Step 3 of the New Executive Pathway

9:00 – 9:20

Arrival & Networking

Participants are invited to enjoy light refreshments, and connect informally with peers and Deputy Ministers.

9:20 – 9:30

Welcome & Opening Remarks

Brief introductions. We will also provide context on how this session fits within the broader New Executive Pathway series.

9:30 – 10:10

Deputy Minister Career Journeys

Our two guest Deputies will share reflections on their career paths, including key challenges, accomplishments, and lessons learned.

Daniel Quan-Watson

Former Deputy Minister

Daniel Quan-Watson is a distinguished former public servant with a 34-year career spanning municipal, provincial, and federal governments. He held several senior leadership roles, including nearly 15 years as a Deputy Minister, culminating as Deputy Minister for Crown-Indigenous Relations, and also served as CEO of Parks Canada, Chief Human Resources Officer, and Deputy Minister for Western Economic Diversification Canada. He played a key role in advancing Indigenous rights agreements, leading responses to major national issues such as the Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and residential school findings, and securing landmark mental health agreements for public servants. Since retiring, he has remained active through board work, academia, and public commentary.

Tina Namiesniowski

Former Deputy Minister

Tina Namiesniowski is a seasoned public servant who retired from the public service on September 29, 2025. Over the course of her career, Tina has served in nine federal organizations with mandates ranging from: security and defence; social, economic and trade policy; program delivery; and front-line operations. She joined the deputy minister ranks in October 2016. After becoming the President of the Public Health Agency of Canada in May 2019, Tina knows first-hand the stresses that organizations face in times of peril, what it takes to rise to the challenge, and the importance of innovation. She is committed to service, policy and program excellence and is a strong advocate for employees, including those with disabilities, as evident through her work as the Federal Deputy Minister Champion during her last two years of her employment in the public service. Tina holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and history from Carleton University and a Master of Arts in political science, with a concentration in strategic studies and international relations from Dalhousie University. She is married and has three children.

10:10 – 10:45

Interactive Discussion

A facilitated discussion will follow, with opportunities for participants to engage, ask questions, and reflect on the insights shared.

10:45 – 10:55

Closing Reflections from Deputies

10:55 – 11:00

Wrap-up