffee or a camera in her hand. Prone to office shenanigans.
Foresight Analyst
At Horizons, Martin has worked with teams studying economic, social and technological issues, and facilitated countless fascinating conversations. Armed with empathy and a fondness for listening, he continues his learning journey in the path of designer. Martin worked as a set designer and in the video game industry for a decade. Listening to the wisdom of his wife, he went back to school in Industrial Design, only to graduate in Foresight and Innovation.
Outreach Advisor
Blaise has turned his passion for Role Playing Games into a career in the public service. He is a facilitator, designer, and systems thinker, with a penchant for community building. A modern day bard, he’s been roaming the cavernous depths of the public service, inspiring others to seek comfort and understanding of the complexities that exist within our emerging policy landscape.
Event Coordinator
Rachel is a passionate event marketer with experience coordinating academic lectures and conferences, trade show sponsorships in the tech industry, and non-profit events. She now uses her skills to plan events and projects to promote Policy Horizons’ work. Rachel also enjoys traveling, cooking, and adventuring with her toddler.
Senior Foresight Analyst
Claire has a background in natural resources, global governance, and anti-corruption. She’s spent close to a decade working with Canadian and international organizations on policies and practices. Her passion lies in working with people to solve complex issues. She is also obsessed with economic pedantry, financial crime, and resource management. A lover of civic activism, cooking, and reading, Claire can often be found at home cleaning up her children’s toys.
Manager
Tammy has been a Public Servant for 20 years, 17 of which were at the Treasury Board Secretariat. Tammy has significant experience as a Manager of Operations, Branch Manager, and Issues Manager. Tammy started by pursuing a career as a police officer, when she was unexpectedly blessed with her first child. The shift has made her proud to serve Canadians from a desk rather than the front line. She is married with 2 grown-up kids.
HR Administrator
Jackie supports the Corporate team with HR staffing, classification, and organizational design requirements. She previously worked in the private sector and the Federal Public Service in web design, accounting, and administration. She is extremely organized and has excellent attention to detail skills. She loves animals and travel. Someday, she wants to live in a tiny house on wheels on Vancouver Island!
Assistant Deputy Minister
Alexis is Assistant Deputy Minister responsible for Policy Horizons. Prior to this, he served as Executive Director of the Government Operations and Services Directorate at the Treasury Board Secretariat. Alexis has also worked at the Privy Council Office, Industry Canada, and the Climate Change Secretariat. He has a Master of Arts in Political Studies, and a Bachelor of Arts degree. Alexis has been to every province and territory in Canada.
Director General
Kristel is the Director General at Policy Horizons. She is the CEO of The Global Foresight Group, former Head of Strategic Foresight at the World Economic Forum, a member of the OECD Governmental Foresight Community, Fellow at the Center for Strategic Foresight of the U.S. Government Accountability Office, and Visiting Professor at the College of Europe. Kristel holds 3 Masters including an MBA from the Yale School of Management. She is a Fulbright Scholar and a Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholar.
Senior Director
Eric is the Senior Director responsible for foresight. Before joining Horizons, he worked at the Department of Justice Canada, the Privy Council Office, the Supreme Court of Canada, the Senate of Canada and the Ottawa YM-YWCA. He holds degrees in civil and common law from McGill University, and practiced in the areas of privacy and information law.
Chief Futurist
Over the last 30 years, Peter has conducted several hundred foresight studies and workshops on a very wide range of topics in government, NGO and UN settings. He is happy to share what he has learned about scanning, foresight, vision-building and strategy. He imagines he can provide insight on new technologies, the emerging economy, geopolitics, sustainability and governance. Peter loves travel, canoeing and walking in nature.
Director
Imran is the Director of communications and outreach. He has worked on forward-looking policy issues at Horizons, including emerging technologies and the rise of Asia. Prior to joining the public service, he worked in Southeast Asia on international development issues, poverty reduction, governance, and regional economic integration. He holds a master’s degree in International Relations from Dublin City University. Imran loves making music and finding balance in the Force.
Senior Foresight Analyst
Katherine has contributed to Horizons’ foresight training method and a range of futures studies including technology, the economy, infrastructure, Asia, and several social future projects. She has an academic background in economics and art history and policy experience in ESDC files related to labour markets and seniors. In her spare time she enjoys dancing, painting and singing in a joyous Mexican choir.
