NATIONAL Public Relations Case Study Webinar Series: Navigating Complexity: Engagement to Drive Change Amid Tragedy and Division

NATIONAL Public Relations Case Study Webinar Series: Navigating Complexity: Engagement to Drive Change Amid Tragedy and Division

As we approach the 5th anniversary of the 2020 mass casualty in Nova Scotia, this webinar will explore the approach taken for the public inquiry by the Mass Casualty Commission including guiding principles, engagement activities, and outcomes. Facing challenges including the sensitive nature of the mandate, operating during the Covid-19 pandemic, the increasing distrust in institutions, and the limitations of a legal process, the Commission’s engagement team focused on driving substantive, long-lasting societal change. Through innovative engagement, communication, and outreach strategies, the Commission has set new precedents for public inquiries and associated processes across Canada, with insights to be drawn for other organizations.

Time Zones

• 01:00 pm - 02:15 pm Eastern
• 12:00 pm - 01:15 pm Central
• 11:00 pm - 12:15 pm Mountain
• 10:00 am - 11:15 am Pacific

About the presenters:

Sarah Simpson, NATIONAL Public Relations, Senior Director, Corporate and Public Affairs

Sarah Simpson has worked in communications and public engagement in Atlantic Canada for over ten years. In May 2023, she returned to NATIONAL, where she started her career, after gaining experience in the defence and energy sectors. Most recently, Sarah was the Senior Communications Advisor for the Mass Casualty Commission, where she managed engagement and media relations for the public inquiry into the April 2020 mass casualty in Nova Scotia, Canada’s largest mass shooting.

Hannah Langille is a Public Affairs Consultant at NATIONAL Public Relations, where she works on stakeholder engagement and crisis communications projects. Prior to joining NATIONAL, Hannah was a key member of the Mass Casualty Commission’s communications team. During her time with the public inquiry, she coordinated international media relations and supported stakeholder engagement locally, and across Canada. Hannah also sits on the board of directors for the International Association for Business Communicators (Maritime) as Vice President of Finance and Sponsorship and has been volunteering for more than seven years with the Canadian Mental Health Association, supporting their annual flagship Art Exhibition fundraiser. ​