ABOUT THE PRAIRIE CHAPTEROur vision: "IAP2 Canada Prairies Chapter is the leader in our region advocating for the practice of public participation. We aspire to engage P2 practitioners and communications professionals throughout Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Northern Ontario by supporting the delivery of professional training, networking events and learning opportunities." Our priorities: In 2017 the Prairie Chapter Board of Directors developed a strategic plan with overarching goals for the chapter. Each year, the Board of Directors selects priority goals and associated actions to focus on. Priority actions for 2021 have been established and will be reviewed with the 2021-2022 board in the summer of 2021. Our progress: Each year, the Prairie Chapter Board of Directors prepares an Annual Report detailing activities undertaken and progress made towards achieving the goals outlined in the Prairie Chapter Strategic Plan. The 2020-2021 Prairie Chapter Annual Report is available here. Stay connected: Join our mailing list: If you would like to receive notifications for upcoming Prairies Chapter events, please join our mailing list! |
Looking for Leaders to join our Board of Directors
Do you have a passion for public participation and want to help build the profile of this profession across the Prairies? We are looking for self-motivated leaders from Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Northwest Ontario to lead the Board of Directors of the Prairies chapter of the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2). Directors are expected to:
Roles require anywhere from 4-8 hours a month. We are aiming to fill 8 vacant seats for the 2022-2024 term. We are an active, diverse, fun and growing chapter! Elections Process The upcoming Board of Directors selection process is:
Prairies chapter bylaws allow for up to 13 board members, with one (1) board position held per province of Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Northwest Ontario.
Self-Nomination Package Complete the self-nomination package and send in to prairies@iap2canada.ca before Friday, May 27, 2022. We will confirm receipt of all submissions. If want to learn more or if you have any questions for election committee, please contact us! Sincerely, IAP2 Canada Prairies Chapter Election Committee |
Since March 2020, our priorities and needs as P2 practitioners have changed. Connect with fellow Prairie Chapter practitioners from Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Northwest Ontario to discuss the topics that matter most to you in this new era of engagement.
Share knowledge and network. Join our recurring Chapter Chat sessions to connect, recharge, and become inspired. Build your skill set, share your experiences, and learn from other local practitioners with the shared goal of advancing the practice for all.
Members and non-members in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Northwest Ontario, from beginner to expert are welcome! To register, see the Upcoming Prairie Chapter Events section above. |
A special thank you for the contributions to the Prairies Chapter Board and Deputy Board members who completed their term in 2021: Sarah Collins (Regina); Samantha Mark (Saskatoon); Robin Vandel (Winnipeg); and Ariane Delay (Winnipeg).
Katie SuekSaskatoon Chapter President Katie Suek is a Human Environment and Community Engagement Specialist with Canada North Environmental Services (CanNorth). She has 14 years of experience specializing in the human dimensions of environmental planning and decision making. She holds a B.A. Hons degree with a major in cultural anthropology and a Master’s degree in Sustainable Environmental Management from the University of Saskatchewan. Katie has been a member of IAP2 since 2011 and is currently completing the first year of her third term as a member of the Prairie Chapter board of directors. Lindsay thompsonWinnipeg Chapter Vice President | ![]() |
SAMANTHA MARKSaskatoon Past President |
Shawn SilzerRegina Chapter Secretary Shawn’s career – which includes work in the public and private sectors in both Canada and the US – has seen him develop experience in customer experience and corporate strategy, business process management, marketing /communications, change management, project management, and stakeholder facilitation. Shawn has served on the Regina Board of the International Association of Business Communicators, is certified with the Customer Experience Professionals Association, has earned his Hammer business process mastery, and is a Prosci Change Management Professional. |
Maggie BratlandWinnipeg Chapter Treasurer With over 20 years experience in policy and environmental management, Maggie has worked for the past 7 years in her role as a Senior Environmental Specialists at Manitoba Hydro to integrate public, stakeholder and indigenous perspectives into planning and assessing the effects of transmission line developments. She manages engagement and communication along the full Project timeline – from early design to planning to construction and monitoring. She enjoys the diverse experiences and perspectives that IAP2 members bring to the table and the new ideas that spark from every conversation. Jennifer LesterSaskatoon Chapter Communications Jennifer Lester is a Senior Manager with MNP LLP’s Consulting Practice. Jennifer works with a wide variety of clients including Not for Profit Organizations, Provincial Ministries, Indigenous Organizations and First Nations. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies from the University of Saskatchewan and a Diploma in Accountancy from Saskatchewan Polytechnic (SIAST). She is excited to support the Board and continue the development of her Public Participation skills. |