Manager
Marcus is a futurist and manager. At Horizons, he has worked on geostrategic issues, changes in the global energy landscape, sustainability, infrastructure, and the next digital economy. He previously worked at Environment and Climate Change Canada on international environmental affairs. He sometimes tries living in the future, and avoids being near internal combustion engines whenever possible. In his spare time, his Guardian alter-ego defends humanity from The Darkness.
Senior Foresight Analyst
Steffen is an expert with 15 years of experience in foresight. He is a Senior Policy Researcher at Policy Horizons, where he leads foresight on challenges facing the future of Canada. Recent projects include the Future of Asia, emerging technologies, energy, governance, work, and the economy. Steffen holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Carleton University, with a thesis in Evolutionary Computation. He is sworn to use his evil powers only for good.
Foresight Analyst
Pierre-Olivier has a background in Law. He has worked as a foresight researcher at Horizons for five years, in the areas of technology, energy, infrastructure and transport, sustainable development, and production methods. He led a team of analysts on the topic of sustainable development during the Canada Beyond 150 program. PO is an avid supporter of telework, and leads sessions on change drivers with Christine, a telepresence robot.
Foresight Analyst
Avalyne has a background in Human Rights and Communications, and spent 10 years working in International Relations and developing education programs across Canada. Her professional interests are health, innovation, and the environment. She enjoys the urban bustle and future thinking, but always finds her way back to the wilderness or the ocean. A lover of writing, adventure, and music, she also spends time cooking and chasing her rambunctious toddler.
Foresight Analyst
Chris Hagerman is a recovering academic with a background in the history of ancient and modern imperialism. He’s pretty sure someone, somewhere said that past is prologue and he’s keen to see if the saying holds as he applies his experience as a historian to the work of foresight. In his spare time, he writes, makes paddles and skis, and acts as butler to two charming daughters.
Senior Foresight Analyst
Darren has over a decade of experience in policy analysis across several departments (e.g. Ministry of Environment; Truth; Walks). He has a broad range of interests, and earned Masters degrees in experimental psychology and public policy/administration. Darren is a traveler, an effective altruist, and has been promoting critical thinking on his podcast since before podcasts were cool. He agrees that life is far too important to take seriously.
Foresight Analyst
Kurt is a foresight analyst with a master’s degree in terrorism and political violence, and a bachelor’s degree in new media. His research interests include conflict, propaganda, and religious movements. He may be part of a shadowy cabal of rogues protecting the Earth from interplanar threats.
Manager
Simon is a public policy professional leading the Social Foresight team. Previously, he was a lawyer on Bay Street and a senior political advisor in the Prime Minister’s Office and Ministers’ Offices. A Francophone from Vancouver, Simon holds a master’s degree from the University of Cambridge, and has a healthy outsider’s skepticism. He likes hanging out with his partner and his young kids, ideally with bikes, beer, and ice cream.
Foresight Analyst
Sven is passionate about foresight and generally curious about the future. He has a Master’s in international affairs focused on intelligence and national security issues. He is interested in European and American politics, 20th century world history, and many other things. Sven sometimes has a certain look on his face, which in no way reflect his mood, thoughts or feelings.
Senior Advisor
Jessica is the Senior Advisor to the Director General. With a public service record rooted in behavioural economics and risk thinking, Jessica’s expertise includes financial stability, carbon markets, and systemic, cyber, and operational risk. She has represented Canada internationally, including at the G7, UN, and OECD. Jessica earned her MBA from Yale University, Master of Finance from New York University, and Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University.
Foresight Analyst
Uncertainties about the future led Julie-Anne to foresight, and she never looked back. She holds a masters of education in the background, and curiosity in the foreground. Julie-Anne enjoys cycling through the winding roads of potential futures, swimming in the depths of change, and challenging and reconstructing assumptions. Aided by caffeine and her sensible colleagues, she aims to leave no policy unhorizoned. Mission: Plausible.
Web Developer
Maryam wears many (actual and metaphorical) hats in the Communications team. From web development to creating immersive experiences, her training in Interactive Multimedia & Design allows her to support Horizons’ projects. By night, Maryam is definitely not a superhero and instead spends her time playing video games and eating cookies.
Communications Manager
Nelly is a multilingual marketing and communications professional, with experience in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors in Canada and abroad. She has worked with start-ups, on large public awareness campaigns, and on crisis communications. Nelly won’t say no to impromptu road trips, good music, sketching, or tea.
