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Appointee Biographies

Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board

ALEXANDRE LAURIN

is a Director of Research for C.D. Howe Institute, and a former Senior Level Analyst for Parliamentary Research Branch, Library of Parliament. His community involvement includes serving as a Board Member for Post Secondary Education Quality Assessment Board.

THAMIR (TOM) MURAD

Dr. Tom Murad, County Lead of Engineering & Academics at Siemens Canada, a member of Engineering Order of Honor—Professional Engineers Ontario “PEO”. He is the founder of the Siemens Canada Engineering and Technology Academic “SCETA”, that he has established, and directed since October 2014. Prior to this role, he was the head of the “Expert House” and Engineering Director for Siemens Canada’s Industry sector in 2010. Dr. Murad holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical & Electronics), and a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Power Electronics and Industrial Controls from Loughborough University of Technology in the UK.

PAMELA WILLIAMSON

Dr. Pamela Williamson is a member of Moose Deer Point First Nation and the Sturgeon clan, currently living in northern Ontario on Manitoulin Island. The focus of her doctorate and master’s degrees were Higher Education (from the Ontario Institute of Education - University of Toronto and Central Michigan University). For over ten years, Pamela worked in post-secondary education at the Ontario community college level in successive roles as an indigenous professor, researcher, and director. For over fifteen years, Dr. Williamson was senior administrator of a progressive indigenous primary health care organization comprised of a multi-disciplinary team of specialized health professionals, working for First Nations and indigenous populations. Dr. Williamson recently retired and currently works part-time as entrepreneur and owner of Biish Management and Consulting. In a volunteer capacity, she sits on a variety of national, provincial, and regional boards and councils.

MARNIE MACDOUGALL

Marnie MacDougall holds an MBA from Ivey Business School and an honors undergraduate degree from Queen's University in International Relations & Development.

ARMAND LABARGE

Dr. Armand La Barge is a highly decorated and respected academic, criminal justice expert, police leader and post-secondary education governance practitioner. He is the retired Chief of York Regional Police and immediate Past Chair and Governor Emeritus of Trent University. He also served as a member of the Board of Governors of York University and Sacred Heart College, and he was the president of the Seneca College Alumni Council. Dr. La Barge is a champion of lifelong learning and accessible education for everyone. He has a Ph.D. and a M.Phil degree in the field of criminal justice. His ground-breaking research is focused on police response to First Nation protests. Dr. La Barge also has a Master of Arts degree in Canadian and Indigenous Studies from Trent University and a Bachelor of Arts Honors degree with distinction from York University in the field of Canadian Studies. He was also the first graduate of York University’s Certificate in Multiculturalism Studies program.

LINDA FRANKLIN

Linda Franklin has been the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of two major associations over the past 30 years and chaired and served on several public sector boards. She recently retired as the President and CEO of Colleges Ontario where she achieved the approval of college three-year degrees, independent nursing degrees and investments in student mental health. Linda also established a board education program for college governors, contributed to government policy development and oversaw a system marketing program. As CEO of the Wine Council of Ontario, Linda achieved significant government policy reforms to support the wine industry, including the creation of the VQA. Prior to this, Linda worked for a medical regulatory body and provided strategic advice to several organizations. Linda currently serves as the Chair of the William Osler Health System and chair of the governance committee of the Ontario Centre of Innovation. Linda completed the Rotman ICD.D designation in 2023.

ALEXANDRE LAURIN

Alexandre Laurin is currently Associate Director of Research at the C.D. Howe Institute. He was an analyst with the Library of Parliament, Parliamentary Information and Research Service from 1999 to 2008. Mr. Laurin is a member of the Canadian Association for Business Economics. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Quebec and a Masters degree in Economics from Queen's University.