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Prairie Chapter
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What We DoIAP2 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. Members and non-members in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Northwest Ontario, from beginner to expert are welcome! Our ValuesWe work to connect with practitioners to ensure a strong public participation community. We work to foster and develop skills through all stages of practitioners’ careers. We promote the importance of public engagement and skills practitioners amongst decision makers, colleagues and partners. Our PrioritiesIn 2025/2026, the Prairie Chapter Board focused on the following priorities:
Annual ReportLearn more about what the Prairie Chapter has been up to in the 2025-2026 Annual Report. |
Join us at a Chapter ChatShare 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. Both IAP2 members and non-members are welcome! Thank you for attending our the Chapter Chat and AGM on April 22 Métis knowledges and climate change: towards adaptation in Southeastern Manitoba Michif Communities AGM documents: |
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| Join our Book ClubWe welcome you to join our 2026 book club! Over the course of the year, we will read three books together. After each book, we will meet to discuss what we liked, learned, whether ad how we applied what we learned to our engagement practice, and the resulting impact. Sign up today.
Our third book is: Ask Powerful Questions, written by Will Wise We are reading this book now and will meet to discuss it in November. Our first book was: The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters, written by Priya Parker Our second book was: How to Know a Person, written by David Brooks |
Meet the Board |
Erin McKayWinnipeg Chapter President Erin is Director of Strategy and Governance with the Government of Manitoba’s Communications and Engagement Division. In her role, she supports Manitoba’s commitment to open government and including the public in decision-making. With a background in policy and a keen interest in making government more accessible to those it serves, Erin is excited to join the Board and to promote P2 principles wherever decisions that affect the public are made. The Government of Manitoba received Organization of the Year at IAP2 Canada’s Core Values Awards in 2021 for launching the online EngageMB portal. EngageMB facilitates meaningful input from the public into provincial decisions. |
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Lindsay ThompsonWinnipeg Chapter Vice President |  |
Laena GarrisonWinnipeg Treasurer |
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Kate MoirWinnipeg Member at Large Kate has almost 20 years of diverse experience in community Planning throughout Manitoba, Ontario and British Columbia with a passion for complete communities where people can live, work and play. She is a public engagement specialist with a passion for inclusive and sustainable communities by looking at the social, environmental and economic factors of any development. Kate completed a Bachelor of Arts with major in Geography and minor in social anthropology from the Vancouver Island University and Master’s degree in Environmental Management from Royal Roads University. She is passionate about public engagement and completed her Masters Thesis on meaningful stakeholder engagement in the Sustainable Community Plan process with the City of Thompson. Kate is an advocate for community development that is based off meaningful engagement. Her degree has allowed her to take her profound interests and education in environmental management, social anthropology, and urban planning and understand how appropriate policy can be implemented to achieve sustainable development and the community's desired outcomes, benefits, and goals. Kate recently completed her CP3 with IAP2. She is a current member of the Professional Development and Training Committee for IAP2 Canada, and a returning member to the Prairie Chapter Board. She currently is the Director of Planning for M Richard and Associates based out of Winnipeg, Manitoba. |  |
Morgan VespaWinnipeg Chapter Communications Morgan has been the Manager of Public Engagement at the City of Winnipeg since 2016. With a background in environmental and First Nations engagement prior to moving into municipal engagement, Morgan’s research and professional experience has led to a keen interest in how public participation has the potential to strengthen communities and democracy. |
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Shawn SilzerRegina 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. |
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Siobhan TakalaSaskatoon Member at Large Siobhan is a public engagement and climate justice advocate from Saskatchewan, with experience working in both non-profits and municipal government. She is passionate about intersectional, equity-centered approaches to education, advocacy and public participation. On the Prairie Chapters Board, Siobhan is excited to support young practitioners in the prairies and to further her own public participation practice in a time when democracy requires attention. Siobhan also serves on the Advisory Board for the Education Promise, where she provides advocacy support at a national level. She is a life-long creative and nature-lover-- she loves to dance, learn new textile arts, and explore new places with friends and family. |  |
Aisha RafiqueSaskatoon Member at Large Aisha Rafique is an environment and quality professional with over 16 years of international experience in Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ) across the fertilizer and industrial sectors. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Metallurgy and a Master of Technology in Industrial Pollution Control. She is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Chartered Quality Professional (CQP MCQI), Member of the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management (MCIWEM) and more. Currently a Knowledge Management Specialist in the nuclear industry, with public engagement experience in the municipal environment, Aisha brings expertise in management systems, audit management, organizational learning, public engagement and continuous improvement. Aisha also serves on the board of International Women of Saskatoon, Women in Mining/Women In Nuclear-SK, Citizen Member of the Saskatoon Environmental Advisory Committee and few more. Through her professional and volunteer leadership roles, she champions sustainability, community well-being, and the advancement of women in STEM and resource industries. She actively advocates for mental health, mindful lifestyle and intercultural understanding, promoting awareness and dialogue through collaborative conversations, to build healthier, inclusive and more connected communities. |
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