Communications Strategist
Nadia is a bilingual communicator, marketer, and photographer. Past campaigns include Medical Assistance in Dying, Gender Identity (#FreeToBeMe), Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms’ 35th anniversary. She’s worked in both public and private sector, including advertising and food industries. She is happiest with a coffee or a camera in her hand. Prone to office shenanigans.
Foresight Analyst
At Horizons, Martin has worked with teams studying economic, social and technological issues, and facilitated countless fascinating conversations. Armed with empathy and a fondness for listening, he continues his learning journey in the path of designer. Martin worked as a set designer and in the video game industry for a decade. Listening to the wisdom of his wife, he went back to school in Industrial Design, only to graduate in Foresight and Innovation.
Outreach Advisor
Blaise has turned his passion for Role Playing Games into a career in the public service. He is a facilitator, designer, and systems thinker, with a penchant for community building. A modern day bard, he’s been roaming the cavernous depths of the public service, inspiring others to seek comfort and understanding of the complexities that exist within our emerging policy landscape.
Event Coordinator
Rachel is a passionate event marketer with experience coordinating academic lectures and conferences, trade show sponsorships in the tech industry, and non-profit events. She now uses her skills to plan events and projects to promote Policy Horizons’ work. Rachel also enjoys traveling, cooking, and adventuring with her toddler.
Senior Foresight Analyst
Claire has a background in natural resources, global governance, and anti-corruption. She’s spent close to a decade working with Canadian and international organizations on policies and practices. Her passion lies in working with people to solve complex issues. She is also obsessed with economic pedantry, financial crime, and resource management. A lover of civic activism, cooking, and reading, Claire can often be found at home cleaning up her children’s toys.
Manager
Tammy has been a Public Servant for 20 years, 17 of which were at the Treasury Board Secretariat. Tammy has significant experience as a Manager of Operations, Branch Manager, and Issues Manager. Tammy started by pursuing a career as a police officer, when she was unexpectedly blessed with her first child. The shift has made her proud to serve Canadians from a desk rather than the front line. She is married with 2 grown-up kids.
HR Administrator
Jackie supports the Corporate team with HR staffing, classification, and organizational design requirements. She previously worked in the private sector and the Federal Public Service in web design, accounting, and administration. She is extremely organized and has excellent attention to detail skills. She loves animals and travel. Someday, she wants to live in a tiny house on wheels on Vancouver Island!
The Policy Research Secretariat (PRS) was created in the Privy Council Office (PCO). PRS was a think tank that focused on horizontal issues that cut across traditional departmental responsibilities.
PRS was made permanent within PCO to respond to the need for better support of interdepartmental research networks.
PRS became known as the Policy Research Initiative (PRI), an independent organization within the federal public service, with administrative support from PCO.
PRI started carrying out medium-term, horizontal research projects.
The control and supervision of PRI was transferred to Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC). The Clerk established the Deputy Ministers Steering Committee (DMSC) to help spread PRI’s work within senior ranks of the Public Service, and to provide advice on the research agenda.
At the request of the Clerk (PCO), PRI designed and delivered the canada@150 Project. canada@150 trained 150 new public servants in scanning and foresight. They looked at how Canada could change by 2017 (in preparation for Canada’s sesquicentennial), and what it might mean for the public service. This resulted in an expressed desire to increase foresight capacity in the public service.
PRI shifted from a traditional think tank into a foresight center, and became Policy Horizons Canada (Policy Horizons).
Policy Horizons published the first MetaScan (MetaScan 2011: Exploring four global forces shaping our future).
Policy Horizons published MetaScan 2: Building Resilience in the Transition to a Digital Economy and a Networked Society.
Policy Horizons published MetaScan 3: Emerging Technologies.
Policy Horizons moved to new offices and launched the first innovation lab within the Government of Canada. It collaborated other federal organizations on a foresight study exploring the increasing importance of Asia and its impact on Canada.
In addition to foresight, Policy Horizons’ mandate expanded to include behavioural insights and experimentation. Policy Horizons published MetaScan 4 – The Future of Asia: Implications for Canada.
Policy Horizons published the Foresight Training Manual to introduce policy analysts to the organization’s method.
Policy Horizons published a series of Behavioural Insights briefs to help build foresight capacity across the public service.
Policy Horizons and PCO collaborated to launch Canada Beyond 150, a ten-month training program that took place from July 2017 to March 2018. The program was designed to support leadership and skills development, as well as drive culture shift across the public service.
Policy Horizons is currently focusing on three lines of foresight: Economic Futures, Social Futures, and Governance Futures.